Your organizations success or failure could ride on these 10 social media mistakes. It's no secret that social media can be an effective marketing tool for business. Businesses are losing market share to competitors who use social media more effectively. If you don't want to lose customers to socially savvy competition—avoid these common mistakes. Ten [...]
The story I’m about to tell about a path to promotion is one I've told but not written. It’s a story I often shared when completing new hire orientation. I used it as an example of creating a position. The story begins during a call-center employment interview. How to Create a Path to Promotion The [...]
Don't omit this training with new hires. When training new hires, share challenging expectations, and offer the training needed to achieve them. Several years ago, I was asked to take over the new hire basic sales training for one of America's top 50 (by net volume) home remodeling companies. Although the company had a competent [...]
Is it time to quit smoking? I quit smoking in 1997. It's been 25 years since I last took a drag on a Newport. At my peak, I smoked three packs a day. I survived, but there are lingering effects from my 25-plus years of tobacco use. I'm luckier than many. My lungs haven't been [...]
December 2012: It’s that time ‘o year again — New Year's resolution time. I know many of us have made resolutions we didn't follow through with; I’m certain I’m not alone. Last year, I made a very public resolution posted on my blog. Not only did I make one, but I outlined the milestones I [...]
So, why do we make New Year's resolutions? Interesting question. More than 2,000 years ago, the Babylonians observed a New Year's tradition of returning items borrowed from neighbors, which I believe were usually farming tools and mystery novels. In the early 18th century, Jonathan Edwards published a list of 70 resolutions. For Edwards, the resolutions were a guideline to [...]
My first Holiday Wishes post was 2010. There have been many heartful, enlightening, fun, hopeful, and wonderful wishes in 13 years. I enjoy looking back through the old wishes almost as much as I love reading the new. I hope you do too. Happy Holidays! Jen B “My Holiday Wish is that people feel more [...]
It's important to know how to recognize and avoid online scams any time of year but especially during the holidays. Last week, one of my wife's closest friends called, concerned that she had fallen for an online scam. Earlier that day, a pop-up, supposedly from Microsoft, filled her screen, informing her that her computer was [...]
A few years ago, I attended a class on writing skills taught by John A. Wieland (Business/Professional Writing Skills). Mr. Wieland, the IUPUI Outstanding Distinguished Associate Faculty Member in 2010, shared a wealth of tips and ideas. One stood out for me — use smaller words. Short is often better. He discussed how conquerors of Britain changed the [...]
My black backpack is starting to look green. I have a black nylon backpack I bought in 1994. I carry it every day. It has traveled with me from Paris to Puerto Vallarta. It once had a security sticker from the London Underground Authority, but it wore off a year or two ago. My wife [...]
