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Article Check - The Power of the Written Word
The one place where many entrepreneurs stumble and fall is in the basic management of their business. Being successful in any business venture requires at least a minimal amount of management skill.The most important thing is to keep track of your money! Knowing where your money is being spent, and how effective those expenditures are in generating revenue will often mean the difference between success and failure. At the very least, keep track of your cash flow on a regular basis - cash in, and cash out. No business on the planet can survive without knowing what their financial status is at all times.Keeping records is a big pain…but not keeping records is an even bigger pain. When tax time rolls around and you need to figure out what kind of profit your business has generated, you will understand th
3. Digital Media: Blogs, Forums, News Groups, News Portals, Clipping Services and other aggregators: Select an appropriate cross section of all of the aforementioned options. What I particularly like about this genre is that it is often “real time” information as opposed to other mediums that have a built in latency factor. Another benefit is that much of the content produced in this medium is not from the typical industry pundits, but rather true “in the trenches” thought leaders that see things coming long before journalists report it in the news or the so-called gurus publish it in their latest book. This medium has been my preferred reading choice for a number of years now because it is extremely productive and time effective. I subscribe to a number of blogs, news groups, forums and clipping services because I’m able
There’s nothing more important when you are about to plunge into a new business than to be prepared. Obtaining information about mystery shopping before you actually become a mystery shopper is crucial for building realistic expectations and maximizing your income as a mystery shopper.Mystery shopping is now more than an amateurish recruitment of secret shoppers to check on consumer service. Mystery shopping has become a legitimate market research tool for evaluating staff performance and developing more effective customer service policies to attract more consumers and realize higher revenues. Organizations such as the Federal Trade Commission for the Consumer, the Mystery Shopping Providers Association, and the Better Business Bureau have also paid substantial attention to the growing niche of mystery sho
If I told you how much time I spend reading and researching you probably wouldn’t believe me, but suffice it to say I am a voracious reader. I subscribe to online clipping services, use RSS feeds to scour news groups, forums and the Blogosphere, usually have at least two books going at any one time as well as reading a variety of industry publications and periodicals. That being said, I’m always amazed at the number of executives who don’t keep up with their professional reading.
Here is a telling observation…According to surveys conducted by our leadership development practice a very large common denominator shared by executives who feel that they are not achieving the level of success they feel themselves capable of is that many of them are “too busy to keep up with their reading”, Hmmm…Reading should not be something that is done when you’re bored or have nothing better to do, rather it needs to be incorporated into your daily regimen. I have personally worked with literally hundreds of C-suite executives and without question the most successful professionals are those that constantly seek out learning opportunities and are voracious readers. They realize the importance of learning and make reading a priority.
Think of the business leaders that have had the biggest positive impact in your life and I’m sure you’ll find that these individuals were in constant search of new and better information that they in turn used to inspire, motivate and lead those around them.
The question is not should you be reading, but rather what should you be reading? With the plethora of reading material on the market today it not a simple thing to make sure that you’re covering all the bases in a time efficient fashion. Therefore the following tips were designed to help you streamline your reading efforts:
1. Books: You should always be engaged in the reading of at least one book on professional development. Since I can’t speak to the individual needs of our readers in this forum I am simply going to recommend what I believe are the 3 best general business books authored over the past 5 years. These books can have an immediate impact on the way in which you think about, and conduct business. If you haven’t read them start here:
a. “The Attention Economy” authored by Accenture consultants Thomas Davenport and John Beck. This book delves into the critical importance of understanding both sides of the attention equation: “getting and holding the attention of information-flooded employees, consumers, and stockholders, and on parceling out their own attention in the face of overwhelming options. The resolution: learn to manage this critical yet finite resource, of fail.
b. “The World Is Flat” authored by three time Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times journalist Thomas L. Friedman. This book begins with a historical view of the world which leads to riveting and perceptive conclusions based upon both the macro and micro economic effects of globalization and what it will take for a business to achieve and maintain success in the rapidly changing global economy.
c. “Blue Ocean Strategy” authored by INSEAD professors W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne. This book argues the premise (and successfully so in my opinion) that tomorrow’s leading companies will succeed not by battling competitors in overly competitive markets for thin margins (bloody “red oceans”) but by creating “blue oceans” of uncontested market space ripe for growth.
