Article of Interest: Famous Failures

We all want success but oftentimes there are bumps (challenges) in the road that lead to it.  Before you think failure doesn't come with success, guess again.  The article below talks about famous failures.  Use the stories for inspiration.

Famous Failures

Photo courtesy:  Celestine Chua

Blog Post of Interest: Accelerate Women Now and Equally on a Global Basis

According to Forbes, "Accelerate Women Now:  Building a 50/50 global Economy:"

If you could adjust just one variable to exponentially improve the quality of life for everyone on planet earth, what would it be? We’d argue there are few places where you would get a bigger return on your investment than supporting women entrepreneurs.

And the blog post provides evidence that is overwhelming.  Read it here.

Bottom line:  "Women are good for business," says Ben Powell, the Founder and CEO of Agora Partnerships, and Dana Warren, Agora’s Communications Associate.

Photo courtesy:  Saad Faruque

Article of Interest: What's Your Wishlist for the Holidays?

Wired.com offers a wish list:  The Best Holiday Gifts for Embiggening Your Brain.  Whether it's a three-way pen, ready-to-go 3-D print lab, or a jump rope, these gifts are bound to wake you up to the coolest of gadgets and brighten your spirits for the holiday season. 

Check out all the fabulous holiday gift items here.

Photo courtesy:  Lauren Manning

Video: WPO Member Interview (Discover the value of the Women Presidents' Organization)

 Learn more:  Women Presidents' Organization

Article of Interest: Dare To Grow Your Business BIG

Geri Stengel over at Forbes gives ten ways women can dare to grow their businesses big, that is, if they haven't already.  The ten ways are based on Becky Blalock's own experience rising to the top of the male-dominated information technology industry.

One tip:

3.) Never stop learning

Every entrepreneur I know has built a successful business on the many varieties of learning available. Admitting that you don’t know everything — and never will — is key to growth. Seek outside counsel from mentors and advisors, participate in a peer advisory group, such as Women Presidents’ Organization, listen, read business books and publications, and attend professional development training, etc.

Read:  10 Ways Women Can Dare to Grow Their Businesses Big

Photo courtesy:  Ken Teegardin

Article of Interest: How Will Your Business Exist in the Future?

According to The Nation's "Growing the business of today and the business of tomorrow:"

GENERATING SUSTAINABLE growth is difficult and requires bold leadership. For a typical company, competitive pressure increases the difficulty to extract value from traditional sources, while looking for new sources of growth in a new territory feels haphazard and episodic.

So what is the solution?  It's not as simple as you would like it to be.

Read the entire article here.  The material provided in the article was contributed by Deloitte Thailand.

Photo courtesy:  Adam Selwood

Weekly Small Business News Roundup: From The New York Times

If you haven't read The NYTimes.com for small business news, it's worth a look.  Columnist Gene Marks talks about what's affecting his clients and other small business owners.

Some of the topics covered:

• The Economy
• Retail
• Management
• Online
• Cash Flow
• Around the Country
• Around the World
• Healthcare
• Technology

Get the news roundup:  Today in Small Business (10/22/13):  What the Owner Takes Home

Photo courtesy:  Keith Ramsey

Article of Interest: How Top Women Business Owners Lead Their Companies

Here are top leadership habits from women business owners in the San Francisco Bay area.  See if you recognize some of your own.

Read the entire article:  Women Business Owners Share Leadership Habits

Photo credit:  Mike Baird

Book of Interest: Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably

Many fellow WPO sisters already know that I have been working on a new book on exporting all year (as shown).   Well I am happy to announce it will be ready for release December 18, 2013!  Please sign up below to be kept up-to-date on news about Exporting and to pre-order the book at a guaranteed price!

Exporting:  The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably:

• Lays out simple steps to conduct market research, find customers, open new markets, get paid, and ship goods and services.
• Takes you through the exporting process via the Internet and other means.
• Shows how to use social media to expand your international presence.
• Provides insider tips and strategies to export efficiently and profitably.
• Explains how the U.S. government helps exporters.
• Walks readers through the export business plan.

Here’s what else you will learn from my new book:

• Identify products and services that can be profitably exported.
• Use the Internet to facilitate all aspects of exporting, especially marketing.
• Develop a clear strategy on how to export.
• Export your product or service efficiently and profitably.
• Find customers retail and wholesale customers globally, enter new markets, get paid, and ship.
• Explore your best territory using statistics and market research.
• Develop pricing and prepare documentation.
• Leverage the Internet and social media—including using tablets and mobile phones—to boost your online exports.

