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More Jobs-Steve and Small Business
Many thousands of words have been written about Steve Jobs as a visionary and titan during the past week. They are well deserved. Today however, I’m looking in on his life as an inspiring story for the small business owners of today and tomorrow.

Recovery or No Recovery? That is the Question.
James Dicks examines the discrepancies of what economists are telling us about a possible technical economic recovery and what the American public is actually experiencing.

Smart Women Trim the Layers of Their Lives
This article is about taking a look at your life and trimming back the different areas to ensure that you have more of what you want and less of what you don’t want in life. There are 6 areas that women generally focus on. It’s important to shed something that’s no longer a fit.

Innovative Opportunities: A Byproduct of Unemployment
Unemployment may not be a welcomed situation, but we are learning that it is not always a bad situation either. Remarkably, we are seeing a recent trend where some top managers of large companies are up and quitting their jobs without having another offer lined up. These mavericks are announcing to the business world that they have higher aspirations and they have the courage and self confidence to pursue them. “The decision to quit a senior position to look for a better one is unconventional, to say the least. For years executives and headhunters have hewed closely to the rule that the most attractive CEO candidates are the ones who must be poached.” (McGregor, 2009) Changing the rules of the game and making it your game- that is exactly the type of attitude I strive to uncover in people.

Training Helps Boost Return of Investments
Many businesses consider training an expense and not an investment, focusing on cutting expenses rather than making their employees competent and productive and then wonder why their business lacks productivity.

When Cancer Came to Visit me my Whole Life Changed Forever!
Don't wait for your opportunity to come to you. Be motivated and believe that you can do anything you want in life. Don't wait for a challenge to test your faith, move forward with the life you truly want. Cancer came to visit me, but I always knew that life was for living.

Creating the Success Mindset
There is a reason that professional athletes visualize hitting a basket, sinking a putt, or hitting a homerun, they are aligning their thoughts and beliefs with their actions. The combination can be formidable. It is the secret to success in business and in life.

Thinking of Starting an Online Business?
Thinking of starting your own online business, there's a lot to look into. You can't just jump in, especially in this day and time.

Learn From Other Successful Entrepreneurs
One of the best ways to be successful with an online business opportunity is to learn from those before you. Learn from other successful Entrepreneurs.

Why Dr Jekyll would not be a good business buyer
We're all familiar with the story about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; the person with two completely different personalities. Just as there are different types of buyers with different motivations, there are also buyers with different types of personalities. If you're planning on buying a business or if you own a business that you want to sell, here are some Dr. Jekyll "traits" that would discourage a seller revealing too much information about their business.

Authentic Leadership
In organizations, our success as leaders is measured by the degree to which we’ve mastered the external environment and delivered results in the form of revenues, profits, new product breakthroughs, cost savings, or market share increases.

Are You Planning To Fail - Or Just Failing To Plan?
Every business owner plans to succeed, but many wind up succeeding by putting out fires every day. Stragic planning is all about preventing fires in the first place. It's not a difficult process, and the results are well worth the investment of time and energy.

Of Course It's For Sale
What would you say if someone offered to buy your business? Do you know what it's worth to you? Do you know what it's worth to someone else?

Communication, Negotiation and Bargaining in Business
Decide on a negotiating style. You may be a competitor, looking only for the best deal; others are compromisers, seeking middle ground; or are you the collaborator, valuing good communication and a fair solution for both parties? Try to asses which style works best for your personality.

Smart Women Can Learn a Lot About Business from a 3rd Grader
This article is about getting clear and focused on all of key elements of your business. It reminds me of a book report I helped my son with in 3rd grade. There were key elements and you could relate all of these to business.

8 Signs of a Positive Leader
How do we know when we're following a true leader instead of a sensationalist?

Tips for Business Financial Accounting Management
There are seven important tips that can help in the management of the business financial accounts. The portion of accounting management that plays an important role in overall business growth and development.

Franchise Opportunities – Fears That Drown Dreams – Instalment # 2
While there are certainly legitimate reasons why a person may not become an entrepreneur, I will focus on a few of the main reasons cited by people that would like to begin a business but haven’t made that leap.

Tapping the System
Fighting adrenal fatigue

What’s Your Marketing Number?
If you run your own company, you know how easy it is to get overwhelmed by all the day-to-day tasks to keep your business on target. But what about the employees in your company? How do they know what to focus on?

How Running an Internet Business Education Venture Can Make You Money
With the current economic crisis still far from being solved, more and more people are turning to the internet for solutions to their problems with money and with generating enough income to support themselves and to support a family. Going into internet marketing with the hopes of raking in the dough to help them survive is something that a lot of people try but actually fail to really succeed at. If you are an individual who has had a head start when it comes to internet marketing and you feel that some of the things you know can actually help people succeed in this industry, then maybe you should consider putting up an internet business education site that teaches people the rudiments of internet marketing, for a fee of course.

How Do Internet Marketers Make Money Online?
How do Internet Marketers make a lot of money online? You can forget about spending just an hour a day at the computer and then taking the rest of the day off. There's much more to it than that. Some internet marketing programs promote the ease and speed with which you can earn an income, but it doesn't happen that way.

Play with Your Dark Side
It is the unity of the light and the dark, the positive and the negative charges that underline the brilliant intelligence of the universe. This is true in our business life as well. How can we unify these apposing energies that hold our infinite capacity for creativity and joy? Reflecting on my own experience, I find it helpful to incorporate several paradoxical ideas into my life.

Airheads
The following tidbits have been gathered from various sources to provide some amusement.

Employee Motivation Programs - Top Reasons Incentives Work
Employee motivation programs - more than likely you have know of them, however if you are not implementing them inside your small business, you are making a dangerous mistake. You see, while you will observe that these reward programs will require a monetary investment on your part, they might bring you incredible returns in the extended run. From incentives to unique prize giveaways, there are so many numerous ideas that you might get your own employee motivation program started and here are a few of the best reasons to do so.

Thinking is Great But Action is What Counts
It is fine to spend some time thinking and planning when you get involved in a new business or you if you are already in business. In fact if you don't then you are most likely to cause yourself many problems. However you can have the perfect plan and the perfect product but if you dont take ACTION then nothing will ever happen. Action is key to any business succeeding, without it you will end the day in the same place you started the day. So take action now , it is better to do and fail than not to do at all.

How to Leverage Your Internet Marketing Content
If your are not already leveraging your internet marketing content you are probably just wasting your time. Why not spend a little extra time on a few simple tasks that will benefit you for years to come?

Buying a Business Non-Financial Strategies
There are three non-financial keys to buying a business because buying a business is not just about "the numbers." Buying a business will only be a job if you are buying it to be a job. You need to decide if you live to work or work to live.

Small Business Planning - Or Not!
The concept of business planning is great for large companies, for we entrepreneurs it is a waste of time. The only person who needs your business plan is your lender, but it is more for their benefit than yours. So, make what you give the lender fat so it will fill up their file and believe you know exactly what you're doing. Then go do what makes money and be ready to re-write the plan for the next year's credit line renewal.

Home Based Business Strategies
In a time when we can no longer rely on employers and lenders won't help us buy a business the only alternative is a home based business. This rapidly growing business profile is one that will allow you to take advantage of your talents and skills to achieve your dreams.

The Importance of Consistency for Sucess
Consistency is the cornerstone of success for yourself and your business. Find out how to apply consistency to your business practices and obtain substantial results.

Technology Is Changing Traditional Brick & Mortar Business
Traditional advertising is changing and evolving. Has your business kept up? Hard-copy advertising is becoming obsolete.

How to Have a Successful Tax Season
Sleeves rolled up and PC humming, it was time to do my taxes. I had just started out in business and figured on saving myself a little money by not hiring a CPA my first year in business for myself. I'm not sure what I was thinking but I definitely had a problem on my hands. I had purchase orders, receipted, accounts payable and receivable information, overhead costs and everything else all over the place and still had a business to run. That year, the only form I had filled out in time was my extension.

What To Do At Your Next Networking Event
Here is a brief guide to help you make your next networking event your best networking event.

The Canadian Business Sales Marketplace
Searching for business listings in Canada can be a time-consuming and frustrating endeavour. In comparison to the U.S., Canadians do not have much to choose from when it comes to an active small business for sale marketplace (relatively speaking, of course). This article examines some of the reasons why.

Recession Proof your Business The Smart Way
How and Why you as a small business owner should be looking to add another income stream.The article gives you a rundown on the why and then tells you how best to go about adding a secondary income stream.Reccession proof your business the smart way.

Financing Your Business In 2010 – 3 rules that have changed
The rules of business financing have changed and will continue to evolve in this new year. But, that does not mean that financing your business will be impossible. It only means that you have to understand these new rules and work within them.

The Rule of 3 for Business Survival
Just like the 3 rules of personal survival, there are 3 simple rules a business can follow to ensure its long-term success. These rules will not only help ensure your business survival but will help it grow in the near future as well.

Building Brand Awareness – Use all 5 Senses
There is a lot of advertising noise in today’s world. But, it is this advertising that builds company brand awareness. Given all this noise, how can a small business build awareness in its customers while not getting lost? Think about the 5 senses.

Know your customers and increase your profits
Every wonder how your business can improve? Or, do you see your competitors striving ahead while your business gets left behind! There is a simple fix and it all begins with knowing your customers.

Searching For A Business Idea – Do What You Were Born To Do
There are as many reasons that individuals pick certain businesses over others as there are business failures. But, choosing the right business idea and its path may be as simple as looking within yourself.

The One Key to Business Success! - And three simple ways to do it.
Want the one key to ensure your business success? Find it here – it may be simpler then you think!

Pay-For-Performance
Still facing the realities of this recession? Contemplating laying-off employees while knowing that doing so will further hurt the business? Using pay-for-performance plans may just save your employees and better position your business for the recovery when it finally arrives.

Financing your new business: Orders vs. Cash
Most new business owners waste unnecessary time in trying to raise capital before starting their business. What they end up doing is wasting time and money. There are other ways; essentially building the business first then seek financing.

Financing Your Business In 2010
Unlike 2009, finding capital or credit for your business in the coming year will not be easy but not impossible either. As a borrower, you must first understand the new lending rules then work to make your business fit those rules. It is that easy!

You Can Access Government Grants, You Just Have To Understand The Game
Business owners, seeking government grants for their businesses, soon find out that they cannot access these grant directly. It does work that way. But, that does not mean it is impossible to access these grants, if you just know how they actually work.

Position Your Business Today For Success Tomorrow – 5 simple ways
All markets have upsides and downsides. But, regardless of the state of the market, there are always opportunities that business owners can take advantage of to grow their businesses. Through these growth opportunities, business owners can better position themselves for future success.

What Bankers Look For And Why
There is a plethora of commercial loan products for businesses, small and large. While each may have their own terms and conditions, all lenders ‘first’ must be confident in the borrower’s ability and willingness to repay the loan.

Putting the Cart Before the Horse – Financing Your Business
While it may seem the practical choice to seek financing for your business before you need it, banks and other lenders, in providing capital to business owners, want to see you take the bulk of the risk, first. If you do so, the financing will quickly follow.

Will your business survive the economic recovery?
At 30 kilometres Adrian hit the wall. His body just stopped, unable to run any further. He looked down at his feet and he barely had the energy to put one foot in front of the other. As he looked up, he saw runner after runner pass him as he saw his target marathon time slipping away before his eyes. The current economic downturn has been a marathon for each and every business in New Zealand and we are not out of the woods yet. But with the end in sight, will your business suffer like Adrian, or will it sprint towards the finish line?

Prepare for the Worse but Hope for the Best
James Dicks examines the financial year ahead for small business and the American consumer.

Beware of the Dark Side - The Need For Competitive Analysis
Competition is an integral part of the marketplace - it fuels innovation, controls pricing, and creates better products. What's not to love, right?

Adding Personality to Your Business is No Small Feat
Firms that operate with white-glove sterility and robotic auto-reply emails are a dime a dozen - and for some market segments, that may be just fine. For my dollar, I tend to prefer those product and service providers that provide a user "experience" - they provide a welcome respite from our daily lives, and leave us feeling good about our interaction.

Tagline, You're It
Your tagline is another facet of your brand. It is you - just as much as your logo, color scheme, and mission statement are.

The Drive to Market
Customers, like cars, get much better mileage when they are properly cared for.

You Like Me - You Really Like Me!
Of course, having customers that like you is important all of the time - but in times when the economy is sluggish, customer loyalty can be tested. What can we do to make customers really like us?

Bootstrap Financing – 4 common ways and 3 uncommon ways
Start up businesses struggle finding capital to launch their business. Banks won’t touch them and they usually don’t have the personal strength to qualify for SBA or similar loan products. But, that does not mean they have to give up on their dream.

Success Isn't Magic
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. He doesn't want you to learn his secrets!

Recipes for Success
Those B School recipes for success need an update.

The Terminator - Small Business Guru - Who Knew?
As much as it pains me to admit this, I may have learned something from the Terminator. Well, to be clear... it was actually from the Fox(R) spinoff series, "The Sarah Connor Chronicles." I have never been much of a fan of this series of movies, but after viewing them again recently with my husband, I must reluctantly admit that "Ah-nold" just might be on to something.

Changing My Game
Have you ditched an old recipe and found a new way to cook up your success?

Top Actions To Take In 2010
In 2009, the strategy of many companies could be described as defensive. One could read the newspaper, listen to the news, analyze data, and talk to anyone and know that it was going to be a tough and troubling year. The stock market took its tumultuous fall, many jobs were lost, and firms everywhere focused on cutting costs any place they could. When the dust settled, 2009 was for many a year they would like to forget. Now we are in 2010, and there are new road signs, which means leaders must take new actions.

