companies
Made in USA gives some small businesses an edge
Some small U.S. clothing manufacturers are catching a tailwind as rising costs for labor and transportation make Asia more expensive. In addition, some small companies also say U.S. manufacturers help them maintain a better grip on the quality of the goods they order. Full article.
Start a social community for your business
The Internet’s strength lies in its being able to accommodate relationship building, and your business can benefit from this capability by creating a targeted, personalized brand experience for your respective audiences. Full article.
Whetting a company's appetite for risk
In the wake of the biggest economic meltdown since the Great Depression, some management teams have developed an especially low tolerance for risk. To get the most value out of risks taken, companies need to engage in intelligent conversations around risk, which allows leaders to understand the perils and opportunities around risk and make informed decisions accordingly. Full article.
Exec Education: Not just for high potentials
Companies that want big results are increasingly seeing the wisdom of also investing in development of senior leadership, accelerating a general drive toward customization in executive education. Stephen Burnett, Kellogg School of Management, believes a mixed model of robust internal training and highly customized learning suitable for senior leaders—created in partnership with the company—produces the best results. Full article.
Oil companies slow to resume drilling in Gulf
Companies interested in returning to the oil-rich Gulf region aren't rushing to do so, due to uncertainty about what demands will be placed on them by the federal government. Drilling permit applicants must comply with all rules and requirements and must show that they have adequate blowout containment devices. Full article.
Richard Branson: The importance of not being earnest
Richard Branson: Having fun should be an essential part of your business. The four P’s -- people, product, price and promotion -- are often cited as the keys to a successful business, but this list omits a vital ingredient that has characterized Virgin companies throughout our 40 years: Fun, with a capital F. Our sense of humor and risk-taking has infused many of our other businesses. Try taking yourself and your business less seriously. You may be surprised that many others will take you more seriously. Full Article.
The Five W's of Marketing
We’ve all heard of the Five W's: who, what, when, where, and why. They're the elements of information needed to get the full story. The Five W's are helpful in marketing planning as well, and the development of an effective marketing program requires that they be answered in a specific order: why, who, what, where, and when. The reasons may not be obvious, but by following this pathway, you can avoid a great deal of confusion, trial and error, and blind alleys, preserving your company's precious time and resources. Full article.
Companies reluctant to hike prices despite rising costs
U.S. companies are reluctant to raise prices on their frugal customers, a trend that economists and investors warn could squeeze profits as many corporate costs rise. Despite higher costs, many executives say they can't raise prices. Airlines are cutting prices despite the higher fuel costs, and commodity prices aren't the only worry for cost-conscious corporations. Full article.
Federal survey: Access to capital limited for younger firms
Officials with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta recently indicated that lenders rejected more than half of companies less than five years old that applied for loans. The data was part of a national survey about small business access to capital: 16.8% received most of the capital requested, 14.5% received the same amount and 11.3% received substantially less from their lenders. Full article.
A lawyer's advice on business partnerships
Philadelphia attorney John Gerber helps entrepreneurs start and build their companies, and in a recent interview, indicated that one of the biggest stumbling blocks for startups is properly structuring partnerships. According to Gerber, there are several essential issues that need to be addressed as you consider a business partnership. Full Interview.