Can’t wait for you to read!  It’s everything you should know to sell abroad profitably!  Further, a few WPO members are referenced in the book, which is even more exciting!

Sign-up here to learn more:  Exporting:  The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably

Photo courtesy:  Apress

Article of Interest: The States Where Women Make the Most

Here's a good analysis of the states where women make the most and least compared to men. The wage gap is a complex issue but a simple chart can convey where it's the most severe. Illinois is smack dab near the middle with women earning 79 cents on the dollar, compared to white men specifically.

In a new report, the Center for American Progress offers up this coast-to-coast breakdown. The pay gap ranges all the way from a low of 15 cents in places like Vermont and Nevada up to 36 cents in Wyoming.

Read the entire article here and take a look at the chart.

Photo courtesy:  Gautam Dogra

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

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

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"  

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

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  

Infographic of Interest: The Happiness Factor

Business owners work enthusiastically and tirelessly to grow their businesses.  Still, how happy are business owners?  

Take a good look at the infographic below to see survey results from an online marketing company showing a "happiness matrix."

How Happy Are Small-Business Owners?  (Infographic)

Photo courtesy:  Chelsea Gabriel

Article of Interest: Women CEOs Share Tips On Building Successful Businesses

What does it take to build a successful business besides discipline, smarts and enthusiastically giving 100 percent?  Four Schaumburg, Illinois women business owners share their advice on how to overcome challenges such as gender, ethnic, and racial stereotypes, balancing work-life priorities, and mentoring future women entrepreneurs and leaders.

Read the entire article:  Women CEOs share tips on building successful businesses

Photo courtesy:  Alosh Bennett

Article of Interest: How to Uncover Your Next Game-Changing Idea

Do your employees have hundreds of ideas but never get to talk about them?

In every office, there are untold numbers of great ideas that never get heard, let alone put into action. Use these techniques to uncover your company's next game-changing idea.

How to Tease Out Great Ideas From Every Person On Your Team

Photo courtesy:  Doug Waldron

Event of Interest: 10th Annual WPO Chicago Summit 2013!

Article of Interest: Tips For Newbie Importers

Got a product you want to import and are clueless as to how to transport it to your factory door?  Look no further.  Below is an article I authored for the About.com Import and Export site.  It offers eight tips for newbie importers.

Read the entire article:  Eight Tips for New Importers

Photo credit:  John Seb Barber

Article of Interest: Mobile Commerce On the Rise

At the end of last year's holiday season, mobile commerce rose to 11 percent.  Considering it was just 3 percent as recently as late 2010, that's a fairly hefty jump.

Find out why mobile commerce is taking off and learn the numbers underpinning the explosive growth below.

Read the entire article:  CHART:  Mobile Commerce Continues Its Massive Rise

Do you have a mobile commerce strategy in place for your business?  Should you be creating one?

Photo courtesy:  ©Laurel Delaney.  All Rights Reserved.

Article of Interest: Global Trends for 2013

The business climate is changing and provided you stay in front of the curve holding a positive attitude, there is limitless opportunity.

In The Economist's new Global Trends Report for 2013, the authors highlight 10 trends that business leaders need to focus on today.

Here's a snippet of two:

Social everything:  New generations and their digital world stepping forward

Redefining value: The consumer is winning the fight to own the new consumer

Read the entire trend list:

Global Trends for 2013:  A Top Ten For Business Leaders

Photo courtesy:  Beck Gusler

Article of Interest: U.S. Shorts Small Businesses $3 Billion in Fed Contracts

Is the primary growth driver for your business federal contracts?  Then read on to prepare for what's ahead.

The Small Business Administration reported that just 22.25 percent of the estimated $400 billion spent by the federal government in 2012 was directed at small businesses across the country.

Read the entire article at Small Business Trends:

U.S. Shorts Small Businesses $3 Billion in Federal Contracts
by Joshua Sophy

Photo courtesy:  Joe Campbell

Slideshow of Interest: Change (Pivot) or Else!

Times change, markets change and technologies change and yet its people who must realize that their businesses must change too in order to stay relevant and thrive.

In the slideshow, "The Art of the Pivot," Linda Lacina for Entrepreneur magazine collects a range of companies, from online retailers to video-game manufacturers, who’ve made the difficult decisions to alter how they do business.
Go ahead, take a look, disrupt your thinking and transform your business!

Photo courtesy:  stiina

Article of Interest: Five Presentation Mistakes Everyone Makes

Photo by:  ©Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Getting ready to give a winning presentation to a client you have been wooing for months?  Well, you better get it right from the start because first impressions matter.  Below we share Nancy Duarte's five presentation mistakes everyone makes.  See if you have made any of these yourself.  After all, you want to land that new million-dollar client, right?

