As the fog of this war on the U.S. economy begins to clear, it looks as if one class of employees will be among the hardest hit by the pandemic — professionals and executives 50 years and older. And if that sounds familiar, it should. The Great Recession 12 years ago had a similar impact. This time, however, these typically highly trained employees who are at the top of their … [More]
In a Time of Uncertainty, Understanding Risk Is Essential to Business Survival
Today, more than ever, business leaders and entrepreneurs are functioning in a world that is full of uncertainty. These executives need to clearly understand the difference between what is certain and what is not, in order to identify which risks are worth taking and which to avoid. Many years ago, when I started my own Phoenix-based real estate company, I took on millions … [More]
Marketing: Are You Pivoting or Freezing?
Many businesses poised for huge gains at the start of this year are fighting to stay alive. Stable, longstanding enterprises are questioning their greater visions. Waves of layoffs and shuttered doors have — quite understandably — induced fear and uncertainty across the Valley, where small businesses serve as the backbone of the community. The need for a true pivot has never … [More]
Strategies to Attract Customers Online during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Times are hard, especially with the new coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Businesses are suffering as more and more communities go into quarantine. To survive as a business owner, one needs to find effective marketing strategies in the midst of the crisis brought about by this pandemic. One of the best ways to stay profitable is to make the businesses’ online presence known … [More]
Is Your Company’s Bench Deep Enough during Difficult Times?
In the uncertain times that COVID-19 produced, business leaders were forced to face the fact that employees might not be available every day to do their jobs — either because of their own health concerns or because they were scrambling to make childcare arrangements due to school closings. And, as the economy takes a hit, some businesses may even need to downsize, leaving … [More]
Media Interviews and Promoting Your Brand in a COVID-19 World
Business leaders and professionals who want to promote their personal and business brands have faced a tough decision in recent weeks: Should they put those publicity efforts on hold during the COVID-19 crisis, or keep pitching their expertise to the media? In most cases, yes, they should keep pitching. There are many opportunities for getting in the media as long as one … [More]
SAFETY: Close-Up on Disinfecting
Disinfecting office, home, stores and schools is top of mind during this COVID-19 pandemic. Cory Chalmers, CEO of Steri-Clean, Inc. and featured expert cleaner and host on A&E’s “Hoarders,” shares his expertise with In Business Magazine. What are the most common misperceptions about how to disinfect for COVID-19? The most common misconception, and made worse by … [More]
COVID-19 Impact on E-commerce
Three months into the COVID-19 crisis, the current situation has major effects on businesses and consumers. Although many online sellers face severe challenges in the current situation, they are optimistic that e-commerce will leave the crisis as a winner. The new necessity of ordering products online encourages those not shopping online to switch to online stores, while … [More]
The Field Guide to Taking Back Control during the COVID-19 Crisis
The unrelenting news of the COVID-19 pandemic is taking its toll on the mental and emotional well-being of Americans. First, there’s the grief and depression for those who’ve been stricken or lost, of social interactions suspended indefinitely and of the disappearance overnight of their normal routines. Humans are social creatures and the forced isolation the past few weeks is … [More]
Coronavirus and the New American Economy
The face of the American economy is forever changed by this coronavirus pandemic. In three weeks’ time, we've witnessed financially viable companies go into rapid freefall by the millions, starting with employees and trickling rapidly. Small to mid-sized businesses are laying off in record numbers, and there is no clear end in sight. With the spread of COVID-19, people are … [More]
Bad for Business: People at Work Who Shouldn’t Be
Today’s workplace culture has many workers feeling the pressure to turn up to the office at all costs, even when ill; however, the global pandemic COVID-19 has shown it is more critical than ever for businesses to tackle the widespread workplace challenge of “presenteeism” (coming to work when ill or suffering other anxiety). As coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to … [More]
Where’s the Profit?
Business owners tend to focus on the traditional accounting method of driving up revenue: Sales – Expenses = Profit. This approach can lead to a cycle where businesses might build revenue but quickly spend it as expenses rise proportionately. This leads to less profit and owners paying themselves last, if at all. Unfortunately, too many business owners keep reinvesting in the … [More]
Navigating Unexpected Change and Disruption
Many of my clients have been discussing the challenges they face in their careers, their personal lives and even their investment portfolios as they struggle to keep up with how COVID-19 is impacting our economy. Let’s face it, daily market swings of 1,000 points can unleash a flood of adrenaline in anyone — even seasoned investment professionals. Add to this the need to reach … [More]
FAQs about COVID-19 in Employment Setting
Employers must carefully balance their duty to provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees with compliance mandates so as to not violate employee rights afforded by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act and other civil rights and anti-discrimination laws. Below are some frequently asked questions that may assist employers in their … [More]
Dos and Don’ts of Email Negotiating amid the COVID-19 Crisis
That’s not what I meant! The fact is, nobody likes to be misunderstood or have their words misconstrued, especially when another party wrongly applies sinister motives, casting their character in a negative light. And nowhere does this happen more frequently than via email or other modes of e-communication. Even during the best of times, email negotiation can be tough. But … [More]
Business Communication Tips to Take Back Control during COVID-19 Quarantine
World Health Organization announcements about the COVID-19 pandemic are raising many uncertainties and questions about the way business will now be conducted around the world. In the face of this unusual situation, companies often do not know what to do and how to communicate with customers, partners, even their own employees. It is obvious that the current quarantine … [More]
The Proactive Magic of Asking, ‘How Can I Help?’
On the Friday afternoon of 4th of July weekend, 2009, I was on the New Jersey Turnpike returning home from another bustling day of activities as CEO of Campbell Soup Company. My wife was away in Washington, D.C., helping our daughter move into her new apartment. In the backseat of the car, I was dozing off with my seatbelt on, at the end of a busy week. We were going fast, … [More]
Common Delegation Pitfalls
Delegating is the key to a successful business and what sets bosses apart from true leaders. The hardest part? Knowing when to let go. Some leaders find themselves delegating tasks, then nervously hover over their team making sure they do it right. Well, if the team doesn’t do it right, it might be as much their leader’s fault as it is theirs. Here are some of the top … [More]
