Intentional Growth

#246: What does it take for a company to survive for 100 years in the United States?


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There are few clubs as elite as the Century Club, and today’s guest is going to share what it takes to get there. Vicki TenHaken focused her career on the factors that make companies long-lived and boiled them down to five key things Century Club companies do consistently:
Have a clear sense of mission and strong culture
Establish core competencies and key strengths
Focus on relationships
Retain long-term employees
Support local communities
Today’s episode will overview the most common things companies with longevity do, how you can establish these best practices in your own business and practical advice for encouraging a long-term company. If you’re serious about legacy, this isn’t an episode you want to miss!
 
What You Will Learn In Today's Podcast Interview
Why Vicki spent 10 years on her research agenda to find the common practices of companies that are more than 100 years oldWhat participative management is and why you should consider taking it up
The main characteristics of companies that make it to the Century Club
Statistically significant practices that 100-year-old companies engage in, from Japan to the USA
Why a clear sense of mission and a strong culture to go along with that made the top of the list
Long-lasting companies take their time making changes and therefore change successfully
The “soft stuff” really, really matters—relationships and managing them
Companies that stick around see partners, not simply economic exchanges, in vendors, customers, etc.
New product or service ideas can come from customers and suppliers you already have
The value of employee-centric reward structures, including ESOPS
Why it might be time to sponsor a little league team
How being environmentally conscious could help your company last longer
The importance of building curiosity into your culture
What’s different for a family business wanting to maintain control through the generations
 
Are You Growing The Value of Your Business
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Do you know the differences between Management, Family Transitions, PE Firms, ESOPs and Strategic Buyers?
Does the business have a written strategic plan on how to achieve the desired normalized EBITDA and valuation?
 
About the Guest:
Vicki TenHaken is a seasoned corporate executive who left the business world after 25 years to enter academia. She is presently professor of management at Hope College and has previously worked with companies like GE and Herman Miller. Research on corporate longevity has become her passion as the Century Club companies she studies set the example of doing business for the good of all. Vicki is also author of Lessons from Century Club Companies: Managing for Long-Term Success.
 
Quotes:
4:36 - “Every company I’ve ever worked for was over 100 years old.” – Vicki TenHaken
09:31 - “Talk about learning something! Try teaching an executive MBA class on change management to people who are trying to manage their company from communism to capitalism!” – Vicki TenHaken
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Intentional GrowthBy Arkona - Intentional Growth