2. Periodicals, Trade Publications and Industry Journals: Again, not being able to address the specific needs of each reader you must make your own choices here as well. However being aware of industry trends, competitive positioning, who the thought leaders are, etc. are all critical to your success. Pick the top couple of publications in your industry, sector, vertical or micro-vertical and pour-over the content looking for opportunities to exploit. Most print publications now also have Internet versions or digital newsletters that can be subscribed to as well. I typically always have a print copy of a periodical in my brief case, one on my night stand, and several in my office. My favorite general business publications are The Economist, Chief Executive, Fast Company, Business 2.0 and Wired.
3. Digital Media: Blogs, Forums, News Groups, News Portals, Clipping Services and other aggregators: Select an appropriate cross section of all of the aforementioned options. What I particularly like about this genre is that it is often “real time” information as opposed to other mediums that have a built in latency factor. Another benefit is that much of the content produced in this medium is not from the typical industry pundits, but rather true “in the trenches” thought leaders that see things coming long before journalists report it in the news or the so-called gurus publish it in their latest book. This medium has been my preferred reading choice for a number of years now because it is extremely productive and time effective. I subscribe to a number of blogs, news groups, forums and clipping services because I’m able t
Are you fed up, broke and lonely? Then switch off your computer and get a life. Ok that's my little joke. Seriously though, sitting in front of a monitor for most of the day is not likely to do much to improve any of the points above. Try communicating with the real world for a change. Call a prospect, ask if there is something you can help them with. It doesn't much matter what they reply, you always benefit from the exchange.If you are in luck, they'll say that they do need a product or service. But should the answer be, 'Not at the moment', that's ok too. Because now you have introduced yourself and (I hope) supplied a phone number or mailed information so that when a requirement does arise, they can easily contact you.Next time you make an attempt, you won't be an absolute stranger, your prospect
Think of the business leaders that have had the biggest positive impact in your life and I’m sure you’ll find that these individuals were in constant search of new and better information that they in turn used to inspire, motivate and lead those around them.
The question is not should you be reading, but rather what should you be reading? With the plethora of reading material on the market today it not a simple thing to make sure that you’re covering all the bases in a time efficient fashion. Therefore the following tips were designed to help you streamline your reading efforts:
1. Books: You should always be engaged in the reading of at least one book on professional development. Since I can’t speak to the individual needs of our readers in this forum I am simply going to recommend what I believe are the 3 best general business books authored over the past 5 years. These books can have an immediate impact on the way in which you think about, and conduct business. If you haven’t read them start here:
a. “The Attention Economy” authored by Accenture consultants Thomas Davenport and John Beck. This book delves into the critical importance of understanding both sides of the attention equation: “getting and holding the attention of information-flooded employees, consumers, and stockholders, and on parceling out their own attention in the face of overwhelming options. The resolution: learn to manage this critical yet finite resource, of fail.
b. “The World Is Flat” authored by three time Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times journalist Thomas L. Friedman. This book begins with a historical view of the world which leads to riveting and perceptive conclusions based upon both the macro and micro economic effects of globalization and what it will take for a business to achieve and maintain success in the rapidly changing global economy.
c. “Blue Ocean Strategy” authored by INSEAD professors W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne. This book argues the premise (and successfully so in my opinion) that tomorrow’s leading companies will succeed not by battling competitors in overly competitive markets for thin margins (bloody “red oceans”) but by creating “blue oceans” of uncontested market space ripe for growth.