Marketing 101: Let People Know What You Have to Offer
What can you do this week to let people know about your business? Here are 11 tips to get you started.

SMEs grapple with restricted funding access
Many small-to-medium enterprises currently seeking funding are being stonewalled by lenders, with more and more asset classes being categorised as “non-preferred” and lenders also imposing overly stringent approval conditions.

What is Your PR IQ- Part 1
Most people assume they understand the inner workings of launching a successful PR campaign. In fact, few do. With that in mind, the following are some tips that can hopefully increase your P.R. IQ.

10 things to expect from your business intermediary
Buying or selling a business comes with personal emotional and financial risk as well as the complexities of finance, accounting, tax, negotiation and legal items. Having a professional agent or intermediary to help “quarterback” and manage the variables is good business. Here are some attributes to look in the intermediary that you choose.

11 reasons to reject the recession and grow your business
Watching CNN, CNBC, MSNBC and the other media you keep hearing about the “green shoots” in the economy. This can be seen with things like the Federal Stimulus program beginning to gain momentum, clear direction with the resolution to the bankruptcies of GM and Chrysler, the level of fear about the economy subsiding, housing sales starting to stabilize and unemployment stabilizing. So it’s time to put the recession behind us and get on with it.

5 guaranteed ways not to sell your business
Selling a business is rarely a simple and straight forward process. One of the biggest mistakes I’ve found is that the seller doesn’t put themselves in the shoes of the other parties be it the buyer, lender, landlord, employees, franchisor or whoever. This article outlines 5 ways a business will NOT sell their business no matter how hard they try.

5 more guaranteed ways NOT to sell your business
Selling a profitable and attractive business is always a complex process. If you own a business and wish to sell, make sure you understand that what you say and do will affect the outcome. This is the second of three articles. The first is called “5 guaranteed ways not to sell your business.” The third is called “5 things to avoid when trying to sell your business.”

5 things to consider if selling your business
Selling a business requires not only preparing the business for sale, but also what you do as the owner. The following are 8 tips for you to consider if you want to successfully sell your business.

5 tips to use when selling your business
Selling a business is rarely a simple and straight forward process. One of the biggest mistakes I’ve found is that the seller doesn’t put themselves in the shoes of the other parties be it the buyer, lender, landlord, employees, franchisor or whoever. This article outlines 5 suggestions for a seller to use when approaching the way to sell their business.

5 traits of a successful entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs come in all shapes and sizes including diverse social, economic and education backgrounds. There is no “guaranteed” path to being a successful entrepreneur but this article suggests there are five traits they generally have in common.

6 questions to answer bluntly to find out if your business is in a crisis
Is owning and operating your business in this current economic climate getting you down? Not sure what your next steps should be? Not sure if you have options? The first thing is to know where you and your business currently stand; which is the purpose of this article. Once you know that answer, dust off your business plan, refresh it and review your next steps from an informed position.

8 tips to consider when selling your business
If you are planning on selling your business and your motivation is high, the following tips may help you. Be careful that your desire to sell your business does not come at the expense of making a decision too quickly or indeed being pressured into something you may not normally consider.

Buying or selling the Perfect Business
Buying or selling a business comes with many variables. The seller brings their perspective of knowing the business “like the back of his hand” as they are responsible for growing and maintaining the business. The buyers bring new enthusiasm and ideas with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. Finding the right business is generally a major challenge. If a seller and buyer can come together with as many of these items aligned, they have a much greater chance of success.

Caveat Emptor – Let the “seller” beware
Selling any business is rarely an easy and straightforward process. There are many things to contend with such as employees, customers, landlords, lenders, suppliers and may be others such as a franchisor etc. However, there is also unknown an opportunist that may be interested in your business and it’s important you know about them. The Latin phrase, Caveat Emptor normally applies in the law that a buyer needs to be careful before they make a final purchase decision. The same applies in this case, Let the “Seller” beware before they accept an offer to sell their business.

Eight reasons a business does not sell
Selling a business contains many moving parts. It’s not just the buyer(s) but also the family and friends, employees, landlord, suppliers, lenders and many others that demand attention or require working with.

Is business ownership right for you?
Business ownership is an option many refugees from Corporate America are considering. Unemployment is high and growing so owning your own business to control your future is a great option. But where do you start? This article covers some suggestions to get you started.

Seven growth industries to consider if you are starting a business
If you are planning on starting or buying a business, it makes sense to consider a business in a growth industry. This article outlines seven industries that are doing well, despite the recession.

Starting a business...let's start with you
If you're buying a franchise, starting a new business or buying an existing business it's difficult to know where to start. This article suggests you start with yourself. Read on to find out more.

Starting a business…Look before you leap...no really!
Are you a "forced entrepreneur?" Just in case you were wondering, a "forced entrepreneur" is someone that's been happily working in Corporate America until that pink slip arrived. So you're highly skilled, highly motivated and thought you would easily get a job somewhere else...but you're not sure that's what you want to do? Perhaps becoming an entrepreneur is where you would really like to go but are not sure where to start. This article helps address that dilemma for you.

Starting a business…what are my options?
This article discusses the options available to a new entrepreneur planning on entering business ownership. It explains a new entrepreneur has three options and how to consider which option is best for their situation.

Starting a business...what options are available?
Over the last 2 years, Corporate America has not been kind to it's employees. Perhaps that's the wrong way to look at it. Maybe a better approach is that we only let things happen to us if we don't take action. Perhaps moving into business ownership is an action you need to take but are not sure where to start? This article suggests some options. The rest is up to you.

Successfully sell your business...to the right buyer
If you plan on selling your business, it will help you to understand the different types of buyer. Each buyer who inquires will have their own unique reason to want to buy. Let’s find out what’s important to each type so you are better prepared.

The Power of Seller Finance to sell your business
Selling a business comes with many challenges. The number one reason most transactions don’t close after a buyer and seller have “negotiated” a deal is that the landlord cannot come to terms with the seller and/or buyer. The number two reason is that finance is not available.

Tips to successfully buy or sell your next business
Whether you’re buying or selling a business it is never a neither simple nor straightforward process. Not only are there disclosures and laws to follow, but both parties are working with known other parties such as a lender, landlord, franchisor, accountant, financial planner or attorney to name a few and so it’s unknown how each of these parties will respond. The Golden Rule is to put your feet in the shoes of the other party. It won’t solve everything but hopefully it will allow you to understand “their view of the world.”

Why entrepreneurs adjust their thinking when business failure is not an option
A true entrepreneur only sees opportunities and the chance to make a lot of money. In a down economy they see it as the time to build greater knowledge, strength and resources to be ready for the inevitable upturn in the economy. However, we if we are not wired like the true entrepreneur we need to remind ourselves of what it takes to keep going and get to the next level.

Be honest when you sell your business
Honesty in business is as it is in life and a must and extremely important. If you are about to sell your business or if you are in the middle of selling it then make sure you are honest from the outset...not only with the broker, if you are using one, but also with potential buyers. If you tell lies at the outset or during the initial stages then it is very likely this will be found out at the due diligence stage of the selling process. The problem with telling lies is that if they get found out you may put off potential buyers and lose their trust.

Develope a marketing calendar
All businesses should have a marketing calendar! So what is a marketing calendar? During the course of the year you should track where your enquiries come from and which ones lead to customers. At the same time you should record which month the enquiries come in to your business so that you can build a picture of which months are your busiest and which ones are the least busy. Once you have compiled this data you can put this into the form of a calendar and then use this to your businesses advantage. By knowing which months in the year you already get most enquiries; you can then plan further advertising in those months to really capitalise on the months in which your customers are looking to buy.

Read The Fine Print!
More and more businesses are wasting time and facing increased costs, simply because they are not reading contracts. In business you have to protect yourself and your assets as more service providers are hiding potential threats in the fine print.

Minimum wage – good or bad for business?
The questions around the minimum wage are always going to create a heated discussion and in my opinion is just another way for governments and usually socialist style governments to control the economy and turn things in to a nanny state! What is a minimum wage? The minimum wage is the lowest hourly, daily or monthly wage that employers may legally pay to their employees. Minimum wage laws also prevent workers from selling their labour at an amount which is lower than the minimum wage level. Those that defend and advocate a minimum wage say that it increases the standard of living of workers and also reduces poverty.

How businesses can beat the credit crisis
The credit crisis is hitting businesses around the globe and at a time when you see World Governments pledging financial support for banks then you know that there is a REAL problem. No one knows quite how long this crisis is going to last or indeed how bad things will get, but one thing is for sure confidence is a low, property prices are falling, properties are being repossessed and people are being made redundant. With the picture painted and that part out of the way, I want to reassure my readers that I am not trying to reap doom and gloom here although a reality check is never a bad thing. When times are tough there are certain things that businesses can do to get through and this article is dedicated to that end.

Times are tough with the credit crunch!
As times are tough both for householders and businesses alike this is when it is important to make sure your business is operating to the optimum. Also, you may be having cash flow difficulties and be looking to raise some cash from the bank. Now, I thought that it would be difficult to get a loan, however, I recently saw my bank manager (who is from Barclays as it happens) for one of my businesses and he said that they are encouraging lending to businesses. His comment was that Barclays had been a bit tight with their lending over recent years so they are looking to expand their lending book. So if you are doing some cash flows and things are not looking so good and you have been listening to the news out there - things might not be as bad as they seem on the face of it.

If You Want Things The Way They Were…
If we want to regain the success of days past, then we need to change our marketing and how we go about doing it. The problem is that when things become challenging, there's a tendency to rely on what used to work. And here's what happens...

Marketing With Eco-Friendly Brochures
In a newly eco-conscious business world, an environmentally friendly image can make the difference between profit and loss. One of the quickest and most effective ways to let your customers know your business is environmentally friendly is using an eco-friendly printer for your marketing materials, especially for brochure printing.

Achieve High-Impact Publicity Using Custom Signs
Custom signs can be utilized cleverly. Especially for the popularity of a company logo, these signs are the right choice. You can tell about your business to the entire town without spending a lot on it.

6 Business Coaching Tips
Do you have a routine to follow with each new business coaching client, or new team member? These are the steps I follow, to ensure that I don’t miss an important step in laying the foundations for their future success, and the success of our coaching.

Coach Your Business Team To Recognise A Profit
After years of paying bills, lodging tax returns, balancing debtors & creditors, doing bank reconciliations and lodging financial returns for your business, it's understandable if you've fallen into the error of thinking that "everyone understands money" and "everyone knows what a profit is!" But does your team know what a profit is? Keep reading for Your Reality Check.

Increase Sales by Understanding Your Sales Process
As a business coach, at some point early in my relationship with my clients I'll ask them to map out their sales process and it never ceases to amaze me that some of those really smart businesspeople have never sat down to look at how they sell, how they train their people to sell, and what works - or doesn't! I'll often get the response, "Well, we just sell it to them", which doesn't give one much traction when it comes to assessing or improving sales. The first two things you need to know in order to be able to assess your selling process are real answers to the questions, "Why do people buy what you sell?" and "Why do they buy it from you?"

Increasing Profits By Decreasing Clients
How do you set your company up as the only choice for your clients, and increase your profits at the same time?

Job Interview Criteria
Some suggestions for conducting an efficient and effective job interview.

Lower Stress At Work Is Just Good Business Manners
Few things within a business are guaranteed to raise tensions, shorten fuses and lower productivity as are simple bad manners and yet, when times get tough and stress rises, good manners are often an early victim. When the erosion of good manners then leaks from team relations into customer relations (as it inevitably must) that, in turn, costs sales - not just immediate sales, but all of the remaining sales you would have made to that client had you retained them for years to come, and the sales of all the other people whom they were miffed enough to discourage from dealing with you in future!

Marketing Your Business - Getting Your Customers to Market You
Most everyone in business have nutted out a way of selling or they would not have survived to this point. There may not be a lot of science in the way they sell but, hey, when they can find an interested party it has worked so far. And that may just be the point: Most of the people I know in small-to-medium businesses confess that when it comes to finding more "interested parties" to sell to - when it comes to marketing - they are almost totally at sea.

Tracking & Diagnosing Sales Performance
One of my clients was recently wrestling with a common business challenge - a contracted professional salesperson who was not delivering results. She was uncertain about the correctness of insisting on a report of his activities because her initial request had been met with, "I don't have time for that. I'm busy getting out there seeing people. What do you want: Sales or reports?" Like most "half truths" this one caused her some angst: She did want sales; activities were not what she was paying for - but the arrangement wasn't working, and she could not see why.

Winning Sales by Understanding Your Sales Process -
Your Present Selling System. If you’re in a business that is more than a few years old, it is a certainty that someone within that business has developed a system – or a habit - of selling that works for your market – if only in part. If that system is not the best it could be, then your sales are less than they could be. It’s really that simple! Does it stand to reason then that, if you understood the system you have evolved to sell your product (we’ll use “product” to include services), you may be able to use that understanding to improve or optimise your system – and increase your sales thereby?

Making Sense of Interest Rates
Business borrowers are watching closely as official interest rates rise across the board. So what does this mean for your business and why do rates vary between commercial rates, home loan rates and equipment finance rates?

The Secret to Success
Learn the secret to being truly successful in business and in life. You can make it happen starting today.

Using Video Marketing - Generate Tons Of Traffic To Your Site
My article below will explain to you the massive benefits of a well run video marketing campaign. Every month in the US alone 30,000,000 videos are downloaded. This means that as a marketing medium, videos are one of the most influential items available for online success. Making and then distributing your videos to distribution sites or to your opt-in list has the potential to drive huge amounts of traffic to your website.

