As a small business there is a perception that the quality of the service we provide is directly linked to our size. The question is whether that perception is true and if it is, are we actually the ones creating that perception? Here’s what I have learned to consider when projecting your business image. Perception trumps ability I’ve noticed that small businesses have a … [Read more...]
Women in Business: Taking the Lead and Making a Difference
Guest Post by Michelle Patterson, CEO of EventComplete (Learn more about Michelle at the end of this post) The balance of power is tipping toward the feminine with more women taking on the workforce by graduating en masse from higher education well and above their male counterparts as well as starting businesses and taking a leading role in how major companies around the world … [Read more...]
Sound Bites and Statistics from Women Business Leaders [Infographic]
Confidence, inclusivity, and knowledge -- those are three of the predominant themes researchers from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School found when studying sound bites and statistics related to women business leaders. According to the infographic the University of North Carolina researchers put together to visually communicate the data and quotes … [Read more...]
Sustainability and Being Green – Do Your Customers Actually Care?
Do consumers actually care if our business is sustainable or “green”? Sustainability is something of a buzz word that people throw around casually and in daily conversation. While it speaks to a positive shift in public opinion and values do most people even know what this means or look to see which businesses are implementing sustainable practices? That depends on … [Read more...]
Don’t Worry, Be Happy, Be Productive: Lessons From My Dad
Don't Worry Be Happy and Be Productive A simple phrase, or lyrics as it may be. My father uttered these words to me on a regular basis as a child, and occasionally still does today. I remember listening to that song in my dad’s old den, and not really getting it. I lived with my dad, and to his credit I think he raised a me to be a pretty awesome woman with a strong sense … [Read more...]
The Gospel of Sales
As an entrepreneur I know that sales are the lifeblood of my business, so when I am approached with a sales pitch I tend to take an analytical view. Recently I was searching for a vendor to complete my website overhaul and some of the pitches that I received…well they were interesting. In reviewing the pitches, I learned five most important points if you are not a marketing … [Read more...]
Employee Volunteer Programs Make A Difference In The Community
Companies that engage employees and the community through employee volunteerism are making a difference to more than the bottom line. Incorporating programs for social good into their culture helps companies stand out in their community, enhances recruiting opportunities and leads to greater satisfaction among employees. Additionally according to the Center for Corporate … [Read more...]
What Marissa Mayer should bring to Yahoo
Marissa Mayer is a 37 year old executive of a technology firm that alone should create energy and excitement around leadership potential. She is joining Yahoo from Google and to be frank some rigidity is needed at Yahoo. So as we wait with bated breath to dissect her every move as CEO, here are things that I would like to see her bring to the troubled company. Well rounded … [Read more...]
What’s a “GUTSY CHICK”?
When I was working on the cover for my new book, “GUTSY: How Women Leaders Make Change”, I spent time with the designer looking at all the overt and subtle meanings of the word "GUTSY". Karrie, www.karrieross.com, asked me what the smallest visual I could think of to demonstrate what "GUTSY" means. I sat with closed eyes and saw a hand with elegant long fingers and well … [Read more...]
Is it time to stop running your business?
There are things in life that are inevitable, love, death, taxes and the failure of a business. Knowing that doesn’t make the pain any easier to deal with so if you are facing the decision of when to quit and when to hang on, I have four pearls of wisdom (ahem, at least in my mind) for you to consider. Did you give it your best shot? Hindsight is 20/20 and when making the … [Read more...]