It seems the so-called gurus with the "7 Steps to XYZ" are mostly self-indulgent and focused on the money they'll personally make, rather than the money their customers will make. They’ve got video testimonials, compelling squeeze pages, and annoying, over-exposed email campaigns. Unfortunately, the highest paid “experts” with those proven "formulas" are typically very good marketers, but not backed by a lot of substance and defensible experience. Go ahead, google "7 Steps". There's 77 million results.

Those who advocate the advisor role as many define it (and so do I) can be successful, and truly help their entrepreneur clients achieve their dreams. Our propensity for instant gratification is driven by the headlines, the speed of social media, and most of the dumb TV shows. It leads people to believe they can spend a few bucks and quickly go make a million bucks. Heck, they hear about a few success stories, but fail to realize only 0.00000001% of people that make the headlines got lucky. So it’s got to be easy, right?

The advisor takes his/her background, education and experience and applies the powerful combination and converts the business owner’s uncertainty to more certainty. It's really that simple. It doesn’t need the “7 Steps” or the “12 Steps” but actual work on actual problems, designing the best approach on-demand.

The IT function continues the challenge of becoming a strategic player in small companies. I've been an advocate of small companies using technology for their strategic advantage. However, most small biz owners aren't all that tech savvy, and if they are, they don't hold IT in high regard. Times have changed. Today's IT function no longer consists of young geeks wearing funny glasses and talking a funny language (IT speak).

CxO To Go continues to keep on top of the current recovery. We believe, as others do, that the recovery is on its way. Even with a jobless recovery, many signs are pointing to additional growth which eventually means hiring. Take a look at the charts and articles to get an idea of what we are looking at, so you can be well informed, too.

Half of Global CEOs Confident in Revenue Growth

By Keith McAslan, Partner, CxO To Go

Introduction:

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) on August, 17, 2010 released their “exposure draft” requiring companies to record nearly all leases on their balance sheets as a “right to use” asset, and a corresponding “future lease payment - liability”.  What does this mean to your business in layman terms?  This proposal in essence does away with operating leases; all leases (unless immaterial) would be capitalized using the present value of the minimum lease payments.  Therefore, businesses who in the past had off-balance sheet lease obligations, must now record these obligations on their balance sheet.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CxO To Go Secures Financing for Two Clients
DENVER, Colorado (July 13, 2010) – CxO To Go partner Keith McAslan (Denver Business Journal 2010 CFO of the Year Nominee) has secured favorable financing for two CxO To Go clients in this difficult lending environment.  Using the BankSell™ package, preferred lending sources and personally representing the Client’s with the lenders, CxO To Go was able to secure the financing.  These successful Client’s include:
A manufacturing client was not only able to renew their $500,000 line of credit with the lender but secured an increase to $700,000.  This client secured the initial line of credit one year ago with the assistance of CxO To Go to fund growth and expansion initiatives.  By working with CxO To Go as the Trusted Advisor to the CEO on an on going basis this client has increased revenues from $2.5M annually to over $3.5M and improved profitability and cash flow.
A virtual business (internet based and executive coaching) Client of CxO To Go was able to close on an unsecured line of credit with a lender to fund new product development and provide liquidity due to seasonality in the business.  Additionally, CxO To Go has been the part time CFO for this Client for over one year, helping to drive strategy and improved financial results.
CxO To Go is national professional services company headquartered in Denver, Colorado that provides on-demand C-Level expertise and best practices to client companies on a part time, flexible, and affordable basis. Contact CxO To Go at 888-745-8516, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to discuss your business needs. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Keith McAslan Nominated for 2010 CFO of the Year

Introduction:

Many CEO’s and small/medium business owners do not have a Board of Advisors, or Board of Directors to help hold them accountable and direct the business towards the ultimate goal of monetization with an exit strategy. If the business cannot afford a full time CFO, a part time CFO with a broad based business experience can be that ‘Trusted Advisor’. Ideally the CFO who is the ‘Trusted Advisor’ not only has financial experience, but operating experience as well to provide global insight to issues facing the business.

The Value Add:

The CFO who becomes the ‘Trusted Advisory’ to the CEO delivers results-driven, professional counsel and solutions for complex situations. The key benefits for the CEO and the organization having a ‘Trusted Advisor’ include:

During these difficult economic times, one constant complaint we hear all the time from small and medium business owners is the difficulty they have in securing debt financing. Clients of CxO To Go have been successful teaming with our professionals to develop a Bank Proposal Package (BankSell). BankSell is not a business plan, rather a comprehensive turnkey package written so bankers and lenders will take action.

Most small business owners work with their bookkeeper or Controller to compile information they think the Lender would want to see. They then schedule an appointment with their Bank Officer to request a loan. CxO To Go professionals lead you through a more professional 3 step process: 1) prepare a Bank Loan Proposal Package that “tells the story” to the Banker describing your businesses; 2) presents the financial information the lender requires; 3) presents your business in the best light - an organization that is professional, has done its homework, and can stand behind their numbers. Typically, businesses that present a comprehensive Bank Loan Proposal Package move up in the review priority sequence, as lender’s have less work to do gathering information. The result is that the loan application is promptly sent to loan committee for review and approval faster.

Are You a CxO?

Do you wear a lot of hats? How's that working for you? Most business owners and CEOs tell me they don't like it. But they are convinced that performing a constant juggling act is a requirement of the job. You're the one who has to make sure the business keeps moving forward and will do anything at any time to make sure that happens. That's true, but more effective ways exist to reduce the number of hats you wear so you can focus on growing the right things for your business. 

"Managers are there to do things right and leaders focus on doing the right things" -Warren Bennis