Study sees strong bottom line with women at the top
A new study of Fortune 500 companies that have women on the boards of directors or in corporate executive positions suggests women are good for business. In the study, companies with the highest representation of women in corporate-officer positions had 35.1% higher financial performance than companies with the lowest representation of women in key posts.
Financial Post (Canada) (5/14) Full Article

Author tells women entrepreneurs to think bigger
Women are starting businesses at twice the rate of men but fewer than 3% will pass the $1 million threshold, says Susan Wilson Solovic, author of "The Girls' Guide To Building a Million Dollar Business." The reason, she says, is women are "not thinking big enough."
 Seattle Post-Intelligencer (5/9) Full Article

Who's who of brilliance
Conde Nast Portfolio has assembled a list of 73 tycoons, tastemakers, influencers and rebels who it says personify brilliance. Among them: Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein, Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, and funny woman Tina Fey.
Portfolio.com (5/1) Full Article

Global billionaires ranking includes 99 women
Forbes' new list of billionaires has 16 more women on the list than it did last year -- now taking 99 spots on the male-dominated list 1,125 billionaires worldwide. Of the 99, 10 are self-made women who built their vast fortunes themselves. Financial Times highlights a dozen women whose business acumen has put them on the billionaire's list, including Oprah Winfrey, Teresa F Heinz Kerry, J.K. Rowling and Meg Whitman.
Financial Post (Canada) (4/15) Full Article

NACTA founder Ogg steps down to join Travel Counsellors
Joanie Ogg, founder and president the National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents, plans to resign from her NACTA position to become a senior vice president of global sales and industry relations at Travel Counsellors. "Joanie is synonymous with the home-based travel segment and her expertise in the field is unsurpassed," said Peter Rasmussen, president of Travel Counsellors, USA. "She is universally respected by suppliers and agents for her untiring work on behalf of her constituency." Ogg says she plans to continue an active role in NACTA.
ModernAgent.com (3/4) Full Article

Glorioso finds virtual home with MTV Networks
Christina Glorioso has been named vice president of sales and marketing partnerships for MTV Networks' Music & Logo Group. She'll be responsible for developing sponsorship deals on virtual platforms tied to TV series, such as Virtual Hills and Virtual LagunaBeach, as well as marketing opportunities with the company's video games.
 InsideBrandedEntertainment.com (3/3) Full Article

Franchise business coach promotes client well-being
Jillian Sanchez, Franchise Business Coach for Lady of America, a women's fitness company, helps franchise owners and managers succeed with a focus not only on their businesses, but their personal well-being. Sanchez holds club training seminars and visits franchises regularly to share what she's learned from her many years in the fitness industry.
Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (2/18) Full Article

Former Hershey exec to lead Giant Food's nutrition programs
Sylvia Emberger will bring more than 30 years of experience, most recently having worked for The Hershey Co., to Giant Food Stores as the new corporate nutritionist. As the head of Giant's health and wellness initiatives, she will lead Giant and Martin's Food Market's in-store nutrition staff.
Progressive Grocer (1/30) Full Article

New P&G director named
Patricia A. Woertz, chairman and chief executive of ethanol and food producer Archer Daniels Midland Corp., has been appointed to Procter & Gamble Co.'s board of directors, the company recently announced.
The Boston Globe (1/8) Full Article

Accountant makes team effort of managing her office
Allowing staff to have a free exchange of ideas empowers them and makes managing more of a team effort, says Marjorie Horwin, partner-in-charge of Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra's Boca/Palm Beach, Fla., accounting office. Horwin shares lessons she has learned about effective management in this interview.
Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (1/7) Full Article

CEO: Pepsi to launch milk-based drink
Pepsi plans to roll out a new milk- or soya-based drink in response to increased consumer demand for nutritious beverages, said CEO Indra Nooyi. She did not commit to a time frame for the launch, which would put Pepsi in direct competition with Nestle, Amul and other popular Indian companies.
Yahoo! (12/22) Full Article

Many airlines support plan to ease congestion in New York
Several U.S. airlines that fly to and from New York's Kennedy Airport and Newark Liberty Airport say they are willing to make voluntary scheduling changes and accept flight caps aimed at easing congestion. The DOT on Thursday announced a plan that calls for capping flights during peak periods. "We support the schedule reduction as a short-term fix to reduce delays, and applaud [Transportation Secretary Mary Peters] for the collaborative process she led addressing the issue in an equitable way," said Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson. The New York Times (12/21) Full Article

Report: Kraft in talks over possible Brazilian acquisition
Kraft Foods reportedly is in negotiations to acquire the Brazilian pasta and cookie company M. Dias Branco for an estimated $1 billion. Kraft officials declined to confirm the report, although CEO Irene Rosenfeld has said she plans to increase Kraft's presence in growing markets, including Brazil.
Crain's Chicago Business (12/13) Full Article

Start-up cafe dodges obstacles on hopeful path to success
Caitlin Adler, 25, has seen numerous business ups and downs since opening Sweet Bites Bakery & Cafe in West Acton, Mass. in October. Her sales are growing, but so are costs. John Foley, restaurant adviser for AllBusiness.com, says Adler has a chance at success, but should take a number of steps, including making one of her parents a partner, starting a catering division and buying a stove.
The New York Times (12/19) Full Article

PepsiCo, Kraft, P&G officials make list of top female executives
PepsiCo Chairman and Chief Executive Indra Nooyi and Kraft Foods Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld were included among the top 10 female officials of The Wall Street Journal's "50 Women to Watch 2007." Procter & Gamble executives Susan Arnold and Melanie Healey also were included in the list of 50 women.
American City Business Journals (11/19) Full Article

Bravo President Zalaznick tapped to lead Oxygen
Now that Oxygen is officially part of NBC Universal's cable lineup, Lauren Zalaznick has been selected to lead the channel. Zalaznick, who is also president of NBC Universal's Bravo channel, is hoping that Oxygen can help bring more female viewers into the NBCU fold.
The New York Times (11/21) Full Article

Barnesandnoble.com CEO talks Web 2.0, site redesign
Marie Toulantis, CEO of barnesandnoble.com, says the goal of the company's recent Web site redesign was to make the site more interactive and engaging. She discusses the incorporation of Web 2.0 technology, how the Web site is tied in to the company's bricks-and-mortar stores and her strategies for competing with Amazon.
DMNews (10/19) Full Article

Campbell to helm ABC's flagship station
Rebecca Campbell, the general manager of ABC owned-and-operated Philadelphia station WPVI, is moving to New York to take up those duties at flagship station WABC. She takes over from J. David Davis, who was named EVP of ABC News.
Variety (10/23) Full Article

H-E-B president: "Retailing is a very competitive business"
Suzanne Wade, president of H.E. Butt Grocery Co.'s San Antonio division and a former Wal-Mart employee, is the only woman among H-E-B's four presidents. Wade recently was named one of the top 62 women in the supermarket industry by Progressive Grocer, and in this interview, she discusses how she assesses the competition and the perspective she brings to her company.
Express News (San Antonio) (10/9) Full Article

Au Bon Pain CEO: "Work for a brand that you love"
Sue Morelli was named president and CEO of Boston-based Au Bon Pain in 2004 after years in executive roles, and has since helped the company double its locations. In this interview with Fast Casual she discusses which position best prepared her for her current job, the opportunities available to women in foodservice and the differences between urban and suburban diners.
FastCasual.com (10/9) Full Article

NOW endorses Clinton for president
The National Organization for Women's political action committee has endorsed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., in her bid for the U.S. presidency.
Houston Chronicle (3/28) Full Article

Therese Murray elected to lead Senate
Sen. Therese Murray has become the first female elected to the Massachusetts office of Senate president. Murray's predecessor, Robert E. Travaglini, stepped down from the post after a four-year stent as head of the legislative body.
The Boston Globe (3/22) Full Article

Kraft Foods exec gets major role on global Wrigley team
A key executive will leave Kraft Foods to become the new group vice president and managing director of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co in North America. A spokesman for the Chicago-based chewing gum maker said Mary Kay Haben was picked because she "has a proven track record" for managing consumer goods businesses, and for "growing existing brands and developing new product and packaging innovations."
Chicago Tribune (3/8) Full Article

Women politicians ring in International Women's Day
A new generation of female leaders, including the president of Chile and the German chancellor, celebrated International Women's Day but also cautioned the world that the rights of women are imperiled around the world.
The Guardian (London) (3/9) Full Article

Michelin's highest award goes to female chef
France's Michelin Guide has bestowed its highest three-star ranking to French chef Anne-Sophie Pic, marking only the fourth time the award has been given to a female chef in Michelin's 81-year history. Her restaurant, Pic, specializes in fish, and Pic herself comes from a long family line of chefs.
BBC (2/21) Full Article

Success started early for the Sullivan sisters
The four Sullivan sisters boast such jobs as president of Campbell USA, regional vice president of sales at Expedia Inc.'s Expedia Corporate Travel, chairman and CEO of Citizens Communications Co. and former senior vice president of sales at AT&T Wireless. And while such a combined resume would be an achievement for any family, the sisters give credit to their parents for instilling them with business sense and a good work ethic early in life. 
The Wall Street Journal (2/12) Full Article

Clinton candidacy puts gender gap, women's issues on stage
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign staff expects that women voters -- considered more liberal than men and more cognizant of the historic ramifications of her candidacy -- will propel her to the White House. And although it's far from clear that the gender gap will be enough to ensure a Clinton victory, attention to the voting tendencies of women will alter the political landscape through 2008.
The Washington Post (1/28) Full Article

Female CEO steps up at Lifeway Foods
Lifeway Foods CEO Julie Smolyansky represents a growing number of top women executives whose fathers entrusted them to lead family businesses. From 1998 to 2003 the percentage of family-run firms expecting their next CEO to be a woman rose from 25% to 34%, according to research at the Center for Women's Leadership at Babson College in Massachusetts.
Daily Herald (Chicago) (1/28) Full Article

Entrepreneur names its Woman of the Year
Maureen Kelly, founder of Tarte Cosmetics, has been selected as the winner of this year's OPEN from American Express and Entrepreneur magazine Woman of the Year Contest. Kelly was cited for her vision in investing $20,000 from credit cards and savings to turn her belief in the need for down-to-earth, easy-to-use and conveniently packaged makeup into a $15 million business.
Entrepreneur (1/2007) Full Article

Women make a power surge, but many fail to reach the top
Despite a growing number of women starting their own businesses and taking on middle management positions at corporations, few are able to break through to the senior-level threshold. Among the top corporate officer earners, just 6.4% are women, research firm Catalyst says.
The Wall Street Journal (7/25) Full Article

Zale makes Burton permanent CEO
Jewelry retailer Zale Corp. announced interim Chief Executive Officer Mary "Betsy" Burton would remain in the position, launching a search to fill her recently vacated chief financial officer position. Burton was appointed to the post in January by the firm's board after Mary Forte resigned.
The Wall Street Journal (7/23) Full Article

At the helm of Four Seasons planning and procurement
In a profile, Michele Sweeting, a senior executive for Capital Planning and Procurement with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, describes her responsibilities in coordinating and approving design functions at new hotels.
Hotel Interactive (7/23) Full Article

Hilton executive leads the way for women
Rebecca Wyatt, senior vice president of brand management for Hilton Hotels and Resorts' Homewood Suites brand, is the first female SVP of a Hilton brand. The 15-year Hilton veteran says: "You have to train yourself to operate effectively in a room full of men; it is easy to be overlooked if you don't speak up."
Hotel Interactive (6/16) Full Article

The auto industry's most powerful woman
As the new COO of Ford Motor Co.'s Americas division, Anne Stevens is routinely referred to as the most powerful woman in the male-dominated automobile manufacturing industry. Forbes magazine ranked her in the top half of the 50 most powerful businesswomen.
Detroit Free Press (4/17) Full Article

New RadioShack CEO comments on turnaround plans
Acting CEO Claire Babrowski said she is confident in the electronics retailer's turnaround plans despite lower-than-expected Q1 earnings. Babrowski said the company is reshaping its strategy on wireless phone sales and plans to close 480 unprofitable stores.
The Wall Street Journal (4/21) Full Article

Q-and-A: Macy's CMO Anne MacDonald
Since Federated Department Stores acquired May Department Stores Co. in August, the combined 850-store retailer plans to transform Macy's into a national brand. Responsible for this task is newly appointed CMO Anne MacDonald, who discusses her strategy in this interview.
The Wall Street Journal (3/22) Full Article

