Monday, September 30, 2013

Article of Interest: 10 Rules For Running a Successful Business

I am sure whatever way you are running your business it's good for the business and it's good for you but do you ever wonder what really leads to success with a business? Could you possibly be doing something wrong that won't get you to where you want to be, say 5, 10 or 20 years from now? Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart, had 10 rules for running a successful business. They are simple and straightforward. See if you do most or all of these. And if you don't, try a course correction.
Rule No. 2. Share profits with your employees. If you treat them as partners, they will treat you as a partner, and together you will perform beyond your wildest dreams. Employees are the life-blood of any good company. Many companies seem to have fancy incentive programs for the big wheels, but smart companies have bonuses and profit-sharing all the way down the line.
Read the entire article: Sam Walton's Rules for Success

Photo courtesy:  Holt

Monday, September 23, 2013

Article of Interest: Why We Need More Leaders

In "Why We Need More (Women) Leaders," Nancy Dearman talks about why we need more leaders -- millions to be precise -- and they need to come from everywhere.

What are the right circumstances?  Dearman says:
"A culture where the vision for the future is clearly understood throughout the organization. A culture where people are invited to step forward to help advance the vision in small and big ways. A culture where ..."
Read the the entire article to learn more.

What's your culture?  Are you creating conditions where your people can lead?

Photo courtesy:  Sean MacEntee

Monday, September 16, 2013

Article of Interest: Female Entrepreneurs Go Beyond "Cookies and Crafts"

Dr. Marsha Firestone (pictured), Founder and President of the Women Presidents' Organization, writes a telling article for the Harvard Business Review.  Here's an excerpt:
•  The membership of the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), a nonprofit peer-advisory group for women with $2MM-plus gross revenue, itself accounts for $19BN in aggregate revenue and over 142,000 jobs, stemming directly from its 1,700+ female business leaders. In the WPO, the largest number of businesses are in manufacturing and distribution and 25% of members generate over $10 million annually.
Read the entire article:  Female Entrepreneurs Go Beyond "Cookies and Crafts"  

Monday, September 09, 2013

Article of Interest: Balancing Act by Marissa Mayer

Ever wonder how to do it all -- run a demanding business, raise children, take care of elderly parents and have a life?

Marissa Mayer (pictured at right), Yahoo's CEO, provides some first-hand experience on how to manage divergent worlds.

The key?  Prioritize.

Read:  Marissa Mayer's Balancing Act

Photo courtesy:  Giorgio Montersino

Monday, September 02, 2013

Article of Interest: Building Successful Businesses Against All Odds

Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx
Check out The World's Most Powerful Female Entrepreneurs published by Forbes.  From tech giants to fashion designers to the 'Oprah Winfrey of China,' these sixteen Power Women are the ultimate small business idols.

Photo courtesy:  Kristin Ausk