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Can you guess teens’ favorite social network?

Emma Fitzpatrick Marketing

When Facebook offered to buy Snapchat in 2013 for $3 billion in cash, everyone thought it was ludicrous. $3 billion for an app that made no money and had 33 million users? It shocked the industry – especially since that was nearly twice what Google paid to buy YouTube in 2006. In hindsight, it looks like Facebook may have had a crystal ball. Now, according to the latest Pew Research from 2018, Facebook is now the fourth most popular network with teens (down three spots in a list of seven).

Preparing your business for hurricane season

Scott E. Rupp Facilities & Grounds

Perhaps the following bit of guidance only applies to approximately one-third of the United States, but with another storm season upon us, one can never be too prepared. The 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season began on June 1, and with deadly subtropical storm Alberto having moved through the Gulf Coast and the Midwest already, and an extremely deadly storm season only a year behind us, preparation now could save lives and facilities.

10 things businesses need to know in uncertain times

Dr. David Hillson Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Everyone 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?

Last impressions usually last, so don’t neglect them

Anne Rose Business Management, Services & Risk Management

You know first impressions count. Your customer makes assumptions about the kind of company you have during its first interactions. Polite? Friendly? Helpful? Accurate? Service-oriented? These kinds of assumptive conclusions are formed within the first few seconds, and the succeeding interactions either confirm or negate those impressions. But what about last impressions? Often overlooked, last impressions are also lasting.

Is the US a nation of nontraditional workers? Not yet

Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Do not believe the hype of a boom in gig jobs. Such nontraditional work arrangements reveal a pattern that has remained largely unchanged over the past 12 years, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics survey. The survey, called Contingent and Alternative Employment Arrangements, found that 5.9 million Americans or "3.8 percent of workers...held contingent jobs" in May 2017 vs. 1.8 percent to 4.1 percent of the workforce in February 2005. The BLS also surveyed other workers in alternative work arrangements.

The evolution of the office workspace

Susan Mulholland Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

The office. No, I’m not talking about the sitcom, I’m talking about the phenomenon defined as a place where we work. Since our work life has moved from outside to in, the definition of what an office is has been pretty consistent. Or has it? Where did this definition come from, and why are we seeing more and more companies rethinking their workspaces?

2 ways to be less busy

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Busy 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.

Negotiating commercial leases: Don’t give post-dated checks

Dale Willerton and Jeff Grandfield Retail

For many commercial tenants, negotiating a good lease or lease renewal against an experienced agent or landlord can be a challenge. While an entrepreneur focuses on marketing and managing, savvy real estate agents and brokers are specialized salespeople. Their job is to sell tenants on leasing their location at the highest possible rental rate. Whether you are leasing a new location for the first time or negotiating a lease renewal for your business, here are two money-saving tips.

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.

Dilemmas of an executive director

Bob Harris and Ben Graybar Association Management

I 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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