According to marketing experts, one of the biggest reasons that only 25 percent of startups succeed is the others do not fully comprehend their Ideal Customer Profile — the demographic and psychological makeup of their target clients. This misunderstanding means that many startups often adopt a one-size-fits-all communication strategy, which does not factor in foreign … [More]
Are We Becoming an Automation Nation?
Of increasing interest to commerce today is automation of the workforce — either heralded or bemoaned. What Henry Ford’s assembly line started in reducing individuals to replaceable cogs in a replicable process, robots seem poised to finish in replacing humans completely. At least in some jobs. As Kempler Industries reports, “From automotive manufacturing to cashiers, … [More]
Pomelo’s Welcoming ‘Home’
Pomelo is the fine dining element on the property of Luci’s at the Orchard. Nestled into the residential community on 12th Street just north of Glendale Avenue in Phoenix, Luci’s is an unobtrusive destination — which is exactly what owners Jerry Mansoor and Ken and Lucia Schnitzer intended. To catch people’s eyes, “we have a water tower instead of intrusive signage on the … [More]
Restaurants Take Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge
Too many people equate “Girl Scouts” with “ Girl Scout cookies.” The program is far more comprehensive and defies a simple summary, but it’s true that the cookie sales program keeps Girl Scouts in the public eye. Girl Scout cookies have come a long way from when, baked at home by the Girl Scouts themselves for fundraising, they were also evidence of culinary skills. Local … [More]
The Future of Commercial Real Estate Is Flexible
Ever-changing consumer demands drive industry trends, and real estate is no exception. Today’s younger consumers are increasingly drawn to services that are on-demand, easily accessible and flexible. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that this shift is changing the nature of commercial real estate. Forward-thinking entrepreneurs have already begun demonstrating how … [More]
Risking: The Heart of Daring Leadership
Vulnerability is not a concept I learned in business school. Nor, for that matter, theories about soft skills such as self-awareness, risk, emotional IQ, shame or courageous leadership. Yet, for today’s leaders to be relevant, effective and impactful, these ideas must become part of our everyday vocabulary and being. “Command and control,” “armored leadership” and/or fear … [More]
Legal Pitfalls of Unsolicited Texting and Calling
For businesses that use texting as a marketing tool, it is critical that they become familiar with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Some of the largest well-known companies in the country have paid millions in settlements and verdicts for alleged violations of the TCPA. Capital One reportedly agreed to pay more than $73 million to settle a TCPA class action. Dish … [More]
Managing Risk for Business Owners
People often associate “risk” with big things, like a fire, accident or major theft. After all, the definition of risk can be most commonly described as “a situation involving exposure to danger.” But risk can be more subtle, like rising raw material prices or a slow sales period. And what about a business’s risk of losing its top salesperson or its most experienced … [More]
The Expansion Sale
Industry analysts report that up to 70–80 percent of business growth comes from existing customers. So why are businesses still investing mainly in attracting new customers? And leaving renewals and upsells to chance? Or, worse yet, using a one-size-fits-all approach to acquisition as for expansions? The Expansion Sale provides everything needed for business owners to seize … [More]
Next Generation Leadership
Employers who refuse to adapt to the expectations of younger generations are losing out on top talent, as they leave for positions at companies with more modern practices. Learn what companies need to do to fit into the new normal in the workplace. Generation Y sees the world differently from any other generation in modern memory. And nowhere is this more evident than in the … [More]
Authenticity
A common problem in marketing is, what a brand says in advertising isn't always what customers and employees experience. This book shows how to align one’s marketing efforts with the purpose of one’s brand. Too many companies depend on marketing tactics that don't match the needs and concerns of their customers, or embrace messaging and causes that don't connect. Authenticity … [More]
2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited AWSD
The all-new Hyundai Palisade is a luxury SUV at a not-so luxury sticker price. With its bold, sophisticated styling outside and premium, expansive luxury inside, Palisade makes a big impression at every angle. Under the hood, Palisade has a 3.8-liter V6 matched with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. And the HTRAC All-Wheel Drive means behind-the-wheel driving … [More]
How to Get Out of Your Head and Write from Your Heart
You’re under a deadline to write a 750-word blog in a couple of hours. What do you do? If you’re anything like me, you start writing a sentence, then correct a word in that sentence, write a second sentence, delete the first sentence, then delete the second sentence — and you’re back at ground zero with just 90 minutes left on the clock to finish. “What in the world am I … [More]
Telling Your WHY Story to Connect
Finding the perfect pair of pants that look great from every angle —that’s an age-old quest with a modern solution thanks to Sara Blakely. Her coveted shapewear solution became Spanx, a now billion-dollar company. Blakely experienced a problem and created a solution. That’s what entrepreneurs do! You started your business to somehow address a need or overcome a problem. That … [More]
Find Your Brand Voice It’s Right Behind Your Smile
Chances are good you have settled into 2020 and the new decade. Goals are set and you are optimistic about reaching them by planning your work and working your plan. You know what you offer and feel confident around your process for delivery. There’s only one problem: You don’t feel comfortable with how you communicate it. The MOST IMPORTANT part of selling yourself, your … [More]
President’s Message: Is It the System?
Most systems are fallible at conception because they are not designed for everyone to excel. Systems are generally created to reinforce beliefs or constructs that already exist. And in some cases, concerns for the minority, meaning those who are not represented in the decision-making, are not part of the equation. This lack of consideration leads to oppression if gone … [More]
Courage Drives Emotional Intelligence
In The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy and her friends set off on that yellow brick road, they needed three things to succeed: a heart, a brain and courage. Most of the time, when people think of emotional intelligence, they think only of heart. They think heart = empathy, compassion and kindness. But emotionally intelligent leaders who are full of heart possess more than just … [More]
Yes, Manners Matter
Knowing how to comport oneself is unarguably a positive asset; one’s demeanor over a dining table is as significant as over the boardroom table. Business meals are more than just talking shop or sealing a deal. One can be the best in one’s field or tops in one’s company, but if one messes up the business meal, no one is going to be impressed. Employing the following business … [More]
