The Zander Report

From 2/20/10 NY Times Op-Ed...
The suicide note left by Andrew Stack who piloted his plane into an Austin, Texas IRS office building brings attention to IRS Section 1706 - the controversial clause that challenges a computer professional's right to operate as an independent contractor.
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From TechServe Alliance (formerly NACCB)...
It's been 10+ years since the 1999 Microsoft v. Vizcaino co-employment case and many companies still needlessly maintain consultant tenure restrictions and rotation policies which are highly inefficient and expensive.  Two prominent expert attorneys in federal & state labor laws describe the procedures necessary to minimize re-classification and co-employment risk in the TechServe Alliance white paper, "Microsoft - Understanding the Implications."  This will allow companies to retain critical consulting resources and avoid the high costs and project risks of forced labor turnover.
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Project One plays a leadership role in TechServe Alliance as Chapter President and National Board Member.  We actively participate in legislative conferences and congressional activities in Washington DC helping to shape public policy affecting the IT services industry.
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From 8/31/09 InformationWeek...
Outcome-based partnerships are when vendors share in the risks and rewards of major IT implementations and upgrades.  But to effectively track, manage and make it work, a company must be completely metrics-oriented, and most clients simply aren't ready.  Vendors too are challenged with this approach, but are scrambling to comply with this growing client requirement.

Project One works closely with Vendor Management and IT Finance departments to share industry data on vendor scorecards & metrics, rate card strategies, chargeback methods, contract terms & policies, outsourcing trends & issues, balanced scorcards, etc.
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From 8/09 TechServe Alliance (formerly NACCB)...
This report identifies where the availability of the "Computer Professional Exemption" is problematic;  potentially exposing companies to significant overtime liability.  Given the marked increase in overtime litigation and the likelihood of even greater federal and state enforcement efforts, remaining compliant has never been more critical.
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Project One provides complimentary advisory services to keep you abreast of industry trends, best practices and legal & legislative updates that affect our industry.
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From YouTube...
A video spoof on what things would be like if typical vendor/client negotiations were a part of every day life.
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From 6/1/09 CIO Minute...
Don't get caught by these six common mistakes in vendor management:
1.  Failing to speak with one voice
2.  Skipping the homework
3.  Fixating on price
4.  Using too few suppliers
5.  Only dealing with large vendors
6.  Signing and forgetting
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From 4/09 Contingent Workforce Strategies...
Failure to classify one's independent contractors properly can prove very costly.  Learn what steps you can take to clean house and establish a classification evaluation program.
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From 3/9/09 Computerworld...
The recession provides a unique opportunity to challenge the status quo.

Virtually every IT organization is feeling the impact of the recession. Many have been forced to cut services, and some have cut staff as well. Most new projects have been eliminated, even those with compelling business cases. Organizations have cut all the fat (to the bone, in some cases) to meet budget constraints.

From 3/2/09 Computerworld...
Layoffs can spark destructive behavior.  Take these steps to protect your company.

A senior corporate executive leaves the company, taking with him his framed family photographs, his prized gold pen-and-pencil set -- and the passwords of several hundred employees.

From 2/27/09 IT World Canada...
As a CIO, you need a solid IT team to help you realize your strategic goals, make you look good in front of your peers, and allow you to focus on the most strategic elements of your job. Without a good team in place, especially at the leadership level, you will have a tough time moving up in the organization.

From my vantage point as a recruiter who works with CIOs to build their bench, many of you are on top of your game. Your hiring practices are sound and your searches are fast, efficient and successful. Yet some of you get in your own way despite a strong desire to hire the best.

In your honor, I have compiled a list of the seven biggest sins you can make when recruiting senior-level IT talent. Follow these, and stagnate in your current role. Turn them on their head, and enjoy the fruits of a first-class team.