Almost every business manages a budget. That is, a prediction of expected costs against actual costs. It’s a way that a business stops spending too much or too little, and is, in essence, a plan of expenditure. Knowing how businesses manage expense is a powerful way of understanding how businesses work. Do you know your …
Understanding commercials through the budgeting process Read More »
One of the toughest things I have done in my career is to stand in front of an audience and speak. Not just speak but speak without wobbles, losing my place in my rehearsed patter, or sweating profusely. Is this familiar to you?
This is a really simple thing but it is often neglected. Most organizations, particularly nowadays in the global economy, need foreign language speakers. And not just because of diversity targets! Having this skill is an opportunity to involve yourself in other areas of your business. For example: * Interpreting letters from customers and suppliers in …
If you can speak a foreign language, let it be known! Read More »
Getting yourself noticed by senior management or executives maybe easier than you think. These people, like all people, are human beings. I’ve found that if you treat them that way, you have the best chance of getting to know them, and hopefully raising your profile. The most effective way I have found is to take …
Getting noticed in your company or organization Read More »
If you haven’t logged in to LinkedIn yet, do so! (http://www.linkedin.com/)Why? LinkedIn is a professional network tool which gives you search and networking facilities, allowing you to extend your network beyond your contacts. Members range from juniors to senior executives. Members can make recommendations to their contacts of other members. You’ll also find job postings …
Build your network through LinkedIn Read More »
If you want to know more about commerce, that is, how a business makes profit from trade, then think about a cafe, an example of a ‘simple’ business model. A cafe is an example of a business with a simplistic business model. It makes profit from earning more money than it costs to provide food, …
Thinking about Commerce? Think about a cafe! Read More »
Ah… the 70s: Abba; Disco; Dirty Harry; Saturday Night Fever; The Bee Gees… but how do people born in this decade approach work and management?
I’d floated this question to many of the people I work with. The results (according to this sample set) is unanimous: Yes, but with caveats. Why? Here are some of the opinions expressed: Colin Williams says “IM is particularly good for situations where the work group is widely distributed but in the same timezone. Its …
Results on Instant Messaging in Business Read More »
What’s you opinion on whether Instant Messaging, i.e. tools like MSN Messenger oy Yahoo! Messenger, have a place in business? Are they inexpensive tools for widespread communication or are they a lure for loafing? Your comments are welcome. My opinion is that if well controlled and audited, IM is a valuable business tool as it …
Does Instant Messaging have a place in Business? Read More »
I really like this article (link below) – it deals with exactly the kind of thinking we need if we’re going to break out of technical jobs. Read it please! It discusses how software platforms can revolutionise business. Its a great example of how a technical innovation can create innovative and large scale commercial opportunities. …
Another Inspiring article from HBS: Technology Platforms and their commercial success Read More »
