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Homebuyers head to the ‘burbs

Michael J. Berens Construction & Building Materials

New home sales soared in May, pushing year-over-year sales figures back into the black. Low interest rates, a shortage of existing homes for sale, and early steps to revive economic activity helped to fuel the demand for new homes. So did what appears to be a growing pandemic-driven trend, a migration from cities to the suburbs. After two months of declining sales, purchases of new homes vaulted 16.6% in May compared to the previous month, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Demand drove prices back up as well.

Airlines, governments, agencies take a stand on masks

Lark Gould Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

As cities open up and daily life begins to look like pre-coronavirus normal, COVID-19 cases are spiking and hospital beds filling in some regions due to a growing movement to eschew simple social protections. Most noticeable among these protections? The polite and practical donning of face masks. The practice is encouraged for outside and inside activities, but especially indoors, where one infected person can expose many with concentrated vigor.

The best ways companies can use technology to interview and hire virtually

Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

COVID-19 has caused significant disruptions in most business operations. However, companies are beginning to return to the new normal, which includes resuming their hiring plans. Gone (at least temporarily) are the days of forcing applicants to fidget in the lobby, evaluating their appearance from head to toe, and analyzing the firmness of their handshakes. However, technology can help companies streamline the interview process and provide a more effective way to onboard new employees.

Change happens, so explore your possibilities

Lloyd Princeton Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Change and uncertainty often go hand-in-hand, and right now, most people are experiencing a little (or a lot) of both! When change occurs, especially so abruptly, it can be disorienting, even alarming. But change can also be liberating, freeing us from our habitual way of thinking about things and forcing us to reconsider the path we’ve taken and our options for the future. If your professional prospects seem less bright at the moment or especially if you need some guidance, now can be the perfect time to explore "what if?"

Avoiding costly online mistakes: Why the internet is enduring, not endearing

Linda Popky Business Management, Services & Risk Management

It's become a regular occurrence to hear about some celebrity somewhere who is facing the consequences of poorly chosen public comments. These may be off-the-cuff remarks made recently, on social media, or an old interview or article from many years ago that’s just resurfaced. Times have changed. What was once considered acceptable or excusable may very well be seen as insensitive — or worse — in today's environment. Here's the problem: Once something is out in the electronic universe, it's just about impossible to get rid of it. Too many people learn the hard way that the internet is enduring, not endearing. How do you avoid this fate? Here are a few guidelines.

6 ways to adapt to the new virtual world in real estate

Sam Radbil Business Management, Services & Risk Management

There are few businesses that lend themselves to the virtual world as well as real estate. Before the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were in place, many people in the real estate business were beginning to introduce virtual and 3D tours to their markets. Read on to find out about six ways to adapt your real estate business to the virtual world.

Preparing your association for the second wave

Bob Harris and Dot Miller Association Management

We are hopeful there will be no second wave of the coronavirus, or that mitigation will reduce its impact. Associations must prepare. Are we taking advantage of what we have learned in the first wave to position the organization for crisis? The purpose of this collaborative article is to identify improvements made by associations, to adopt the enhancements, and to prepare for the uncertainties.

Lending through the coronavirus pandemic

Chad Jampedro Business Management, Services & Risk Management

COVID-19 has caused a lot of misinformation to circulate concerning loans and other financial aspects. Cutting through this noise has been increasingly difficult as more and more sources publish information about government loan opportunities and other lending opportunities amid the crisis. This complex financial climate can confuse anyone. There are many questions about mortgages, consumer lending, small business loans, and so much more during these uncertain times. Here are some of the most common questions we’re hearing about lending and mortgages.

5 tips for top-notch customer service while social distancing at your spa

Elizabeth Donat Retail

With spas and medical spas opening up or on the cusp of reopening, it's time to reevaluate our customer service strategy in light of the changes in society and our daily lives. We cannot continue with the old styles of communication and customer care in a new, socially distant world. Read my expert tips to learn five helpful pointers for making your clients feel close, even though we are forced to keep space between us.

Why you should be careful categorizing COVID-19

Bob Johansen Business Management, Services & Risk Management

We are facing a novel coronavirus. Novel means new. New means that old categories are suspect. Categories coerce. You must think across a spectrum of possibilities and risk — not force-fit something we don't yet understand into old categories we do understand. Categories channel us toward certainty, but away from clarity. Here's what you can do to thrive in the post-outbreak scramble.

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