The correlation between female CEOs and balance sheets
The lack of women on corporate boards or board nominating committees isn't just about fairness -- it's a balance sheet issue. According to Selena Maranjian of The Motley Fool, "having more women in upper management seems to boost companies' bottom lines."
The Motley Fool (3/15) Full Article

Sara Lee CEO under pressure to perform
One year into her tenure as Sara Lee Corp.'s CEO, Brenda Barnes faces the dual pressures of turning around her stalled company and carrying the torch for women business executives everywhere. But despite her position atop the largest female-led corporation, the low-key, private Barnes projects a very different image from another female trailblazer, the outspoken, media savvy Carly Fiorina, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard.
USA TODAY (2/21) Full Article

Commentary: Female economist brings new financing to Arabian Gulf
Nahed Taher is breaking new ground in Saudi Arabia, not only as a woman, but also as a financier who can bring new economic opportunity to the Gulf region, one writer asserts. Taher is head of the Gulf One Investment Bank, which is working to raise a $10 billion private equity fund.
Forbes (2/14/06) Full Article

Fortune's new rising stars
Fortune magazine looks at 12 rising stars in business, including Xerox's Ursula Burns and Coca-Cola Co.'s Mary Minnick.
CNNmoney (1/25/06) Full Article

Container Store rearranges executive office
The Container Store has promoted executive vice president Melissa Reiff to president, replacing Kip Tindell, who will remain CEO of the retailer. Reiff is the first nonfounder to serve as president of the company, which has a strong tradition of hiring female executives. The Dallas Morning News (1/4/06) Full Article

Analysis: 2005 not a banner year for women CEOs
Women comprise less than 2% of the CEOs across the biggest U.S. companies, but that exclusive group endured declining fortunes in 2005. Most prominently, Carly Fiorina departed Hewlett-Packard, Eileen Scott left Pathmark Stores and Marce Fuller left Mirant.
USA Today (12/22/05) Full Article

New president named for NBC Universal division
Beth Comstock has been named president of NBC Universal's digital media and market development group, a new position for the General Electric company. Comstock was formerly CMO at GE.
Adweek (12/15/05) Full Article

CBS News hitches wagon to Lara Logan
Lara Logan, known for her fearless reporting from the world's war zones, has become a star at CBS News in just three years. As the "CBS Evening News" tries to recover from sagging ratings and a news scandal, the network will make Logan its leading foreign correspondent. The New York Times (11/23/05) Full Article

Is basketball ready for its first female GM?
Although Kim Ng didn't get the general manager's job with the Los Angeles Dodgers, columnist David Aldridge explores several other powerful woman in sports who might break the barrier in sports, particularly pro basketball.
The Philadelphia Inquirer (11/20/05) Full Article

Fifty women to watch
EBay's Meg Whitman, Sara Lee's Brenda Barnes and Avon's Andrea Jung lead off The Wall Street Journal's list of the top 50 women executives.
The Wall Street Journal (10/31/05) Full Article

Study: Women struggle to ascend the corporate ladder
It remains difficult for women to land top jobs at big companies, nationally as well as in the state of Michigan, a 2005 Michigan Women's Leadership Index study finds. "I think it does go back to culture change and learning how to manage differently," a human resource management professor said.
Detroit Free Press (10/24/05) Full Article

Hillary Clinton inducted into Women's Hall of Fame
The National Women's Hall of Fame has honored Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., as one of this year's 10 inductees. "I don't think there has ever been a better time to be a woman than in the United States of America in the 21st century," Clinton says.
MSNBC (10/8/05) Full Article

The woman who made Target cool
As VP for trend, design, and product development at Target, Robyn Waters helped transform the retailer from a big-box discounter to a purveyor of discount chic in the mid-to-late 1990s. In an interview with BusinessWeek, Waters, now head of her own consulting firm, discusses how it was done.
BusinessWeek (10/4/05) Full Article

Bushnell is back with a corporate twist
"Sex and the City" creator Candace Bushnell's new novel, "Lipstick Jungle," follows the paths of three successful New York City women in their 40s and the choices they make. "I think what I'm really trying to say is people should do what works best for them and shouldn't be constrained by gender. If there are women who want to go out and work and be the breadwinner, that's great," says Bushnell.
CNN (9/20/05) Full Article

Carly Fiorina's lasting legacy
Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carleton S. Fiorina has signed a book deal to write about her memoirs. While officially the book will be about "what makes a leader, how women can thrive in business, and how technology will continue to reshape our world," there is speculation that it could include gossip on the company and the conditions that led to her departure. BusinessWeek (8/24/05) Full Article

BBC features women in traditionally male jobs
BBC World Service's "World Today" program talks with Marin Alsop, music director of the Baltimore Symphony. "Being the boss is never about being loved - it's about being respected," she says.
BBC (8/3/05) Full Article

Condoleezza Rice tops most powerful women list
Forbes' second World's Most Powerful Women list ranks the 100 most powerful women in terms of their resume, economic impact and global media visibility.
 MSNBC (7/28/05) Full Article

Analysis: O'Connor coverage focused on legacy, not gender
Coverage of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's retirement marked a breakthrough in media coverage because most of the stories focused on her performance on the bench and not her gender, writes Sheila Gibbons in Women's eNews.
Women's eNews (7/20/05) Full Article

Management and Leadership

Practice makes profitable
By now, nearly everyone has heard of the 10,000 hour rule, as proposed by Malcolm Gladwell in his book, "Outliers." Being great at anything requires 10 years of practice, 1,000 hours a year. But what does that mean in business -- especially during a recession? "Don't let downtime become wasted time," author and entrepreneur Bill Taylor says. Take advantage of slower workdays to practice a single skill, whether it's making a pitch or writing a news release. "Find ways to work intensely and deliberately on your technical and business skills, confident that hard work will pay off in the long run."

HarvardBusiness.org (12/4)  Full Article

Fixes for low-performing employees
When dealing with workers who underperform, managers should investigate the cause of the trouble before pointing toward the exit sign, Susan Tonkin writes in Talent Management. Some of the most common causes of subpar work -- lack of engagement in tasks, gaps in skills or focus on the wrong priorities -- can be corrected with better communication and best practices, she says.
Talent Management (12/2008) Full Article

Leading through uncertainty
It's a whole new capitalism out there and business leaders need to figure out how to operate amid multiple unknowns. Executives "need greater flexibility to create strategic and tactical options they can use defensively and offensively as conditions change," say the management pros at McKinsey. "They need a sharper awareness of their own and their competitors' positions. And they need to make their organizations more resilient."

The McKinsey Quarterly (12/2008) Full Article

Female exec excels where men typically dominate
In an interview, Mireille Gingras, president and CEO of HUYA Bioscience International describes how she excelled in a field dominated by men. Gingras says part of the secret of her success is a lifelong commitment to building her career and focusing on the things that she is passionate about.

WomenEntrepreneur.com (9/24) Full Article

Create a wellness program for next to nothing
Workplace wellness programs can give you a better ROI than disease-management programs -- every $1 you invest can return $3 in three to five years, says a health education specialist. You can hire an outside firm to design a program or get loads of inexpensive ideas from various Web sites. Just remember that it will need support from the top execs to be successful.
New Hampshire Business Review (8/29) Full Article

There are many steps before first face-to-face interview
Smaller organizations can benefit from a well-planned strategy when they are hiring. A clear, accurate job description helps, as does having an idea of whom or what you are looking for. Then, careful phone screening can help you determine which candidates to follow up with.
Financial Post (Canada) (8/25) Full Article

Be a successful mentor
Several highly successful executives credit part of their success to having excellent mentors. Such relationships can't be forced, but there are steps you can take to be a successful mentor to others.
CIO (5/2) Full Article

Improve your "functional intelligence"
Want to be smarter at work? Then learn new things, temper your stress and exercise. Afterward, take a quick nap to improve your memory and top it all off with a cup of tea.
The New York Times (registration required) (5/10) Full Article

Leadership lessons from the Virginia Tech tragedy
The lessons learned from the tragedy that took place on the Blacksburg, Va., campus of Virginia Tech one year ago this month vary for all involved. Teachers and school administrators across the country have taken to formulating teams to assess how they manage students with mental issues. "We are seeing the campuses really trying to understand who needs help ... so they don't fall through the cracks," one official said.
 The Christian Science Monitor (4/16) Full article

HR expert: Cultivate diversity in work force
The best way for a business to cope with an increasingly diverse environment is to "embrace" it, says human relations consultant Bob Kustka of TheFusionFactor.com. Companies need to lay out a strategic plan for accessing the diversity in their work force and create an atmosphere that values diversity.
 BusinessWeek/Today's Tip (4/3) Full article

Business owners can prep successors before retirement
Business owners who plan for the future of their company following their retirement often nurture their own successor. To do this, the owner may set up an informal review period to test the person's skills before making a commitment, increase the successor's benefits to retain him or her until the time is right, and put the buy-sell agreement in writing.
The Advertiser (Lafayette, La.) (3/3) Full article

The traits of a good manager
Seven attributes, or "saving graces," are essential for good, balanced management. They are listening; approachability; boss relationships; integrity and trust; humor; interpersonal savvy; and understanding others.
BusinessWeek (2/14)  Full article

Investment in retention as important as hiring
Companies typically invest plenty of resources in terms of hiring the right people, but fail to put nearly enough energy into creating and sustaining a company culture that encourages these workers to stay for the long term. Talented employees should be provided with challenges to push their potential and a support system to help them through adversity. tompeters.com (2/15) Full article

Analysis: Cubicle culture hinders collaboration
Although there are economic efficiencies associated with "Cubedom," such benefits may be offset by the losses associated with poor communications and a lack of collaboration and teamwork that a cubicle setting may engender among staff.
American City Business Journals (1/21) Full article

Employee misuse of cell phones can lose sales
Misuse of cell phones is driving a new frenzy of online complaints about poor customer service. Businesses should establish protocol for use of cell phones at work, based on the No. 1 rule that if a customer takes the time to visit your business, at least give him your attention.
USA TODAY (1/30) Full article

CEOs need to master skills of public speaking
Public speaking is a skill that CEOs need to learn, as they are often called upon to represent their organization or brand, says one communications coach. However, even charismatic CEOs bomb at public appearances if they fail to prepare what they're going to say; don't tailor their comments to match their audience; keep making the same tired speech; or use their time to make a pitch.
WomenEntrepreneur.com (1/14) Full article

Expert: "Re-recruitment" retains employee morale, attentiveness
Employees need to be "re-recruited" after they have been working for a company for a period of time so they still feel valued, human resources consultant Sue Romero writes in this column. She recommends re-recruitment interviews several times during the first year for new employees, and annual interviews for more experienced employees.
Advance for Health Information Professionals (1/14) Full article

Staff chaplain speaks to employees as well as bottom line
As one of 10 or so paid chaplains on the staff of the Loop Pizza Grill in the Southeast, the Rev. Becci Curtis says she is an advocate of what Martin Luther called "the priesthood of all believers." The co-founder and chief executive of Loop, Mike Schneider, says having a chaplain "improves the chemistry of the restaurant, gives us better guest-focus and problem-resolution" and leads to "lower turnover rates, less absenteeism."
The New York Times (12/29) Full article

Let honesty, candor rule in employee dismissals
Employers need to be cautious and honest when firing employees to avoid costly lawsuits and legal rulings, says Canadian employment lawyer and author Howard Levitt. Employees should be informed as soon as possible of termination decisions and severance negotiations must be reasonable and without taking advantage of employee vulnerability.
Financial Post (Canada) (1/2) Full article

Love leadership moves family practices to workplace
A new book called "Love Leadership -- What the World Needs Now" reflects a philosophy women have embraced more easily than men, says MarketWatch's Jennifer Openshaw. Men are catching up, however, and she points to Warren Buffett and Jimmy Carter as examples of love leadership.
MarketWatch (12/11)  Full article

Women leaders of MotorCity Casino Hotel get hands-on with planning
The two women who are at the helm of the new $300 million MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, owner Marian Ilitch and COO Rhonda Cohen, put their personal touch on nearly every aspect of the facility. Cohen said the process "was like designing a house." The women helped decide on details from bed linens to breakfast potatoes at the 400-room luxury hotel. Detroit Free Press (11/28) Full article

McDonald's president-COO touts employee diversity
McDonald's has been lauded by numerous organizations and publications for its diversity-friendly employment policies -- women and minorities make up 41% of the company's owner-operators, The Plain Dealer reports. In this interview, President and COO Ralph Alvarez says McDonald's has benefited from minority representation among employees and restaurant owners because they are "really the engine of growth for us."
The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) (10/27) Full article

