Volunteering (to be paid, of course)
Monday, March 30, 2009
In the news today is the now-infamous call by the White House for Rick Wagoner, CEO of GM, to resign. This doesn't bother me too much. I know he's been there for 32 years and worked hard, but I'd also like to point out that his perspective comes from 32 years of experience in which GM's market share went from over 40% to under 20% (as of a year ago.) I'm just pointing out that, as a GM insider, his perspective has never been influence by overwhelming success. So he's out, and I wish him good luck.
Now I've mentioned this before, but I'm serious this time. Give me the job. I have business experience, an overabundance of common sense, and a deep love for the auto industry.
Here are several reasons this is a good idea:
- I'll come inexpensively. While Mr. Wagoner may have been pledged to be paid only $1/year, his total compensation was much higher. I'll do the job for the average salary of any of people actually making the cars.
- I'm willing to take risks and have "vision". For instance, I might allow GM to make more than sports cars, sedans, trucks, and SUVs. How about a hatchback? How about a sport-wagon? How about a decent freakin' small car?
- I'm willing to be marketing focuses rather than finance focused. I maintain that the reason GM's so far behind is that they keep trying to only make cars they'll make a lot of money off of, rather than making the occasional car that will sell well, hold its value, and make people want to buy another GM product.
- I've got a long, mixed history with GM cars. I can talk for hours about what they should do, and I'd do almost anything to have the chance to implement it.
The list goes on, but (in the interests of time) I'll cut it off here. If anyone's in a position to help me get that job, I'm easy to reach, and I'll be awesome!
Now I've mentioned this before, but I'm serious this time. Give me the job. I have business experience, an overabundance of common sense, and a deep love for the auto industry.
Here are several reasons this is a good idea:
- I'll come inexpensively. While Mr. Wagoner may have been pledged to be paid only $1/year, his total compensation was much higher. I'll do the job for the average salary of any of people actually making the cars.
- I'm willing to take risks and have "vision". For instance, I might allow GM to make more than sports cars, sedans, trucks, and SUVs. How about a hatchback? How about a sport-wagon? How about a decent freakin' small car?
- I'm willing to be marketing focuses rather than finance focused. I maintain that the reason GM's so far behind is that they keep trying to only make cars they'll make a lot of money off of, rather than making the occasional car that will sell well, hold its value, and make people want to buy another GM product.
- I've got a long, mixed history with GM cars. I can talk for hours about what they should do, and I'd do almost anything to have the chance to implement it.
The list goes on, but (in the interests of time) I'll cut it off here. If anyone's in a position to help me get that job, I'm easy to reach, and I'll be awesome!
posted by Burton at 1:47 PM
3 Comments:
I'm on board... Doctor's orders = hire Burton!
If you were CEO, what would your vision and mission statements be for GM?
If I were CEO, I'd have the mission be something broad like:
"Making great vehicles for every person and every need."
Vehicles doesn't just imply "cars", of course, and the focus there is on "great" and meeting needs.
My vision?
If I had to come up with a plan, I'd combine Pontiac and Saturn and use them to build and market decent small cars. I'd ditch GMC because it's, well, entirely redundant and I'd just put Hummer on hiatus. I'd put effort into marketing Saab and making it actually profitable (niche brands are okay, but they have to generate a profit.) Cadillac's doing fine, Chevrolet is doing fine (I suppose), and I'd let Buick just sort of die off with its customer base. I'd also try to make inroads in China (Buick does well there, apparently) which is a fast growing market and perhaps build some cars that Europeans would actually buy.
Of course, that's just the car brands. GM does other stuff, too, but I'm less familiar with that and I'd have to do a lot of research before starting the job. :)
Post a Comment
<< Home