"Hi Rob, long time no see! Still working for that consulting company, huh?"

"Yes John, and now for you too. I'am working on your productivity program so I'm glad I get the chance to talk with you as the head of the company about it and get your views on how it fits into your strategy."

"Glad to hear we got you into this, Rob. OK. Fire your questions"

"Thanks John. Yes, to start with a compliment. I've read the press release about the quarterly results. Congratulations!"

"Yes I'm glad we've managed to increase the utilization rate with more than 2% with of course a significant impact on profit thanks to my Productivity Improvement & Monitor Program, PIMP"

"Uhh, but both Presidentsday ánd Christmas was in a weekend that quarter, John. Won't you lose at least half of that increase of productivity again in the next years?"

A big frown start to appear between John's eyes. "That is a problem"

 "And how are you gonna cope with that John?"

"Well Rob, we have to focus on the Productivtiy Index. We are gonna increase the PI by offshoring our work. We have set up a plant in Zimbabwe. Labor costs almost zero."

"Mmmmmm, but offshoring usually means more detailed requirements, communication and overhead! You would sure reduce costs but it would decrease the PI as well!"

John gets seriously upset now. "That is a problem"

"Well anyway John, let's talk about something different. How about your clients?"

John relaxes again. "Yes, that's an important question. We have to follow the Cost Reduction programs of our clients by delivering what they need. IT makes business more efficient. In fact we have to deliver More for Less according to our major principle, MASMINT: More Added Software for Money In No Time"

"But John, today clients are tired of having large, inflexible systems. They want to move agile with their markets. Spending less on IT applications. At least they get smaller. More on infrastructure and innovation in business."

John starts to get a red face again. "Yeah well, that is a problem. So that's why we move into the business space. To help the client out with that."

"That is a major shift John. But how does that connect to PIMP? Won't you lose some productivity during the transition?"

John now starts to get pretty agitated and looks at his watch. "What's your point Rob? I am a busy man. I have a phonecall to make."

My thoughts are about "pimped" strategies sounding good but aiming at nothing. "That's OK John. I am glad we had this chat. It's perfectly clear to me where you are heading at with this company."

"Good to hear Rob. It was my pleasure. And hey, give me some results. I expect a lot from you!"

"I'll do my best John. See you. Give my regards to Martha."

"I will. Bye Rob."

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