Five Leadership How-Tos for Recession Survival
We're in the midst of the worst economic crisis in decades, and many people in leadership positions haven't seen anything like it before. As an executive coach, I know that leaders often make decisions out of fear of what could happen instead of crafting a plan to ensure that everyone stays on track through the bad times. Surviving a recession can feel a bit like sailing without sails, so here are a few tips to help you stop, think and weather the crisis.

Is Life Fair?
Life surely seemed fair when we were on a roll.

Does Your Small Business Need A Bailout?
Struggling to make your current loan payments? What about payments to your suppliers or venders. Is your business’s revenue down while costs are up? Know that you are not alone and that there may be some Federal stimulus money to help you out.

We Are Responsible
We make the choice for fairness - or not.

Business Meals and Success
Successful people create positive personal impact. If you want to create positive personal impact, you must know and follow the basic rules of etiquette. This is especially true at a business meal. Knowing simple things like the water glass is on your right, and the bread and butter plate is on your left, can save you a lot of embarrassment. It's also important to order something that is easy to eat and doesn't call attention to you while you eat it. Pasta that needs to be twirled, lobster or other shellfish are good things to avoid at a business dinner. Order simple food, and mind your manners as you are eating it. Business dinners are not about the food. They're about the conversation.

Oh! What Possibilities!
Get your possibility juices flowing with this series of powerful self-coaching questions.

10 Steps for Developing Your INDIVIDUAL NETWORKING PLAN
10 Steps for Developing Your INDIVIDUAL NETWORKING PLAN

How Increasing Your Self-Esteem Increases Your Bottom Line
We hear from everywhere that if we just learn that one right strategy, create the perfect look for our business or take one more class that our business will grow, we’ll get rich and all will be well. Now, I’m not saying these aren’t important. You do need to think about your brand image, hone your skills and have a great plan. However, in order for any of that to work for you, you first need to feel great about being you.

A Positive Attitude and the Workplace
James Dicks examines the benefits to conducting business with a positive approach

Beware of Job Scams
James Dicks discusses the possibility of being scammed on the Internet when look for a job online.

Can't See the Forest for the Trees
James Dicks discusses the current state of business in light of the global economic slowdown

Changing Consumer Spending Habits
James Dicks examines the changing spending habits of the American consumer.

Chicken or the Egg Is it SAVE jobs or CREATE jobs
James Dicks examines the "supposed" effects of the Obama Administration's stimulus package

Compartmentalize-How do you do it?
James Dicks explains how he handles all of his problems through compartmentalizing

Customer Service and the 21st Century Business Model
James Dicks examines the changing times business is facing when dealilng with their customer.

Diversification is the Key
James Dicks explains the benefits of diversifying your personal financial investment portfolio.

Engaging your Employees
the importance of an involved employee base

Exceeding the Standards
James Dicks examines what it takes for business and individuals to make it in today's tough eocnomy

Guarding Your Thoughts
James Dicks examines the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in today's tough economic times.

History Repeats Itself - Again and Again and Again
James Dicks examines recessions and depressions throughout American history. These are trending issues and will continue to happen over and over again. The point - things have a tendancy to worsen but they always seem to recover.

I Made More Money with Bad Credit Paying 18 Percent and 5 Points
James Dicks shares his strategies and methods of making money in Real Estate.

Is 5 Years Long Enough To Get Rich Quick?
James Dicks discusses of getting "rich" in the short term and the methods that have worked in his own life

Leadership Traits of the USMC
James Dicks examines the importance of leadership development in today's business environment.

Let's Give It All We Got
James discusses volunteer service in the US

Looking For The Bottom
James Dicks examines the current global economic situaiton and speculates on when a bottom might be reached and improvement may begin.

Making Your Business Fiscally Fit in Tough Times
James Dicks examines the challenges businesses face in today's global recession

The Power of Entrepreneurship
James Dicks examines the joys and difficulties of becoming an entrepreneur.

Customer Service Stabbed Marketing in the Office with a Knife
Do you have a clue what is killing your marketing efforts? Whether you are a small business or large corporation, it is likely at least one of these customer service issues is planning the death of your marketing dollars!

Smart Women Give Their Clients an Experience
This article is about how important it is to give your clients a positive experience when they visit you or call upon you about your products and services. Giving your prospects, and existing clients, a positive experience with you will help you to gain their business and also more referrals.

How to Determine Your Future Success
When deciding to start an online business or changing your online business, most people look at what the business is offering, how much money they can make, how fast they can make it and lot more. The one important ingredient they fail to look at is themselves. Are they ready to be successful? Do they have the commitment to be successful? There are a lot of components that make a successful entrepreneur but most people don’t realize that most of the time it has nothing to do with the business they are in.

The Heart of Business
For decades, I have been a proponent of, and keynoter in the field of, Spirituality in the Workplace. There seem to be different names for it these days: the heart of business, corporate social responsibility, conscious capitalism, patient capitalism, bringing the heart to work. What it means, underneath all of the words, is that we recognize that we have a responsibility to care about each other, and the earth, and run our businesses in a way that end up with a net plus - not just increased profit.

The New Lenders On The Block
While traditional credit remains tight for small businesses, other entrepreneurial lenders are stepping in to fill this void. While not set up like most lending products, they still provide businesses with capital they might not have received otherwise.

What Separates Successful People From Unsuccessful People?
As I’ve mentioned before, it’s mandatory to be in the profit system rather than the wage system. Once you are in the profit system, then what do you do?

Extreme Measures
Companies practice CYA because not doing so opens them up to frivolous litigation. What about our personal responsibility?

Business Opportunity Expo - Expo Fairs, Vendor Fair Planning
Trade shows are a wonderful place to find new people.

How is Outsourcing going to Benefit Me?
In a recent industry study it was estimated that approximately 75 per cent of organizations expect to consider, or employ, outsourcing within the next three to five years. When deciding upon a consultant to perform the outsourcing task at hand it is important to determine the best consultant for your specific needs. Outsourcing can be an invaluable tool for any business.

Web Presence
How to maximize your business on the web.

Attaining the Entrepreneurial Mindset
Great business leaders think in a certain way. Their success can be credited back to the expert mindset. This way of thinking determine their actions and therefore their results. Business leaders attempting to achieve this model of thought are encouraged to envision success in the business world.

Traits of the Entrepreneurial Mindset
What makes some entrepreneurs so great? They inevitably have a different way of thinking, and some specific traits that set them apart.

Dont Give Up On Your Dream
This is a no lose situation. I either prove conclusively that my new business model works or prove conclusively that is does not work. Either way I move on to the next level.

Some Business Tax Tips for 2010
The New Year means your business taxes are due. With the recent financial turmoil and our governments trying to find new ways to increase their own revenue, your business may be blindsided by your tax obligations. Here are few tips to keep in mind.

Why Does Internet Service Cost So Much?
Why Does Internet Service Cost So Much?

When Disaster Strikes, What's Your Plan B?
Disasters are by their very nature unexpected. But, in business, the unexpected can put you out of business. Some "disasters" can be planned for and the consequences mitigated. Having a "Plan B" is the key.

Vision is Vital
Vision is vital for life. People die with out a vision, and vision die with out people.

What Do We Do Now?: Options for Allocating Scarce Resources When You Haven’t Planned Ahead
Although advance planning for resource allocation is the ideal scenario, many organizations found themselves caught short by the severe constraints imposed by the economic downturn. What are the alternatives when organizations are operating in crisis mode and there is no “Plan A?” Given the need to make decisions about how to curtail their operations immediately, there are two options that can help in the short-run: (1) increase inputs or (2) decrease outputs - each with several alternatives

Warning! Values May Be Detrimental to Your Organization’s Health
What percent of your employees can identify your organization’s values? How many of those individuals can tell you what each value “looks like” in terms of their own performance? Unless you are able to answer nearly 100%, you may want to consider taking these steps to improve the health of your organization!

Guidelines for Allocating Scarce Resources
Scarce resources are a fact of business life. In the wake of devastating budget cuts, furloughs, and/or layoffs, however, “normal” levels of scarcity have been exacerbated. The question for many organizations has become, “How do we move forward from here most effectively?” I recommend to my clients that they begin by identifying some crucial information that will guide their subsequent actions and decisions.

Increase sales by optimizing your sales funnel
Businesses sell but are rarely as intentional as they should be about it. While a business might do a lot of things to market and sell their products, they might be doing too much! Even more success with less effort is possible by taking a closer look at the sales funnel. Use these strategies to optimize your sales funnel and get more people buying from you faster.

Looking For Smart Business And Ideas
The internet is certainly populated with business and ideas. New internet business options, internet business relevant merchandise and online business ideas are popping up every day, on line. A few are decent and a few are not so decent.

Avoiding Risk: The Opposite of Being an Entrepreneur?
Learn how to incorporate and implement bold new ideas into your business plan with this six step process.

Action Plan Example
Action plans are fairly common in business, but probably done wrong as often as not. A lot of people do not understand what an action plan is and often mistake it for a COE or Correction Of Errors, not one of my favorite types of documents. Having a good action plan starts with an understanding of what an action plan is and a great action plan example would be a huge help in this. An action plan is a forward looking document and should be addressed as one. When looking at an action plan example one should take this into account. Action plans prevent business gaffs, keep everyone on task and help smooth out operations. In a way they could be considered a mini business plan, though I tend to look at them as a working business plan.

Deducting Start-up Costs from Your Business or Personal Taxes
Starting a business can be expensive for new entrepreneurs. But, the good news is that these expenses both start up and organizations costs can be written off provided the business owners understands and follows the tax rules related to these costs.

Don't Just Sit There - Work Hard!
All work and no play might make Jack a dull boy, but if he's trying to build a successful business he's doing what he has to do. If you think wealth and success will just land in your lap simply because you exist and have started a business, you are sadly mistaken. Wealth and success can be yours... but you have to earn it.

34 Ways to Encourage "Intrapreneurship"
This tool lists 34 ways to help people in your organization think creatively and become in-house entrepreneurs – or “intrapreneurs.”

Remote Control Business
A remote control business is the easiest to manage and gain success. Program your remote control with a step-by-step system that is easy to plug into.

Do I Expect Too Much?
Have the rules for business courtesy changed in the 21st century?

New Tricks
Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

Conducting Effective New Hire Training to Reduce Turnover
New hire training is an effective way to reduce the rate of turnover and enhance the acculturation and productivity of new employees in companies. By showing an upfront commitment to new hires, new hires will be confident in their decision to join your organization, motivated and equipped to produce their best work immediately, and more likely to stay. Invest in them early and they'll stay longer.

Smart Women Entrepreneurs, Solids, and Fluids
This article is about getting a foundation in place that has both a solid and fluid plan. Entrepreneurs need to be both solid and fluid in their decision making. A solid foundation is really important while we need to be fluid or flexible in our thinking in order for the business to grow and flourish.

Leaders Can't Resist Change
There is no way we can expect a permanent position in any area of business. The marketplace moves with the winds and stops at nothing. We must always be ready to adjust our actions and abilities, as society deems necessary. It makes no difference the scope of our endeavor change will be inevitable.

Doing The Right Thing
An article with examples of Customer Service and meeting the needs of our customers.

Examples of Social Media
Social media can take many different forms. Popular networking site including Myspace, Facebook and LinkedIn are social mediums most commonly used for socialization and connecting. Social media has also become a tool for effective marketing.

So, You Think You Want To Become An Entrepreneur?
VocationVacations Founder, Brian Kurth, provides five key questions to ask yourself prior to becoming an entrepreneur.

Closing Sales Skills --- Improve Your Sales Techniques
Closing sales skills, customer service skills, and sales techniques are essential to any business. Every day we are sold many things through many different venues and methods. Selling and buying is a part of our every day lives, and a skill that can become as natural as breathing.

6 Parts to UnReasonable Success
Going beyond what you know you can do is the first step of being "UnReasonable." Learn how to take your business to the next level by setting unreasonable goals and following these six simple steps for success.

Techniques to Increase Conversions
Knowing the definition of having a conversation and completing a conversation from your website is important to the success of your online business. This article is designed to help better understand the techniques behind successful conversations.

How To Start a Home Based Business
When you are asking how to start a home based business it can be difficult to know how to get organized. In this article I have provided a few steps that I hope will help.

The Forgotten Side of Bootstrapping a Business
Bootstrapping can mean many things to different people but the overall idea is to find simple, off the shelf, ways of raising needed capital to start, run or grow a business. However, raising money may not be the only way to bootstrap your business.

Does your mindset play a role in your success?
Does our mindset determine how successful we will be both in our working and personal lives? Here is an account of how changing our mindset can make us more successful and prosperous in our lives.

If it Looks like a Duck....
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck - let it be a duck.

Internet Business Resources – Are you looking?
Evaluate the resource. Is it of value to you and does it cover the aspect of your business that you need to know more about.

How to beat the recession
Is the current recession causing you to worry about your future? Do you worry that you will be made redundant? Are you sinking further into debt and looking for a positive way to clear your debt and create prosperity and more personal freedom for yourself? If so here are a few tips on how survive the current recession and some suggestions on how to clear your debt and create more job security.

Business ADD/ADHD
This definitely sounds like what business people suffer from when we attempt to accomplish our daily missions. It seems anything and everything occurs and comes to mind when we settle down and begin our day. At that very moment the world is filled with crisis and we must consider what should be done. Our attention is drawn away form our goals and agendas and we run to the farthest extent of our minds.

Change your career path it’s never too late to try something new
Have wanted to change your career path but been too afraid to take the plunge? Then when you finally did, struggled to find the right opportunity? This is an account of someone who took those steps and hopes to help others to get it right !

Be your own boss
Are you unhappy in your current job? Do you long to start your own business and become your own boss? If so here is some advice on how to take the first steps to achieve your dream.

Staying positive in business – Drive away the negatives
Do you ever feel that you cannot cope with the pressures or failures that are ruining your business? Do you find it difficult to get into the right mindset to carry on? Here is an article to advise on some measures to help you to stay positive and focused to achieve your goals and make your business a success.