2. Periodicals, Trade Publications and Industry Journals: Again, not being able to address the specific needs of each reader you must make your own choices here as well. However being aware of industry trends, competitive positioning, who the thought leaders are, etc. are all critical to your success. Pick the top couple of publications in your industry, sector, vertical or micro-vertical and pour-over the content looking for opportunities to exploit. Most print publications now also have Internet versions or digital newsletters that can be subscribed to as well. I typically always have a print copy of a periodical in my brief case, one on my night stand, and several in my office. My favorite general business publications are The Economist, Chief Executive, Fast Company, Business 2.0 and Wired.
3. Digital Media: Blogs, Forums, News Groups, News Portals, Clipping Services and other aggregators: Select an appropriate cross section of all of the aforementioned options. What I particularly like about this genre is that it is often “real time” information as opposed to other mediums that have a built in latency factor. Another benefit is that much of the content produced in this medium is not from the typical industry pundits, but rather true “in the trenches” thought leaders that see things coming long before journalists report it in the news or the so-called gurus publish it in their latest book. This medium has been my preferred reading choice for a number of years now because it is extremely productive and time effective. I subscribe to a number of blogs, news groups, forums and clipping services because I’m able
Prior to interviewing with a company, you need to do some research.One reason to find out more about the prospective employer is to determine if you want to work there. A job is not just a job. Another reason is to be able to respond appropriately in the interviewer when you are questioned.Here are some things you should know. Consider each of the following questions carefully.These questions are about the company itself:1. What do you know about our organization? 2. Why do you want to work here? 3. Do you think you will fit in with our corporate culture? 4. What do you know about our products/services?These questions are to help you decide if you want to work there:1. Is the company a major competitor in its field? 2. Does it ha
1. Books: You should always be engaged in the reading of at least one book on professional development. Since I can’t speak to the individual needs of our readers in this forum I am simply going to recommend what I believe are the 3 best general business books authored over the past 5 years. These books can have an immediate impact on the way in which you think about, and conduct business. If you haven’t read them start here:
a. “The Attention Economy” authored by Accenture consultants Thomas Davenport and John Beck. This book delves into the critical importance of understanding both sides of the attention equation: “getting and holding the attention of information-flooded employees, consumers, and stockholders, and on parceling out their own attention in the face of overwhelming options. The resolution: learn to manage this critical yet finite resource, of fail.
b. “The World Is Flat” authored by three time Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times journalist Thomas L. Friedman. This book begins with a historical view of the world which leads to riveting and perceptive conclusions based upon both the macro and micro economic effects of globalization and what it will take for a business to achieve and maintain success in the rapidly changing global economy.
c. “Blue Ocean Strategy” authored by INSEAD professors W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne. This book argues the premise (and successfully so in my opinion) that tomorrow’s leading companies will succeed not by battling competitors in overly competitive markets for thin margins (bloody “red oceans”) but by creating “blue oceans” of uncontested market space ripe for growth.
2. Periodicals, Trade Publications and Industry Journals: Again, not being able to address the specific needs of each reader you must make your own choices here as well. However being aware of industry trends, competitive positioning, who the thought leaders are, etc. are all critical to your success. Pick the top couple of publications in your industry, sector, vertical or micro-vertical and pour-over the content looking for opportunities to exploit. Most print publications now also have Internet versions or digital newsletters that can be subscribed to as well. I typically always have a print copy of a periodical in my brief case, one on my night stand, and several in my office. My favorite general business publications are The Economist, Chief Executive, Fast Company, Business 2.0 and Wired.