Neiman Marcus CEO drives trends, stays grounded
Karen Katz has kept two rejection letters she received over the years: one from Harvard Law School and one from Neiman Marcus. Now that she travels the world, oversees Neiman Marcus Stores as CEO and is credited with driving trends in handbag sales and e-commerce, she still feels strongly about balancing work and her life as a wife and mother.
The Dallas Morning News (10/26) Full article

"Every customer counts" in startup
Marketing a business is necessary for finding customers, even for people who don't like marketing, says Cynthia McKay, a business growth consultant and entrepreneur. McKay's column in WomenEntrepreneur.com describes how she built her company simply by letting the people she met know she would like to have their business.
WomenEntrepreneur.com (10/10) Full Article

Advice: Key traits of a superior franchisee
Jennifer Openshaw, radio advice host and author of "The Millionaire Zone," says she learned from one successful franchiser that ability to perform well under stress and be a follower before being a leader are signs of a good franchisee. In her column at MarketWatch, Openshaw says five keys to a franchisee's success are commitment, learning attitude, willingness to work with others, patience and perseverance and willingness to assume responsibility.
MarketWatch (10/8) Full Article

Kinney to oversee integration of NYSE and Euronext in Paris
John Thain, CEO of NYSE Group, is planning to relocate Big Board President Catherine Kinney to Paris to oversee the merger with Euronext. The deal between the NYSE and Euronext closes next week and will create the biggest market operator on the globe by stock market capitalization.
The Wall Street Journal (3/29) Full Article

Stress-reduction methods managers can implement at work
The type of stress employees feel at work determines whether they hate their job or love it. Managers who take the initiative to reduce energy-draining stress in the office are more likely to have productive and satisfied workers. Try arranging enjoyable group activities that allow workers to break away from everyday work while encouraging teamwork and building unity.
 American City Business Journals (3/26) Full Article

Power of persuasion in the business world
Learning to be a skilled persuader is vital in today's workplace. Many offices now have less hierarchical management structures, so getting what you want done might mean getting approval from an entire team of people.
The Washington Post (3/18) Full Article

Benefits value, not cost control, tops managers' challenges
Benefits value has surpassed cost control as the uppermost challenge confronting employee benefit managers, thanks to rising health care costs, employee cost shifting and a maturing work force, a new MetLife study says. "For the first time in the five years since we started doing this study, retaining employees has surpassed the cost of containing health and welfare programs as the No. 1 benefits objective," said Ronald Leopold, MetLife's VP of employer sponsored benefits.
BenefitNews.com (3/12) Full Article

Simple ways to generate productivity
Educate employees on company goals, try to understand their feelings and listen to their suggestions, so they feel more engaged and encouraged to work and contribute to the success of the business or organization.
Manage Smarter (3/5) Full Article

Why accounting rules shouldn't drive strategy
When changes in accounting rules provide no new information, they don't register with investors. Nor should they lead managers to shift focus.
The McKinsey Quarterly (2/28) Full Article

From logistics worker to executive: Navigating upward mobility
Supply management is tough, and skilled logistic workers are more frequently being promoted to management positions, yet they are often not given the proper training to make the transition. The key aims for these workers-turned-managers should be building a good team through systematic recruiting, keeping workers motivated and acting as an empathetic and positive leader.
DC Velocity (2/2007) Full Article

Make a seamless switch to new management position
There are pros and cons to taking on a new management position, whether you are promoted internally or brought in from the outside. If you are an outsider, get to know your new employees and co-workers by talking with them and your clients and offer an objective opinion on current office situations or issues. On the other hand, it's important to take charge in your new leadership position, and don't be afraid to let go of former responsibilities if you move up from within the company.
American City Business Journals (2/26) Full Article

Take inventory of your psychological capital
Psychological capital is a relatively new concept that takes human capital a step further. Take a person's personality into account when determining his or her fit for the company, as opposed to just filling the opening with a warm body.
The Gallup Organization (1/11) Full Article

Don't let one employee dominate your time or other's
The best way to handle an employee who frequently sits down in your office for heart-to-heart conversations is to listen and offer some simple, sound advice. You may be able to avoid these persistent chats, and save other employees from listening to the small talk, by periodically reaffirming their work and contributions.
The Washington Post (1/14) Full Article

Self-reflection important part of improving leadership
Becoming a better leader often has to do with changing some of your interpersonal traits, ones that others may find annoying or even offensive, says executive coach Marshall Goldsmith. Listen to other's opinions of you, and let go of annoying habits in order to increase your credibility as a good manager.
 BusinessWeek (1/8) Full Article

Little things count in employer-employee relationships
Acknowledging employees in direct ways for their daily efforts is a smart management move that keeps staff engaged and feeling valued. A simple "thank you" can go long way in showing employees they hold positions of meaningful contribution.
American City Business Journals (1/8) Full Article

Q-and-A: What it takes to be a good leader
Leading a business effectively is tough during good times and rough ones. Paul Taffinder, author of "The Leadership Crash Course: How to Create Personal Leadership Value," answers questions on new perceptions of leadership as well as how to teach it.
CareerJournal (The Wall Street Journal) (7/17) Full Article

What executives are asking about China: From entry to execution
The head of McKinsey's offices in China answers the questions that senior managers of multinational companies are asking.
The McKinsey Quarterly (7/1) Full Article

Entrepreneur or leader, which one are you?
Deciding whether you are a leader or entrepreneur is an important step in helping your business grow. Each has characteristics that affect how a business is run and should be seriously considered when searching for new hires.
BusinessWeek (6/27) Full Article

Exec search firm helps women balance family, corporate lives
Like many other women, Kate Grussing experienced difficulty balancing her professional obligations with her personal and family responsibilities. After an 18-year corporate career, she founded Sapphire Partners, an executive search firm that focuses mostly on matching experienced women executives seeking flexible positions with appropriate companies. International Herald Tribune (6/16) Full Article

Survey: Failure to listen a top mistake leaders make
A study of more than 1,400 leaders and managers found that more than 41% of those surveyed said they felt the biggest mistake leaders make when working with others is the failure to communicate or listen. Under- or over-supervising people or providing either too much or too little direction was listed by a quarter of leaders as a major failing.
Management-Issues U.K. (6/20) Full Article

Five tips for management cohesiveness
A list of five tips to boost cohesiveness in a management team includes assigning accountability and ownership for strategies; brainstorming; asking for solutions; challenging the team; and coming together to address common issues.
CEO Strategist (4/1/06) Full Article

Negotiate like a pro
Master negotiators know when to employ certain facial expressions, the silent treatment and the bait-and-switch technique. This article explains when to turn to these, and seven other, crucial negotiation tactics.
Entrepreneur (3/2006) Full Article

Books to help win at business
Two new business books can help with management strategies for inspiring and working alongside employees, whether it's to win a big account or a do-or-die battle. "The Wizard and the Warrior: Leading with Passion and Power," by Lee G. Bolman and Terrence E. Deal, and "Must-Win Battles: How to Win Them, Again and Again," by Peter Killing, Thomas Malnight and Tracey Keys, earned high marks from this Miami Herald review.
 The Miami Herald (4/17/06) Full Article

Books for aspiring leaders and those with office issues
Authors present their solutions for dealing with difficult co-workers and offer ways to "accomplish anything you can dream" in two new business books. A Harvard-trained psychotherapist, a management consultant and an 80-year-old entrepreneur and former Hanes Cos. CEO offer their insights.
Houston Chronicle (3/11/06) Full Article

Mentoring losing its luster with managers
Company managers are forgoing mentoring young employees, as managerial styles shift to a teaching-by-example approach. Managers are given more employees to supervise and often see it as too risky to link their success to that of other employees.
The Wall Street Journal (3/13/06) Full Article

Ten CEOs share their leadership secrets
Fortune surveys 10 chief executives, including the CEOs of Procter & Gamble, Merrill Lynch and Best Buy, on the secret of making your way to the top and staying there.
Fortune (12/21/05) Full Article

Using an IQ test to predict executive success
While IQ tests have some practical drawbacks in helping to gauge executive performance, companies can formulate an assessment tool that can glean executive intelligence from a candidate by posing questions that put the candidate in unfamiliar situations, one professor says.
HBS Working Knowledge, 12/5/05 Full Article

Employers strive to retain less-loyal workers
With many employees always on the lookout for something better, companies are looking beyond just salary as a retention booster and focusing on flex time, work-life balance and an emphasis on teamwork. "Constant churn will create a drain on companies and problems for clients if they must, for example, constantly deal with a new account manager," one consultant says.
Forbes (11/24/05) Full Article

Business leaders share their "golden rules"
Business 2.0 magazine asked 49 leaders to share their secrets to success -- the single philosophies they adhere to most.
CNNmoney (11/29/05) Full Article

Body language can make or break a leader
Great leaders ooze confidence, not only in their speech, but in their body language as well, one communications coach explains. Managers can tailor their body language to help them develop a command presence by moving with purpose and using appropriate hand gestures during their delivery.
BusinessWeek (11/17/05) Full Article

Female management style creates a whole-picture scenario
Research indicates men and women have different management styles, with women focusing on team goals and short-term objectives. In key management positions, both men and women perceive men as the better decision-makers, Catalyst president Ilene H. Lang says. Fortune (11/14/05) Full Article

Remembering Peter Drucker
In light of the management guru's recent death, The Wall Street Journal notes everyone in business could benefit from re-reading some of Drucker's work. "The business world would surely be a better place if every manager were required to read his 1966 classic, 'The Effective Executive,' " the newspaper writes.
The Wall Street Journal (11/14/05) Full Article

Bosses often infringe on workers' personal lives
The majority of U.S. workers are unhappy with their bosses, according to industry statistics. Employees should be proactive by documenting incidents or offering a compromise to their bosses to resolve conflict, a career and psychology expert says.
The Miami Herald (10/19/05) Full Article

The Atlanta Braves: A model for a winning team
The foundation of a company's success is built on the ability to "create a level of confidence and reliability and trust," says Atlanta Braves general manager John Schuerholz, whose "Built to Win" book will be released this spring. Developing talent from within and effectively managing change also are essential, Schuerholz says.
The Wall Street Journal (10/5/05) Full Article

Leading through tough times
Because corporate transitions are difficult, transitional leaders must motivate employees to embrace new corporate visions and help engender a new organizational process, according to Richard L. Daft. Leaders should rely on four key principles when steering their employees through a restructure.
CEO Strategist (9/16/05) Full Article

Companies contend with Web-surfing employees
Employees who use work hours to surf the Web or send personal e-mail not only reduce worker productivity but also can open a company up to malicious code or a potential lawsuit. Many companies have opted to monitor employees' online activities.
CFO (9/1/05) Full Article

Corporations and the art of decision-making
With a good portion of payroll dollars being directed to managers and other decision-makers, corporations need to give as much credence to decision design as they do to products and services, one writer contends. Greater input from employees within the company who are directly affected by these decisions can help increase the quality and creativity of decision-making within the organization.
BusinessWeek (8/30/05) Full Article

Resolving workplace conflicts
Forbes.com offers managers seven tips on how to effectively smooth over disputes between workers. It is essential for a manager to stay neutral and be assertive when working toward a positive resolution.
Forbes (8/25/05) Full Article

Boredom in job can undermine company
Lack of stimulation in a job leaves workers bored and unsatisfied, according to industry research. "[Boredom] blocks creativity, which can undermine any company, which can keep it from staying abreast of the marketplace, competition," a business psychologist says.
The Washington Post (8/10/05) Full Article

Companies factoring strategy into budgets
Corporate budgeting and planning is more effective when companies can get both the higher-ups and managers involved in the process, one writer says. Tying budgeting into corporate strategy can help facilitate long-term success.
CFO (7/1/05) Full Article

Become a better manager today
Many times becoming a better manager has to do with learning new skills and putting them to use. Some tips to making yourself a highly regarded manager include hiring people that are good for the company, being a motivator and leader and less of a manager and doing your best to communicate clearly and openly.
About (2/13) Full Article

Marketplace

Obama needs to do more for women in male-dominated fields
The Obama administration's hiring team needs to create more jobs for women in areas where they are underrepresented, such as construction and energy, Bonnie Erbe writes in this blog post on U.S. News and World Report's Web site. "The Obama administration should make sure women have entree to higher-paying fields where men now dominate," she writes.

