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Is customized pricing more effective than a national strategy?
Terri Williams RetailPricing can vary as much as opinions. Sometimes, companies sell identical goods at different prices in different parts of the country. But is this the best approach, or should retailers follow a national pricing strategy? And what factors should be considered when determining a pricing strategy? "In theory, it is always more profitable to implement price differentiation strategies if possible," according to Fei Gao, an assistant professor of operations and decision technologies at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.
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Infographic: How to craft the perfect Pinterest profile for your small…
Meredith Wood MarketingMost small-business owners know that they need to have some form of social media presence to promote their brand but often miss an opportunity in neglecting Pinterest’s capabilities as a business booster. By leveraging this visual sharing platform, small-business owners can tap into the 55% of Pinterest users that come to the site specifically looking for products. Check out this infographic for tips on creating the perfect Pinterest profile for your small business.
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Don’t ever resign with a ‘shove it’ quit
Hank Boyer Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementIn 1977, country music artist Johnny Paycheck recorded what many employees wanted desperately to tell their boss as they quit their jobs. "Take This Job and Shove It!" nearly won a CMA award for Song of the Year, and artists like the Dead Kennedys and David Alan Coe re-recorded it in the years to follow. Have you ever felt like leaving a job this way? Many people have. However, before you yield to the temptation, there are few things you ought to know.
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5 ways to perfect your identity marketing strategy
Lisa Mulcahy MarketingAs a marketer, you know that targeting a potential customer as specifically as possible can be a powerful sales tool. But if you focus in on a consumer's identity the wrong way, you could alienate rather than motivate. So, you need to proceed carefully, accurately and respectfully. The good news: cutting-edge marketing research has you covered. Try these five easy and effective tips to make sure your approach will work every time.
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Tips for creating an effective online job posting
Roberta Matuson Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementOnline job recruitment is here to stay, and just about everyone is doing it. Like print ads, your goal is to stand out from the competition. But that's where the similarity ends. In today's fast-paced environment, job candidates are quickly surfing the internet for the next big wave, or in this case, job opportunities. Here are some tips to help you capture their attention and optimize your online recruiting investment.
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HR best practices: Lannister-style
Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management"Game of Thrones" is such a great example of extreme cases. It is by looking at these extremes that HR practitioners can learn the limits that define best practices. Understanding these limits are especially important for us because we are so often in the situation where we are the intermediary trying to balance opposite opinions and keep everyone satisfied. This constant focus on positive outcomes can take our attention away from addressing negative behaviors. HR pros should keep these "Thrones" practices in mind as we work to create, cultivate and implement our best practices.
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Social moves away from vanity metrics — and you should, too
Emma Fitzpatrick MarketingSocial media platforms are currently intrigued with ways to reduce the emphasis on likes and vanity metrics. The companies are still trying to figure out how to make it happen, but in the meantime, you can address vanity metrics internally at your company. Vanity metrics capture satisfying numbers that make you feel good about your social media marketing efforts but don’t deliver on action. Here are a few common vanity metrics you can evaluate, along with ideas on what numbers to focus on instead).
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How to save 200 hours on board meetings each year
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementAre board meetings depleting association resources and staff time? The culprit may be meeting frequency. Most boards convene quarterly. A few govern only three times a year. Others gather as frequently as monthly. The most common reason given for meeting often is, "We’ve always done it this way." Other rationales: "We like each other and the meeting facilitates the board’s networking." And, "If we don’t meet monthly the directors will forget what we are working on."
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Advisor vs. coach: Is there really a difference?
Roberta Matuson Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementI'm often contacted by people who tell me they are looking for a coach when what they need is a trusted advisor. The words advisor and coach are frequently used interchangeably. However, they are actually quite different. Understanding the distinction will ensure that you hire the right person for your needs.
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5 continuing education resources for project managers
Deborah Ike Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementProject management is a profession that requires continual learning to hone our skills. As we move from project to project, we’ll encounter new team configurations, different industries, changes in technology, and more. To stay ahead of the curve, we need to proactively seek out learning opportunities. For those with the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or another PMI designation, earning Professional Development Units (PDUs) is part of maintaining that credential. Here are five resources to consider as you look for ways to learn and grow as a project manager.
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