OPEN MINDS Management Newsletter

Learn about new business models and the latest management best practices in our monthly, how-to guides on trending issues. Knowing the market—and knowing how to manage your way to success in that market—are two different issues. For thirty years, we have shared our field-tested models developed by our senior advisors and case studies that illustrate the challenges and tips for success.

December 2020 Issue
Portfolio Management For Competitive Advantage – What To Add, Close, Or Expand:
The OPEN MINDS Management Newsletter, December 2020
Portfolio Management Addresses The Big Issue: What We’ve Done In The Past Won’t Get Us Where We Need To Be

The health and human service field has been the area of U.S. life that has been the most resistant to change. I still can’t schedule an appointment with most health care professionals online. In the state of Pennsylvania, I can’t buy a COVID test without a prescription from a physician. I couldn’t “buy with cash”


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Four Steps To Effective Service Line Analysis & Portfolio Management

As provider organizations prepare for the post-crisis “next normal” strategic planning is more important than ever before. But given all the changes in the landscape, the profound impact of the COVID-19 and other crises of 2020, and the new needs and new competitors in the market, the strategy must be transformative and focus on sustainability.


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Pitfalls To Avoid When Changing Your Portfolio: The Bancroft Case Study

“If you’re looking at portfolio expansion, complementing your current service lines is what might work best. If you go into a whole new service line, be prepared to change your business model. Or to seek partnerships, where you don’t have the expertise yourself,” is the advice Toni Pergolin, Chief Executive Officer of Bancroft has for


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Looking Beyond Financials To Make The Tough Decisions: The Active Day Case Study

“In good times, your profitable programs may be able to sustain other mission-driven programs with a negative margin. But in a crisis, it’s like putting 10 persons in a lifeboat for eight. You can’t afford to have programs that drain your resources,” said Howard Snyder, Director of Business Development at Active Day. He spoke to


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Balancing Mission & Margin: Portfolio Management Tips From Three CEOs

Boards and executives teams of non-profit provider organizations face a severe challenge in the year ahead. Budgets—corporate and government—will be tight. As a result, it is likely that services and rates will be cut—the only question is to what degree. The strategic question for boards and executive teams of non-profits in the field is how


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