U.S. News & World Report (12/9) Full Article

Analysis: SBA loan caps hinder women, minorities
The Wall Street Journal examines how women and minority owners of small businesses are affected by new rules put into effect two months ago for Small Business Administration loans. The loans have been capped and their number reduced. Although they originally targeted veterans, women and minorities in low- and middle-income areas, all small-business owners looking for less than $25,000 are eligible.

The Wall Street Journal (12/9)  Full Article

Role of middle managers is becoming even more difficult
Midlevel managers, who usually are given too many people to supervise and have too little time for coaching, reviews and communicating with their teams, are facing a changing dynamic, says Penny de Valk, chief executive officer of the Institute of Leadership and Management. "Almost 70% of middle managers have reports who work in a different location, but there's little training or support to help manage this new way of working," she says. "They are told to manage by walking around, but it's a long walk to Bucharest, baby."

BNET (11/19) Full Article

Women take long view of stock market turbulence
Women seem to be willing to watch how the financial crisis plays out in the long run rather than jumping in to move their investment money around. "They are longer-term, buy-and-hold investors, which should work in their favor given today's realities," says Lauren Coulston of Oppenheimer Funds in Denver.

The Christian Science Monitor (9/22) Full Article

Women losing jobs at faster clip
The rise in the unemployment rate for women from July to August may indicate women are being affected more severely by the economy than they have been for seven years. Black women and single mothers are among those hardest hit.

The Hartford Courant (Conn.) (9/22) Full Article

Callaway asks: Why aren't more women playing golf?
The company is making a concerted effort to go after the female demographic and is taking lessons they are learning about women's buying habits and their interaction with the game and implementing them into new products, such as the entry-level Gems set. Callaway has also designated 50 female PGA professionals as brand ambassadors to help promote the game to more women. Golfweek (4/14) Full article

CFOs in the hot seat
CFO turnover in the first quarter was up 21% over the same period last year, says Liberum Research. The firm counted 593 changes of finance chief at publicly traded U.S. companies in the first three months of 2008. "If performance is suffering, as it has been for many companies lately, oftentimes the CFO will take it on the chin before anyone else," said Richard Jacovitz, a senior VP at Liberum. FinancialWeek (4/14) Full article

Worn-down dress codes have led to sloppiness
Many experts believe that casual dress, or at least sloppy dress, in the workplace has crossed a line. "We're seeing flip-flops, low-cut tops, unshaven looks and holes in jeans," says Shannon Smith, author of "Power Manners," who is hired to shore up company dress codes. "The sloppier the dress, the sloppier the attitude and the sloppier the work ethic." Financial Post (Canada) (3/1) Full article

Sleep deprivation has become costly, risky work issue
Sleepiness costs billions of dollars in lost production and puts workers at risk driving to and from work, according to a new study on sleep and the workplace. Of the respondents polled for the research, 39% had nodded off or fallen asleep while driving, almost 30% had fallen asleep at work or become very sleepy and 12% had arrived late for work because they were sleepy. USA TODAY (3/3) Full article

SBA will probe $1.2 million contract given to Bush appointee
The Small Business Administration, under fire with allegations of Republican cronyism from the House Small Business Committee, has agreed to investigate an inexperienced company that received a quick certification waiver and the lion's share of funding for a key SBA program. VBP Group, owned by former Agriculture Department appointee Vernon B. Parker, received a $1.2 million SBA grant to to help minority- and women-owned businesses compete for government grants. The New York Times (2/19)  Full article

Online shoppers drive their own luxury trends
A new type of consumerism marked by online shoppers who create and pass on their own trends has been dubbed "Web 3.0" by Dawn Bebe, managing director of Osoyou.com, Britain's first social-shopping site for women. "The next evolution for the web is social networks that have a purpose -- vertical social networks ... This is where social shopping comes in. The thing that bonds these people is shopping and fashion," she said. Financial Times (free content) (2/19) Full article

Internet breaks business-entry barriers
Young people with entrepreneurial spirits are starting a trend that spans the globe. Because the Internet has lowered barriers to business entry, even entrepreneurs from developing nations are finding success with their small-business ideas, including e-commerce sites, blogs with paid ads, business consulting, graphic design and software development. E-Commerce Times (1/26) Full article

Peer-to-peer lending expanding quickly
Peer-to-peer lending is gaining steam as an increasing number of borrowers find they can get loans without having to apply to tight-fisted banks reeling from the subprime credit crisis. With so few innovations in lending, when something like peer-to-peer lending catches on, it "has a high probability of being what academics refer to as a 'disruptive innovation,' " says George Hofheimer of the Filene Research Institute in Wisconsin. The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) (1/28) Full article

Critics: SBA still keeps government contracts from Women
Rules announced by the Small Business Administration in December still fail women-owned businesses because they give preference to women in only four of of 140 industries, say critics. "The government says it champions women, but it continues to lock us out," says Margot Dorfman, who heads the Women's Chamber of Commerce. The New York Times (1/16) Full article

Female homeowners feel sting of subprime crisis
An analysis by nonprofit Reinvestment Fund found that more than half of the foreclosures in Baltimore's Belair-Edison neighborhood have been on homes owned primarily by women. Subprime mortgages with adjustable rates can leave borrowers vulnerable to payments that increase substantially over time. Women are 32% more likely than men to receive subprime loans, according to the Consumer Federation of America. The New York Times (1/15) Full article

Site to use coupons to attract female audience
Valassis Communications, a distributor of coupons via newspaper inserts and the U.S. mail, is going virtual with a Web portal geared toward female consumers. RedPlum.com is intended to be more than a coupon site -- it will offer product reviews, original content and a recipe database. Valassis, unlike some rival value-shopper sites, will allow users to browse the site anonymously, according to this article. The New York Times (12/27) Full article

Pros spurn retirement, corporations to start businesses
The recent growth of home-based businesses is largely being fueled by professionals who find they do not need the corporate setting to be successful. Many people who have become successful in business, accounting, human resources and other professions have been able to turn their skills and knowledge into a consulting business they can operate from their homes, says Jeff Zbar, creator of ChiefHomeOfficer.com. Inc.com (12/2007) Full article

FCC adopts new rules on ownership diversity
The FCC on Tuesday adopted a series of proposals that would increase the broadcast ownership by new entrants and minority- and women-owned small businesses. The new rules, according to FCC Associate Media Bureau Chief Chris Robbins, also would "assist any eligible entities with access to financing and opportunities for spectrum." TVNEWSDAY (12/18) Full article

Lane Bryant's jeans exceed sales forecasts
Lane Bryant's new Right Fit jeans line, available in the brand's 900 stores and in 450 Catherines locations, is a hit with consumers. The line, which promises a more comfortable fit for women, is a bright spot in an otherwise tough year for Lane Bryant and its parent company, Charming Shoppes. American City Business Journals (12/14) Full article

Video game industry should get women involved
The video game industry is missing huge opportunities by primarily developing games aimed at young men, argues the co-founder of a women's game collective. Celia Pearce, also a college professor, said that there was "overwhelming evidence" that companies could sell a lot more products if they followed the lead of the board game industry and targeted a broader market. GameDaily BIZ (12/11) Full article

More women turn to careers in building trades
More women are training for jobs in the building trades in New York City than ever before, and most of them are finding commercial construction jobs, trade union officials say. The trend is partly the result of efforts made to recruit minorities, women and military veterans after a construction boom swept the city in 2003. The New York Times (11/26) Full article

Advertising by women, for women
Womenkind, an agency launching in New York, plans on crafting ads that appeal to women. Former Lowe Worldwide CEO Jerry Judge is teaming up with Kristi Faulkner and Sandy Sabean -- both formerly of Ammirati Puris Lintas -- and former WPP Group chief technology officer Steven Leitner. Adweek (11/16) Full article

Women's group wants set-aside rules approved faster
U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce wants Congress to speed up the approval of new rules to set aside government contracts for women-owned businesses, reports Buffalo Business First. Currently, the rules revised by The Small Business Administration are being reviewed by government agencies before being published for public comment. American City Business Journals (10/12) Full article

Executive women share tales of incompetent assistants
Incompetent assistants can slow down even the most efficient executives, writes Ellen Ryan in the ForbesLife Executive Women column. Several female executives recall stories of assistants who faxed confidential documents to the wrong person, were unable to transfer phone calls, and destroyed a $27,000 conference table by placing hot pizzas on it. Forbes (10/8) Full article

Home Depot tests new format for women shoppers
Home Depot will open two test stores this month, in Charlotte, N.C., and in Concord, Calif., designed to be more appealing to female customers. The new locations, dubbed Home Depot Design Centers, will include kitchen and bath showrooms and a larger section on home organization, as well as a garden center focused on outdoor living. MarketWatch (10/8) Full Article

Hotels increasingly offer female-friendly amenities
As the number of women travelers increases, hotels are stepping up to the plate with a wide variety of female-friendly amenities. Hotels are catering to the growing market with offerings ranging from women-only floors to room amenities such as full-length mirrors and better lighting in the bathroom. WomenEntrepreneur.com (10/2) Full Article

SBA to crack down on small-business contracts awarded to corporations
Starting this summer, businesses with federal contracts will be required to report if they are acquired, merged or buy another company, in an effort to prevent large or corporate businesses from getting federal contracts reserved for small businesses. "We know that there is some concern out there and we believe this is a way of addressing that issue," said the district director of the Small Business Administration's Los Angeles District Office. Los Angeles Times (3/28) Full Article

Editorial: House labor bill goes too far
The House has passed a measure that would allow unions to organize by getting a majority of workers to sign cards rather than by winning a contested election. Although the ability of employees to organize is an important aspect of fairness in the workplace and a core democratic right, labor and its legislative allies in this case are pursuing a politically unachievable and substantively unwise path, according to a Washington Post editorial. The Washington Post (3/12) Full Article

Hedge funds eclipse investment banks in bond trading
The significance of hedge funds has increased thanks to computer-driven trading models that generate high trading volume for U.S. Treasury bonds. Electronic trading, and the ability to make trades quickly to exploit small differences in prices, is changing the trading field and has given hedge funds a leg up on investment banks. Financial Times (3/8) Full Article

Bernanke moves to soothe Congress, investors after last week's fall
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke told Congress that U.S. markets were doing well and that last week's sell-off didn't change his expectations about economic growth. CNNmoney.com (2/28) Full Article

Business groups fight pro-union bill
While organized labor continues to push for a pro-union bill, the National Retail Federation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups are campaigning against it. Business lobbyists expressed confidence in being able to stop the bill, which would ease workers' process of joining unions. The New York Times (2/23) Full Article

Little guys suffer as Wall Street enters machine era
The end of an era is approaching on Wall Street, where the number of humans who work the trading floors is dwindling. And although NYSE CEO John Thain said that there would always be a need for specialists on the exchange, no one expects to see a return to the teeming pits of yesterday. And perhaps the people most likely to be hurt by the change are the small merchants in Wall Street. "Machines and computers don't eat and drink," one bar owner said. MSNBC (2/20) Full Article

Pop-up stores target consumers' haste
Pop-up stores have become the latest retail trend, with retailers including Gap, Target and Nike opening stores in major cities or malls for just a few days and then closing them. Retailers have conveyed a sense of urgency through their pop-up stores to lure hasty consumers, shouting "Act now!" to grab customers' attention, one fashion publicity expert said. BusinessWeek (2/9) Full Article

Bernanke, Congress to discuss inequality issues
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke is set to go before the new Democratic majority in Congress to seek ways to reverse America's growing wealth gap. The Fed says it may resume raising rates because a tight labor market and low unemployment could lead to a spike in inflation, but Democratic leaders hope to change that stance. Bloomberg (2/14) Full Article

House Democrats target big business, advance tax breaks for small firms
House Democrats met with Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr. last week to discuss changing rules that allow major U.S. companies such as General Electric and Hewlett-Packard to postpone taxes on foreign profit. Meanwhile, this week the House Ways and Means Committee approved by unanimous voice vote a $1.3 billion package of small-business tax breaks intended to be paired with a likely $2.10 increase in the minimum wage. International Herald Tribune (2/13) Full Article

Shareholders urge pinning executive pay to performance
Shareholders have already sent pay-for-performance requests related to the coming proxy season to 44 companies, more than double the number of requests in 2006, including Colgate-Palmolive and Apple. Pension operators and unions have increasingly asked that bonuses only be given to executives when the median performance of their peers is surpassed. The Wall Street Journal (1/24) Full Article

Ex-Fed governor expects rates to move upward
Former Fed governor Lyle Gramley predicts that the next time the central bank makes a move on interest rates, it will be an increase. The threats that had put downward pressure on rates are easing, Gramley said. "I think we've seen increasing evidence that this period of slowdown is not going to result in a recession or anything close to it, but a soft landing." MarketWatch (1/26) Full Article