Five Presentation Mistakes Everyone Makes

1. Failing to engage emotionally.
2. Asking too much of your slides. (I am definitely guilty of this one!)
3. Trotting out tired visuals.
4. Speaking in jargon.
5. Going over your allotted time.

Related post: Presentations That Matter (also by Nancy Duarte)  

Photo courtesy: ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.  "Chicago Skyline, June 22, 2013"

Article of Interest: Customer Service Lessons From a Tokyo Taxi Company

How do you deliver consistent extraordinary customer service?  Use standout Tokyo-based taxi company Nihon Kotsu as an example.  They are on a mission to show that Japan's taxis are the best in the world.  What are you best at?

The devil is in the details.  Why just look:

During a mid-morning session with 40 drivers, he tells a story about a driver whose sloppy appearance and lackadaisical service led to the man’s demotion on the spot. On a whiteboard Kawanabe (President) writes the kanji character for hokori, or pride. “I want you all to promise me that you’ll take pride in this job,” he says. “If you do, customers will want to ride with you and you will perform better. And you will be happier.” Nihon Kotsu assigns two drivers to a car, typically a boxy Toyota Crown or Nissan Cedric sedan because those are the carmakers’ taxicab models.

Read the entire article at Monocle Magazine:

Taxi!

Bottom line:  Better service can boost a business' bottom line.

Blog Post of Interest: Mobile, Wearables and Facebook - Oh My!

Mary Meeker (as shown), partner at the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield Byers (KPCB), presents the latest version of her influential report at the All Things D conference in California.

One major takeaway from her research:

Mobile Is Moving Fast

There are about 2.4 billion Internet users worldwide, a gain of 8 percent from 2012, driven largely by emerging markets like Iran and Indonesia. And there are 1.5 billion mobile subscribers worldwide, compared with 1.1 billion a year earlier. That’s roughly 30 percent growth. In addition, mobile makes up 15 percent of Internet traffic over all.

Go here to read the entire blog post.

Look for the full 100-slide report embedded at the end of the blog post.

Photo courtesy:  KPCB - Mary Meeker

Video of Interest: Why Meaningful Work Matters

Behavioral economist Dan Ariely talks about what makes us feel good about our work.  He presents two eye-opening experiments that reveal our unexpected and nuanced attitudes toward meaning in our work.  By understanding our motivation, we can help our employees feel good about their work too.

What motivates us to work? Contrary to conventional wisdom, it isn't just money. But it's not exactly joy either. It seems that most of us thrive by making constant progress and feeling a sense of purpose.

News of Interest: Alison Gutterman Receives NAWBO Award

Alison Gutterman and her Dad at the NAWBO Chicago luncheon 5/7/13

Our very own WPO Chicago member, Alison Gutterman, President of Jelmar, was awarded NAWBO Chicago's Business Woman of the Year 2013.

Congratulations dear Alison.  We are very proud of you! 

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved. 

Article of Interest: 6 Signs Your Business is Ready to Expand Globally

How do you know when you are ready to expand your business globally? If you have just experienced a rapid growth stage with your business–doubling sales weekly over the past year, for instance–and not only survived it but are also thriving, then you’re ready to model that success into continuous growth through global expansion.

In the following article for the MasterCard Business Network, I discuss six signs to look for in your business when you are at the tipping point to go global.

Read the entire article:  6 Signs Your Business is Ready to Expand Globally

Photo courtesy:  tonynetone

Article of Interest: How to Build and Keep a Fan Base

In the article below, Gilt Groupe discusses how they built, and kept, its seven million member fan base.  It starts with making customer experience your number one priority says co-founder Alexis Maybank (pictured left).

How Gilt Groupe Built, And Kept, Its 7 Million Member Fan Base

News of Interest: Fabulous WPO National Conference in Dallas!

We had a wonderful time in Dallas at the WPO national conference where more than 850 thriving women business owners attended and fifty of them were recognized for their Texas-sized growth (list here).

We hope to see you next year in New Orleans!

Related post.

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  "WPO National Conference Dallas 2013"

News of Interest: WPO Featured in WSJ

Dallas skyline

Accomplished Women Entrepreneurs From Around the World to Gather in Dallas

The Women Presidents' Organization (WPO), a global peer advisory organization for women presidents and CEOs of multi-million dollar companies, will host more than 750 successful women entrepreneurs at its annual conference from May 1- 3, 2013 at The Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

See you in Dallas!

