Keep it short
Smart ideas don't always come in big packages
By Fred Koury
January 2008
Welcome to the premiere issue of Smart Business St. Louis, a monthly management journal for C-level executives of middle-market and large companies.
Before you say it, let me do it for you: “The last thing I need is something else to read.”
I know how you feel. Running a growing organization is enough to keep anyone busy. The demand on our time from employees, suppliers and clients seems to increase every day. The bumpy economy only adds to the pressures of managing a successful business.
That’s why we have designed a unique publication. After 18 years in the publishing business, we know to listen to our readers. The publication you hold in your hands the fifth in our growing chain is the result of all our listening.
In one-on-one conversations, CEO focus groups and written surveys, here is what readers like you told us they want in a local management journal.
1. Big minds, big ideas.
Smart Business St. Louis will tap into the top local business minds. Take this issue as an example. Our cover story tells how Edward Jones Managing Partner Jim Weddle strives to maintain a culture in which senior leaders feel empowered to make important decisions in far-
flung offices, and employees feel they have a means to speak openly about the way in which the business is operating.
In our Smart Leaders feature, St. Louis Blues Enterprises CEO Peter McLoughlin shares how he turns passion into profit and how you can get the most out of your employees.
Finally, our Fast Lane interview subject, Adamson Advertising President Kimberly Boyer, explains how she drives innovation at the fast-growing agency by giving employees independence.
In the coming months, you’ll hear from more of the best business minds in St. Louis on issues ranging from leadership and motivation to brand-building and innovation.
2. Go to the source.
To get the latest thoughts on best practices in key business areas, we have partnered with key local service providers in areas including real estate and employment services. They have front-line experience in dealing with the issues facing middle-market companies throughout
the St. Louis area. We work with these companies to develop content on issues facing C-level management of middle-market companies. As I always say, wisdom comes from an abundance of councilors.
3. Keep it short.
Most articles in Smart Business St. Louis fill just a page. Only our major features are longer because they delve into the management styles and strategies of top executives. And don’t look for us to drop on your desk one day like a phone book. We plan to keep our page count low so you don’t have to fight to find the articles you are looking for.
You will find those three principles carried throughout the premiere issue of Smart Business St. Louis and every subsequent issue just as our readers have come to expect the same from our other award-winning publications for the last 18 years.
So why are you getting Smart Business St. Louis? One of two reasons: Because of your success in building a business to middle-market status or your senior management role at a larger company that values the middle market. In either case, I hope you enjoy reading our premiere issue.
One more thing: You won’t find stacks of Smart Business St. Louis on newsstands or in building lobbies. Just as we carefully select the CEOs we feature, we carefully select who receives our management journal, as well.
I invite you to share your feedback with me by e-mailing me or
calling me. I look forward to hearing from you.
FRED KOURY is president and CEO of Smart Business Network Inc. Reach him with your comments at (800) 988-4726 or fkoury@sbnonline.com.