Strong December retail sales surprise Wall Street
December retail sales in the U.S. increased by a seasonally adjusted 0.9%, while November sales rose by 0.6%, revised from a previously reported 1.0%, according to the Commerce Department. Meanwhile, U.S. import prices also rose more than expected at the end of the year, partly due to a recovery in imported petroleum prices. (The Wall Street Journal, 1/12) Full Article

Consumer outlook positive for new year:
Consumer confidence was rated at 95.3 in January, up from 86.9 in December and 78.2 in January 2006, according to the RBC Cash Index, which is based on results from polling firm Ipsos. (The Washington Post, 1/12) Full Article

Executive shakeups raise questions about contracts
Chief executive contracts have been spotlighted in the midst of golden severance packages, and some experts say shareholders benefit when executives are hired without such guarantees. Several retailers, including Gap, Home Depot and J.C. Penney, have already ousted their senior executives for a high price. (CNNmoney.com/Fortune, 1/11) Full Article

U.S. companies take a cautious approach to spending
While companies have been investing in themselves and making some small-scale acquisitions, many businesses in the U.S. also have been building up capital, which has prompted investors to call for additional spending. "Because the amounts [of cash] are mammoth, how and when they use this money could have a big impact on companies, markets and the economy," a Standard & Poor's analyst says. (The Wall Street Journal, 7/21) Full Article

Gas prices soar to all-time high in U.S.
Gas prices in the U.S. have exceeded the $3-per-gallon mark in the past two weeks, representing an all-time high for the nation. The national average for self-serve regular increased nearly 2 cents to $3.0150 per gallon, up from the previous all-time high of $3.0117, set last September. (The New York Times, 7/24) Full Article

Fed forecasts positive economic outlook
The Federal Reserve's latest report predicts the U.S. economy will do well through the close of 2006 and 2007, given indicators that energy prices will slow by year's end, despite posting increases in the near term. (MSNBC 6/27) Full Article

Survey: Dollar likely to weaken
The dollar is expected to further decline against the euro and the yen, a Bloomberg survey of traders, strategists and investors found. A slowdown in the housing market also is expected to curb consumer spending. (Bloomberg, 4/24/06) Full Article

Trade deficit reduction may be short-lived
The U.S. trade deficit declined 4.2% in February to $65.74 billion as oil imports declined and the imbalance with China eased, the Commerce Department said. Total imports and exports both declined, and one economist says "the trend still points to a larger deficit in coming months." (The New York Times, 4/13/06) Full Article

Corporate governance rules tightening
Many large U.S. firms are tightening their corporate governance practices by tying executive compensation to company earnings or stock performance, incorporating board independence and oversight and becoming more compliant with Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. "This shows dramatic change, and it's all motivated by the desire for good corporate governance," said Steve Odland, CEO of Office Depot and corporate-governance chair of the Business Roundtable. (USA TODAY, 3/20/06) Full Article

Hiring, earnings on the upswing
Job growth regained steam in February as employers added a higher-than-expected 243,000 jobs, marking the biggest gain in three months, the Labor Department reported. Average hourly earnings also posted the largest annual increase since September 2001. (The New York Times, 3/10/06) Full Article

Businesses must prepare for bird flu threat
U.S. companies once again have been urged by health officials to prepare for what could become a crippling onslaught of the virus, for which the federal government may be ill-prepared. States and private-sector groups must coordinate their own preparedness programs because "avian flu, when it occurs, will severely test the best-laid plans," Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said. (Business Insurance, 2/14/06) Full Article

Report: Wyoming ranks best for business taxes
Wyoming has the most business-friendly tax code, followed by South Dakota and Alaska, while New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island have the least hospitable, the Tax Foundation said in a new report. (CNNmoney, 2/27/06) Full Article

Does hiring school chums make good business sense?
Alma mater ties open up doors to the business world for many, but one software company chief executive warns making hiring decisions based on fraternity connections can sometimes breed single-minded companies. (The Wall Street Journal, 2/28/06) Full Article

Conference Board numbers signal continued economic strength
The Conference Board's composite index of leading economic indicators rose 0.1% last month after a revised 0.9% surge in November, indicating continued economic strength in upcoming months. The rise suggests that the economy has had little difficulty in absorbing the effects of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. (MSNBC, 1/24/06) Full Article

Survey: CEOs see strong economy for 2006
A quarterly survey of CEOs from large U.S. companies shows optimism for the economy in 2006, with expectations for increased productivity and strong corporate and consumer spending. Many feel the robust growth will offset increasing energy and health care costs, and the overall CEO Economic Outlook Index of 101.4, calculated by the Business Roundtable, is the second-highest level in the survey's three-year history. (MSNBC, 12/14/05) Full Article

Gen Xers embrace work/life balance
Employees age 25 to 40 epitomize the desire to strike a balance between office time and personal time, which for employers if handled appropriately can yield better retention rates, one psychology expert says. "It's not just about doing the right thing for the employee; while that's true, it also helps create a healthy organization," he asserts. (The Wall Street Journal, 11/29/05) Full Article

Economy overcame challenges to allow growth
Two devastating hurricanes and rising energy costs did little to blunt economic activity last month, according to a Federal Reserve economic survey that said most districts saw "moderate or gradual" growth. The report said most economic growth was due to improved hiring, higher wages and increased growth in construction and other industries. (BusinessWeek, 10/19/05) Full Article

The rise of the micro-recession
With increased market flexibility -- facilitated by technological advances -- businesses are reacting more quickly to changes, giving rise to micro-recessions, economics experts say. Although the U.S. economy is less volatile year in and year out now than in previous decades, it has become more tumultuous month to month because of the faster adjustments companies are making. (The New York Times, 10/8/05) Full Article

Executive speaks on work force diversity
The Home Depot's vice president of diversity and inclusiveness, Gloria Johnson Goins, spoke recently about a predicted employment shortage and the role minorities will play in the marketplace in coming years. Goins said companies need to recognize the buying power of minorities: The black community is the largest minority segment with $533 billion in buying power. (The Idaho Statesman (Boise), 9/22/05) Full Article

CFOs pessimistic about state of economy
Fewer chief financial officers are optimistic about the health of the U.S. economy, thanks in part to concerns about a potential housing bubble, increasing interest rates and rising fuel prices, a Business Outlook Survey finds. Finance chiefs believe "a housing correction will have spillover effects that will hurt corporate America," the study's director said. (CFO, 8/31/05) Full Article

Q-and-A: The rules of globalization
The New York Times talks with Clyde Prestowitz, a former White House trade negotiator, on the changing world economy. Prestowitz notes there is a disconnect on how Americans view globalization and how many people in Asia view it. (The New York Times, 8/22/05) Full Article

U.S. trending toward "information economy"
Line56 analyzes a recent trend report on the state of information technology by Forrester Research. One major trend identified is that "the United States is increasingly an information economy." In other words, while "IT as a category may be shedding certain jobs ... IT as a set of skills is something required of an increasing number of workers regardless of where they fit into the organization." (Line56, 7/15/05) Full Article

Best Practices

Author: Unemployment can spur empowerment
Losing a job is a stressful thing, but women can turn it into an opportunity to make their lives better, says Kathy Caprino, author of "Breakdown, Breakthrough: The Professional Woman's Guide to Claiming a Life of Passion, Power and Purpose." Caprino said being forced to find another job offers a remedy to the mid-life crisis many women find themselves in when they cannot balance work and life, have been discriminated against or harassed at work, suffer chronic health problems and hate what they do.
The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah) (12/14)  Full Article

8 paths to cutting-edge leadership
High-performance leaders have learned how to take smart risks and create the opportunities that bring success, professor George Kohlrieser writes. Here are his suggestions for how to develop your leadership talents and build a productive organizational culture.

IMD (11/2008) Full Article

Exercise your networking skills while traveling for business
Airport pat-downs, multiple time zones, high-stakes meetings -- if anyone needs a little exercise to relieve stress, it's business travelers. But don't settle for generic hotel gyms, says business owner and travel blogger Stacie Krajchir. Instead, opt for exercise classes and activities that get you outside with the locals. "These off-site adventures are also a great way to meet new friends, tap into the local scene and step up your social skills while closing that big deal," she says.

Inc.com (11/27) Full Article

Compensation, incentives, quotas motivate sales staff
Compensation, incentives and reasonable quotas are critical to getting sales agents to bring in more revenue. Experts talk about how they address these issues to motivate their staffs.
CEPro.com (9/30) Full Article

Women need to speak up at work like they do at home
While one research study shows women make twice as many decisions at home as men do in four areas -- planning weekend activities, household finances, major home purchases and TV watching -- other research indicates in the workplace, women take second place to men, who are preferred in many professions and generally make more money for the same work. Perhaps women should speak up at work as frequently as they do at home, says this editorial in the Independent Mail in Anderson, S.C.

Independent Mail (Anderson, S.C.) (9/29) Full Article

Active listening can advance woman's business
Taking a genuine interest in other people is one way a woman entrepreneur can make herself stand out from the competition, says Kaira Sturdivant Rouda, author of "Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs." Reaching out to someone who is alone at a networking event, listening carefully and caring about what the person is saying will have an impact, Rouda says.
ThisWeek (Worthington, Ohio) (9/3) Full Article

How to succeed in search engine marketing
The main points in Dan and Chip Heath's book, "Made to Stick," can be applied to search engine marketing, Carrie Hill writes in Search Engine Watch. The Heaths use the acronym SUCCES to describe six characteristics of a good "sticky" idea. SUCCES refers to marketing ideas that are simple, unexpected, concrete, credible, emotional stories.
Search Engine Watch (9/2)  Full Article

Relationship, not branding, grows small businesses
Author and marketing guru George Torok says he is alarmed by a recent poll that indicates most small businesses consider branding a top priority. Small businesses cannot afford branding and are better off developing customer relationships as their marketing initiative, he says. National Post (Canada) (5/12) Full Article

Tending database can improve marketing, sales
Few companies excel at mining their database to turn prospects into sales, says Colleen Edwards, CEO of PowerMark Group. Consistent and continuous effort on the details of the information are needed to affect revenue. BusinessWeek/Today's Tip (5/13) Full Article

To catch a thief
Though U.S. firms lose as much as $300 billion a year to corporate espionage, most companies are not prepared to withstand an attack. High-tech hacking is what many people associate with corporate espionage, but often spies make off with the goods by simply walking in and out of the front door. Computerworld (4/14) Full article

Analyze fixed, variable costs to increase profit
Economic change has forced small businesses to examine costs in hopes of expanding their profits. A simple spreadsheet can help a business owner analyze the various components of fixed and variable costs to see how changing the components can affect income. Current-Argus (N.M.) (4/14) Full article

Advice: How to pump up your personal power
Successful people usually have vision, are professionally competent and have good people skills, but they also have an aura of personal power, says small-business consultant Elinor Robin. By understanding the dynamics of power, individuals can increase their personal power through their actions, she said. WomenEntrepreneur.com (3/4) Full article

Four tips to a successful green marketing campaign
Savvy companies marketing green products have discovered customers are willing to pay extra money for them, but a recent survey indicates consumers are becoming skeptical about whether certain items actually are environmentally friendly. Entrepreneur.com offers four tips to be successful marketing green products. Entrepreneur (3/2008) Full article

Companies retain workers by letting them volunteer
Volunteering has become a kind of corporate benefit to help employees who want to improve interpersonal skills, sharpen teamwork and hone their ability to overcome obstacles. Companies increasingly are offering time off to retain two major groups: younger people who want to balance personal values and beliefs and ready-to-retire employees who want to serve their communities. Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (2/11) Full article

Tips for organizing a home office
Stephen L. Rosenstein of SCORE in Greater Baltimore has seven tips for getting a home office organized for success. The first step, he says, is making sure the business meets zoning and licensing requirements. The Sun (Baltimore) (2/17) Full article

Advice: How to prepare business to cope with recession
Business advisers recommend getting prepared for a recession so your small business can withstand it, writes Business Week columnist Karen E. Klein. Experts shared with Klein their advice on what to do when revenue drops; the need to weed out customers who do not add to the profit; the need to talk to customers to avoid losing them; the idea of planning how to gain new customers; the use of slow time for training; the need to keep marketing; and the need to cut back on spending. BusinessWeek (1/30) Full article

Tips for avoiding frivolous lawsuits
Frivolous litigation is just as much a threat to entrepreneurs as their CEO counterparts at big corporations. Business owners can take some steps to avoid false claims by employees, beginning by hiring people you trust and working for people you respect. Entrepreneur (1/2008) Full article

