All Business Management, Services & Risk Management Articles
  • The power of a governance vision

    John T. Dinner

    Most boards do not have the time to move away from pro forma agendas, and these boards would also have difficulty identifying topics outside the rather narrow boundaries of governance best practices and the like. After all, boards are primarily focused on making decisions and the discussions that lead to these decisions.

  • Understanding and utilizing digital marketing

    Bambi Majumdar

    Adobe's recent report on digital marketing is quite an eye-opener. For this generation of marketers who brag about their digital prowess, their fast-paced actions and responses, and their potential to harness the emerging technologies, the reality seems to fall short of their claims.

  • Have you ever had hire’s remorse?

    Mel Kleiman

    Employees are the most impressionable during their first weeks on the job — and even more so during their first few days. This is because people in unfamiliar territory are more alert for clues that will help them navigate the new terrain. Every bit of information gathered during this time will either reinforce your new hire's decision to take the job or lead to "new hire’s remorse."

  • Mechanics liens provide protection against contractor bankruptcy

    Nate Budde

    Unfortunately, the failure rate of businesses in the construction industry is high. This means that the bankruptcy or pending bankruptcy of a general contractor is a more common reason for payment problems than people may realize. Fortunately, for a financially troubled general contractor, mechanics liens may provide some protection.

  • The right mind to negotiate

    Michael J. Berens

    ​Much of a business leader's time is spent in negotiation. Brokering a deal, cutting costs, expanding distribution channels, selling a proposal, hiring talent, managing staff — all require the skill to negotiate with others effectively. Negotiation can be exhilarating; it can also be stressful.

  • Implicit and explicit risk management

    Dr. David Hillson

    Have you ever been asked, "How risky is your project?" Most project managers find it hard to answer this question. Your risk register lists all the risks you've identified, and these are prioritized for attention and action, with responses and owners allocated to each risk. But how can a list of risks answer the "how risky" question?

  • 5 ways owners and facility managers can increase energy efficiency

    Joy Burgess

    ​Whether you are a business owner or a facility manager, maximizing energy efficiency is important to your bottom line. Improving energy efficiency not only helps the environment, but it also provides significant savings. If you are reducing electricity usage or cutting heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) energy expenses, use the following ideas to improve the sustainability and energy efficiency of your buildings or business.

  • 5 great interview questions

    Harry J. Friedman

    ​There are many people who just know how to interview well. They'll razzle and dazzle you with what seem to be all the right answers. So how do you get past that and find out more about the person behind those baby blue, green or brown eyes? Here are a few great questions you can ask salespeople that do not usually elicit pat answers and will provide you with some great insights on the person behind the applicant.

  • Robbery prevention rooted in exceptional customer service and attention…

    Tony Gallo

    Robbery deterrence can encompass many proactive methods and tools. However, effective loss prevention in any business results from some critical practices and attention to detail. Good customer service, proper lighting, assertive signage, cleanliness and heightened awareness are proven effective measures that cost little but provide the deterrence you need in protecting your business.

  • Anonymity often leads to physician bullying online

    Pamela Lewis Dolan

    Discussions that used to take place around water coolers and in doctor’s lounges have moved to online message boards, blogs and social media sites. But the Internet has also given some physicians an outlet to unleash vitriolic commentary many would never consider unleashing on a colleague in person.