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Hidden treasures: 7 secrets of trade show downtime
Wendy Parsley Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementMost trade show booth staff will tell you they dread downtime on the show floor. They enjoy being busy and talking with attendees, but when those slow periods hit, they can be awful.Even though you may experience downtime on the trade show floor, there are several things you can do to make the most out of the time (and money) you are spending to be there. Consider it a hidden treasure of your trade show plan. Here are seven secrets we include in every trade show strategy we develop for our clients.
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3 counterintuitive characteristics of good bosses
Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementBosses can be leaders, managers, supervisors, team leads or project heads. Yet, despite the different responsibilities and levels within which the title boss can fall, all good bosses share the same positive characteristics of being good listeners, knowing their strengths and efficiently managing time. In addition to those well-understood traits, here are three counterintuitive characteristics of good bosses.
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New apps, services move smart business travel forward
Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementCorporate travel is a necessity, but the cost associated with it has become a significant issue. The U.S. Travel Association's latest Travel Trends Index (TTI) shows that domestic business travel grew for a fourth consecutive month in April 2018 and will continue to do so at a brisk pace for the rest of the year. Those in charge of corporate pocketbooks, however, are looking at various ways to cut costs without undermining the comfort of their employees. Meanwhile, employees are looking for less complicated processes that will ease their travel woes.
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10 things businesses need to know in uncertain times
Dr. David Hillson Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementEveryone knows that "business hates uncertainty." Uncertainty poses a clear threat to business, but it also contains significant opportunity. Sources of uncertainty must be understood so that these threats and opportunities can be effectively managed, avoiding and minimizing unnecessary problems as well as capturing and maximizing benefits. In the current uncertain business climate, it has never been more important for businesses to assess and manage their risks. But how do we do that when we are surrounded by uncertainty?
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2 ways to be less busy
Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementBusy is a four-letter word. It can be an excuse, "Sorry, I can’t, I am too busy!" Or a justification, "He’s so stressed because of how busy he is." Or even a cry for help, "I can’t do anything joyful; I am just too busy." However, tough it may seem, we can stop the busy cycle. Here are two very simple steps to reduce distractions and be less busy.
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Building a dashboard for performance that your board wants to see
William D. Pawlucy Association Management"Directors should regularly ask at the board table, 'How will we measure success on this project or event?' By measuring progress there is accountability, continuous monitoring, and a way to sunset the program if it proves unsuccessful,” says Bob Harris, CAE. Here are some performance measures that you might want to consider to measure success, and so you can make real-time decisions around your programs.
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Dilemmas of an executive director
Bob Harris and Ben Graybar Association ManagementI was privileged to co-author an article titled, "Disappointing the executive director," with Maile Ilac Boeder in March. The article addressed the issue of board overreach and micromanagement. In response, my colleague Ben Graybar, a commercial banker and board member, offers his insights regarding dilemmas sometimes facing executive directors (ED). From the board wanting to fire the executive to staff attending meetings, he shares his experiences on nonprofit boards.
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5 simple steps to stay connected and still relax on vacation
Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementTropical islands, mountain getaways and remote locations may force us to limit our cellphone use while we are on vacation this summer. And while some of us love the idea of disconnecting for a little digital detox while we are away, for others the thought of abandoning email, voicemail or other office lifelines may inspire more dread than relaxation. Instead of hiding in the bathroom sending emails, take these five simple steps to stay connected and still relax on vacation.
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Bids with no capture
Brenda Crist Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementI confess. I have bid work without any previous capture effort and no firsthand knowledge of the customer’s requirements. I understand that I just violated every proposal industry best practice. It is clear, bidding without any knowledge of the customer requirements greatly diminishes the chance of winning and increases transition and operational risks. So why do companies bid work without any capture effort when, on paper, it makes no sense?
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Leading inclusive cultures that last: Zingerman’s co-founder Ari…
Simma Lieberman Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementIt's my belief that no matter how long people are at work, almost everyone wants to feel part of something greater than themselves. They want to know that their work makes a difference to the organization, no matter what they do. We all have that need and thrive when we are part of a community. Zingerman’s Community of Businesses is that kind of organization, and Ari Weinzweig and other members of Zingerman’s create that community of belonging every day for themselves and their customers.
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