|
|
Bio:
Spaeth Communications is a training and consulting business, which pioneered a niche by recognizing that companies and individuals approach communication with the attitude of what they want to say or think the listener needs to know.
Merrie Spaeth recognized that the listener only remembers a few things from what's said and developed a business model and teaching methodology that is used today by some of the world's largest and most respected companies like FedEx. Spaeth has representatives in Houston, Washington, DC, Chicago, Columbia, Missouri and Singapore.
A nationally recognized crisis consultant, Spaeth also originated the concept sixteen years ago that every employee is an ambassador for his or her company or organization both on and off the job. The company researches and reports to clients what employees are actually saying and helps set up a program to empower and encourage employees to be an important part of a company's communication with key
audiences.
Several Spaeth employees have been with the company since it started; others have returned after working elsewhere. Although Spaeth is a small or micro business, it pays competitive salaries, bonuses, 100% of employees' health insurance plus offers assistance with tuition. Twice a year, firm members receive a clothes allowance.
The company's goal is to offer unique services as well as be cost effective. The firm is proud that its own clients' referrals are responsible for virtually all of their
business.
Community involvement:
Spaeth individuals volunteer in the community, serving occasionally on Board but more often providing pro bono training. Many charities or individuals involved in public service need to communicate with a wide variety of audiences. However, few are adept and everyone can get better. Spaeth has a long history of working with organizations and individuals to improve their abilities to deal with the media, present themselves to donors, members, the
general public and others. Spaeth feels this is a unique contribution that adds value.
Person most admired:
Howard Head: an aerospace engineer who revolutionized two industries by being willing to think differently. He invented the metal ski and the Prince racquet. A dear friend, he took time to encourage me and is our inspiration as we pioneered a radically different method of communication for our clients.
Favorite book:
The Bible -- which is enduring literature as well as a prescription for a healthy and productive life, and as Solomon showed, ?A wise heart.?
What I enjoy most about my work:
It?s rewarding to help our clients spot opportunities, solve problems and to empower them to use our techniques. It?s gratifying to practice Golden Rule management: ?Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.? The result has been flexibility, accomplishment and respect from our clients and peers.
Greatest accomplishment:
Creating a new definition of communication and creating a new model to analyze communication; starting a business in the middle of the mid-80s recession and sticking with it and our management philosophy ? to treat others the way we wish we had been treated; getting all our business from existing clients.
Greatest challenge:
In our first year, several clients didn?t pay us. We learned that they were in severe financial trouble, and we almost went under. We learned to pay attention to finances and to divide responsibilities. Our clients all paid us eventually, and we learned it was important to have ethical clients.
Advances I envision in my field over the next 10 years:
Technology has changed communication, both for the better and worse, but personal involvement, skills and commitment continue to be paramount. Many more companies will have adopted our model and philosophy. Communication will be highly dependent on person-to-person networks. More executives will understand they need to constantly improve their own skills.
Strategies to maintain balance in my life:
My children keep things in perspective. Their needs and the need to be a good role model and parent keep me involved in homework, church and day-to-day life. My faith provides and anchor and humility. I try to live up to Biblical admonitions. For myself, I read constantly and broadly.
Advice for emerging entrepreneurs:
Just do it! The flexibility and satisfaction are the best rewards. Planning helps but gut feeling and passion are crucial. Support your colleagues in the small business community and get involved in public policy issues ? tax reform, tort reform, proposed regulations from the state and federal government. They burden entrepreneurs. Encourage the schools to feature examples of business owners and entrepreneurs. They rarely do. Regard your clients as your salesmen and treat them accordingly.
 back to top
|
|