Photo courtesy:  david.nahas

Article of Interest: How to Get Targeted Traffic

Email marketing is important for growing your business.  But did you know that there are several excellent free email marketing tools to fuel your online activities? 

Here's one:

With excellent drag and drop features Mailchimp has got many things for free. With Forever free tagline, Mailchimp is one of the most used email marketing tools.

Read the entire article:  9 Best Free Email Marketing Tools to Fuel Your Online Business

Photo courtesy:  opportplanet

Article of Interest: How to Defeat Stress

As a business owner, you're pulled in a million different directions, making critical decisions that affect the livelihood of not just yourself but your family and all the people who work for you.  How do you go about minimizing or even defeating stress?  This is how it might play out:

You have too much on your plate, deadlines are looming, people are counting on you, and to top it all off, you still have holiday shopping to do. You are under a lot of pressure — so much that at times, you suspect the quality of your work suffers for it. This is life in the modern workplace.

Does that sound like you?  Then read on with this informative article on how to defeat stress:

Nine Ways Successful People Defeat Stress by Heidi Grant Halvorson - Harvard Business Review

Note:  I don't know about you but just by looking at the photo above calms me down. 

Photo courtesy:   ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.  "Chicago Lakefront 4/13/13"

News of Interest: WPO Featured in Forbes

WPO Founder Dr. Marsha Firestone is quoted in Geri Stengel's Forbes article, "6 Secrets of Women Entrepreneurs Who Built $10 Million Companies:"

1.) Participate in peer advisory groups: “Entrepreneurs learn best from one another rather than academic courses,” said Marsha Firestone, President and Founder of Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), a peer advisory group for women presidents of multimillion-dollar companies.

Read the entire article here.

Article of Interest: How to Get Repeat Business From Customers

What makes customers loyal to your business?  Is it because you provide exceptional service, are "green" minded or offer amazing creativity?  Whatever it is - it's important to identify so you can generate and sustain long-term business success.

Read the entire article: 
Small Business Finishing Touches:  How to Get Repeat Business From Customers

Articles of Interest: Small Business Must-Reads (3/22/13)

©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.  "Chicago, 3/23/13"

Four small business must-reads from The Wall Street Journal (3/22/13):

Most Small Businesses Don't Recover From Cybercrime - what's a business owner to do?

888.com Wins First Net-Only Gambling License in U.S. - what it means in terms of opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Bootstrapper's Guide to Airfare - best places (make Chicago your next destination - as shown!) and seasons for air travel plus how to get the biggest bang for your buck on business or personal travel!

When Business Names Confuse Consumers: the basics of trademark law.

Photo credit:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.  "Chicago, March 23, 2013."

Event of Interest: WPO International Conference 2013

It's not too late to sign up for our WPO 16th Annual Conference held in Dallas from May 1-3.  For more information and to register, visit here. 

The conference encourages WPO members to share business strategies and experience with other successful women from all over the world, as well as learn from interactive seminars and speakers. Additionally, it will provide potential members who qualify a unique opportunity to experience the impact the WPO has on women business owners professionally, and personally.

I hope to see you there!

Article of Interest: Things You Should Never Include in Your Twitter Bio

Want to turn people off so they never, ever bother to follow you on Twitter?  Mention these phrases in your bio:

• Social media maven
• Social media guru
• Calling yourself an "anything" junkie (e.g., tech junkie, PR junkie, info junkie)
• Thinking that some part of your bio should be in CAPS because it is so important

Wait, there's more!

Read:  25 Terrible Things You Should Never Include in Your Twitter Bio

Article of Interest: Is It Time to Redesign Your Website?

How do you know when it's time to redesign your business website?

Facebook and Twitter have undergone major overhauls to help users interact more efficiently and share more content. And just recently Yahoo.com made news when it revamped its homepage.

Ask yourself these questions to determine if you need a website makeover.

Is It Time for a Website Redesign?  Five Questions to Ask 

Photo credit:  Women Presidents' Organization Chicago blog homepage

In Loving Memory: Geraldine Smothers (WPO Chicago I member)

Gerri Smothers (12/13/12)

In Loving Memory of Geraldine Smothers

January 10, 1946 - February 17, 2013

We will miss Gerri enormously.

May she rest in peace.

Article of Interest: Is Your Business Prepared for a Mobile Revolution?

According to a new visual report issued by Milo.com nearly 11% of the total United States retail e-commerce sales last year were made on mobile devices.  Is your business ready for the mobile e-commerce revolution?  Have you optimized your digital presence to attract more shoppers to your business?

