Recent Articles From EvanCarmichael.com http://www.evancarmichael.com/ http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/802/An-EightStep-Process-for-Ensuring-Your-Acquisition-and-the-Integration-are-a-Success.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/802/An-EightStep-Process-for-Ensuring-Your-Acquisition-and-the-Integration-are-a-Success.html Far too many companies make the mistake of acquiring another organization, only to attempt immediately to assimilate the new company into the original company’s existing processes, programs, and culture. That is why acquisition integration is often extremely painful and unsuccessful. With more than 25 years of experience in executive human resources positions and consulting, I have advised dozens of company presidents, CEOs, and board members on strategies and processes that help ensure a successful acquisition or merger. With that experience and research, I have honed an eight-step process that provides proven strategies for successful integration of two disparate organizations. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/802/Succession-Planning-Planning-for-the-Future-Success-of-the-Organization.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/802/Succession-Planning-Planning-for-the-Future-Success-of-the-Organization.html Simply put, succession planning is the act of focusing on the future of your organization as it relates to the “people” side of the business. Typically, most people think of succession planning as it relates to replacing a retiring CEO; however, it can be equally crucial to extend succession planning to the entire management team and other key employees. Proper succession planning could mean the difference between a viable, thriving organization and one that could quickly go out of business. For most companies, succession planning is certainly on the “to do” list, but many don’t focus on it until it’s too late. There is no right or wrong process to follow – it’s more a matter of timing. Do it sooner rather than later is the key. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/802/How-to-Attract-and-Retain-Great-People-A-SevenStep-Process.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/802/How-to-Attract-and-Retain-Great-People-A-SevenStep-Process.html With more than 25 years of experience in executive human resources positions and consulting, I have advised hundreds of company presidents, CEOs, and board members on attracting and retaining the best talent. With that experience and research, I have honed a seven-step process that takes you from business strategy and recruitment to long-term retention of your best employees and business success. Regardless of a company’s size, finding and keeping great people is the same challenge and can be solved using this same process. If you are a startup, you should use these same steps—albeit maybe a bit more informally—than an established corporation.