Harness the future: the 9 keys to emerging consumer behaviour.

There are nine steps which companies can implement in selling to tomorrow's consumers. They should adopt a consumer-driven orientation to meet the demands of future-generation consumers. They should focus on top-priority consumer segments as the 18-to-49 age group is becoming too broad to describe consumers. Firms must have standardized customization methods for customers to choose from a number of made-to-order products. Other steps which firms can take are leveraging of global trends and ma...

Managing monsters in meetings: how to stop unproductive behavior.

Several approaches can be observed for business meetings to proceed smoothly. They can be used to handle side conversations, quiet and dominant participants, filibusters, personal attacks and deadlocks. These steps are based on the principles of respect for other people, behavior focus and diplomacy. Knowledge of these principles is helpful because it helps people to deal with any disruption that may occur during meetings.

Managing your paperwork. (Taming the Paper Tiger software)

Management consultant Barbara Hempill estimates that the average person wastes 150 hours a year just looking for information. Clutter and disorderly files do affect office productivity. Hempill, author of the book 'Taming the Paper Tiger,' has developed a new software designed to track paperwork. The program, with the same name as the book, makes the filing and retrieval of paper documents almost foolproof. The office backlog, loose papers, in-basket materials and active files can be easily o...

Power marketing: how to keep a company selling.

Companies can implement five practical tips that will keep them in the right course even in the midst of changing economic conditions. There should be an all-out committment to client development to keep sales moving. Sales costs can be reduced with a marketing strategy that translates into sales activity. Existing customers must be given importance as lack of attention spells the end of any sales relationship. Businesses should also emphasize their long-term strengths as it is critical to th...

Stock market volatility: keeping it in perspective.

Stock markets are prone to corrections similar to what happened to the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) when it lost 6.17% of its value on Oct 27, 1997. However, dips in share prices may only be temporary, as share prices may rebound as fast as they fall. It should be realized that fluctuations in share prices is a normal part in stock investing. What the TSE lost when the market corrected in Oct 1998, it was able to fully recover five months later. By Mar 9, 1997, the TSE 300 index stood slightl...

Telecommuting: legal and management issues.

Telecommuting has legal implications that are often overlooked by managers. It should be implemented on a part-time basis during the early stages of its adoption in any organization. This will allow managers and subordinates to find out if this working arrangement is effective. Managers may have to adjust their management styles to those that will better suit teleworkers. This could be done by establishing clear goals and managing by results instead of a controlled managerial style. Teleworke...

The five steps to leadership.

The adage 'know thyself' is the first step in leadership. Leaders must know their values and find out what is important to them. They should have visions and passions as it is important to have a mental picture of something that has not yet happened. They must also be willing to take risks even at the point of failure and looking foolish. Leaders must also be good communicators especially in an age where selling seems to be everybody's business. They should also be capable of checking the pro...

The seven deadly staffing sins of start-ups and expansions.

Business startups often commit mistakes when recruiting new personnel. Among these common errors are the failure to identify the skills needed; the inability to recruit the best people; poor planning; using ineffective evaluation methods; neglecting the importance of compensation and benefits; ignorance of employments and limited recruitment budgets. New businesses should see to it that they have an effective staffing system in place to reduce the risk of hiring unwanted employees.

Tips on improving your resume.

Creating effective resumes while avoiding the common mistakes committed by job applicants can be done by following a few simple tips. These include the use of action verbs; conciseness; completeness; proofreading and editing. Resumes must point out the particular skills desired by the prospective employers from the applicants. Accomplishments of applicants such as productivity increases and cost savings should also be mentioned. The visual appearance of the resume can be improved by using ita...