Archives: July 2009

Successful "Onboarding"

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 31

You’ve done the recruiting, found the employee you were looking for, and now he or she has signed the offer letter. Now what? The onboarding process should begin well before...

Design a Winning Ad on Facebook

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 30

Never designed an online ad before? If you’re finding yourself watching "Mad Men" for inspiration, the following tips are designed to help you create ads on Facebook that are surprisingly...

Two Essential Business Ratios

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 29

There are key business ratios that you should use to measure your strengths, weaknesses, and overall success. Using these ratios periodically can help identify and correct weaknesses while building upon...

To Cut Costs, Improve Your Building's Energy Efficiency

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 28

Buildings account for 48% of energy consumption and present the single-greatest opportunity to cut carbon emissions and lower operating costs, especially as electricity prices continue to rise. A few immediate...

Determine the ROI on Software

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 27

When considering a software purchase, you should determine if the benefits are greater than the costs. There are several ways to do this, but the most practical way is to...

Build Your Business in Your Local Community, Not Just Online

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 24

Using Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, many small businesses have been able to increase their Internet presence and online footprint. However, when it comes to building meaningful business relationships, face-to-face, personal...

Judging Is Part of Your Job as a Boss

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 23

One of the longtime influences in my life is my mentor and good friend, Charlie. He is a deep and profound thinker about people and how they behave, and he...

Why We Fail to Communicate

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 22

One of my most significant business lessons came early in my career, when I was put in charge of a large-scale employee attitude survey as a human resources manager at...

Make Performance Reviews Palatable

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 21

Why does the subject of performance reviews throw managers into such a state of anxiety? Most managers would view a trip to the dentist with more enthusiasm. One of the...

Workplace Bullying

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 20

Bullying has found its way into the workplace. This behavior is an ongoing problem that creates feelings of defenselessness in the target and undermines an individual's right to dignity at...

The 5 C's of Hiring

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 17

In today's economy, hiring the right people is more important than ever. It costs a lot of money to hire new employees and train them, provide the equipment necessary for...

Are Employee Posts on Social Networks Putting Your Company at Risk?

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 16

As the popularity of social networks continues to rise, they are becoming more accepted within the business community. Companies use them to communicate with employees and network with customers and...

How to Promote a Business Event on Twitter

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 15

While businesses of all sizes look for ways to leverage Twitter, Web-savvy event promoters are using this hot social networking tool to sell out their events. Here's how: 1. Create...

The Case for Lifelong Learning

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 14

What are lifelong learners? Lifelong learners are people who never stop learning. They may already have a degree or a rewarding job, but yet still they continue to enhance their...

Cultivate to Develop Employee Potential

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 13

I was a high school junior in a suburb of Memphis early in the 1972-73 school year when Mr. Zeke Andre came to me and said: "Mr. Fewell, I need...

Motivate Each Member of Your Team

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 10

For most small businesses, the owner is the key person in the leadership role. Some owners and managers of businesses are convinced that it is only the money that creates...

Create Momentos Muy Simpáticos

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 09

Profitable companies enjoy high levels of customer retention and are joined at the hip with the people they do business with. These companies measure the quality of their relationships at...

Incorporate Online to Save Money

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 08

When starting a company, many entrepreneurs plan for the obvious startup costs like advertising, furniture, and equipment. But some leave the document-filing work to their lawyers and suddenly discover that...

Outsource Your Network and Data Security

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 07

If you're finding that protecting your organization's network and data is becoming increasingly challenging, consider outsourcing your security. Managed security service providers (MSSPs) can offer a cost-effective alternative to trying...

Become Your Customer's Best Option

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 06

In fat or lean times, the greatest way to build business and strengthen relationships is to become the best option for your customers. Consistency and responsiveness are paramount to becoming...

Instead of Assigning Blame, Fix What Went Wrong

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 03

No one wants to be associated with a failure, and leaders are no exception. When something goes awry, it can be tempting to point the finger—especially if you feel certain...

Is Sending Work E-mail After Midnight a Good Idea?

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 02

No! A resounding no! Some corporate e-mailers may think they're impressing their bosses, peers, or subordinates by sending e-mails in the middle of the night. And while an occasional 3...

Convince Friends to Stop E-mailing Jokes

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on July 01

We all know them. They are our friends who love jokes, and continually, and perhaps incessantly, share them with us by e-mail. And while we appreciate the thought, we groan...