Much of business involves inducing people to do what we want them to do. Whether it is to sign a proposal, return a call, set up an appointment, provide information or pay a bill, we are constantly nudging.In business, to exist you must persist. But what happens if your nudgee is flat-out unresponsive? Can you still advance your agenda?In many cases you can. Execute a classical Poingo inversion, top it off with a half-gainer and a solid plant at...more
IntroductionSupervisors must make sure that they shift their focus from the work itself to the people who do the work - supporting their needs, developing their abilities, removing obstacles and making resources available. They need to make the right decisions the first time and keep trial and error learning to a minimum. All supervisors need clear, simple models of supervision practice that will help them learn how to implement their complex...more
HOT STOCK PICK FOR THE WEEK:InnerWorkings (INWK) is setting up in a cup and handle chart formation and looking to move higher. InnerWorkings provides print procurement services to corporate clients in the United States, and boasts earnings and relative price strength readings in the high 90's. While its industry group carries an average C rating, its accumulation is ranked a very strong A-. .PAUL'S MARKET COMMENTARY FOR THE WEEK: The attempted terror attacks in London had the market indexes on the ropes for a while Friday, but when things appeared to be under control, they fought their way back to a large extent towards the end of the session. Though most of the week was typified by early gains, which then dwindled away by midday, the indexes closed out the week with slight gains, with the Nasdaq up .6%, the NYSE edging up .2% and the S&P 500 eking out a .1% rise. Last week's undercurrent was the trouble facing the subprime mortgage market, and specifically, its effect on hedge funds. But by next week, much of the attention will likely turn to the upcoming earnings season. While the market remains in a confirmed rally, most of the major indexes— including the Dow, S & P...more
What do the major generals who are leading the war efforts in Iraq have in common with executives and entrepreneurs who are conducting business back home? When it comes to leadership, the answer is probably a lot more than you think.In a recent study conducted by the Army War College, subordinates of the major generals who are leading the war...more
In 2005, Berkshire Hathaway bought about a million shares of Lexmark. I haven't followed this story closely, but I assume the stock was purchased by Lou Simpson rather than Warren Buffett. I have only two reasons for believing this: the total purchase was small relative to Berkshire's investable assets and the Lexmark purchase is typical of...more
Q: I started my business about a year ago and everything is going fine. We're growing and making a profit, but the stress of running the business is really starting to get to me. I spend more time worrying than working. Sometimes the pressure is almost more than I can take. I'm starting to think that I'm not cut out to run my own business. Do you have any advice that might help me decide what to do? -- Steven S.A: I'm full of advice, Steven, and it's totally free. Just remember, you get what you pay for and I can't be held legally or morally responsible if my advice somehow lands you behind the counter at McDonalds. I'm not Dr. Phil, for petesake. I'm shorter and have more hair and less money.Seriously, the first thing you need to do is take a few deep breaths and take comfort in the fact that you are not the first entrepreneur to feel the weight of the business world on your shoulders. Every business person, including yours truly, has felt the way you do at one time or another. For some, it's a feeling that occurs daily, especially when things aren't going as well as we'd like them to. And don't think the stress will magically disappear if your business takes off. I know people...more
Business owners with poor credit ratings may find it difficult to obtain a loan for business purposes, such as expansion or to invest in a new product. Because lenders focus primarily on personal credit scores for business loans, you need to focus...more
Network marketing is a business model that has very similar characteristics to franchising. However the advantage that it has over traditional franchising includes a low cost of entry and high potential revenue possibilities.What types of people...more
If you have a problem with cash flow, you might consider finding a company that engages in buying invoices to get you on the right track again. Often, through no fault of their own, small and large companies find themselves in a bind because they...more
Amidst everyone's busy life, one may, in one time or the other, stop and think-one person has a steady nine to five job, generating a steady income, may want, or wishes that she can stay at home and be with the kids... but has no choice, one must...more
One of the first questions people ask when they are purchasing something is, "What does is cost?". There is no exception when it comes to surety bond shopping. Unfortunately, bonds are really considered a form of credit and the same rate does not...more
I constantly receive questions and complaints from my creative professional clients about what to do when a prospect claims, "I can't afford your prices, but I want your services." My clients are frustrated, because they are usually being told this...more