What is prosperity to a middle aged man?
Do you ever feel that life is passing you by without you having achieved your life long goals? If so here is my account of how my goals have changed as i have got older and what I now view as prosperity in life.

Get The Right Answers When You Ask The Right Questions
Key questions to ask yourself that have the power to elicit the answers that are vital for you to manifest your dreams.

Six Rules for Prosperity in Life and Business!
Success in life has rules just like everything else in life. If there is hot there is cold if there is sadness then there is joy. If there is poverty then there is Prosperity. Recognizing that everything in the universe has a set of criteria that defines it makes everything understandable and achievable. Success is no Different. I have compiles six guidelines for Prosperity that can be utilized by anyone with the desire to achieve.

Which to choose? Franchise Business or Self Employment
Many people are looking at the option of working for themselves, whether it be as a result of redundancy or just wanting a change in lifestyle. We look at pros and cons of going it alone with self employment or buying a franchise business.

Smart Women Have a Marketing Mantra
This article is about continuing to get your marketing message out to the public on a regular basis, no matter how busy you get with clients. This is a key to success. It’s important to continually let your ideal client know about your services and that you are there to help them solve their problems with your product or service.

Control Spending and Increase Your Profits
The goal of any business is to make money. But, you have to spend money to make money. Those businesses that become the most successful understand how to properly spend within their organization to generate the greatest return. Here’s how.

6 Steps to Personal & Business Wealth
Wealth is not just about how much money you have. When you decide to start a business there are many factors that could hold you back from moving forward. Have you considered your personal life and how this could be impacted?

Does Networking really work?
From specific association networks to broad business groups, there are so many opportunities for business owners to network, but does networking actually work? In my experience, the answer to that question is a resounding YES. But just turning up isn't enough. And it isn't just about getting new business either.

Smart Women Entrepreneurs Can Learn a Lot from the Olympics
This article is about using some common practices of Olympic athletes to take your business to the next level of success. It offers tips and solutions on how to set yourself up to achieve your own level of “gold” in your business. These are simple solutions that, when done regularly and effectively will produce results.

Building the Futures of Others Today should be our mission
We build our business one individual at a time; each individual has just as much importance as the next. You have got to relate with your lead or prospect and discover what his or her needs and or wants are, then decide what products or services you have that can fulfill their needs or wants.

Many businesses build their brand by educating potential customers. Informative, high quality content promotes what they do and demonstrates their expertise. However, it pays to think of your content as the vehicle – i.e. content is plentiful and everyone has some!
One of the most common challenges I see with practitioners and technicians who own a business is that they actually love being the practitioner! All of the beautiful advice from the e-Myth stands completely at odds with their greatest strengths and desires. So what to do?

Prepare Your Business for the New Lending Market
Banking and overall lending have changed. It has gone back to sound banking policies and requirements. Which means many businesses hurt by this economy will not qualify for any lending or business loans. But, it does not have to remain that way!

What is wealth? Does wealth matter?
What is wealth? Wealth can mean something different to every person. Here is an account of what I believe wealth is and what it can provide in your life.

FRANCHISING OFFERS A SAFTEY NET TO ENTREPRENEURS
No business is fool-proof but franchising offers a tried and proven model for your success!

Do You Have What it Takes to Be Successful as a Franchise Owner?
Franchising can offer you a wonderful opportunity to be in business for yourself - while providing the training, systems and support you need to be successful. But it takes the right sort of person to be a franchisee. Do you have what it takes?

Negotiation Checklist to Ensure a Successful Outcome
Purpose of negotiation is to resolve situations…negotiate more effectively with help of this negotiation checklist & ensure a successful outcome.

Your Pipeline Could Be Fuller
Keeping your pipeline of prospects full is no easy task...but the payoff is worth it.

What Ice Climbing Has to do With Business
Leadership on ice and leadership in business seem to be one in the same.

Orders in Hand Can Be Better Than Revenue When Seeking Financing
Most lenders and investors want to see a proven track record for your business. Usually this comes in the form of current revenue. But, there are other ways like instead of selling to an unproven idea to a lender, sell it to your customers first.

4 personality traits to watch when selling your business
Just as there are different sellers with different motivations, there are also buyers with different types of needs and personalities. If you’re the seller of a business or looking to buy, understanding these different personality types may help you be more successful.

Build More Profitable Business Relationships
How can you build more profitable business relationships with your clients and prospects? Follow these examples. You will be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Business Lessons from Las Vegas
If you haven't been to Las Vegas recently - you must go. When you visit take good notes. Las Vegas is an inspiring business model. Las Vegas is a place to learn how to run your business. It might be called the sin city. But the real lessons of Vegas are not about gambling. It's about how to run a successful business. Study these important business lessons that I learned from Las Vegas.

Creating, Recognizing & Measuring Value
Deliver value that your customers recognize, appreciate and reward. If you want your customers to value what you offer - you must demonstrate that you value them and their money, risk, time, staff, business, and needs.

Cycle City declares bankruptcy
A lot of bargain hunters were picking up deals. I noticed one of the owners behind the parts counter dispensing friendly advice to a customer. At least he didn't seem bitter about his failed business venture. While browsing about the store I heard at least one person comment on the bankruptcy that “it was a sign of the times.” I couldn't help but wonder what this bankruptcy might be really a sign of.

Do you make your clients feel safe?
Do you make your clients feel safe? If your clients don't feel safe - they won't buy from you. And they won't tell you why. It's not enough to be safe. You must make them feel safe. When they don't feel safe fear kicks into gear. Fear is the biggest obstacle to buying.

Sales And Marketing Is All About "You"
"You" is a powerful word in sales and marketing and should be the basis of all your communications. Get away from traditional "me"-centric sales and marketing which talks about you and your product or service. Instead, speak directly to your customer focusing on the value and benefits you are providing them.

5 Rules Of Power In Sales And Marketing
Creating a sense of "pull" is vital in sales and marketing and how much pull you have depends on how you cultivate power.

5 Rules Of Gentle Yet Firm Sales And Marketing
Sales and marketing is not about being nice all the time. In today's marketplace you must temper niceness with realness in order to effectively engage customers and win more business.

Honest To Goodness Sales And Marketing
The best sales and marketing happens when you are honest.

Environmental Sales And Marketing
Sales and marketing is about creating an environment in which your customer feels comfortable – even compelled - to do business with you.

Start Something that Matters
Fortunately for us, in his new book Start Something that Matters, Blake tells us we don’t have to choose. As he shares the story of how he started TOMS, one of the fastest-growing shoe companies in the world, he says we don’t have to choose. And furthermore, we’ll have more success if we don’t settle for less than combining all three elements. I love his chapter titles – the six steps for creating your own life.

9 strategies to successfully sell your business
To successfully sell your business, there are 9 important areas to consider before selling. They range from creating a team to support and help, goals to achieve, tax responsibilities, income necessary, different legal matters to consider, etc.

Social Action Driving Businesses to Adopt Sustainable Practices
Social Action Driving Businesses to Adopt Sustainable Practices Some businesses have seen the wisdom of going green ahead of public pressure, others are being cajoled out of their complacency by an increasingly concerned public. The following account is a cautionary tale for businesses that ignore responsible practices.

Smart Women Serve It Up The Right Way
This article is about examining your products and services and making sure that what you offer is what your client wants. It’s essential that you package and “serve” your clients the services they want or need in a way that appeals to them.

Franchise Information Sources
There are many good sources of information about franchise opportunities. For most people, the process that makes the most sense is to first make sure you understand the business model of franchising. After you’re clear on what franchising is all about, then you can try to identify industry segments that may be of interest to you. Finally, you can research individual companies to see which ones match best with what you are looking for in a franchised business opportunity.

Do What You Love to Do! An introduction to finding your life's purpose
Everyone wants to be successful. However, there are many people who say they don't know what their life's purpose is. The answer to this question is right inside of you!

Choose to Live Your Potential
This article is about one of the greatest tools we possess -- The power to make choices!

This Wonderful Recession
Now is the time to express our true spirit and not let the state of our economy get us down. We have the potential inside to rise above any obstacle in our way.

How To Find Out About And Take Advantage Of Your Competitors Weaknesses
Here are a few ways to legally spy on your competitors to help you outwit even the most formidable competitor in their own backyard. And the best part is, these tools are probably sitting on your desk, so you’ll have no real excuse not to use them.

Five Steps to Market Your Business with Text Messaging
I remember the days before cell phones. Remember when you needed to wait until your friend returned home from the beach, or from thier cross-town visit with Aunt Bernice? Those days are long gone! It seems everyone has cell phones these days. Everyone from six and seven year olds all the way to 90 year old grannies! Some of you may be shaking your heads and thinking, "What is this world coming to? We made it without cell phones, why can't they?!?" Guess what? Every time you make that statement or think that thought you are wasting your time. Things are NOT going to reverse, and people won't return those cell phones. So ... accept it! :)

Why Social Networking Your Way Won't Build Your Business
In an era dominated by ever-expanding technology and social media pressures, always remember that personal connections, referrals, and earning trust count most...

5 tips to successfully sell your business
Here are 5 helpful tips to consider when you're thinking of selling your business. There are many factors involved and things to think about because they can easily go overlooked. These tips will help you get on your way to successfully selling your business.

Koch Industries Destroys the Environment and Funds Climate Denial
Koch Industries is the second largest privately held company in America and as revealed by Greenpeace they are guilty of crimes against the environment as well as being a leading supporter of climate denial groups. Their diversified holdings are a virtual top ten list of the most environmentally destructive sectors of the economy they are also pouring almost $50 million dollars per year into climate denial misinformation.

Grants For Business Owners – Do they exist?
Grants can be a great way to fund a growing company. But, grants are not available to most businesses; they are just not designed that way. However, with the right research and looking in the right directions, there are still grant funds to be had.

IN THE CONTEXT OF CUSTOMER LOYALTY, NEW NIKE-TIGER WOODS COMMERCIAL IS ON POINT
While some may think that the new Nike/Tiger Woods commercial is a bit strange, in the context of customer loyalty, engagement and true “Voice of the Customer” it is actually spot on.

Brand loyalty drives higher ROI and stock price
Given the direct impact of brand loyalty on ROI and stock price, where does that leave Toyota?

Search Engine Marketing: Your Way Cost-effective Business
Search engine has so much to do when it comes to earning money. It’s quite simply looking for a relevant inclusions and keywords to make it recognizable. The higher search results in search engines means the more people visited and clicked your link.

Why Employees' Leisure Interests are Good for Business
We all possess unique skills and talents, many of which come to the fore only when pursuing passionately-enjoyed leisure interests. Yet most businesses still only focus on the skills and abilities stated on job specifications. Skills audits rarely ask “what skills and abilities do you enjoy using in your personal life?” Passion promotes potential. To ignore skills used in passionate leisure interests is a major loss to the workplace.

How Social Media Can Increase Your Web Traffic
Social media has become a necessary component in internet marketing. And it’s crucial to select the right social medium.

If you don’t take care of your employees… they won’t take care of your customers
Delivering the brand from the inside out ---- ensuring that every employee is engaged and motivated to consistently deliver on your brand’s promise ---- is crucial to driving customer loyalty.

LEADERHIP: IF NOT NOW ….THEN…WHEN……????
Time is the greatest resource available to mankind .Come to think of it, when our planet earth was formed millions of years ago and thereafter for many centuries, there was no concept of time. The reason probably was that there was no need for measuring the activities performed by the creatures then in terms of the results.. The sole motive of the living creatures was just that-Living. And to do any other activity connected to survival.

Flickr - Social Media For Business With the Power of Images
They say a picture is worth is a thousand words. As a social media for business marketing strategy however, pictures could be worth a thousands of dollars. Are you using pictures effectively to promote your company or products effectively online? One of the most underutilized and least appreciated tactics is sharing a full suite of downloadable online photos. Sharing images of your key staff, company building, special events and the like can help people familiarize themselves with the company and build trust with your company

How To Publicize A Start-Up Business
If you are starting a new business, regardless of whether you are selling a product or service, getting publicity may seem like a daunting endeavor. It doesn't have to be. By using the right strategies and mindset, you can get exposure for your start-up and look as experienced and established as competitors that have been around for decades.

Avoid these 5 mistakes when trying to sell your business
Often times little things can get in the way of selling your business- things we don't think about or have little time to think about. Avoiding these simple mistakes can help in the process of being successful when selling your business.

The Commericialization of Earth Day
Companies are increasingly using Earth Day as a primary marketing vehicle. While some decry the commercialization of Earth Day, others see it as a powerful driver of the green market. AIM Mail Centers used Earth Day to promote their year-round greener practices. On Earth Day TD unveiled a highly energy-efficient bank branch building. The profit motive is a hugely influential incentive that is enticing companies to engage in more sustainable practices.

Earth Day 2010: Life and Death Decisions for Business
On Thursday, April 22, 2010 Earth Day will celebrate its fortieth anniversary. With one billion members Earth Day is the largest secular civic event in the world. This year, Earth Day is a pivotal opportunity for businesses to push for green jobs, caps for carbon and a sustainable global economy. Businesses can either prepare for a sustainable future or wait for repercussions.

Smart Women Have a Good Eye
This article is about choosing collaborations that are “right” for you and your business. There will be many opportunities that come along as your business grows and knowing how to choose the right ones will position you for better business growth.