Healthy brands are constantly marketed
Successful brand strategies market a brand continually and make the product's distinctive traits -- speed, pricing, customer service -- apparent. Companies often fail to invest in long-term advertising and promotions of the brand. The Macon Telegraph (Ga.) (1/16) Full article

Research idea before launching business
Many entrepreneurs become so excited about their business idea they fail to do market research before they launch. Failing to research a potential business' "strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats" is why many startups shut down. Financial Post (Canada) (1/14) Full article

Training helps attract, retain top employees
Investing in employee development increasingly provides many businesses with a competitive advantage in acquiring and keeping top talent, says Andrew Turner, vice president of performance culture for Canadian communications giant Telus. Some 32,000 employees at all levels enrolled in 361,000 online and 64,000 classroom courses last year, netting the company a third place global award. Financial Post (Canada) (1/2) Full article

Resolve to focus on core values, says business coach
New technology and the global marketplace offer opportunities for growth, but businesses need to resolve to focus first on what is most important, says business coach David B. Bohl. Customer relations and achieving a balanced lifestyle should head up New Year's resolutions, he says. American Chronicle (12/27) Full article

Column: Many women face changing visions of retirement
Some retired women find themselves caring for elderly relatives instead of traveling or returning to school, writes Jane Glenn Haas in the Orange County Register. She recommends that women who go through sudden life changes, including being laid off, seek help from support groups. The Orange County Register (Calif.) (12/10) Full article

Financial planning remains vital for women, planners say
Women should create a financial plan that will help them prepare for unexpected events, financial planners say. Additionally, most women will have significantly less retirement income than men because they spend more time out of the workforce. American Chronicle (12/10) Full article

Legal advice: Respect employees, be consistent
The legal advice Amy DelPo and Lisa Guerin offer on employees sounds a lot like common sense every manager should have. Nevertheless, treating employees with respect, being consistent, keeping good records and conducting performance reviews regularly can help avert an employee crisis or even a lawsuit, they say. The New York Times (12/11) Full article

Six Sigma methods can profit business
Six Sigma methods can be applied to any kind of problem, even ones in small business. Just like the large corporations that taut Six Sigma, small firms can use it to solve problems in a way that increases their efficiency and profits. Entrepreneur (11/2007) Full article

Web conferences save time, money
Web conferencing services are offering small business operators a way to save time and still meet with clients. Not only does it save on travel expenses, conferencing on the Web increases productivity by converting transit time to time that can be used to serve clients. SmartBIZ (11/27) Full article

Breast cancer survivors offer lessons on coping at work
WomenEntrepreneur.com profiles four entrepreneurs who have survived breast cancer. The women talk about how they dealt with issues such as staying functional on the job while dealing with the shock, whether to tell clients and giving up some control. WomenEntrepreneur.com (10/23) Full article

PR 101: Tips for starting your own campaign
Small businesses can start a publicity campaign themselves at little or no cost, writes publicity expert and columnist Deanne Schulz. Some questions to answer before you begin, she suggests, are: what simple tag describes you, what makes you unique, who is your audience, how and when will you reach your audience. American Chronicle (10/9) Full Article

Working too much? Discussion may be in order
Business and work are important, but sometimes work can start to consume too much of your time, says industry consultant Rick Johnson. An honest discussion about whether or not you are a workaholic and what changes can be made may be in order if you or your family start to express concerns overt your work-life balance. CEO Strategist (10/10) Full Article

Don't get in over your head when ramping up your business
It's best to start small once you've developed a product you are confident consumers will love. Offering your product on a small-scale first is a good way to ensure there is sufficient demand and that you can produce enough to meet that demand. The worst situation for your company would be promising too much in the beginning and failing to deliver. Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.) (3/19) Full Article

Keep information straightforward, simple when selling
Give prospects clearly stated, explicit reasons for why they should buy from you, instead of risking confusion with complicated spreadsheets or other data-intensive documents, sales expert Mel Schlesinger advises. For prospects who become clients, you can always provide this type of information later, upon their request. Employee Benefit Adviser (3/1) Full Article

Confidence helps defy risks
High levels of confidence and low levels of risk perception are two key attributes of a successful entrepreneur, say three university researchers. Small-business owners that have these qualities, in addition to strong connections, are more likely to take chances. BusinessWeek (3/5) Full Article

Multitasking helps, not impairs, in fast-paced workplace
The numerous distractions and interruptions from PDAs, e-mail and high-speed Internet -- and the resulting multitasking -- may seem as though they would impede on the work of businesspeople. On the contrary, says one business and technology writer, performing multiple tasks at once is the only way to deal with an increasingly complex and fast-response work environment. Inc.com (2/1) Full Article

Is information overload getting you down?
The vast amount of information available to business owners through the Internet, industry studies and customer data doesn't always provide an answer; in many cases, they find all the information begets more questions. Avoid information overload by using intuition to determine when you have enough information to make a thorough decision. Entrepreneur (2/2007) Full Article

Automated messages may be costing you business
Customers and clients contact you when they have a problem, need advice or seek a service. They do not want to know when you are in meetings all day or on vacation in the Bahamas because that doesn't help resolve their issue. Stay connected through a PDA or laptop if you're temporarily away, or have an assistant handle clients if you will be unavailable for an extended period of time instead of setting up automated responses. American City Business Journals (2/12) Full Article

Plan ahead, get more out of your meeting budget
Meeting-related travel is often organized by staff that are not professional meeting planners, resulting in negative cost-control. Use a multi-tiered program to organize, and apply supply-and-demand concepts for meeting spaces and times in order to avoid wasting unmanaged expenses. Manage Smarter (2/13) Full Article

Customers respond to personalization
Tell prospects only what they want to know to avoid e-information overload. Customers can get overwhelmed by the number of choices the Web offers, and a recent study showed 57% of users would be willing to reveal a certain amount of private information in exchange for personalization of the content they receive. Manage Smarter (1/21) Full Article

Speak up, offer suggestions to spur change
Offering your opinions and suggestions at work will not only improve your workplace but will make you feel better about yourself, your job and your ability to cause change. "Sometimes the best idea can come from the newest, least-experienced person on your staff," adds one executive. American City Business Journals (1/23) Full Article

Workplace values differ among generations, survey reveals
Older workers value loyalty, hard work, deference, seniority/entitlement and sense of duty, while boomers view recognition, hard work, loyalty, challenge and respect as their top values, a white paper from the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations revealed. The report also found that businesses are more likely to successfully recruit and retain baby boomers if they pay the workers proper respect. (The Globe and Mail (Toronto), 1/10) Full Article

Favorable work environment, opportunity motivate employees  
Employees appreciate incentives most when they are able to make choices regarding the particular reward, a veteran executive says. Workers also are more dedicated and likely to stay with the company when they know there are opportunities for advancement based on effort and merit. (Manage Smarter, 1/1) Full Article

The risks of "overtitling"
While doling out fancy, important-sounding titles to young employees may seem like an easy way to attract fresh talent without paying sky-high salaries, in fact the practice of "overtitling" can create inflated expectations on the part of both employees and clients. (Inc.com, 7/20) Full Article

E-mail management too often overlooked
SmartBiz.com has released a list of the top five e-mail management mistakes a company can make, including miscalculating memory capacity for archiving, that can lead to unnecessary costs and risks. (SmartBIZ, 7/18) Full Article

Negotiations start before meetings, require research
Many salespeople make the mistake of believing serious negotiations only take place at the end of a deal, but experts say the real negotiations start well before either party even meets at the table. "Too often, salespeople don't dig enough to find the customer's real interests," said Damon Jones, Miller Heiman's COO. "They need to understand what's driving the customer." ( Miller Heiman, 7/20) Full Article

Activist group aims to improve women's work lives
The newly formed Working Women for Change association intends to try and shape public policy to make the workplace environment better for women. It will launch its efforts with a campaign to secure paid sick leave, particularly for employees in the retail sector. (Chicago Tribune 6/20) Full Article

Miller serves up new blog for employees, industry
Brewblog.com is a new blog from Miller Brewing Co. with daily news, analysis, commentary and original articles about the brewing industry. The target audience is Miller employees, distributors, analysts, beer industry media and brand rivals. (American City Business Journals 6/25)  Full Article

Study: IT becoming increasing valuable to businesses
Executives at large companies are starting to realize the role IT plays in accessing operational performance. A study involving businessmen showed a need for real-time information access, problems with keeping pace and the need for IT in fixing such problems.  (Supply & Demand Chain Executive 6/27) Full Article

New models for professional development
At Fortune 500 companies, promising junior executives and department heads are gaining valuable experience outside their direct areas of expertise as part of their training for a possible ascent to the upper management ranks. The practice, called "unsiloing" in human resources lingo, is increasingly popular as major corporations are beginning to worry about having to replace aging senior managers. (CNNmoney.com/Fortune, 4/17/06) Full Article

Improve your "end game," from the beginning
Develop a long-term strategic plan with your company's ultimate goal in mind, one expert advises. Chart out a plan of action to pursue during the next five to seven years to help your firm win the "end game." (CEO Strategist, 4/12/06) Full Article

Dress up to code
Clothes can help make the man, or woman, and experts say appearances matter just as much when you're on the job. This guide offers tips to dress up your wardrobe and improve your business presence. (BusinessWeek, 2/21/06) Full Article

Turning e-mail blunders into career boosters
In some areas of the business world, such as sales, entertainment and the law, showing "unmitigated gall" in an e-mail may actually help a person's career rather than destroy it, one business professor says. (The Wall Street Journal, 2/21/06) Full Article

Office politics survivors rise to the top
Despite the widespread notion that only "yes-people" get ahead in the sometimes back-stabbing environment of office politics, a Gallup survey concludes that it is the people who master the politics of their workplace and leverage their talents who rise to the top. (The Gallup Organization, 1/12/06) Full Article

How to perform well at a videoconference
Since professionals' performance on camera can affect their careers, one writer offers tips on how to act during a meeting, including maintaining eye contact with all involved in the meeting, speaking in conversational tones and practicing in front of a camera before the meeting. (The Wall Street Journal, 2/7/06) Full Article

Time management teaches how to "work smarter"
With business reductions meaning more work for employees who remain on staff, the need for time-management skills is greater than ever. One expert says the issue is not necessarily to teach people to work harder, but to work smarter, with practices including better delegation of tasks and better avoidance of interruptions from others. (MSNBC, 1/17/06) Full Article

Brand yourself a "business partner"
Mastering the soft sell isn't about memorizing the names of your clients' children, but caring about their lives and their livelihoods, according to the Computer Discount Warehouse sales team. An intensive six-week orientation program followed by six more months of follow-up training emphasizes the building of "unusually close and long-lasting partnerships with clients." (Fast Company, 1/06) Full Article

Be a leader, not a boss
Business leaders should not incorporate the lone wolf management models of past generations that typically discounted the importance of employees and their contributions to the company, according to a wholesale distribution leadership specialist. Effective leaders believe in their employees and show them respect while nurturing their own sense of executive curiosity and challenge employees to be innovative and creative, according to CEO Strategist founder, Dr. Rick Johnson. (CEO Strategist, 12/22/05) Full Article

Winning the stress war at work
Stress in the workplace is a mounting problem for employers and employees, and some companies are developing assistance programs that incorporate counseling, flexible scheduling and gym time. Reducing stress can improve productivity, reduce absenteeism and cut health care costs for employers, experts said. (Houston Chronicle, 12/19/05) Full Article

Tips for mastering the cold call
While feared by many salespeople, the cold call can be an effective way to expand business. Business 2.0 offers six tips to cold calling, including engaging the gatekeeper, finding common ground and buying before you sell. (Business 2.0, 11/15/05) Full Article

How to minimize change-related risk
Service companies must build a "customer service innovation engine" if they want to stay ahead of the competition, says one writer, who contends the best way to reduce risk surrounding innovation is to carefully craft a fact-based plan, involve shareholders, test concepts and prototype. (BusinessWeek, 11/3/05) Full Article

Making decisions "like a girl" can be smart business
Despite the negative connotation of doing something "like a girl," female entrepreneurs can harness this concept and successfully run a company by trusting their gut and building strong relationships, the author of "How to Run Your Business Like a Girl" says. (MSNBC, 10/20/05) Full Article

Tips to motivate, keep employees
Companies face an increasingly difficult task of attracting and retaining employees due to competition, emerging technologies and shifting work force patterns, but seven tips can help employers keep their work force happy and motivated, Progressive Distributor writes. (Progressive Distributor, 9/14/05) Full Article

