Welcome to the premiere issue of Smart Business Los Angeles, 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 demands on our time from employees, suppliers and clients seems to increase every day. That’s why we designed a unique publication.
After 17 years in the publishing business, we know to listen to our readers. The publication you hold in your hands — the 12th 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 Los Angeles will tap into the top local business minds. Take this issue as an example. Our cover story tells how John Anderson, one of L.A.’s most respected business leaders, built Topa Equities into a multibillion-dollar enterprise.
Our Smart Leaders feature, a collection of thoughts from another top local executive, showcases United Online CEO Mark Goldston, who combined Juno and NetZero into one of the largest Internet Service Providers in the country.
In the coming months, you’ll hear from more of the best business minds in Los Angeles on issues ranging from leadership to motivation to innovation.
2. Go to the source. To get the latest thoughts on best practices in important business areas, we have partnered with key local service providers in areas including accounting & tax, banking & finance, management strategies and legal affairs. They have front-line experience with the issues facing middle-market companies in Los Angeles.
We talk with these companies to develop insights into issues facing executives. As I always say, wisdom comes from an abundance of counselors.
3. Keep it short. Most articles in Smart Business Los Angeles fill just a page or two. Only our cover stories 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 some day like a phone book. We plan to keep our page count low so you don’t have to fight to find articles you are looking for.
So why are you getting Smart Business Los Angeles? 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 our premiere issue. And I invite you to share your feedback with me.
FRED KOURY is president and CEO of Smart Business Network Inc. Reach him with your comments at [email protected] or (800) 988-4726.