Know How Social Media Drives your Business with Greater Sensation
Nowadays people wants simplest thing with huge profit in return rather than exerting so much effort with a little impact on business! Latest technology, Social Media will do the rest in business. Social Media is designed to distribute social interaction with highly accessible and scalable publishing ways. It uses Internet and web based technologies to transmit and broadcast media monologues into social media dialogues. It has been rationalized to reach consumer through Internet. It is very appealing in all businesses. Social media can bring greater success when it comes to advertising. Products and services of one business can be globally distributing all the good things offered all over the world. It can also be said that it is the newly discovered tool for effective business marketing and sales.

Be Visible Online with Search Engine Optimization
The crucial Internet Marketing system that is used for website endorsement and increasing its visibility on the top search engines result is SEM or Search Engine Marketing. In the field of Internet Marketing, there are different ways to make your company move on the top results. Based on Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO), some process are included but not limited to: Paid inclusion, Paid placement (PPC), Contextual advertising and Search engine optimization (SEO).

Goals setting tips for your business pt1
Rocco here from Bluesilver Business ,Marketing & Property Consultant goals and planning is very important to succeeding in life it helps you and the people around you to see where you a heading in life helps get what has to bee done on a daily or weekly basses

The Truth about Mondays by Linda J Lord
The Pitch: How soccer strategies relate to success in business and life.

Hiring Employees Is More Than Just Paying Salaries
Hiring employees is more than just paying a wage as it also involves additional expenses Federal and State mandated taxes – all of which really add up. In fact, these additional fees can related to more than 30% above the employee’s base wage rate.

Earth Day and The Business of Green
Earth Day started as a grassroots movement, now environmental advocacy organizations are being sponsored by corporations and this is helping to change social behavior. Smart businesses are responding to consumers asserting their right to greener products and demanding more sustainable business practices.

At Target Everyday is Earth Day
Some environmentalists have criticized Earth Day as a one day event, but companies like Target are making Earth Day everyday. Target is reducing their environmental impact through a multitude of sustainable practices. Target is amongst a growing number of businesses that are marrying their profit motive to environmental responsibility.

Canon Reaffirms Green Procurement Program for Earth Day
Canon Middle East commemorated Earth Day by reaffirming its commitment to green purchasing. They have reduced their use of resources and minimized their production of waste. Canon is serious about the sustainability of its own operations and they are expanding the green market by encouraging their suppliers to comply with environmental certification systems. To continue reading go to THE GREEN MARKET.

Learn Basic ROI Calculation
ROI is one of the very basic methods of knowing how well your business is doing. It is a simple et powerful tool to evaluate profit from an investment.

The Best Marketing Parable You Ever Heard
In This timeless parable adapted by marketing expert Issamar Ginzberg, A deep understanding of marketing and how to satisfy your clients and customers is taught. See why even clowns on tricycles couldn't cheer him up... but a homeless man could.

10 Tips for Researching a Franchise Operation
Ten questions you need to ask before deciding on a franchise operation.

Does Success Change You?
Imagine this scenario... You spend years working hard to succeed. During these years, you have some success, mixed with lots of false starts. But you never really reach the level of success you dream of. And then something shifts. Everything begins to work, and your fame and fortune take off...

BusinessTM Review
Business™, a website launched earlier this year, is providing current, relevant and in-depth information for online entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Smart Women Know Who to Ask
This article is about making sure that you ask the right people when you have an idea for your business. It’s essential that you get your advice, mentoring and coaching from the right people. People who are successful, positive and inspirational. Get advice from people who’ve accomplished the kinds of goals that matter to you.

Survey Results and Special Offer For an Opportunity to Dramatically Increase Your Profits
Results and solutions for the survey that asked: What is your single biggest challenge when it comes to presenting your business message (what you do/what you can do for people) to an audience (big or small) to promote and grow your business?

Working Smarter Versus Working Harder to Market and Grow Your Business
If you ever want to be able to put your business growth on autopilot and have more time for things you enjoy, working smarter is critical. The thing is, working smarter doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Most entrepreneurs have to, well, work at it a bit. But it’s worth the extra effort up front because it lets you get more done with less effort later.

Help on How To Kick Those Time Wasting Habits
The goal is to slow down and be focused on the highest pay-off activities that will produce the results you desire in the timeframe you want – personally and professionally.

Hot Retail Trends In 2010!
The latest and greatest retail trends for 2010!

The Top 10 Things Independent Businesses Do That Hurt Themselves The Most:
Top ten list of how businesses can hurt themselves and not even know it!

10 Reasons Competitors Have More Business Than You!
Top ten reasons why your competition is getting it, and you don't.

Understand your tax position before selling your business
It is important to know and understand where you stand with your taxes- your tax position, especially when you're thinking of selling your business. These are a few steps to ensure you know your tax position and are able and ready to sell your business.

Thinking of becoming a momtrepreneur?
Many mothers are hesitant to become entrepreneurs because they're afraid of the many risks involved and that it will do their family life more harm than good. These are valid concerns, but there are also good reasons for why starting a business may do exactly the opposite.

A Few Reasons You Need a Blog For Your Business
As we all know there are a few reasons you need a blog for your business. If you have a blog, you know how much fun it can be and how you can give it your special and personal touch.

Smart Women and the Game of Entrepreneurship
This game is about designing a business that will be successful. Entrepreneurship can be both exciting and challenging. There are questions that you can ask yourself and action steps that you can take that will make your game of entrepreneurship successful and you will feel like a winner!

Three MLM Home Based Business Opportunity Secrets Guaranteed To Make You Successful
Alright so you want to know my three ultra, super amazing secrets for success in your mlm home based business opportunity? Well I’ll tell you, but just be fair warned, that once I tell you these secrets, you’ll never be able to go back to struggling in your mlm business ever again… If you can handle that utterly crazy consequence, then let’s dive into it, shall we…

So, You’ve Made It – But, How Well Is Your Business Doing?
Ever wonder if your business is doing as good as it can? What about understanding if your business is doing as well as your competition? Or, if your business is squeezing the most profits out of the assets and resources it currently has?

Five Tips for a Smoother, More Efficient Tax Time
Here's some tips I have found to be very useful, and always try to keep in mind especially during the tax season.

Beware Southern Drivers During Snowstorms
First of all, there are no snowstorms as far south as I live even though the slightest flurry causes everyone to rush to the store and clean the shelves of bread, milk and batteries. It is not safe to be on the road with these fanatics. You may risk getting struck by a driver trying to join the hoards running to stock up on food stuffs they will be unable use in the event there really is a major storm. The scenario is always the same. Mr./Mrs. Weatherman swears up and down that we are going to have snow and the entire city turns into a bunch of lunatics.

MLM Opportunity: A Good Opportunity
A product is suitable for MLM if it's a new product or falls into a new category that people are not yet familiar with. Innovative products have often used the MLM venue to enter the market. MLM products often represent a great leap forward in some way that calls for one form or another of consumer training. In the end, a company only survives if it has great products.

Honesty Speaks Loudly in Many Languages
Honesty being a component of integrity is a leadership characteristic with a universal value...leaders looking to lead effectively will not overlook its significance.

Smart Women Have a Winning Offense
This article is about how important it is to create a trusting and happy relationship with your clients---especially when they are brand new. It’s key to foster good communication and be in touch with them on a regular basis.

3 Key Reasons A Business Needs To Keep Books
What are the main reasons a business needs to keep books? If I were to have to narrow it down in level of importance, I would Have to say the 3 key reasons for bookkeeping are:

Business strategy is to save resources - Outsource Accounting Function
Ideally accounting department is always a back office functioning department let it me in house or offshore. Building an in house accounting department could results in huge capital expenditure. A few of key investment drivers are space, equipments, manpower, time and technology. And same resources can be diverted to achieve the organizational goals and objectives, that is, allowing companies to focus on their core business - and save money.

Outsource Accounting
Maintaining the accounts and capital expenditures is quite a tedious task for many companies. Bookkeeping is concerned with handling the financial records, business revenue, profits and losses incurred by the company and providing you financial reports. Accounting outsourcing services deals with outsourcing bookkeeping and other accounting related works

3 Common Tax Mistakes
Here are 3 very common tax mistakes that are made everyday.

How Can I Help?
This article presents a different way to look at your customers and all people in your life. By asking the question "How Can I Help?", you invite new opportunities to serve the greater good in business and otherwise.

Pricing One’s Products and Services
Setting one’s prices is a never-ending struggle for business owners. Buyer’s behaviors change nearly as fast as the weather. But, by better understanding how and why customers value and purchase products may take some of the pricing dilemma away.

7 Things to Consider in Affiliate Marketing Business Model Online Website Selling
7. Can the SYSTEM be used by anyone anywhere to Succeed (like McDonalds) - Finally, McDonalds is run by teenagers who have a specific set of SIMPLE rules all over the world no matter what their background. Is the business model SIMPLE and STEP BY STEP that anyone can make money from and pass on to others?

How to Find Your Customer Base & Successfully Market to Them
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a business owner is to not clearly define your target market. You may indeed have the best product or service out there, but if you're pitching the wrong target audience, it's not going to work. Define your market and develop a marketing plan to effectively reach your customers or prospects. Once you’ve successfully accomplished those two steps, you’re in the business of growing your business. Here are tips to find your competition.

Most Companies Get Leadership Wrong
Most companies take a good approach to developing leaders, but generally miss the point. There's a lot of emphasis placed on good decision making, effective communication, and team building. And all those are important, but don't address what matters most.

Overwhelmed Solo-Entrepreneurs…Here’s Why You Gotta Outsource to Grow Your Business
If you’re an overworked solo-entrepreneur, or any business owner looking to leverage the power of the Web to market your business, I guarantee you can benefit from hiring a VA team too-no matter your budget.

All Metrics Will Be Gamed
The dynamics that are in play within the business and team must be understood. Lin Yutang in The Importance of Living (1998) very succinctly puts it "In short, my faith in human dignity consists in the belief that man is the greatest scamp on earth." It is only natural that people will try to take advantage of a measure in a business to 'game' the system - to interpret it in a way that makes it easier to achieve the number, or easier to obtain reward and recognition. As humans, we will try to take advantage of any interpretation that we can to help ourselves.

Efficiency versus Effectiveness
Everyday we are confronted with the message, to be more efficient. We could have the best measurement systems in place to measure the efficiency of the operations, but be producing the wrong thing or focusing on the wrong area - as a result, the business could fail, though it was highly efficient. What is going to build the future of our business does not come through efficiency; it comes through effectiveness.

Manufacturing Loyal Employees: Is it Possible?
How do you create loyal, motivated employees if you can't make them stand and cheer? I have observed many firms attempt to create loyalty and an inspiration for hard work amongst their staff. One financial planning firm has actually gone to the extreme in attempting to create a staff of loyal, committed staff people. But what has transpired, instead, is more of an episode of The Office than a truly inspired workforce. The reason: loyalty is not something you can force upon people or manufacture; it is earned through the relationships you establish with your employees.

Are You Working in the Red Zone, or Just Working?
What is worth the effort in your business? Where does your productivity and focus pay off the most? Of course, the activities that produce the greatest results are not the easiest. The biggest successes often come when we are in the difficult, magnified, and critical “red zone.”

10 Questions Great Connectors Ask at Networking Events
Getting people to open up to you is a great first step, but then, to make a stronger connection you need to keep them talking. So what are the right questions to ask to get others to open up? Here are 10 questions great connectors ask at networking events.

How is an Affiliate Marketing Business Model Online Website Selling for Dummies?
You are officially a Dummy! :) But that is absolutely no problem at all. Everyone starts off being a dummy whenever they are require to learn a new skill. You know you want to write your own pay check. You also know that you want to be your own boss. So how is an affiliate marketing business model online website selling for Dummies? It is because:

Your Resume Has Expired……
I recently received this email from a very dominant resume accepting website, and it made me laugh quite a bit. For fifteen years I had been with the same major retailer working my way up the ladder every twelve to eighteen months. Like many smart individuals I had submitted my resume out on the internet to see if I could get a “bite” on a better opportunity.

Affiliate Marketing Business Model - Online Website Selling
I am going to tell you quickly the ADVANTAGES of this new market that thousands and thousands of people are using to rack it thousands and thousands of dollars! Not only that, most of these people are doing so from the comfort of their own home and making more money then their day job that they do not need to work anymore. Here are the main benefits to consider as this is exploding off the roof.

How to Identify Your Personality, Strengths & Weaknesses in 15 Seconds and Make It Work For You
Learning how to analyze the different personalities you associate with everyday will help you connect with others and build a deeper, more meaningful and profitable relationship...

Design Your Own Logo, Save a Buck, Send the Wrong Message
Most new and small business owners are faced with the plethora of challenges, not the least of which are advertising and marketing. Making the most of their investment dollar is all-important. Too often, however, the corners that get cut can prove very costly down the road. Saving a buck on professional design services can set a bad precedent and create a stigma that is sometimes unable to be undone. Making the investment in professional design services can be a very wise move for many business owners.

Moral Hazards of Metrics
Build on your awareness of moral hazards within business. Steve touches on seven moral hazards within business - quantitative versus qualitative; creativity, innovation and intuition can be put aside with metrics; no evolution, efficiency versus effectiveness; myopia; assumptions and biases; looking backwards not forwards. This article builds upon the work of Ron Baker of VeraSage Institute.

It's What I Do To Stay Ahead
Those of you who are familiar with Stephen Covey's work will be familiar with the expression "sharpen your saw" - it's reference to the fact that all of us need to stop and take time to re-charge, re-energize, learn and grow. That's exactly what this past week has been about for me!

The Business Blitz: Your Winning Strategy for a Sluggish Economy
What business lessons have you learned from football season? Haven't really thought about it, you say? Well, here are some pigskin principles especially for financial services professionals.

The Easiest Way to Make a Million Dollars
Don't even bother reading it, it really is this simple: figure out a way to make everyone else work for you voluntarily, for free.

Business after recession
This article describes the strategies to be adapted by the business manager/owner to tackle the recession in an effective manner.