Execs must convey how numbers relate to workers
Effective numbers presentations start with a clear-cut object to grab the attention of the audience and don't just put forth statistics, one communications consultant says. Executives and senior managers should identify key points, be consistent, tailor messages to a specific audience and use numbers to support ideas -- not overwhelm listeners. (HBS Working Knowledge, 9/6/05) Full Article

Corporations integrate social responsibility
Many corporations such as Home Depot and General Electric are getting involved in philanthropy to better connect with their customers, investors and employees. While some economists question the act of taking away from the bottom line, Home Depot's CEO believes it is "the right thing to do." (BusinessWeek, 8/10/05) Full Article

Using branding to attract talent
Many companies are starting to apply branding techniques to recruitment. However, some companies may experience disappointing results because they don't approach this kind of branding with the rigor and precision they use to brand products or services. Effective employer branding depends on the ability to identify the key competitors for talent, the corporate attributes that matter most to specific types of recruits and the most effective ways to reach them. (The McKinsey Quarterly, 8/1/05) Full Article

B-School Basics

Customer relationships seen as key to growing margins
A new study in Massachusetts has found women CEOs expect to increase their profits by improving and expanding customer relationships. "Bay State women CEOs lead with more frequent and open communication, emphasizing transparency and often sharing the financial status of the business with employees," says Nan Langowitz of Babson College.
Reliable Plant (12/2008)  Full Article

Gender gap emerges in distribution of college degrees
A study conducted at Indiana University's Indiana Business Research Center shows more women under age 45 have college degrees compared with men of the same age group.
The Indianapolis Star (12/1) Full Article

Partnership agreement can avert potential problems
A written partnership agreement at the outset of a new venture can help define a company financially and set the terms for succession should one partner decide to opt out, say Steve Hindy and Tom Potter, authors of "Beer School," who founded Brooklyn Brewery together in 1987. Karen Harned, NFIB legal center director, agrees that it is a good idea to spell out the rules. "I think what happens often is that you go into business with a friend and everyone is excited about the prospect of creating a business without taking a hard look at the realities," she says.

Hispanic Business (11/24) Full Article
 

5 warning signs of an at-risk business
As the economy has weakened, experts say many entrepreneurs have had difficulty knowing when to walk away from their dreams without losing everything they have. Hagop Bedoyan, a business law expert in Fresno, Calif., points to five warning signs that a business is at risk: sleep disorder, threat of lawsuit over failing to meet obligations, liens, chronic cash flow problems and inability to meet payroll.

MSNBC (9/26) Full Article

Nonprofit helps women make transition into retirement
Retirement can be a major loss for women if they lose their sense of purpose, career, identity and social network, says Charlotte Frank, a former executive with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey who co-founded a nonprofit to help working women over 50. The Transition Network helps retiring executives focus on what they want to do in their retirement.
U.S. News & World Report (9/3)  Full Article

Eight tips can help in getting past "hello"
A list of eight tips for overcoming social anxiety and feeling comfortable in making the first move in a business situation include making the conversation all about the other person's thoughts and listening intently to their responses. Another tip is to rehearse icebreakers with a friend before going to a meeting or gathering. Forbes (4/10) Full article

Business plan shows how company will reach goals
Writing a business plan can help a startup hone its strategy for market positioning, pricing, promotion plans and sales and avoid being overwhelmed once the business is under way. The primary advantage in writing the plan is that it helps the entrepreneur focus. Financial Post (Canada) (3/3) Full article

Salespeople need guidance to learn best practices
Most salespeople perform at only a fraction of their potential and are expected to learn on their own. Many blindly believe they are doing a great job, but it takes an expert to teach best practices to help the salesperson truly succeed. DaveKahle.com (2/5) Full article

Business plan can be flexible as successes are tracked
Tim Berry, "Business Plans" coach at Entrepreneur.com, suggests substituting a "plan-as-you-go" tool for the conventional business plan to shift focus to managing, keeping track of progress and accounting for change. This plan is more about navigating than mapping, Berry says, and sets monthly and quarterly review dates to reassess. MSNBC (1/28) Full article

Couples say sharing business is like "raising a child"
The old notion of mom and pop stores has been retooled by women -- who now have 59% of all college degrees. The rapidly increasing number of businesses owned and operated by couples is largely because of the entrepreneurial ambitions of women who start companies and then bring their husbands in to help run them, researchers say. CNNMoney.com (1/14) Full article

Advice: Figure out what you did right, then repeat it
Despite a shaky economy, the new year will offer opportunities for small businesses, says USA TODAY Columnist Rhonda Abrams. To lay the groundwork for a successful year, Abrams shares her advice in the form of a list of resolutions for entrepreneurs. USA TODAY (12/27) Full article

Seven traits of successful people include goals, vision
There are key characteristics that most often identify successful people. A list of seven such traits begins with having a clear mission or set of values; having a personal idea or interpretation of success; and setting specific goals. DaveKahle.com (11/20) Full article

Forget one-page resumes; executives want full-picture
Prospective employers are willing to read two- and three-page resumes, according to a survey of 150 senior executives in the 1,000-largest U.S. companies. The resume should describe work experience and key contributions, says one staffing expert. Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (10/28) Full article

Long-time female entrepreneurs need to plan exits
A "critical mass" of women who started businesses 20 years ago are reaching the age at which they may sell or close up shop, but they are less likely than men to have concrete ideas about how they will do so, according to new research at the Center for Women's Business Research in Washington. The study offers a few tips for women, or men, who need to develop their exit strategies. St. Louis Post-Dispatch (10/10) Full Article

Contract program for women business owners gains momentum
Progress is being made on the implementation of a program that would restrict some contracts to woman-owned firms, a Small Business Administration official said. "SBA has been, and remains, committed to implementing the statutorily mandated set-aside for women-owned businesses, but doing so in a way that would be upheld by the courts as constitutionally valid," said SBA deputy administrator Jovita Carranza. Government Executive (3/21) Full Article

Customer-centric firms add lasting value to company
In today's business world, many companies are trying to be more customer-centric by highlighting the quality of the product and customer support. Companies that are successful at being customer-based firms should adhere to seven guiding principles. San Francisco Chronicle (3/7) Full Article

Top ten secrets to B-school admissions
Secrets to gaining business school acceptance are discussed in this Fortune article. Applicants are reminded to start the process early and to be willing to explain any weak areas that exist in their resumes and transcripts. CNNmoney.com (2/23) Full Article

Africa case studies enter the B-school curriculum
Celebrities like Bono, Oprah and Angelina Jolie have put Africa in the political and media spotlight, and B-schools are picking up on the trend by including the continent in the curriculum and sending more students to African countries. The moves aren't always purely altruistic, however, as many MBAs see Africa as an emerging market with rich financial potential. BusinessWeek (2/5) Full Article

Rise of the cyber-business lounge
HubLounge, the brainchild of a recent business school graduate, attempts to merge the appeal of social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace with the utility of a Fortune 500 executive's Rolodex. "Hublounge.com strives to legitimize social networking technologies through its application and market -- it is a professional web-based platform for organizations and their members," says founder Nabil Meralli. CNN (1/29) Full Article

Finance Salaries: Up, Up, Up
As Corporate America calls upon the dealmakers' services, salaries and bonuses in the finance industry soar even higher
(BusinessWeek.com, 1/2007) Full Article

How Google searches grads
Google is still looking for risk-takers with a solid technical foundation, according to a recruiter from the mother of all search engines. Google, MBA students' second most sought after employer, will hire "between 50 and 100 MBAs," says recruiter Judy Gilbert in this Q-and-A. (BusinessWeek, 7/20) Full Article

After the MBA, where women want to work
Fortune presents the latest findings on desirable employers from female MBAs. McKinsey & Company leads the pack. (CNNmoney.com/Fortune , 4/24/06) Full Article

Business schools emphasizing more creative thought
Some professors are asking their students to do more free-association and creative thinking to help challenge their engrained assumptions and tap into innovative ideas. Still, some aren't embracing the idea just yet; "If you don't understand what's inside the box, then you really aren't prepared to think outside it," one professor says. (BusinessWeek, 3/26/06) Full Article

What the experts know about money and happiness
Recent research suggests that money only brings happiness up to a certain point -- that not being poor is more of a determining factor in happiness than being very rich. However, a deeper look into surveys exploring the link between economics and happiness, writes Tim Harford, reveals more ambiguity than the headlines would suggest. (Forbes, 2/14/06) Full Article

China's business school emulate American institutions
At a time when China is in need of skilled managers, business schools there are booming, attracting not only Asia students, but students from the West as well. The country's MBA programs are graduating managers that are well versed in Chinese culture and practices, but they also are learning Western management ideas, one writer notes. (BusinessWeek, 1/19/06) Full Article

Companies look for corporate citizenship in M.B.A. grads
Increasingly graduate schools are weaving courses that emphasize social and environmental responsibility, a skill more companies, such as Timberland, Gap and McDonald's are demanding. The skills, according to some companies, translate well into traditional management positions. (The Wall Street Journal, 12/13/05) Full Article

Will you make a good CEO?
Jungle Magazine poses the question with an 18-question test. Take it online and score yourself. (mbajungle.com, 11/23/05) Full Article

Students foot the bill for an executive MBA
With companies cutting expenses, students are now more financially responsible for their executive MBA programs than ever, which gives them more freedom to move on to new opportunities after graduation. EMBA schools are changing too, with many of them offering career services for the first time. (BusinessWeek, 10/17/05) Full Article

Can an MBA prepare for a career in politics?
Jungle Magazine poses the question whether a lawyer or an MBA would make a better president, and asks the deans of Texas A&M 's Mays Business School and of Boston College's Law School to weigh in. Jerry Strawser of Mays argues the president is really "the chief executive officer" of the country, while John Garvey of BC says lawyers would be better at negotiating and advancing the common good. (mbajungle.com, 10/11/05) Full Article

More Chinese opt to complete M.B.A. programs in China
China's need for business managers is fueling an increase in the number of students completing M.B.A. degrees in the country. Many U.S. universities are linking up with schools in China for M.B.A. programs. (The Wall Street Journal, 9/20/05) Full Article

The changing B-school landscape
With business schools facing a drop in applications over the past few years, many turned to specialization to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Furthermore, some schools are choosing to build their specialties around specific industries, such as sports or pharmaceuticals. (BusinessWeek, 9/5/2005) Full Article

MBAs invade India
Instead of the traditional summer internship on Wall Street, top business schools report more students are opting to spend the summer working in India. These students are working in software, outsourcing and pharmaceutical firms, and some say they've experienced cultural shock at the lack of infrastructure. (The New York Times, 8/10/05) Full Article

B-schools remaking curriculum
Following a Harvard Business Review article that said MBA programs were focusing too much on academic research rather than real-world issues, several of the nation's top schools have revamped their curricula to include more innovative topics. At the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business, academic quarters are now broken down by themes, such as "language of business," and "achieving global perspective." (BusinessWeek, 8/10/05) Full Article

Entrepreneurship

Timing is critical to success of new business
Serial entrepreneurs are more successful with new business ventures because they become better at picking the right business and the right time to start, according to new research conducted at Harvard Business School. Among other findings, the new study also shows second-time entrepreneurs raise venture capital earlier than their fledgling peers.

The Boston Globe (12/15) Full Article

Time to make good on good intentions
An October survey in the Chronicle of Philanthropy found that nearly one in five small businesses said they would like to do more for their community, if only they had more time. Now, as business cools, some entrepreneurs are finding they can finally become more active volunteers -- and ring up more sales in the process.
The Wall Street Journal (11/26) Full Article

Why you shouldn't pull advertising in a slump
Advertising through a recession isn't easy, but studies show those businesses that do so come out of the hard times with much stronger sales. Ads may require some fine-tuning, however: Even LG Electronics is backing off its well-known "Life's Good" tag line, which may seem inappropriate in the current environment. Experts say empowerment and value are two themes that work well in a downturn.
Knowledge@Wharton (11/26) Full Article

Skilled working mothers get balance in self-employment
Women, who own 40% of all U.S. businesses, have put their skills to work by starting their own companies that allow them to balance work and family life. "This is a way for them to utilize their passion, their motivation, experience, and their commitment to their families," said Hedy Ratner, co-president of the Women's Business Development Center in Chicago.