3. Digital Media: Blogs, Forums, News Groups, News Portals, Clipping Services and other aggregators: Select an appropriate cross section of all of the aforementioned options. What I particularly like about this genre is that it is often “real time” information as opposed to other mediums that have a built in latency factor. Another benefit is that much of the content produced in this medium is not from the typical industry pundits, but rather true “in the trenches” thought leaders that see things coming long before journalists report it in the news or the so-called gurus publish it in their latest book. This medium has been my preferred reading choice for a number of years now because it is extremely productive and time effective. I subscribe to a number of blogs, news groups, forums and clipping services because I’m able
Have you used feng shui around your desk? It's a great way to "test drive" feng shui, to see how well it works for you.In feng shui, we work with a 3x3 grid called a bagua (said "bagg-wahh"). The grid is placed over your floorplan, and can look like a tic-tac-toe board, or perhaps the face of a clock, seen from above. With this, we can organize any room, home, or office into areas, each with its own color and design themes.So, let's pretend you have Superman's x-ray eyes, and you're flying over your home or office, looking down into it. And, let's pretend that you can see the bagua grid that's overlayed onto your floor plan.Starting clockwise from your left--about the "eight o'clock" area of the clock--the design themes are: Knowledge, Family/Security, Money, Fame, Romance, Creativity, Help
c. “Blue Ocean Strategy” authored by INSEAD professors W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne. This book argues the premise (and successfully so in my opinion) that tomorrow’s leading companies will succeed not by battling competitors in overly competitive markets for thin margins (bloody “red oceans”) but by creating “blue oceans” of uncontested market space ripe for growth.
2. Periodicals, Trade Publications and Industry Journals: Again, not being able to address the specific needs of each reader you must make your own choices here as well. However being aware of industry trends, competitive positioning, who the thought leaders are, etc. are all critical to your success. Pick the top couple of publications in your industry, sector, vertical or micro-vertical and pour-over the content looking for opportunities to exploit. Most print publications now also have Internet versions or digital newsletters that can be subscribed to as well. I typically always have a print copy of a periodical in my brief case, one on my night stand, and several in my office. My favorite general business publications are The Economist, Chief Executive, Fast Company, Business 2.0 and Wired.
3. Digital Media: Blogs, Forums, News Groups, News Portals, Clipping Services and other aggregators: Select an appropriate cross section of all of the aforementioned options. What I particularly like about this genre is that it is often “real time” information as opposed to other mediums that have a built in latency factor. Another benefit is that much of the content produced in this medium is not from the typical industry pundits, but rather true “in the trenches” thought leaders that see things coming long before journalists report it in the news or the so-called gurus publish it in their latest book. This medium has been my preferred reading choice for a number of years now because it is extremely productive and time effective. I subscribe to a number of blogs, news groups, forums and clipping services because I’m able
Many manufacturers of truck wash equipment make their equipment look really nice some of the units in fact look rather pretty, powder coated and well designed, but they totally miss the point. Too often people manufacture stuff but never use it in real life. Why does this happen? Well for a couple of reasons, many of the companies that make this stuff are in the car wash equipment industry, not the truck washing sub-sector.These guys are not in the trucking industry and they are asking customers and purchasing agents what they want. But they don't know what to tell them either. You have to own a truck, drive a truck and try to see out the windows. You have to own a trucking company and fleets or maintain them to know. These guys do not get it, too perspective based in their thinking.Additionally it is
3. Digital Media: Blogs, Forums, News Groups, News Portals, Clipping Services and other aggregators: Select an appropriate cross section of all of the aforementioned options. What I particularly like about this genre is that it is often “real time” information as opposed to other mediums that have a built in latency factor. Another benefit is that much of the content produced in this medium is not from the typical industry pundits, but rather true “in the trenches” thought leaders that see things coming long before journalists report it in the news or the so-called gurus publish it in their latest book. This medium has been my preferred reading choice for a number of years now because it is extremely productive and time effective. I subscribe to a number of blogs, news groups, forums and clipping services because I’m able to be “pushed” content that I’ve asked for in a medium that I enjoy. If you are not a heavy consumer of online information you are truly missing the boat…
4. Personal Reading: Read whatever you enjoy…personal development, spiritual reading, fiction, etc. However keep in mind that it does little good to feed your brain if you’re not feeding your soul first. I’m not going to preach and I realize that our readers have different religious preferences so you decide what reading material should fall into this category. I’m also not going to tell you how much time you should allocate to this category, but I would suggest you ponder what is truly important in life and make your investments where they will pay the biggest dividends. I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes, Billy Graham said: “If I could go back and change one thing in my life I would read more of the Bible and less about the Bible.”
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