How to Make Your Customers Feel Welcome
In this excellent article the author shows you and your employees how to create the kind of atmoshphere that makes your clients and customers prefer to do business with you over the rest of your competition. Too often small business owners blame the economy and the government for their slumping business. If they would only look a little further they would identify a major cause of their business decline-their own attitude towards their clients and customers.

Seeking Business Capital in This Market, Time to Get Creative
Still struggling to find a loan for your business? If what you have been doing is not working, try something else. Here are some tips to get you off the wrong track and focused on getting the capital you need for your business.

5 Sins of a Startup Retail or Franchise Business
The DO NOT parts of starting your own business.

Sustainability Driven Innovation
Sustainable innovations are creating new business models, opening up new markets and providing competitive advantages. Sustainable innovation is also improving profitability. Companies around the world are demonstrating how innovative sustainable practices are bettering their bottom line. A focus on sustainability is enabling organisations to innovate, differentiate themselves and succeed. Although sustainable practices were once dismissed for being too costly, increasing numbers of companies are coming to the realization that sustainable innovations are a gateway to growth. Visionary business leaders who anticipate the winds of change and creatively develop sustainable products and processes will thrive in the rapidly changing economic landscape.

The Top Affiliate Marketing Business Model - Online Website Selling
One of the coolest trick in the book is when you do not even need a website :) You just need to have your unique website link posted wherever you want. Not only that, you can hide and change the actual link so that it says whatever you choose to; making it look more genuine and real.

When Is The Last Time You Had Fun?
How many times, lately, have you told yourself, "I'm just having TOO much fun!"??? I don't hear this often enough from women - in fact, many of us don't even make the time for fun in our lives. We are much too serious! Our schedules are full. Business has taken over our lives.

Winning Needs a Plan, Not Just a Vision
Rocky Wirtz, the owner of the Blackhawks for less than 2 years, declared that the team would be a winning franchise again. Then he took action to do something about it. He almost immediately moved to change everything about the team from the players, to home office staff, to media contracts. And just as important as winning the Stanley Cup (Congratulations Blackhawks!), is how he did it. He had a plan that had likely been formulating for years prior to his assumption of the team from his late father, Bill Wirtz. I believe that the plan you lay out to achieve the win should be as strong as your winning idea. It should be tactical, multi-faceted, well thought out, and reviewed with others. Knowing HOW to reach your goals is critical if you realistically expect to reach them.

How Hyperlinks Can Help Your Online Business
If you currently have, or are considering starting, an online business you need to learn about hyperlinks. Hyperlinks play a very important role to all of us on the internet. Hyperlinks not only help you as a business owner but they also help readers.

Grow Your Business by Harnessing Your Superpowers
The thing with superpowers is that everyone has their own unique set, and if you are spending too much time worrying about someone else’s superpowers then you will lose out on harnessing your own powers. It’s why you can’t measure yourself against other people and/or businesses. They have talents that you won’t be able to replicate, so why try?

Orient Yourself Towards Others And Relieve Pressure In The Workplace
Do you orient yourself towards others or yourself? To inspire trust and innovation, it is obvious which type of person is most successful.

Insider Secrets to Making Money with Internet Marketing
Internet marketing has been getting a bad rep for some time now and there are some really good reasons. Internet Marketing and the ability to make money takes a strong discipline and really is like any other business model. Unfortunately over the years this industry has gotten black eyes due to people providing misleading messages and promises that never materialize.

Secrets to a Successful Online Business Opportunity
As many people start over they want the secrets to a successful online business opportunity and are expecting a magic book, enlightening saying, or closing statement to make them millions. While all these things would be great to have in your arsenal, I would like to talk about some sure fire options.

Explode Your Business with This Internet Marketing Campaign
Are you wishing you had a business like many other internet marketing guru’s? I am getting ready to give you a step by step process that will allow you to explode your business with a simple and practical internet marketing campaign. If you are happy or content, then please stop reading this right now! This is only for people that want to be in the top 3%.

Explode Your Business with This Internet Marketing Campaign Part #2
In part one of this internet marketing campaign I talked about deciding who your customer is, and promoting your business. In part #2, I am going to cover things like “Figuring Out a Budget,” “How to Create Ad content” and “How to Track and Monitor Your Ads.”

Performance Anxiety: How To Spot The Professional Advisor
All the advisors I've worked with have been smart, qualified, knowledgeable, experienced, and young for people with so much to offer. The overarching difference between the rookies and the pros, though, has been confidence. In short, rookies work hard to project confidence they don't feel, and pros are lazier: they feel confidence, but don't feel the need to show it. Whether the conversation with the client is face-to-face, over the phone, or in writing/cyberspace, for the rookie, it's always about himself and his performance anxiety... am I really qualified to render advice to this older, more experienced executive? For the pro, who has survived the brutal gauntlet required to reach senior consultant or partner status (and the ripe old age of about 35), it's never about her own performance, but about the client and his needs.

Working Capital Financing
Businesses today are finding themselves short of cash for a myriad of reasons and are seeking new ways secure needed working capital. But, to succeed, businesses must first understand how working capital works in conjunction with their operating cycle.

Treat Little Customers Like Big Customers
Learn how to create lifetime customers by using some simple but critcal strategies.

Internet Home Based Business Opportunity Seeker
2010! And you are a new Internet Home Based Business Opportunity Seeker. Thanks to the recession and massive losses around the world such as Greece and oil spillage from such as BP, home based internet business opportunities are exploding more then ever. I think we have all had enough from the Government, had enough of being scared of being fired. On top of that had enough of missing the great events in life with family and for some of us not even seeing our children grow. If your ready to seriously change your life quickly whilst you still cling on to your job for the next few months, here are some GREAT home based business ideas that work!

The Best Internet Home Based Business Opportunity Seeker
Having so many people start a home business, did you know that 97% of all these businesses would end up failing within 12 months? Why is that... the answer is very simple. Only 3% of these home business owners actually know how a "BUSINESS" works and the requirements for running it on a daily basis. That is a very very large failure rate and not something stacked in the favour of someone looking to quit their job or looking for a new income. So knowing that 97% of all new businesses fail within 12 months on the internet what can you do to make sure you are well equipped with the best business and knowledge so you SUCCEED like the 3%?

Five Secrets for Getting Twice the Marketing Done in Half the Time
So, what's my secret? I've developed a few rules for marketing any business more effectively and efficiently. As long as you stick to them, your marketing should keep getting done and you should keep seeing results.

Winning Isn’t Everything…
Vince Lombardi famously said “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” or some variation on that theme. Do you think it’s true? Is it really all or nothing? Well, what is true, typically, is that the runner up will not be remembered. Sometimes, our instincts are to minimize the value of winning. We tell ourselves, “It’s ok if we don’t win” or “We’ll get ‘em next time” – but really that’s a justification. Carrying that mentality makes room for failure before we have even tried to win. It is OK to lose. BUT…

Should Social Media Replace Cold-Calling?
Has social media led to the abandonment of time-tested elements such as cold-calling & meeting face-to-face with customers or they can co-exist & be profitable.

Does Volume Make Up for Low Price?
Your ability as a salesperson is not in how much you sell, but in how much you earn for your company...Here’s how to ensure you are not only protecting profit, but also ultimately in a place to increase it!

5 Ways to Increase Revenue with Your Internet Business
There are countless internet business owners that start their own internet business and they give up after a few months. They are giving up because they do not see instant revenue from their internet business, but why? We are fully aware and accept the fact that it takes years to obtain a healthy ROI also known as Return On Investment from a conventional business.

How to Lubricate Your Business.
All equipment requires preventative maintenance and your business is no different. A little care and consideration will go a long way to prevent problems. The smooth operation of processes makes the success of any venture more feasible. The leaders mindset and attitude affect everything about the business.

Proven Strategies for Networking Face-to-Face
Even if you consider yourself an introvert, these 12 simple techniques, to successfully network face-to-face in a room of people, will help you come out of that shell. There is no need to shy away from business networking if you know how to do it properly.

When You Work From Home Don't Forget Your Other Responsibilities
I have seen it time and time again, and I have to be honest I sometimes forget my other responsibilities when working from home. This article will help you focus on your ability to work from home and ideas to keep the two separated. If you do not follow these tips you will find yourself mixing work with personal time only getting to the point they become one.

Networking is a Continuous Process
Some people start to network when they lose their job. Smart people network continuously so they always have a pocketful of good contacts. Networking is build on trust, and trust takes time to build.

The Ole Boy Network Still Has Teeth
I'm not a sexist, and I'm not a bra-burning feminist. I am a realist. That's why I can say that the ole boy network still unequivocally affects relationship building in the corporate hallowed halls ... not so much in the entrepreneurial ranks.

Silence to the Fifth Power
You turn them off! And if by magic, you can think again, and envision again, and create again, and dialogue again, and feel a sense of newly regained energy, “again”. That is Silence to the Fifth Power.

The Difference Between Training And Education
Training is only the first step, high sales come from educating.

What are my options if I cannot sell my business?
If you experience difficulty selling your business, there are options available to you. It is important to take care of your lease if applicable, assess your assets and see what you can do to get the best price for your business and work on your inventory. This article goes over these steps and more to help you when you find you cannot sell your business.

Money Ain’t the Only Motivator
What can you do to retain your best employees when money isn't available? Is encouragement enough in a down market?

Are you as good at receiving as giving?
This article teaches you six powerful and insightful secrets and tips for becoming a masterful receiver. Why is becoming a masterful receiver of abundance important? The reality is, if you are not adept at receiving, you will regularly experience lows in your flow of cash and other forms of prosperity.

Start the Day Fresh
James Dicks examines the power of positive thinking

What can I do if I cannot sell my business?
There are many things you can do if you cannot sell your business. This article outlines a few, like selling any excess items for cash on eBay or Craistlist, selling your business with assets in place or getting an equipment appraisal to value your assets. All of these and more are options if you find you cannot sell your business.

Motivating With More Than Money
The old adage still holds true - people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Dealing With Idiots At Work
Why can idiots at work drive away your best employees? How do you describe a person with a bad or negative attitude? Can you do anything about it? Stop and ask your self these questions and do they affect you and your work team?

How an Object Can Travel the World That Cost You Ten Cents
In today’s age there are websites and companies that are going online daily. Many of these websites that are going live are new entrepreneurs that have the idea of owning their own online business. As more and more of these entrepreneurs get online they are in need of the same thing as everyone else…traffic!

The 6 Perceptual Styles, What We Value and How We See the World: The Activity Style
In the first of a series of articles detailing the 6 innate Perceptual Styles of the Vega Role Facilities Theory, the authors detail the style known as Activity: an active, inquisitive person for whom life is a constantly shifting panorama of opportunities and connections.

Are There Really Enough Hours in the Day to Be An Internet Marketer?
I have been asked time and time again, how much time I spend as an internet marketer. While my answer may be a little bit different than others, they may also have different results. See I started out as a part time marketer while I was still working 70+ hours a week. Wonder when I found the time?

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
James Dicks examines the need to make some critical decisions that will affect your future financial life.

If I am thinking of selling my business, where do I start?
Knowing where to start when selling your business can be hard to figure out. When selling your business, it’s important to consider a few things first: what assets come with the business? What fixtures, furniture and equipment are included and how is the inventory? Asking yourself these questions and addressing them first can ensure success when selling your business. This article explains each of these in greater detail to help when figuring out where to start when selling your business.

What are the Financial Benefits of Starting an Online Business?
In today's tough economy people are looking for more financial benefits by starting an online business. Many people start looking for two reasons; they lost their job and are looking for a way to make a living or they are working on a Plan B.

Creative Debt and Equity Financing Programs for Small and Medium Size Businesses
This article introduces several concepts and information about financial programs that are little know to the small and medium size business owners. The programs are commonly used by the larger corporations on a daily basis. We have down-size the concept to make them available for the small and medium size businesses. If you are having difficulty finding funding for your start-up or expanding company this article is a must read, you will not find this information in your local book store or college course

Why Franchising
What are the benefits of buying a franchise vs. starting a new business?

Profile: HALCHA Youth & Community Development organization
HALCHA Youth and Community Development organization is based in Garbatulla, a small town in northern Kenya where the populace are faced with poor living standards, low literacy levels, unemployment, unpredictable weather patterns that adversely impact on food security.

East African entrepreneurs need a level playing field in the new Common Market
The regional integration of the East Africa community is finally here. With the promise of trade barriers falling, for East African entrepreneurs this bodes well in a common market of 130 million people.

How entrepreneurs stay motivated
After the initial excitement of the brain wave that will change the world and revolutionize society has long ended; and the entrepreneur sets to the task of actually making their vision happen, sometimes set backs or sheer fatigue sets in. Then the visionary who was once so elated over their business idea starts to view it as work.

Paying Oneself As An Entrepreneur
Many business owners are under the impression that they can take money out of their businesses as soon as their doors open. This is not good financial management. There is a point that rewards can be realized, you just have to know where that point is.

The 6 Perceptual Styles, What We Value and How We See the World: The Flow Person
In the third of a series of articles detailing the 6 innate Perceptual Styles of the Vega Role Facilities Theory, the authors detail the style known as Flow: a person who perceives a world of unity and relationships, who trusts in the flow of experience and believes what is important and necessary will naturally emerge in life.

Three Persuasive Language Techniques
People often mistake 'persuasiveness' with either speaking more loudly or more passionately. Tone and volume certainly play a role in the impact of the things you say - sometimes positive, sometimes negative, but the most effective way to improve your persuasiveness is to employ some simple, but powerful language strategies.

The Rush to Prosperity May Be Ill-Advised
In the get rich quick world, accumulating wealth slowly may be something that's hard for people to grasp. Read the article below to gain insights of this time proven wisdom.

