There is a reason the saying “When one of us wins, we all win” has withstood the test of time. In most cases it’s true, and Salt River Project’s Business Demand Response Program was designed with this adage in mind. This initiative endeavors to simultaneously prevent power outages during the busiest time of year and lower operating costs for Arizona businesses. The result of … [More]
Energizing Arizona Businesses
SRP’s Business Demand Response Program helps prevent power outages during the busiest time of year and lowers operating costs for Arizona businesses
10 Rules for Brainstorming Success
The secrets of visionary thinkers
At various times, the popular press raises the idea that group brainstorming isn’t effective at generating creative solutions. That assertion is erroneous, for a variety of reasons. Groups can — and do — successfully brainstorm creative and useful solutions. But research does show that effective brainstorming requires adherence to some specific guidelines. If it’s done … [More]
Trust, Transformation and Thinking Patterns
How leaders can reshape company culture
In times of upheaval, the success of a business often hinges on its ability to adapt — and adaptation begins with trust. Trust fuels the conversations that create alignment, encourage inclusivity and inspire change. But trust, especially in teams grappling with complex challenges, doesn’t just happen. It must be built deliberately through shared understanding, transparent … [More]
The New Administration’s Impact on AI and Digital Assets
What business owners need to know
AI and digital assets are undergoing rapid transformation, with significant changes expected under the new administration. With the appointment of David Sacks as the new AI and Crypto Czar and the resignation of Gary Gensler from the Securities and Exchange Commission, these developments signal a shift in how the federal government plans to regulate and support these … [More]
Unlock Organizational Agility and Value Creation
Leveraging temporary project managers and redefining project delivery value
Executives today are challenged to think creatively about how they invest in people, processes and technology. In a business landscape driven by rapid innovation, fluctuating demands and the constant need to remain competitive, successful project delivery has become more critical than ever. To meet these demands there must be a better way, and that’s the rise of the “as a … [More]
The New Administration’s Impact on AI and Digital Assets
What business owners need to know
AI and digital assets are undergoing rapid transformation, with significant changes expected under the new administration. With the appointment of David Sacks as the new AI and Crypto Czar and the resignation of Gary Gensler from the Securities and Exchange Commission, these developments signal a shift in how the federal government plans to regulate and support these … [More]
SRP’s New Construction Program Encourages Sustainability and Cost Savings
Booming development throughout Phoenix makes having a partnership that encourages sustainability and lowering costs a major advantage for construction companies. Knowing this, Salt River Project created the New Construction Solutions Program to ensure project teams have the support needed to complete energy-efficient, sustainable and cost-effective buildings. Ryan Companies … [More]
How AI Can Help Future-proof the Workforce
The true potential of AI lies in its capacity to empower and uplift the workforce
Businesses often leverage technology to gain or maintain a competitive advantage. This can come in many forms, from market expansion to new business models to new solutions for growth in order to capture additional or more profitable market share. With a growth focus, it can be easy to overlook or underestimate the effort required to ensure their workforce is prepared to help … [More]
Why Hiring a Translator Is Important
Bilingual marketing fights misinformation and cultural insensitivity
In today’s modern global economy, effective communication is paramount. For companies looking to reach a diverse audience, especially within the Latino community, employing a professional translator for marketing materials is crucial. Too many companies have become heavily reliant on Google Translate, which can embarrass a brand or organization when marketing collateral is sent … [More]
Buying or Selling a Business? Look Out for Employee Benefits Issues!
There could be unexpected impacts on liabilities and more
When a company is bought, sold, merged or reorganized, unexpected employee benefits issues may surface that can significantly affect the structure of the deal, liabilities and future benefit plan design for the surviving entity and its employees. Those buying, selling or merging businesses should consider the following situations in the early stages of exploring potential … [More]
Using Famous Artwork: Perils in the Public Domain
A dangerous path awaits Arizona businesses looking to profit from famous art now in the public domain
Earlier this year, Steamboat Willie, the original version of Mickey Mouse from 1928, officially lost its copyright protection held by Disney and moved into the “public domain.” Only one day later, Variety reported that Steven LaMorte is set to direct an untitled horror-comedy about “a sadistic mouse” that “torment[s] a group of unsuspecting ferry passengers.” Likewise, the 1926 … [More]
The Power of Feedback and Communication in Fostering a High-Performing Culture
A strong combination to avoid misinterpretations that lead to mistakes
Effective communication is the No. 1 ingredient to build and sustain an effective workplace culture. However, according to our recent survey, just 26% of knowledge workers strongly agree their leaders are good at it. So, what does it take for leaders to be successful at effective communication? It starts with recognizing that communication is about much more than just … [More]
It’s an Election Year for the Arizona Corporation Commission
Here’s why Arizona business owners and residents should care
This November, Arizona voters will have the opportunity to elect three of the five seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission — thereby determining the majority of officials controlling this powerful regulatory body. For those wondering, “What is the Commission?” and “Why should I care?” read on. What Is the Arizona Corporation Commission? The Commission is unique. First, … [More]
Moving from Feedback to ‘Feedforward’
How managers and companies can push employees to their best
We’re all familiar with the term and concept of feedback. Now, we are beginning to hear a new term applied to performance reviews: feedforward. From what I’ve read, this new term stems from younger employees challenging the status quo regarding feedback practices at their companies. This, in itself, is a good thing! Any business or organizational practice that has been around … [More]
Best Practices for Activating Brand Purpose
A business’s decisions must be founded on a crystal-clear sense of its values
Companies that put purpose first are invariably becoming industry standouts—manifest in their exemplary corporate cultures, publicly recognized competence, or as heralded champions of vital causes. Numerous benefits accrue to these purpose-driven companies, including a proven positive correlation between purpose and profit, outperforming the overall market, an ability to … [More]
Conquering the Karen Conundrum
5 steps to turning the tide on tough customers
She wanted to return a cake that was almost gone. How bad could it have been? Normally, if something is spoiled or not up to standards, it's returned almost intact. This thing was a pile of crumbs. But it gets better: She demanded cash, yelled at me and started causing a scene. I hope she never comes back. He brought his car in for a repair and demanded that we detail it at … [More]
Negative News Packs a Punch
Businesses grapple with misinformation crisis
Misinformation in the digital age has become a rising concern for brands worldwide, indicating a need to get ahead of the curve. The rise of social media has made false information more accessible and dangerously potent. This is harmful to businesses, regardless of size, and it's up to each to stand against it. The Dangers of Misinformation in Business Strategies Some … [More]
Acquisition as Strategy for Growth
Evaluating potential buyers as well as add-on opportunities
There are many strategies business owners may choose to grow their company. Growth via acquisition is one such strategy that can result in accelerated growth if executed properly. Whether a business is considering this strategy for itself or has been approached by a larger company looking to acquire the company as an add-on (also known as a bolt-on acquisition), the process may … [More]