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Housing recovery slips away, again

Michael J. Berens Construction & Building Materials

Given the ups and downs of recent years, any prognosis about the state of the U.S. housing market is risky. Still, emerging data from the month of February suggests that the industry may have experienced the beginning of an upward trend going into spring, traditionally the busiest homebuying season of the year. Now, however, the oft-predicted recovery yet again will have to wait a while longer — perhaps much longer — as the country wrestles with the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What to do, when there’s nothing you can do

Candice Gottlieb-Clark Business Management, Services & Risk Management

We're all in a state of shock, or maybe it's confusion or concern. For some, possibly quarantine. What was in China is now everywhere and it's affecting everything. What we thought we could weather, or even pay only mild concern, is now overwhelming us and impacting our every thought, decision, and plan. And, we don’t know what’s next. What does one do, when there's nothing you can do? First, remember there is always something you can do. You can make good choices. You can look at the big picture and evaluate what matters to you, and what doesn't.

Supporting student success through industry outreach

Sheilamary Koch Education

"I learned early in my career that I alone did not bring enough to the table to ensure the success of my students," explains Mark Smith, an industrial arts teacher at Reed-Custer High School in Illinois. "I needed to develop relationships with people outside the education system that are passionate about educating the next generation of skilled employees." In addition to the six classes he teaches, Smith actively markets the work his students do — successfully bridging the gap between the classroom and industry. Over 20 years of consistent outreach has certainly paid off.

Delivery services in multiple sectors are getting a boost during the COVID-19…

Linchi Kwok Food & Beverage

The impact of COVID-19 has been devastating and will continue indefinitely. It is no longer a question of whether the coronavirus pandemic will cause a global economic downturn. It is now about how much the economy will shrink. The coronavirus will probably change how people shop, travel, and work for years. People will likely rely more on delivery services. Such demand will help boost delivery businesses even when everybody is having a tough time fighting the pandemic.

Demonstrate strength in uncertain times

William D. Pawlucy and Robert C. Harris Association Management

Now is the time to demonstrate strength, leadership and strategy. Members expect to hear confidence and solutions from their association. Associations have always been resilient during wars, recessions and crisis. Boards and staff should portray a positive, "can-do" attitude. Position the chief elected officer and executive director as primary, trusted communicators for the sector. Convey an authentic, reassuring message for members about steadfastness.

Tips on secure remote working during the coronavirus outbreak

Daniel Markuson Business Management, Services & Risk Management

The coronavirus has triggered the world's biggest work-from-home experiment. Millions of people have been asked to self-isolate to stop the virus from spreading. Entire regions in China and Italy were put under full or partial lockdown. With the virus spreading, major companies in the U.S. and Europe, including Facebook and Amazon, are also asking employees to stay at home. The current situation has reignited the discussion on the effectiveness and security of remote work.

Small businesses search for solutions amid crisis

Kevin Reynolds Business Management, Services & Risk Management

With each succeeding daily briefing from White House and governors’ offices across the country, small businesses are taking more and more of a blow. As sweeping new safety measures are enacted to curb the coronavirus pandemic, businesses have been left to wonder what comes next. A business environment that was very recently reaching 50-year-lows in unemployment, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, is now teetering on the edge with the economy grinding to a halt.

As COVID-19 spreads, the future of medicine is quickly becoming the medicine…

Tammy Hinojos Medical & Allied Healthcare

As the world continues its collective efforts at waging war against the rapidly spreading coronavirus, a handful of health tech devices and telemedicine tools are in the spotlight like never before. Many are being fast-tracked and called up to the front lines to be the tip of the spear in the coronavirus pandemic. For example, MedWand can listen to your heart and lungs, measure respiratory rates and blood oxygen levels. Originally forecast to receive FDA approval in late summer, the device is now under consideration for emergency use authorization by the FDA.

6 ways for your spa to thrive in uncertain times

Elizabeth Donat Retail

Business owners in the spa industry — and most every industry — are faced with an unprecedented situation in today's uncertain times. And because of this, it's crucial to explore some short- and long-term activities which may help to not only ease our clients' apprehensions, but to also help our businesses thrive and make profits. Follow my six expert tips below if you need some inspiration in light of recent changes to your flow of business.

A lack of likes: Why Instagram’s vanishing feature can be a boon…

Lisa Mulcahy Marketing

Many marketers are panicking over Instagram's stated intention to reduce or do away with likes in the near future. But the truth is it won't be the end of the world if you can't use likes to monitor your brand's marketing progress. There are a number of incredibly powerful ways you can safeguard your social media marketing might apart from Instagram likes. Now is the time to start to diversify and put them into play. Here are five key points to incorporate as you expand your brand's messaging.

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