What is the Key to Prosperous Marketing?
Many things are involved in the process of marketing products. One of the most critical is making a personal connection with your prospective customers. This comes from having an understanding of their wants and needs.

Business Lesson from a Farmer
200 years ago 95% of the population were farmers, today only 2% are farmers. There were some very practical wisdoms learned on a farm about life and about how to handle hard times. Every entrepreneur and business person should read this lesson from what farmers knew about the practical wisdom of surviving hard times.

How To Win Back A Customer
Everyone who has been in sales knows how much work it can take to acquire a new customer - which makes losing a customer that much more painful. This article talks about strategies for winning back customers who might be thinking of walking.

Dealing with Difficult Customers #4
Dealing with 'Suspicious Sally' - Customers who don't trust you. (From Shaun Belding's "Winning at Work" newsletter

Performance Management
A relatively new management buzz phrase, performance management, has been gaining popularity recently. Management, particularly sales management, has always been about getting results so clearly whatever sales managers have been doing prior to the emergence of this new concept should also be known as performance management. The article explains the tasks required to maximize performance.

Fax to Wall
The fax is dead, long live the fax. In these days of high tech marketing even email is beginning to seem old hat. Reading an article about fax marketing revived an old idea - fax to wall.

Personal Marketing for Sales People
Never make another cold call again. These days there is a realistic alternative to making cold telephone calls to find new sales prospects. It involves leveraging the latest online services to identify and woo potential customers before making a call or arranging to be introduced.

What to do when Overwhelmed – a 5-step approach
There are generally two reasons why people procrastinate. One is when they don’t know what to do and the other, is when they have too much to do and don’t know where to start. Let’s talk about the latter part – the one where there is too much to do. This condition is popularly known as Overwhelm. But unlike what most people perceive, overwhelm is actually a good thing - at least, better than not having anything to do at all. Let’s look at how one can easily get over this hurdle.

The 6 Perceptual Styles, What We Value and How We See the World: The Adjustment Style
In the second of a series of articles detailing the 6 innate Perceptual Styles of the Perceptual Style Theory, the authors detail the style known as Adjustments: a keen and thoughtful observer of the world for whom life offers a complexity that can only be known by gathering knowledge and the understanding that comes with it.

Business Coaching How to Plan
A look at how planning a coaching session can be detrimental to the outcome the client needs.

Getting Past Fear of Failure and Growing a Successful Business
When it comes to growing a business, every entrepreneur is bound to make mistakes along the way. It’s easy to let your emotional self get frustrated, fearful and freaked. But you can’t let a couple mistakes-no matter how painful-keep you from being successful…

Smart Women and the Six Feminine Energies(TM)
This article is about women embracing what’s really important to them right now in their lives. It’s key to hone in and take action on what drives you, what fuels you, what energizes you. This is a key to living on purpose and with passion.

Business and the ESGR
James Dicks examines the importance for today's American business to stand behiond the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

Competition Is Not Healthy
Don't compete, DOMINATE!

The Abundance of Money
Keeping the right attitude and outlook to get "in the flow of money"

Why an appraisal is critical to a seller when selling their business
When trying to sell your business, getting an appraisal is beneficial for a number of reasons. Understanding what assets are part of the sale, removing any personal items that aren’t for sale and deciding the worth of your business with a professional ensures success when trying to sell your business. This article outlines the benefits of an appraisal and why it is critical when selling your business.

Smart Women Keep Showing Up
This article is about how important it is to “show up” in business using three simple tools to help you move your business to the next level of success. “Showing up” is 50% of your success. Doing it over and over again, with a great attitude, consistency and help from others.

Smart Women Understand “Life is an Occasion”
This article is about celebrating your life by making it into something that you are proud of and happy to live in. It offers tips and solutions on how to make your life more of an “occasion” with having more of what you want and less of what you don’t. This, of course, means that change may need to take place. Letting go or taking on what’s necessary to make your life an “occasion.”

10 Simple Rules for Growing a Successful Business
Entrepreneurs…Are you tired of working your butt off for too little money? To help you get on the road to creating the business-and life-you’ve always dreamed of, here are ten simple rules to help you unchain yourself from your business, create more success, and enjoy life WAY more.

Are you “what” you know?
Consistently being who you are solidifies relationships in all areas of your personal and professional life, and the opposite is true if you want to scare folks off. They would leave skid marks and run the other way.

Five Ways to Stay in touch with Clients and Prospects without Breaking the Bank
Most entrepreneurs do marketing whenever they have a minute to fit it in-or they don’t do it all. But if you’re not staying in front of clients and prospects regularly they’re sure to forget all about you and the value you offer. That means you’re losing business…

Using Online Collaboration Tools Effectively
Teleconference training and webinar use began to gather momentum about ten years ago. Several awful experiences of webinars run by a range of different large and small organisations encouraged us to think we could do better. If you are responsible for leading an online meeting, using the following tips will help you avoid setbacks, keep participants engaged, provide value, give attendees a positive experience of using the online medium, and save huge cauldrons full of time and money.

The 6 Perceptual Styles, What We Value and How We See the World: The Goals Style
In the fourth of a series of articles detailing the 6 innate Perceptual Styles of the Perceptual Style Theory, the authors detail the style known as Goals: a person who perceives the world as a series of tasks that must be completed at all costs, who thrives on challenges and opportunities posed by life’s immediate problems.

Are You Stalling Due To Fear?
We’ve all experienced fear in our lives. Most of it though is not beneficial to us. I know you’ve had this feeling…It starts in the pit of your stomach, you feel a little queasy, you start to notice your hands shaking a little and maybe you’re breaking into a cold sweat. Fear is overcoming you. How do you know? You decide to not go ahead with whatever it is you were doing when it started and you start to feel a little better. Fear got it’s way and you stopped the exciting new venture you were about to leap into.

The Importance of Teamwork for a Business
A good team working on a business project is the result of having a guarantee that work well, with issues and objectives from the perspective of almost every conceivable test with be dealt with being seen are included.

A Better Approach with Purchasing Departments
A positive attitude is the foundation for profitable long-term relationship with the purchasing department...Make the attitude adjustments that make a difference.

Your Buyer is Smarter than You
Buyers are smart & purchasing departments do their jobs well...Here are a few simple approaches for a salesperson to follow in order to thrive with them.

Benefits of Seller Finance when selling your business
There are various reasons why it is important to consider seller finance when buying or selling your business. There are upsides and downsides to seller finance and both are worthwhile knowing. This article outlines both, and shows that seller finance can make a big difference in the end.

Strategic Foreclosure
James Dicks examines the current state of the U.S. housing market.

3 Practical Steps to Achieve Success
Want to be more successful? People sometimes think there is a secret to achieving success that they don't have access to. Learn how you can practice some basic steps that will help you transform your business and your life.

The 6 Perceptual Styles, What We Value and How We See the World: The Methods Style
In the fifth of a series of articles detailing the 6 innate Perceptual Styles of the Perceptual Style Theory, the authors detail the style known as Methods: a person who sees the world in a rational, matter-of-fact manner, who excels at breaking complex tasks down into a simple, ordered sequence that inevitably achieves his/her goals.

Using Facebook Marketplace to Advertise your Business
With its wide reach to people belonging to almost all strata of society cutting across geographical boundaries and getting past other obstacles, Facebook has emerged as one of the undisputed leaders for advertising your business. If too have been eying this opportunity to bring your business or services into the notice of millions of web surfers out there, the following tips may help:

Smart Women, LeBron James and the Need to Be You
This article is about being courageous and standing firm in what you want in your life, despite what others may think. It’s about getting creative and making a plan to achieve this dream. You need to give yourself permission to take action on your dreams and goals.

The Coaching Phenomenon
For years, it was the private secret of the business world. Corporate executives experienced it behind closed doors, in board rooms, and in departmental meetings. Now, the secret's out of the closet, and the public has discovered it.

Raise the $takes for Success
3 steps to funding your dream business

PUNK YOUR BRAND
Malcolm McLaren, one of the major forces behind the Punk movement died a few months ago. He was an "unreasonable" man and we can all learn alot from how unreasonable people push the boundaries. McLaren was the marketing genius that propelled the punk movement into the spotlight and amplified its effect on our society and consciousness. He did such a good job that even now we all still hold a visceral understanding of the feelings and motivations behind the punk movement. Learn how to PUNK YOUR BRAND!

Smart Women, American Girl® and Building Your Brand
If you are a woman entrepreneur, your goal is to create brand awareness with your ideal client. American Girl® does this beautifully. Here are a few tips to help you boost your brand awareness for your business.

Smart Women Practice Quality Not Quantity
This article is about realizing that quality time is much better than the quantity of time we spend in all areas of our lives. Give yourself permission to schedule quality time and really “be” with your family and in your business rather than being there physically but not present. In this case, more is not always better. I find scheduling this “special” time with my family and in my business makes a big difference in the quality of my relationships.

The 6 Perceptual Styles, What We Value and How We See the World: The Vision Style
In the final installment of a series of articles detailing the 6 innate Perceptual Styles of the Perceptual Style Theory, the authors detail the style known as Vision: a person who sees the world as a place of infinite possibilities, who excels in using improvised communications to persuade and convince others of the same.

Balance Self-Confidence and Uncertainty
Researchers have revealed yet another key to flow.

Be Aware of Your Behaviors
Leadership is not something you learn once and for all. It is an ever-evolving pattern of skills, talents, and ideas that grow and change as you do.

Commit to Change
“A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.” - John Maxwell

Mirror Mirror On The Wall… Who’s…
How often do you confront your current reality?

Smart Women Use Speaking to Grow Their Business
This article is about using speaking to grow your business in a short period of time. Public or motivational speaking is an excellent way to allow your ideal client get to know you on a more personal level and become better acquainted with your services. It’s also a great list-building tool as well. People can get to know your style and connect with you quickly when you give a presentation.

Smashing Pedestals
We are all equally flawed and equally filled with the potential for greatness.

If Your Business had a Voice, Who would it Sound Like?
Every business has a voice that comes through in your marketing. That voice has the power to grab your prospect’s attention and hold it, or make them turn away in boredom or frustration. So if you’ve never given the voice of your business a second thought it’s time to reconsider.

5 alternatives to Seller Finance when selling your business
There are many things for both the buyer and seller to consider when selling or buying a business. The five options in this article deal with seller finance and will help ensure success when dealing with your business. Some topics include: sellers credit, earnings, inventory and real estate.

Another One Bites the Dust
As Darwin said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.”

Your Customers Are Your Most Valuable Asset
The following story illustrates not only how important it is to take seriously the way we treat our past customers, but it also shows just how easy it is to blow what could otherwise be a lasting win, win situation for everyone involved.

How to Step Out and Soar Amidst the Noise of Social Networking Today: Finding Your Wings In the Middle of the Big Flap!
There are five key ingredients to getting noticed in today’s crowded virtual networking. Once you have these soundly in place, simply continue to mix with consistence and persistence for results that will have you leading the way and soaring above the din of those unable to defy gravity.

How The Art of Article Writing and Article Marketing Can Help Your Business Grow
You will find that the subject of most of my articles is about the art of article writing, as well as article marketing. So what do I mean by article marketing? Well I believe that this is one of the most important aspects of running your own Internet business.

The Terrible Truth About E-Mail
Hate it or love it, if you're in business, you use e-mail every day. And because you use it, you may be under the mistaken impression that e-mail is the ideal technology for staying in touch. The terrible truth is that it is the one communication medium most apt to stir up trouble. This articles explains how to get it right.

Strategic Business Writing: 5 Rules to Write Right
Writing for today's business reader is not difficult. It requires an understanding of the way people read and attention to the elements that motivate a positive response. This articles explains it all.

Movies for Entrepreneuers
Entrepreneurs and budding entrepreneurs should watch movies. Some movies are better than others. Some movies are made for entrepreneurs. Here are movies that entrepreneurs can enjoy and learn from.

The Yukon Spirit: Nurturing Entrepreneurs
What creates the entrepreneurial spirit? Are you born with it or is it determined by your environment? I believe it is both. The environment can help to nurture the spirit within you. One perfect environment to nurture that spirit is the Yukon Territory of Canada. The Yukon is nestled right next to Alaska.

5 more seller finance options to consider when selling your business
This article offers five more reasons to use seller finance when selling your business. These options are less known but as effective in ensuring success when making a business transaction. A few options include license agreements, consulting agreements and different kinds of insurance.

The Gravity of Failure
We can and should learn from failures. We just need to be thoughtful about the lessons we carry forward.

Craigslist Removes Adult Services Ads
Craigslist has bowed down to pressure and removed its adult services section.

Smart Women Rest, Recharge & Renew
This article is about women taking the time to Retreat alone. It’s essential that we take the time to rest, recharge and renew ourselves. There are easy tips and solutions that you can use to make your retreat very successful.

Tips On Speaking In Public
Some people think that speaking in public is one trait of leadership. Many great leaders were known for their public speaking ability. Some leaders of today are known more for their rhetoric speeches. Even if you don't possess this ability, it's easily learned. You can take a public speaking course to improve your skills. But the best way to improve your skill is to actually get up and speak in front of people.

Intellectual Capital and Your Sales Career
To determine the success or failure of a business... we need to challenge conventional thinking and challenge ourselves to go outside of our comfort zone to seek diverse opinions and ideas.

Process Mapping: Ten Tips for Success
Mapping your organization’s processes makes good business sense as well as lays the foundation for a motivated and productive workforce. Leslie Allan shows you how you can use process mapping to engage your employees and why it works so effectively.

Training Employees: Stop Wasting Your Money
You send your people on expensive training courses. Yet your business performance does not seem to improve. Your problem may lie in how you look at training. This article considers two popular views of how training works. Hold the outdated view and you will continue to lose money on training. Act on the enlightened view and your business and people will prosper. Which view do you hold?

