He built his career in programming, and he did it well; working as part of a global team, Jim contributed to the initial development and testing of next-generation cable modems. But what really made his heart sing was music. After 26 years with Intel, the company offered him a unique early retirement opportunity. Through a partnership with the nonprofit Experience Matters, … [More]
Arizona Gave!
Arizona Gives Day is a 24-hour online campaign created to unite people throughout Arizona in the spirit of giving. On Tuesday, April 5, thousands of Arizonans visited azgives.org to make financial donations to the nonprofit organizations and causes that matter most to them. In this single day of giving, people from Page to Nogales and from Lake Havasu City to Fort … [More]
Valley Nonprofit Leaders Receive Recognition from their Peers
The Organization for Nonprofits Executives (ONE), serving nonprofit leaders in the Greater Phoenix area, recently announced the recipients of the 14th Annual Nonprofit “Director of the Year” Awards at its annual Nonprofit Leader Day event held on Tuesday, March 29, at the Desert Willow Conference Center. The awards, consisting of original custom artwork, were presented by ONE … [More]
Working With Nonprofits
What is something you think other businesses should know about working with nonprofit organizations? Lee Farr, Comerica Bank For Comerica Bank, investing in community nonprofits, through charitable grants and active volunteerism, is critical to both our success and the economic success and viability of the communities we serve. Supporting the nonprofit sector not only makes … [More]
Arizona Nonprofits: Economic Power, Positive Impact
A new statewide study examined the economic impact of Arizona’s nonprofit sector and a report titled “Arizona Nonprofits: Economic Power, Positive Impact” reveals the sizeable contribution that Arizona’s large and diverse nonprofit sector makes to everyday life and to the prosperity of our state. The findings debunk the perception that nonprofit organizations are a small … [More]
The Courage to Thrive
Once a frontier state specific to mining and agriculture, Arizona has since thrived over the decades, now home to more than 400,000 registered small businesses in industries such as technology, medicine, finance and real estate. With Phoenix ranked as 14th in start-up companies1 we are seeing more and more small-business owners relocate to Arizona to get their small businesses … [More]
Hot Stuff
It’s never a good day when your vehicle breaks down. When it’s 100-plus degrees, however, the inconvenience becomes a possible danger. As an automotive resource, AAA encourages motorists to stow a breakdown kit in their vehicles and have a breakdown plan so they’re prepared for many things that might go wrong. “Think of it as your own preventive maintenance,” said John … [More]
Make Banking Part of Your Business Strategy
Optimism is on the rise among business owners and, as the economic recovery continues, businesses are ready to grow by expanding operations, hiring new talent and purchasing new equipment. They are also searching for new strategies, financing options and ideas for better market penetration. As part of a growth plan, one of the best advantages a business can have is … [More]
Are you focused on ‘Base Hits’?
Baseball season is in “full swing,” and there are some great comparisons to the sales world. Baseball coaches will consistently tell you that base hits win baseball games. Home runs are nice when they happen, and they look great on sports highlight shows. However, statistically speaking, they are much harder to hit. If you’re trying to hit a home run, you have a greater … [More]
Hiring, Retention and Development: Staffing Your Organization
The discourse in the workplace continues to suggest that the economy is improving. We see evidence of this because of the increase in hiring in all sectors — public, private and healthcare. We know this is a challenging experience. Hiring people is time consuming and expensive. Managers believe that this activity takes them away from their responsibility of getting out … [More]
The IT Challenges of Business Success
Congratulations! You’ve worked hard and have now moved from a “startup, small business” to a “medium-sized business” (100–999 employees). You’ve been able to outsource your IT needs to a small service provider that has adequately fulfilled your IT requirements, and you expect that your supporting technology will keep pace with your business goals. The “mom and pop” IT … [More]
Spring 2016 message from the President
The Valley’s Premier Event for Women Entrepreneurs is Now Presented by NAWBO! Change is one of the few constants in life and especially in business. That’s why it’s so important for entrepreneurs to invest regularly in their personal and professional growth. For busy women business owners, however, there’s no time for events that are full of fluff and non-stop sales … [More]
Hell in High Heels
Learning to be a great leader takes training. There are countless leadership training courses, classes, videos, books and even degrees available for people who truly want to be great leaders. Much of the training available is excellent; however, when you look at the majority of the great training out there, it was developed by men for men. Women can still use it, of course, but … [More]
Close the Sale at Hello!
Some people feel they aren’t cut out for sales while others love it, thriving on the adrenaline of a closed deal. The bottom line is that we are all selling something: an idea, our opinion, a product, service or decision. Whether at work, on the road, with family or with friends, we tap into the ability to persuade and negotiate with others. That, my friends, is sales. Some … [More]
Three Lessons for Lasting Leadership
Too much. Tired of reading long lists about how to be a leader? A better leader? An effective leader? But, think about the few, core characteristics that create lasting leaders. Not the job jumpers, but leaders who stay and create sustainable success. Who are they? Simple searches will provide the lists of attributes associated with lasting leaders. You have read these lists … [More]
Why Video Should Be Part of Your Business Strategy
Despite the fact that most brands know they should be using video as a part of their business strategy, most aren’t. Here are some of the most important reasons why you should be using video, which will help give you the push you need to finally use this powerful technique for reaching your target customers. Videos are More Compelling than Other Forms of Content We are … [More]
Be Bold and Courageous
"Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.” —H. Jackson Brown Most of us have something we promised ourselves we would do in this lifetime that we haven’t done yet. We tell ourselves it is because we don’t have the money, we don’t have the time, and we don’t have the right support or resources … [More]
Business Advocate … Not JUST the Title of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce’s Newsletter #truth
So what happens when your 5,000-square-foot commercial kitchen floor gets ripped up and the city denies your permit for construction unless you come up with an additional $30,000? Besides freak out … I’ll tell ya, you call Wonder Woman. The holiday season was upon us in no time and as we put a close to our best year yet, we reveled in excitement for what was to come next. … [More]
