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Can you really assess the value of a new customer?

Anne Rose Retail

It would be profitable to know in advance who is going to be a "good" and "loyal" customer — one who patronizes your services frequently, spends money on your products or services, and is always pleasant and courteous to deal with. You could provide that customer extra services, knowing that your investment would reap benefits in ensuring his even longer-term patronage. Oh, to know in advance. But here’s the problem in prejudging the long-term value of a customer: you could be dead wrong in your assumptions.

How to use negotiating to get what you want

Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

According to the Rolling Stones, "You can’t always get what you want." However, with the right negotiation skills, you just might find you get what you need and what you want. If you want to succeed in business — and in life — you need to learn how to negotiate successfully. Martin E. Latz, founder and CEO of Latz Negotiation, is an expert on this topic, and is the author of "Gain the Edge! Negotiating to Get What You Want." Latz has five golden rules of negotiation. MultiBriefs asked him to provide insight on the first rule: "Information is Power — So Get It!"

5 business lessons from the NBA Finals

Linda Popky Business Management, Services & Risk Management

The three-peat was not to be. The two-time defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors, struggling to keep their title for a third straight year, lost to the Toronto Raptors in the sixth game of the recent NBA Finals. The Raptors stayed the course — with outstanding offense and defense — to win the franchise’s first championship. They played consistently well, limited the playing time of their key players during the regular season so they would be healthy for the playoffs, and handled everything the depleted Warriors team continued to throw at them. Here are five lessons from the NBA’s championship series for us in business.

A bit of advice on how to manage a micromanager boss

Roberta Matuson Business Management, Services & Risk Management

I was recently asked the following question: "What do you do if you like your job but your boss is a micromanager who doesn’t have a clue how to manage projects, and his boss put him in that position due to nepotism?" Micromanagement is about lack of trust. The person who is micromanaging doesn’t believe anyone can do something as well as he or she can. Once you understand this, you’ll be better able to manage a micromanaging boss.

Media trends marketers must know from the Mary Meeker Report

Emma Fitzpatrick Marketing

For marketers, it’s like Christmas in July! The 2019 Mary Meeker Internet Trends Report recently published. For 20-plus years, this industry-defining report has captured how consumers in the U.S. and across the globe are using the internet and interacting with media. Don’t worry! We broke down the 300-plus-page report into an easy-to-scan list with the insights you need to make informed marketing decisions for the rest of 2019.

Employee relocation costs: What to consider

Michael Krasman Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Does your company have an employee relocation program? If not, you’re undoubtedly wondering if you should; if so, you’re undoubtedly wondering how to make it more cost-effective. There’s no question: relocation benefits can be expensive. Case in point: it can cost nearly $100,000 to relocate an established employee who owns a home! Move just a few people and costs add up fast. Yet, nearly two-thirds of U.S. employers have relocation programs in place for one excellent reason: it’s crucial to attracting and retaining top talent.

Avoid these misguided association practices

Robert C. Harris Association Management

There is no single authority for how associations operate. Every nonprofit and its board are unique. They are influenced by culture, resources, scope and member expectations, for example. While rigid guidelines don’t exist, some processes are better than others. Here are examples of misguided practices regarding minutes, board meetings and consent agendas.

How will travel businesses be affected by new Cuba restrictions?

Seth Sandronsky Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

The Trump administration has restricted travel to and trade with Cuba, reversing Obama-era policies that opened doors closed during the Cold War. What are the business impacts of the president’s decision? "Given the recent growth in legal U.S. travel to Cuba," Erika Richter, communications director for the American Society of Travel Advisors, told MultiBriefs in an email, "ASTA is concerned about the potential for disruption from these policy changes, especially as they relate to the operations of our cruise line, airline and hotel partners on the island." The travel restrictions took effect on June 5. According to the administration, the Cuban government's foreign policy is to blame.

Labor, environment shape USMCA debate

Michelle R. Matisons Manufacturing

U.S.-Mexico relations currently revolve around two distinct discourses. One discourse emphasizes separation and punishment, as President Trump seeks support for his border wall while Mexico strengthens border control. The other discourse emphasizes economic cooperation and trade relations, which we witness as tariff threats fade and renewed talk of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) passing in Congress heats up.

An overlooked project management skill: Chief communicator

Deborah Ike Communications

With all of the work involved in managing a project, it’s easy to focus on the details of tasks, risks, budget, and timelines. However, one issue that can quickly derail a project is a breakdown in communication. Many times, one group or department doesn’t understand another or doesn’t know who else needs to know about a particular issue. As the one person with both a 30,000-foot view and access to the detailed tasks, part of your role as the project manager is to bridge these communication gaps. Here are a few ways you can fill that communication role.

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