Your Consulting Business and Web 2.0
Using the internet to move your consulting business forward requires more than putting up a web site. Are you really leveraging the new social media aspects of the web for the future benefit of your business? Leslie Allan prods your thinking on how to use this new medium as he reviews a provocative white paper on this important business topic.

Profitable Non-Profits
Randy Seitz is taking the traditional approaches of 'non-profits' and turning them on their ear - challenging status quo in every aspect of his operations. I'm inspired by Randy's innovative thoughts on turning a non-profit into a self-sustaining entity. This is a fabulous example of defying Gravity for all of us.

Does Your Proposal Sell or Are You Just Crossing Your Fingers?
A proposal is a key closing tool. Why cross your fingers and hope for the best? You need to clue in about what it takes to write a great proposal. This article spells it out.

Making Better Decisions for Your VoIP System
Businesses have many different options when it comes to the IP phone system that they can use. One of the main things which will need to be considered is what kind service system you will use.

Self Storage: Second Class Investment? Not Anymore!
Investments are investments, especially in real estate. The rules haven’t changed and the name of the game is still “Return.” Then, perhaps, it should not be so surprising that a niche in the broad spectrum of real estate investing that was once considered to be an alternative, is fast becoming the new trend-setter.

How a business transition plan enhances selling your business
One successful way a business owner can start to sell their business is to create and execute a transition plan. Such a plan defines the needs of the business owner and then helps them to move towards their individual outcome. Starting here ensures success when a business owner decides to sell their business.

Stuck in a Pigeon Hole
Do you take the progress others have made into account when you view the folks around you? It's hard - because we can all change and adapt so quickly. Especially when we are focused on making a positive and significant change in ourselves, our lives and our capabilities.

TURN EMPTY OFFICE SPACE INTO A SELLING PROPOSITION FOR YOUR FIRM
In this slow and dreary market for commercial real estate, there might be a silver lining for your firm to appear to be bucking the trend and expanding while all around you businesses are static or shrinking.

Why Leaders Are Successful In Network Marketing And Others Aren't
All successful leaders have the same attributes and they stay focused on the project at hand. Most people are very fickle jumping from pillar to post and not really knowing why or what they are doing. They tend to blame every other person or thing for their failures instead of looking at themselves and searching for the real problem which usually comes from within. It's not easy having a network marketing or home business, particularly when you're used to answering to a boss. It's very easy to get sidetracked with doing menial tasks that aren't remotely related to productivity for your business because you have no-one to answer to at the end of the day, only yourself. Lets face it you can easily let yourself of the hook if you don't finish a task. Are you going to sack you? Not likely! Here are a few tips that will keep you focused...

Experienced human resources expertise
If someone tells you there is only one way to do something...run! No seriously, ask some clarifying questions. Is there only one way for legal, performance or other reasons? Why is there only one way? Make sure you understand the reason and that it makes good business sense - or don't do it. Trust the instincts that have made you successful to this point.

Your Leadership Love Cup
How well do you do in getting the best out of the people you lead? Can you "read" them well enough to know if you are being successful in stimulating their strengths and productivity? And "What Does Love Got To Do With It?"

How to Be a Rockstar Leader
When you hear the word “rockstar,” what comes to mind? Does it conjure up visions of a stage performance where adoring fans groove to the pounding vibe of a mega-celebrity with massive adoration? Does it evoke images of limousines, red carpet struts, and mega-attention? Perhaps it makes you think of an indulgent lifestyle where someone “gets” everything in lavish doses because of their huge persona, swelling fan base and their ability to command an army of servants to grant their every wish? Maybe an image of Mick Jagger, Bono, or even Hannah Montana? What about in a corporate setting? Have you ever heard of an executive on a rocket ride to the top in the organizational structure being referred to as a rockstar? If you have, does the image make you think of what that person gives, or what he or she gets?

How to Lead with Peace
Management Question: Do you approach each new day with a set of logical convictions in your head that help you attain your goals? Are you focused intently on achievement, winning, and gain? If so, bravo! You have a great sense of objective management skills and behaviors. You are being important. This is needed for results. Leadership Question: Are you also checking that “gyroscope” in your heart to see if you are being an actual caring, empathetic, and understanding human being while you achieve your results? Are you getting your results through healthy relationships? If so, then even better! You have a great sense of subjective leadership skills and behaviors. You are now being influential. This is needed for excellence!

Leadership and Management Understood
Many people confuse the ideas of what is true leadership and what is management. Many people think the two words are interchangeable and give little thought to the important differences between them. If, however, you take a quick moment and understand their unique differences, you will be better equipped to get better results through better relationships.

Management vs Leadership Whats your take
To help people get an understanding of the differences between "Management" and "Leadership," a question was posed on the popular business networking site LinkedIn.

On Leadership and Doing Dishes
Leadership is something that has a starting point in everyone who takes up the charge to get something done through and with other people. For some, the starting point in their leadership journey is subtle, progressing and steady. For others, it comes at a moment's notice with a call to duty. For me, it came from leading from the middle of the pack when I was 9-years old. And it all started from a deep hatred. The hatred of doing dishes!

On Leadership and Egg Cartons
To Serve, Protect, and Defend! Do you think of your boss as a superhero? Someone who will keep you from harm, provide a safe place for you to perform, and help carry your career to higher places?

On Leadership and Laundry Tags
People you work with have a picture image of who you are as a leader. But is it accurate? Here is how you can insure that you are perceived correctly.

Soft Skills Training Seen as Needed More Then Ever
Corporate soft-skills training is increasing as companies are experiencing global growth and cross-cultural communications challenges. Getting a handle on effective training for some "old school" management-types can be even a greater challenge. As domestic and global markets change and employment dynamics shift, organizations need to be effective in how they roll out this type of training. A focus on interactive training can turn the "Knucklehearted" leader into someone that is magnetic and effective in influencing others.

Using Business Loan Brokers, Is It Worth It?
Should you, when seeking financing, use a business loan broker? Yes, if you understand how they operate and use that knowledge to your benefit. Your business might even be able to save a bit of cost in the process by letting the broker work for you.

WHY WORK?
I was recently accused by a friend as a “WORKAHOLIC”. And, yes I occasionally do log in quite a few hours in a week. But my argument (and I’m sticking with it) to this accusation was surprisingly easy. I told him with some emotion and honest conviction that “I AM NOT A WORKAHOLIC!”

EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS A CEO!
The idea of the value of a title in business today is debated far and wide and I agree in most cases titles are important, however for successful businesses in today's rocky business environment are discovering the need for the changing meaning of certain titles or the addition of certain titles to the necessary line up of key employees in their organization. The new thoughts may surprise you!

6 questions to ask when selling or buying your business
When thinking of selling your business, there are two things a buyer is looking for to ensure success: cash flow and potential. Once these are taken care of, there are six questions to consider that will help the present business. Looking into these questions and understanding them will ensure success when buying and selling a business.

Attract More Clients By Dumping the Junk – Your PITA Clients!
By focusing on bad customers, business owners lose the opportunity to use those resources going after and servicing the phenomenal clients they want and need to make money...

Push and Pull Marketing
If you want your marketing efforts to get the greatest return, then you have to understand your customers. First pull data from them about your business, their needs and where they get their information, then push your message back to them.

It's Not Easy Being Lucky
It's not easy being lucky. Not easy at all. Most people that are considered lucky...created their perception of being lucky because they had the discipline to consistently apply skills; knowledge and work ethic to their lives and overnight (years later) they're lucky. In this article we'll examine a list of exactly what it takes to earn the right to "Be Lucky".

Workforce Sustainability...How Boosting Employee Health and Work Life Balance is an Effective and Profitable Business Strategy
Sustainability seems to be a real buzz word at the moment. Businesses are seeing the benefits of wiser, more energy-efficient use of our resources combined with recycling and other greener initiatives. But business is yet to really apply this sustainability concept to its most valuable resource...its workforce.

How To Create Multiple Streams Of Income
Do you want to know how to create multiple streams of income from home? It's really simple. First, you must look at where your investing your money. To create multiple streams of income you have to be a strategic and wise entreprenuer. Investing in the right resources will attract more money to you.

The Facebook Future
Almost twenty years ago, the President of the company that I worked for made the statement, "If I catch any of my managers wasting time on a computer, I will fire them!" I can still recall the days of memorandums that copied others as the primary form of internal business communication. Wow, so much has changed so fast that it is almost impossible to absorb.

Is Online Marketing and Social Networking All You Need to Grow Your Business?
The best way to market is with a combination of online and offline tactics. Below are a few of my favorite old-school offline tactics plus how you can combine them with new-school online techniques to catapult results through the roof.

Small Business Jobs & Credit Act: What’s in it for Small Business?
On September 27th, President Obama signed into law, the much awaited Small Business Jobs & Credit Act. I’ve been surprised by how little most small business owners seem to know about the provisions of this law and what is in it for them. The most highly publicized feature of the bill is the $30 Billion dollar small business loan fund. For many or most small businesses, this may be the least relevant feature of the law. Other features of the law include tax breaks for small to medium sized businesses, tax incentives for equity investors in small businesses and some significant changes in SBA lending programs.

Smart Women Get Out of the Office
This article is about the value of in-person networking at conferences and live events. This is a great way to market your business, products and services. This one marketing strategy allows people to interact with you and easily see how they can support your business and make referrals.

3 Ways to Get More Business at Networking Events
When it comes to building contacts, quality trumps quantity.

How Win-Win Strategies Can Reduce Risk by Lowering Chances of Competitive Retaliation
Traditional models of competition may be dead. Sometimes we need to focus on creating systems where our competitors will benefit as well. Research by Brandenburger shows a number of industries such as automobile manufacturers who have not only prevented competitor retaliation but even got competitors to stand by them.

Dream Big but Start Small: A Recipe for More Business Success with Less Stress
Lots of mindset gurus say you shouldn’t even consider failure as an option. But not everything you do, or launch, in your business is going to be wildly successful. So how do you play big without taking big chances…

Where Baseball Meets Business
Sometimes I think that we make business success all too hard! In most cases the basics are ignored in favor of the latest new and usually complex strategy, theory or latest best seller unveiling the new secret success silver bullets. But sometimes, most of the time in fact, if we just slow down and face the fact that the truth may be in the simplicity of the solution. Simple is not always easy. Simple is not always cool or flashy. But, SIMPLE works! In this article we'll briefly discuss 3 key rules that could become your benchmark for future personal and business growth.

iPad Market Positioning
The iPad has positioned itself as a very useful gadget that is a hybrid of a personal laptop computer and a cell phone. The hybrid nature of the product makes it successful across many different retail product markets.

What Businesses Benefit from Call Centers
With many businesses using automation and voicemail as a solution for their inbound communication problems, this technology is only part of the larger solution. There is no substitute for live communications and an answering service can offer businesses an affordable way to integrate this into their overall communication protocol.

Communication and Business: Are You Sending Mixed Signals?
Offering resources is how we build community and make friends, while offering transactions is how we make money. If you’re offering one in the guise of the other, watch out: your mixed signals could be hurting your business in a big way.

Unselling What You Just Sold
When the buyer gives a buying signal, close the sale and leave. As a sales person don't allow your egos and pride to get in the way...

Secrets of Sales Success
Knowledge, Belief, Understanding, Promotion, Communication, the action of the Sale, and Feedback combine to create a remarkable outcome every time, with every customer or client. These are the Secrets of Sales Success!

What questions should I ask when buying a business?
There are many questions buyers typically ask when thinking of buying a business that include the level of sales, qualifications and motivations of the employees, questions about landlord and suppliers. While these questions are helpful and appropriate, this article offers some more questions that will help in the decision of buying a business.

Cornerstone of Business Growth
Running a business is a challenge, but this is what so many miss and creates just that many more challenges, is this missing in your business?

HR Trends for 2010 and Beyond
Economists predict that recovery is unlikely until 2011. As the economy continues struggle, what should HR professionals expect to see through 2011?

Financial Insecurity
He’s always saying talking the bottom line. To me money has never been the bottom line. Children are the bottom line. Quiet children who won’t beg me to buy them stuff at the mall.

Republican Gubernatorial Gains and US Carbon Trading Programs
Republican gains in the 2010 gubernatorial race are imperiling US carbon trading programs. This article explores the electoral outcome on three major US carbon trading programs.

Taking the Fear Out of Marketing so You Can Really Grow Your Business
I’m a full-time marketing professional and I still suffer from fear of marketing sometimes. Typically I’ll be trying or launching something new and suddenly realize I’m procrastinating about some of the marketing tasks. Here’s how I get back into action…

BUSINESS SECRET WEAPON THAT ROCKS!
So definitely, planning for your future is important....and creating a written plan which combines both "Personal and Professional/business" goals...it is a definitely "must do".

3 Reasons Change Fails: Tea Party Politics for Business
The Tea Party movement has rallied around a sweeping call for change in Washington. But more often than not, dramatic changes fail to transform large organizations. Why? Because different people see the world differently-and fail to take into account these three crucial factors.

7 Tips When Working from Home
I remember clearly the forty minute commutes to and from work (though coming home always seemed to take longer) in the days when I wore a shirt and tie, and spent my days ensuring that the corporation I worked for had a profitable year, and the people above and below me were happy so I�d continue to receive that wonderful piece of paper that represented the single source that was my income. My paycheck!

How To Play Nice With Google?
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep Google happy and get yourself noticed online!

Developing People ~ A Key to Eliciting Excellence
There is tremendous opportunity and satisfaction as a leader in developing others. By effectively developing the people around us, we elicit excellence in a number of impactful and far-reaching ways. Developing others is an important function of effective leadership.