Traditionally, in American businesses, the same person occupies the role of chairman of the board and chief executive officer, though this is gradually shifting to the European model. In most European, British, and Canadian businesses, the roles are usually split, in an effort to ensure better governance of the company, and in turn bring higher returns to investors. Combining the roles does have its advantages, such giving the CEO multiple...more
I am often asked how I stay happy and motivated all the time. The answer has two parts to it; positivity and self-talk.Many years ago I had a colleague who was forever complaining about everything and everyone in her life. Each day when she arrived at the office, it would start, "you wouldn't believe this... can you imagine he did that...this will never work, I'm so tired..." and so on. This would go on all day and it would drive everyone in the...more
Many people have asked me why I wrote my book, 'The Street Kid's Guide to Having it All', and I realized that some people simply do not believe that it is possible to 'have it all'. Well, I am here as an ambassador to dispel that rumor once and for all.If you are serious about learning what it takes, then read on and I'll take you on a short journey.Let's suppose that at some point in the past, for whatever reason, by whichever means, there was a big bang, or there was not. It doesn't really matter. All we know is somehow, our universe, solar system, galaxies, planets and specifically our planet is here, and that's where I'll begin. The number being thrown around right now is that our universe is at least 12.5 billion years old. (Not that I comprehend what that means). The reason for the prelude is to set the stage for some thought and greater understanding.While you and I do what we do everyday, there are others who study what and how the universe is what it is, what the galaxies are and do, and even closer to home, what and how our planets do what they do. How this occurred is irrelevant at this point. It just is. After all, they (the planets and galaxies, that is) were all here...more
One of the greatest ways to promote your product or service is with publicity. Many people have little, if any, understanding of how to go about securing publicity, never mind free publicity. Fact is, people will pay more attention to free publicity than they often do to paid advertising. A simple way to gain free publicity is to write and...more
Canada's lean leaders need to look beyond the horizon and chart the futureIn stormy times, true leadership skills emerge, says Larry Coté, the President of Lean Advisors Inc. (www.leanadvisors.com)By Larry CotéThe rumbles on our economic outlook are troubling. The dollar is still up, foreign investment, profits and sales are down. Low cost Asian...more
For many Americans, an important component of the American Dream is the possibility of hard work turning into financial fortune. The career exploits of such self made magnates like Andrew Carnegie, Lee Iaccoca and Donald Trump are examples for many. The idea of being self-employed appeals to many people who want the possibility of unlimited income, a flexible schedule and perhaps the opportunity to work from home. If you're one of these people, having the proper training, especially in a growth industry, is very important. Consider these ten courses of study, if you want to be your own boss. Creative Careers The personal computer has made it much easier to enter the marketplace in many professions. Training in graphic design, multimedia design and web design allow you to work from home, or as your clientele increases, out of an office. Education in these skills can also create opportunities for you to work as an employee, or contractor. These creative jobs are very much in demand, particularly as advertising spending has increased as the economy has improved. Mechanical Careers If you like to fix things or work with your hands, there are some great, lucrative training programs that...more
There has been a lot of talk recently about American jobs moving overseas offshoring is the buzzword for it. During difficult economic times it is often easy to find a scapegoat to blame for a downturn in jobs. While government reports and...more
Workplace Ethics is a subject that we have all heard of. In fact, the subject of Ethics in general is something that most people are familiar with. And, what is commonly understood about ethics is there are ethics and then there are workplace ethics....more
Having a poor understanding of the influence of cross cultural differences in areas such as management, PR, advertising and negotiations can eventually lead to blunders that can have damaging consequences.It is crucial for today's business personnel...more
(This story first appeared in Workplace Miracles - a book filled with a collection of stories from around the globe) I have a secret that I'm going to share with you. I am a fifty year-old woman and I love teddy bears. Big ones, small ones, fat ones,...more
1. Differentiate yourself using a Personal Value Proposition. A PVP a description of how your unique mixture of five key elements creates and/or adds value for an organization and the people in it. A personal examination of these elements reminds you...more
As a business owner, wouldn't it be great if you could take time off whenever you needed to? Unfortunately, most small business owners worry that the business will fall apart if they're not there to mind the store. Too often, they simply lack the...more