Inventors can get help with their inventions from Get Invention Help, a site that was developed by investors who have brought inventions to market and provides a clearinghouse of vetted, hand-picked, above-board invention and/or product development service providers so that entrepreneurs can feel more comfortable. Get step-by-step assistance at all stages of the process, … [More]
Businesses Are In Expansion Mode
Sixty-five percent of Arizona business owners and executives plan on investing in their business in 2014, with upgrading and/or purchasing new equipment, along with modernizing technology and systems, cited as their primary expenditures, according to an anonymous survey by independent research company Pollara released recently by BMO Harris Bank. That coincides with a … [More]
Get Me Some SOL
Simple, fresh and made with a modern interpretation is how to describe the exciting SOL Cocina. This vibrant Mexican eatery located in the Scottsdale Quarter is an energetic hub celebrating the Baja, Mexico, tradition with food, drink and even music. For lunch, enjoy this cultural hot spot that offers a great menu and terrific, speedy service in an atmosphere that denotes a … [More]
Let’s Meet for Coffee
Doing the quick morning (or afternoon) meeting at a local coffee house has become a standard in doing business. With Wi-Fi, small food offerings and convenience to nearly every business hub in the Valley, these make our list of some top local “business-friendly” coffee spots. Copper Star Coffee Housed in an old gas station, this spot has been rigged to appeal to the small, … [More]
2015 Jaguar F-Type R Is Power
The fastest car ever developed from Jaguar, this 2015 F-Type is a road master with a roar that demonstrates the power of this sports car. The 5.0-liter, 550-horsepower, V-8 supercharged engine is at the core of this machine. With its astonishing torque of 502 lb-ft, it is no wonder that this supercharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve, V-8, aluminum-block-and-heads, … [More]
Update Your Space
We live in our offices, so why not focus on the environment to bring success? Comfort and impressive design will make work space more inviting and can make the workday a pleasure. Plant the Environment Custom silk or live plants will make the working space feel inviting. Innovative “plantscape” design is what Plantender of Arizona offers to brighten up the … [More]
Leadership Blindspots
Leadership Blindspots is packed with detailed case studies examining how blind spots operate, using examples from firms like Apple, Amazon, Hewlett-Packard, JC Penney and JPMorgan Chase. These cases show how a leader’s blind spots can lead to devastating mistakes if they aren’t recognized and acted upon. Author Robert Bruce Shaw examines the most common types of blind spots and … [More]
Power Cues
In this provocative yet practical book, communication expert Nick Morgan highlights recent research that shows how humans are programmed to respond to the nonverbal cues of others — subtle gestures, sounds and signals — that elicit emotion, and provides a clear, useful framework of seven “power cues” that will be essential for any leader. Readers will learn crucial skills, from … [More]
The Etiquette Advantage in Business
Completely revised and updated, this edition is the ultimate guide professionals need to build successful business relationships with confidence. Good manners mean good business.This book offers proven, essential advice, from resolving conflicts with ease and grace to building productive relationships with colleagues at all levels. It also offers up-to-date guidance on … [More]
Shared Leadership
Corporate executives who find themselves sitting on the board of a nonprofit might initially wonder — in a boardroom filled with so much leadership talent — Who’s in charge? What role do I play? What role does the CEO of the nonprofit play? The answers have changed dramatically as nonprofit organizations have been forced to serve more people in need with fewer resources (due … [More]
Feedback: May 2014
Question: How are infill projects contributing to the economic growth and revitalization of our city? Bob Graham Principal Motley Design Group Sector: Architects Since the 1950s, development of our cities has been outward, driven by cheap land in the suburbs. That left our downtowns to decay. We have an opportunity to take advantage of existing infrastructure and trends … [More]
Catch Global Fever
It’s sometimes hard to pick up on this because bad news sells newspapers and drives clicks, but every year the world is getting better. Don’t believe me? Visit www.gapminder.org and see how, over the past 200 years, peoples’ wealth and health has improved dramatically. Annually, 50-100 million global citizens come out of poverty and average life expectancy continues to … [More]
Arizona’s Turning Point
Arizona has the 14th largest state population, and, as the 12th-ranked state for tourism, we’re above average. Yet we’re below average in exporting (ranked 18th) and foreign direct investment (27th). Brookings reports that in 2012, Metro Phoenix had $2.2 billion of exports with 4.4 million people, while Metro Salt Lake had over 50 percent more exports with one-fourth the … [More]
If Not Now, When? Here’s How Resources to Grow Globally
Business executives can’t be waiting around for a government entity to change Arizona’s international success. It just doesn’t work that way. But government can hinder or help. For instance, Arizona legislators passing SB1070 and SB1062 damaged Arizona’s international standing. People from around the world — and not just Mexico — continue to ask, “Why do people in Arizona … [More]
A World of Opportunity with Mexico
Mexico is Arizona’s top trading partner, with $6.3 billion in Arizona exports to Mexico in 2012 (2.9 percent of the total U.S. exports to Mexico). Other facts: There are 24 million border crossing person-trips from Mexico into Arizona each year, which accounts for 19 percent of Arizona’s international total in tourism dollars. Mexican sources are responsible for more … [More]
Canada-Arizona by the (Growing) Numbers
$2.5 billion in exports from Arizona to Canada $6 billion in FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) 1 million Canadians visiting Arizona per year 53% of international tourism dollars in Arizona come from Canadians 127 nonstop flights per week between Canada and Arizona 300+ Canadian companies operating in Arizona 17 years of Sister City relationship between Phoenix and … [More]
Be Aware of Cultural Differences
Doing business across cultures can be challenging, fun and profitable. Recruiting, hiring, decision-making, building of relationships, customer needs, and even business terminology can differ in diverse country contexts. It takes time, conscious effort and the right questions to understand how people see the world and therefore view business. For instance: In Germany, the … [More]
Government Resources that Work
Arizona companies looking to build overseas sales are wise to turn first to 20 Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners for export opportunities. FTAs give American goods a distinct competitive advantage versus products from other countries due to reduced tariffs and a more transparent trading and investment climate. In addition to NAFTA partners Canada and Mexico (which account … [More]
