All Business Management, Services & Risk Management Articles
  • Interior designer hiring slows, salaries rise

    Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

    After several years of substantial gains, beginning in 2015, the pace of interior designer hiring has slowed. According to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, between May 2017 and May 2018, tthe U.S. labor force added only 1,000 new interior designer jobs. That's an increase of less than 2%, and only about a third of the number of positions added between May 2016 and May 2017. Given anecdotal reports of firms in recent years having difficulty hiring needed talent, this slowdown may be an indication that the profession is nearing full employment, rather than a declining demand for designers.

  • The critical link between HR and retail success

    Catherine Iste Retail

    Why go to the store when you can buy online? Presumably, there is something about the in-person experience that is more convenient, helpful or in some other way better than making the purchase from our phone or desktop. In many cases, this benefit relates directly to interpersonal interactions. Human resources can play an important role in linking the customer's experience with retail success.

  • 3 ways to avoid new leadership failures

    Simma Lieberman Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    Recently, three distraught managers from three different organizations called to ask my advice with the same issue. New senior leaders were brought into each of these organizations with devastating consequences. They may have been hired for the great results they got in their old organizations, but they were all on track to lose their best people in their new organizations. Does this sound familiar? Have you experienced this in your organization as an employee or as the new leader?

  • What you need to know about Amazon’s growing ad business

    Emma Fitzpatrick Marketing

    When you think of digital ads (especially search), Google undoubtedly comes to mind. But the numbers may have you second-guessing your instinct. This year, Amazon’s U.S. ad business is projected to grow more than 50%. That means Amazon ads will make up more than 8% of the digital ad market. Next year, that number is projected to grow to 10%, according to a 2019 eMarketer report. Amazon is officially the No. 3 digital ad platform in the U.S., with U.S. retailers spending $4.61 billion on Amazon ads in 2019.

  • 6 tips to get through your midday slump

    Eudene Harry, MD Medical & Allied Healthcare

    We have all felt it. After lunchtime, you're lethargic, tired, and constantly checking the clock waiting for the day to be over. But fear not! Your day will no longer be ruined by the afternoon lull. Here are some quick tips to avoid the midday slump and end your day rejuvenated.

  • When to work with a coach or a mentor

    Roberta Matuson Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    I'm all for doing things yourself when you can. However, there are certainly times when bringing in an outside resource is well worth the investment. Some of the most vital times to consider working with a coach or mentor include when you are preparing yourself for a promotion, when you need to adjust quickly to a new circumstance, or when you have employees you find challenging to manage. After you've determined having a coach or a mentor would be beneficial to you, the next question is: How does one determine which coach or mentor is right for them?

  • When should the commercial lease end?

    Dale Willerton and Jeff Grandfield Retail

    Choosing a commencement date for your commercial lease can be easy enough; however, stating a specific expiration date may be more difficult. That's fair enough, as it is impossible to forecast what the future will hold. Will you be successful at your chosen location? Will an anchor store in the commercial property move out and leave you needing to relocate? Will your own health affect your business operations and result in your selling your business? The short answer is for you to choose your lease term's expiration date based on what's best for you and your business.

  • Career advice from 8 successful women

    Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    Women's History Month, celebrated every March, recognizes the remarkable achievements and contributions of women. However, it's also an opportunity to inspire and educate other women. So, we asked eight very successful women in various occupations and industries to share their tips and advice with fellow women.

  • 3 reasons healthcare leaders should consider an executive coach

    Catherine Iste Healthcare Administration

    The healthcare industry is in a state of flux at all levels. Staffing shortages continue, and while the number of students in the pipeline is improving, care organizations of all types are finding it difficult to develop a strong bench. This increases the pressure on leaders at all levels within every type of healthcare institution to creatively lead, inspire, and balance resources with care and business management. Here are three ways leadership coaching can help.

  • More affordability lifts home sales

    Michael J. Berens Construction & Building Materials

    As the cost of buying a home has begun to come down, home sales have begun to go up. The economics are not complicated, but they do speak to the tension between price and what buyers are able to pay that has constrained the housing market for the past year. For the moment, the factors behind that tension appear to be easing somewhat, which should encourage more buyers to enter the market in the coming months. After two months of declines, sales of existing homes catapulted 11.8 percent in February over January’s figures. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) said it was the largest month-over-month gain since December 2015.