Over the past several years we have been collecting information and data points from interviews we held with top executives from dozens of companies. We found out that the top intelligence capability issues that are cited from business leadership as impediments to a highly valued intelligence function are universally consistent across industries and firms. Check…

We all love success, don’t we? For 23 years we have dedicated our careers to the competitive intelligence (CI) field. During that time we have observed CI professionals around the world. We’ve seen some who have advanced, and others who have failed. The same holds true for the CI function itself, whether it operates in…

Walmart, the world’s largest brick-and-mortar retailer, recently purchased e-commerce site Jet.com for $3.3 billion. The deal expands Walmart’s online presence and marks the largest e-commerce acquisition in U.S. history. Both Walmart and Jet have struggled to compete with Amazon, even as retailers’ online sales continue to grow exponentially. By acquiring Jet, Walmart gains access to…

It’s our final post of the series! If you haven’t already, be sure to read our first, second, third and fourth posts post in the series for more tips. Tip #5: PROFILE KEY CLIENTS TO ADAPT TO THEIR COMMUNICATION STYLES It’s important to get to know your clients, particularly their communication styles. There are four…

We’re nearing the end of our five-part series. There’s no need to go in order, but be sure to get caught up with our first, second and third posts in the series for more information. Tip #4: AGREE ON REALISTIC DEADLINES, AND COMMUNICATE REGULARLY Timing is (almost!) everything. It’s vital to agree on realistic time…

By Aaron Derdowski, Ph.D., Associate Engagement Manager While several important sessions were offered at Pharma CI, the collaborative presentation from Darien Kadens of Lupin Pharmaceuticals and Paul Kavanaugh of ShiftCentral was of particular interest. The Pharmaceutical Industry has shown an increased interest in emerging markets of late, and Latin America is an example of a…

By Travis Smith, Ph.D., Associate Engagement Manager Pharma CI is jam packed with sessions and information. The most interesting session I’ve attended focused on the rising importance of biomarker testing for new therapies, and was presented by Mark Reis from the Diaceutics group. Here are a few key points and my personal takeaways from the…

We’re in part three of a five-part series. Be sure to read our first and second posts to get caught up! Tip #3: DEVELOP A SPECIFIC PROJECT SCOPE – AND DISCUSS PROJECT FEASIBILITY Try to avoid projects where the scope is to “get me whatever you can.” Get as detailed a definition of the scope…

If you missed our initial post for this five part series, be sure to read that first. TIP #2: SEEK PERSPECTIVE, NOT PRECISION A key way to manage expectations is to seek perspective in answering a question – not precision. You can always gain perspective on any topic. Ask your client: would you rather have…