WLS-TV ABC7 (Chicago) (9/28) Full Article
 
Entrepreneurs increasingly network through Facebook
Facebook's core users tend to be high-school and college students, but the social-networking site's ability to connect people is attracting a new group of business owners. Entrepreneurs can use Facebook to get ideas, find solutions to problems and market their products and services.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (9/30) Full Article

Surviving gallery owners do not depend on only selling art
The remaining small art dealers in Fort Worth, Texas, have managed to survive by developing new revenue streams, operating on tight budgets, finding outside funding and operating on the Internet. "Thirty-four years we've done this," said gallery owner William Campbell, president of the Fort Worth Art Dealers Association. "My banker and accountant think I'm crazy."
Star-Telegram (Fort Worth, Texas) (9/1)  Full Article

Students gain experience while financing entrepreneurs
Students at Yale and Harvard have developed microfinance programs to give low-income and other disadvantaged entrepreneurs get financing and give students real-life experience with startups. Students at Georgetown, Rutgers, University of Rochester and other universities are in various stages of developing similar programs. The Boston Globe (5/12) Full Article

Workaholic entrepreneurs never really clock out
Many entrepreneurs have Type A personalities that drive them to work long hours and extra days, sometimes sacrificing a healthy balance with their personal lives. Brian Kurth works six or seven days a week running VocationVacations in Oregon; California jewelry designer Robyn Rhodes sleeps with her BlackBerry nearby; and Scott Badger answers e-mails in the middle of the night from KPI Direct in Maine. "I have no regrets," Badger says. The Street.com (4/15) Full article

Niche business takes advantage of global supplies
A small Cincinnati manufacturer of made-to-order industrial cranes is a good example of how small companies can use a global supply chain to their advantage, say experts in international economics. Lucette Crane Systems, which employs only 14 people and expects revenues to reach $5.6 million revenue in 2008, gets steel from China, hoists from Finland and wheels from Ukraine. Lucette's advantages: building to order, timely delivery and a product that would not travel overseas well. The Cincinnati Enquirer (3/4) Full article

Turning craft into business requires goal-setting
Crafters who want to turn their hobby into a business should clearly define what they want to get out of it, learn how to say no and keep their day jobs, says Alec Johnson, who teaches entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas and owns a photography business. "I get to define who and what I want to be as a photographer ... and then find somebody in the market who values that,'' Johnson said. "As a starting point, this is absolutely central to the craftsperson who is thinking about making a business out of their craft -- establishing why." Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul) (3/9) Full article

Minnesota mom achieves home-family balance in at-home job
Valerie Gunderson, a Minnesota communications consultant, has been able to balance a successful at-home career with raising her two sons. Time management is a key for "microbusiness moms" like Gunderson and others who have been able to achieve the balance they couldn't get while working a "50-plus-hour-a-week" job in a conventional workplace. Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul) (2/17 Full article

Home-based businesses grow into new service sectors
Home-based businesses are growing in Portland, Ore., and they're no longer dominated by day-care providers and handymen's services. Thanks to the Internet, home-based businesses can tap into a global marketplace. But working at home has its downside: motivation, lack of socialization and business contact opportunities, distraction and lost income from sick days. The Oregonian (Portland) (2/17) Full article

Famous female entrepreneurs are models of overcoming fear
Everyone who considers becoming an entrepreneur has fears about what would happen if she is not successful. But three well-known women have proven the thing that distinguishes those who do become entrepreneurs is they move forward despite their fears. WomenEntrepreneur.com (1/30) Full article

As dollar weakens, entrepreneurs seek global income
Global expansion is helping many U.S. small businesses cope with the decline in the value of the dollar. Peggy Karr Glass will exhibit at a trade show in London this year while Handlery Hotels in California actively seeks foreign tourists. The New York Times (1/31) Full article

Retailer foresees moms opting for consignment shop franchises
Kim Cassel wants to help other women do what she has done -- quit her job, slow down, do something she loves, spend more time with her family and have flexible hours. Cassell is offering franchises for the Kids Kloset consignment shop she started in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Star (1/17) Full article

Incubator helps small firms expand, move out of house
A new small business incubator north of Colorado Springs is helping at-home entrepreneurs who are ready to expand. Alison Brown, who once operated an in-home business, is offering shared office space in a building she owns, giving tenants conference rooms, office equipment, administrative support and monthly training sessions. The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.) (12/28) Full article

Entrepreneur's tanning salon offers something extra
An entrepreneur planning to open a tanning salon had a savvy idea about the people who would be sitting in her lobby waiting for an appointment -- they could be buying things. Shah Emily Noaman added a boutique to her business plan so she could sell jewelry designed by her family. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (12/11) Full article

Female entrepreneurs urged to think big
Interviews with thousands of women who run successful firms show that a key trait among the most successful is a desire to achieve maximum growth. Setting aggressive growth goals appears critical for big-time success, yet only 40% of women business owners want to grow their businesses to be as large as possible, according to experts. Inc.com (11/1) Full article

Indiana businesswomen form PAC
A group of powerful women executives has formed a new political action committee in Indiana to promote state government spending on women-owned businesses and help female entrepreneurs get funding and insurance. The Indiana Women Business Owners Political Action Committee also plans to get involved in health care and education for women who own businesses. The Indianapolis Star (11/14) Full article

Myth-buster debunks five popular startup stereotypes
A market consultancy expert debunks five popular myths about startups in an introduction to a new Business Incubator series at ReportonBusiness.com. Myth-buster Mark Healy offers his outlook on taking risks, developing a business plan, differentiating, learning and raising startup funds. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (10/30) Full article

Women's business organization hits 20-year milestone
The Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative is celebrating 20 years of assisting aspiring entrepreneurs. The initiative has financed 750 new companies, provided $11 million in small business loans, helped create 2,500 jobs and provided education and assistance to potential entrepreneurs. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (10/22) Full article

Women entrepreneurs can finance faster growth
Women are becoming entrepreneurs at twice the rate of men, but aren't becoming millionaires at the same pace. Experts quoted in this New York Times article disagree over the causes of the disparity but agree that more capital can help grow women's small businesses. The New York Times (10/4) Full Article

Entrepreneurs should expect little or no pay in beginning
A paycheck might be months or years away for small-business owners and entrepreneurs just getting started. Many entrepreneurs dip into their savings in the beginning and pay off the debt once the business is off the ground. After the business starts to grow, look at expenses, profit, what the job entails and the market value for the job to determine the salary you should pay yourself. The New York Times (3/22) Full Article  

Gain confidence to succeed where others fail
Whether entrepreneurial skills are in-born or learned is up for debate; what's important is to build self-confidence and overcome fear of risks to succeed. "...[A] fundamental belief in one's ability to earn hefty amounts -- even if it means starting over again a couple times -- is at the heart of almost every great entrepreneur's success story," Wall Street Journal news editor George Anders writes. The Wall Street Journal (3/12) Full Article

Performing better: Tips from a guru
CEO consultant Ram Charan offers eight suggestions for improving a business's performance, including keeping an eye on consumer and industry trends, building a team that works well together and establishing goals for growth. MSNBC (2/10) Full Article

Continue growth well beyond startup phase
You want your business to flourish past its startup roots, so hire competent employees and surround yourself with good people, even if they cost more; avoid procrastination by treating all tasks with urgency; and set prices reasonably without being the cheapest around, because you can't afford to be. Your customers will keep coming back if you give them a reason to. 
Entrepreneur (2/2007) Full Article

More to success than determination
Determination is a key component to success, but it can inhibit the motivation of others if it's the only method used to encourage better work. Putting goals on paper, brainstorming possible roadblocks and converting ideas to plausible strategies are better ways to achieve tough goals. Manage Smarter (2/12) Full Article

Kentucky entrepreneurs eye franchising boom
Franchising has been behind the successful growth of a number of Louisville's most notable companies, including Papa John's International, KFC Corp. and Texas Roadhouse. Several local entrepreneurs are pursuing aggressive expansion plans through franchising, including Boombozz, a pizzeria chain, and J. Gumbo's, invented by thoroughbred jockey Billy Fox Jr. The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Ky.) (1/28) Full Article

The benefits of handheld PCs
Laptops are great, but hand-held PCs offer the benefits of being even smaller and more portable, easier to work with on-the-go and offer more and more features, such as navigation or instant messaging. (Manage Smarter, 1/11) Full Article

Private banks help navigate global finances
As growing numbers of entrepreneurs find themselves doing cross-border business -- manufacturing a product in one country and selling it in others -- they turn to the private banks operated by Credit Suisse and HSBC for strategic advice. (Los Angeles Times, 7/24) Full Article

Marketing, sales work together online
Online capabilities allow for faster and easier communication and are changing the face of marketing. Electronic brochures and e-mail are excellent consumer education tools, and company Web sites draw in users with added-value information. (American Marketing Association 6/27) Full Article

Five steps to shifting customers from "why?" to "buy"
One trend in marketing is to speed up the process of moving customers from "why?" to "buy" more rapidly. A list of five ways to achieve this goal includes working with sales to clearly define objectives, identifying credible metrics to measure success and focusing on the things that matter.  (MarketingProfs 6/20) Full Article

Entrepreneurs can benefit from a business coach
Executive coaches help keep entrepreneurs on track and give them tools to build on their strengths and work around their weaknesses. Inc.com highlights two relationships between business owners and their coaches. (Inc.com, 4/1/06) Full Article

Team work: How Christine Madsen grows her company by relying on quality employees
Today, InterMedia is one of South Florida’s fastest-growing private companies, but Madsen’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. (Smart Business Broward/Palm Beach, 3/06) Full Article

Female ownership extending to nontraditional sectors
More women-owned businesses without employees are popping up in construction, agriculture and public utilities, according to a new report. Despite the reported increase, however, the percentage of women-owned businesses without employees in these sectors is still low overall. (The Wall Street Journal, 2/21/06) Full Article

Company gives hand in health care decision-making
One woman's entrepreneurial venture, Columbus, Ohio-based Quantum Health, has been forging a path in the business of helping employees make the right health care decisions. The company oversees about 52,000 patients and has about $7 million in revenues. (BusinessWeek, 2/27/06) Full Article

Working together can weigh on a marriage
Husbands and wives who work at the same company often find it difficult to separate work life from home life. While some couples do work together successfully, it is not the norm, according to industry statistics. (The Wall Street Journal, 1/24/06) Full Article

Viewpoint: Strengths can undermine entrepreneurs
CEOs rely on their strengths to propel them in business, but when faced with stressful situations they often instinctively rely on these strengths instead of analyzing a particular problem, one former technology CEO contends. Strengths become weaknesses because leaders want to win at all costs and try to juggle too many balls. (BusinessWeek, 12/21/05) Full Article

Holiday gifts present opportunities for small businesses
Small businesses can form stronger bonds with their clients during the holidays by giving gifts that offer insight into clients' needs. Vineberg Communications gives electronic gadgets to executives to demonstrate an understanding of the challenges they face, while OnTarget Public Relations relies on products from its customers as a gift source. (BusinessWeek, 11/24/05) Full Article

States ranked for small-business entrepreneurs
South Dakota, Nevada, Wyoming, Washington and Michigan were ranked as the most "friendly" states for small-business owners by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, which recently released its annual report. The Small Business Survival Index 2005 factored in 26 major government-imposed or government-related costs affecting entrepreneurs to create the index. Click here for the complete results. (American City Business Journals, 10/12/05) Full Article

Women entrepreneurs less likely to cut health care
Women who run businesses are less likely than men to cut health care benefits, according to researchers from the Center for Women's Business Research, Rochester Institute of Technology and Springboard Enterprises. Experts say women's experience in taking on the burden of health care for their families may account for their tendency to retain more extensive health care coverage for their employees. (USA TODAY, 10/4/05) Full Article

In search of top young entrepreneurs
BusinessWeek Online is compiling a list of today's up and coming leaders in its search for the best entrepreneurs under age 25. (BusinessWeek, 9/8/05) Full Article

Entrepreneurs seek diverse assortment of locations
While business owners still appreciate a location for its tax incentives and office rents, the creative entrepreneur looks outside major cities before deciding where to set up shop. Rural towns and "micropolitan" centers -- town/city hybrids -- offer new incentives and a variety of entertainment and cultural choices to lure entrepreneurs and boost local economies. (BusinessWeek, 7/12/05) Full Article

Pink slip can be green flag for entrepreneurs
Entrepreneur magazine makes an example of three business owners who picked themselves up again after being handed a pink slip and struck out on their own. "Being fired was the best thing that ever happened to me," says the founder of BB International, who acknowledges that getting the ax motivated him into action. (Entrepreneur, July 2005) Full Article