Blog Post of Interest: How to Think and Act Different

This one's for Steve ... reflecting on his 2005 Stanford commencement address ... lessons we can all learn as we grow our businesses.

Reflecting on Steve Jobs' Words of Wisdom

Are you putting a ding in the universe?  What are you going to do about it?

Note:  Authorized biography on Steve Jobs coming out soon.

Photo credit here.

Article of Interest: The Days of Middle Managers Are Over

Call it what you like -- extinction, thing of the past or obsolescence -- but the potential death of mid managers is something we should all look at within our own organizations. For example, do you have a General Manager? How many middle managers is he or she managing? The following article warrants a rethink on your organizational chart.

Quick snippet:

“The days of general managers who know a little about a lot of things are completely over,” says Ms Gratton. As the developed world moves towards knowledge-based industries, she says, there is no longer a workforce that can be “managed by looking at it”. It is not enough simply to monitor how many hours workers spend at their station. Teams are now often comprised of peers focusing on a particular project who, aided by technology, now also monitor output and give each other feedback—two classic roles of the middle manager. Rather than general management, Ms Gratton argues that corporate types should develop mastery of one or two areas—"such as leading complex teams or understanding how virtual communities work"—and be prepared to bone up on new specializations quickly, as the needs of business change.

Read the entire article here.

Illustration credit (related to above) here.

Article of Interest: 5 Best Social CRM Programs

What is a social CRM program?  What are the best CRM programs?  Here's a look at five you should be using for your business and why. 

Read:

The Best Social CRM Programs | Inc.com

Illustration credit:  Radian6 

Event of Interest: 8th Annual WPO Chicago Summit 2011

If you are interested in attending, you must first become a WPO member. It's not too late. Please contact Laurel Delaney to discuss details.

Interview of Interest: How to Pitch and Win Over Investors

Author Donna Fenn interviews Amy Millman, president and co-founder of Springboard Enterprises, a not-for-profit “venture catalyst” with a mission to facilitate women entrepreneurs’ access to the equity markets.

When we ask investors what they look for in a company, they say ‘we invest in the jockey, not the horse.’ What they really mean is they are willing to bet on a CEO who they believe would make them money. Lots of money. So if you want them to invest in you, you need to appear to be a clone of that investor, have a serious track record of delivering big returns for investor, or be able and willing to proclaim your expertise.

Springboard educates, sources, coaches, showcases, and supports high growth women-led companies seeking equity capital for expansion.

Do you have a serious track record of delivering big returns at your business, or are you able and willing to proclaim your expertise?

Read the entire interview here.