There is a struggle for power and everybody is involved. Everybody is doing everything in his power, at times even over set limits, to extend what he currently have.Why?It is commonly believed that we can only enjoy things that we control. Because of that, we want more power so that we can exercise more control over things.That is the truth -- a half of it.Some people take advantage of others to advance their own agenda. Others in their way to...more
Will people pay real dollars for virtual money to help their virtual characters buy in-game goods?One gamer, who goes by the screen name Haylo, said he spent $10 to $20 real dollars a month on in-game platinum(all nonexistent, of course) to buy weapons and other goods in Dark Age of Camelot (DAOC), but would spend more if he could afford it.Most video games have some form of currency. In many ways, the in-game economy is similar to a real world...more
One of the biggest mistakes that I see small business owners make is to spend their money (or time) on marketing or advertising, not get the results they want and then conclude that marketing doesn't work. Or they keep on spending their money and time on advertising, despite their lack of results and convince themselves that it's "raising their profile". (In reality, it's probably just money down the drain.)The main reason that their marketing doesn't produce the results that they want is because they've usually missed out or half done one of the ingredients of their "marketing formula" or are doing things in the wrong order. Getting your marketing right is a bit like baking a cake - you need the right ingredients, in the right proportions, added in the right sequence and baked at the right temperature.What can a good "marketing formula" do for you?A good marketing formula can help you to:* raise response to all of your marketing activities so that you have more leads in your pipeline for the same investment * make your marketing profitable (as it should be!) rather than an expense * secure more sales from the presentations you do and the...more
In Virginia, Isle of Wight, York and Surry counties all share some unique characteristics. Each one of these counties represents a different piece of early American history and continues to grow as a part of our nation's future. They also share the influence of the James River, York River and a huge system of creeks and tributaries...more
As a leader, your success depends upon your ability to get things done: up, down and across all lines. To survive and succeed, you must learn four essential skills of persuading people. You must convince others to take action on your behalf even when you have no formal authority.Persuasion is an essential proficiency for all leaders, requiring you...more
How do you convince leaders to change? Executive coaching offers a tremendous opportunity to leverage the talent and resources of leaders. Coaching is no longer reserved for problem leaders. It is frequently sought by top performers whose organizations value their growth potential. But not all coaching is the same.Establishing Ground RulesHere are five principles that should be clarified at the outset of the coaching process. In the beginning, coaches must clarify the ground rules with the executive they will be coaching, as well as with the sponsoring organization.1. Confidentiality, expectations and commitment: The coach must be clear about what will be shared with the leader's boss and what will be kept confidential. Aligning coaching goals with the organization's objectives is crucial.2. Reporting relationships: There must be clarity among the organizational contact (boss or HR representative), coach and leader.3. Methods of information gathering: Key stakeholders, team members, direct reports and others involved will be contacted by both the coach and the leader.4. Making judgments, setting objectives and monitoring progress: The coach helps the leader and key...more
The business enterprise has two, and only two, basic functions: marketing and innovation. It is not necessary for a business to grow bigger; but it is necessary that it constantly grow better. - Peter F. DruckerThe organization that fails to...more
How do you help leaders succeed? Give them some coaching, that's the widely accepted solution. Then why do some executives give up on coaching programs designed to help them improve?Executive coaching offers a tremendous opportunity to leverage...more
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are provided to loan seekers under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act. This Act gives power to the Agency to sanction loans to American Small Businesses. Founded on July 30, 1953, the U.S. small Business...more
When talking to people who are trying to sell their house I'm often asked the question, "Why should I sell my house to you?"That's a great question. Today's house seller has lots of options: they can list their house with a real estate...more
Many businesses have long used the services of a conference call company to spread their message to the investment community, where investment professionals could hear many firms in several days. To accomodate those who couldn't travel, the...more
The business world is changing and your company must catch up. Consumers are driving the quest for information and personality. Customers are demanding to trade their hard earned cash for prompt, reliable, trust worthy and friendly services. ...more