The chart of U.S. retail mobile commerce traces back to 2011, when sales totaled $14 billion dollars, more than doubling in 2012 to $25 billion. One of the more interesting figures is the average amount per purchase by device, noting that $250 was the average purchase on a smartphone, while an average tablet purchase amount was significantly higher at $329.

Read more here.

Illustration credit:  Business2Community.com

Article of Interest: Why Success Is a Habit

You make your bed everyday.  You brush your teeth.  You walk your dog (if you have one).  Why is it with success we don't think of it as a habit?

John Maxwell says, "success is a habit, just like all those other routines.  Sure, it takes a little more work to cultivate this one than, say, filing your paperwork before it overwhelms your desk; but nonetheless, if you train yourself right, you can experience that "I did it!" feeling over and over again."

Here's how.  Read entire article:  How Can You Keep on Winning?

Book of Interest: The Growth Story

WPO London Chapter Chair Sue Stockdale has a new book out, The Growth Story, published by Book Shaker.  The book aims to inspire men and women alike to build powerful growth-oriented businesses.

The Growth Story covers nine different growth strategies used by women entrepreneurs - from geographic expansion to franchising to acquiring companies.  If you haven't already achieved successful growth for your business, read this book and find your path.

Buy now:  The Growth Story -- also available at Amazon.

And if you plan to attend our WPO 2013 Annual Conference in Dallas this year (May 1-3), Ms. Stockdale will have copies of her book available for sale.

Photo courtesy:  ©Laurel Delaney 2013. All rights reserved.

Article of Interest: Recharge Your Business in 2013

Amidst chaos and uncertainty, is it possible to stay focused and set the foundation for a successful year to come?  You bet.  Here are six ways to help you recharge your business in 2013.  It starts with getting your priorities in line.

6 Ways to Recharge Your Business in 2013

Are any recharge ideas missing?  Let us know and we'll add yours to a list in a separate blog post later.

Photo courtesy:  Changed Priorities Ahead

Article of Interest: 10 Conversations That Changed Our World

While running a multimillion-dollar business, are you out to change the world?   Each of us has a desire to make a difference -- whether to improve the lives of others or to cure a dreadful disease.  The trick is:  How do you make it happen?  What sparks the idea to develop a new product, go global or own the online space you operate in and each with the intent to change the world?

We've got clues and they start here.  Read:  10 Conversations That Changed Our World

Illustration credit:  Fast Company

Note (1/21/13):  One other conversation that changed the world: MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech

Blog Post of Interest: In 2013, Will You Manage or Lead Your Business?

Dr. John P. Kotter, the Konosuke Matsushita Professor of Leadership, Emeritus at Harvard Business School and the Chief Innovation Officer at Kotter International, a firm that helps leaders accelerate strategy implementation in their organizations, makes a case here on the radical differences between management versus leadership.

In more than four decades of studying businesses and consulting to organizations on how to implement new strategies, I can't tell you how many times I've heard people use the words "leadership" and "management" synonymously, and it drives me crazy every time. 

Find out why Dr. Kotter is driven to madness on this topic:  Management Is (Still) Not Leadership

As always, be sure to read all the reader comments for the optimum level of insights.

Meanwhile, how will you take your organization into the future - by managing or leading? 

Illustration credit:  Kotter International

Article of Interest: Inspirational Quotes for 2013

Happy 2013! 

I hope it's your best year ever.  Here's my quote to you for the new year:

"May you innovate, disrupt and solve a lot of customer pain points in 2013!" ~ Laurel Delaney, WPO Chicago Chapter Chair.

Try these other motivational quotes on for size - there's twelve in all - because they will inspire you to take amazing action in the new year.

12 Great Motivational Quotes for 2013

Holiday Greetings and Best Wishes For a Very Happy New Year From WPO Chicago!

©Laurel Delaney 2012, "The Great Tree, Walnut Room at Macy's in Chicago"

Tip of the Day: Bad Boss? Bah, Humbug!

This holiday season - don't fall into the 'bad boss' boat and disregard it with "bah, humbug!"

Here are three ways to avoid being labeled a 'bad boss.'

Don't Be a Bad Boss - Management Tip of the Day

Article of Interest: Lessons Learned From 2012

Photo credit:  Samasource.org

Fast Company asks an array of thought-leaders what they learned in 2012.  Here are three from innovative women:

"The best way to make employees happy is to set realistic goals and achieve them." ~ Leila Janah, CEO, Samasource

"We've launched "To Get Her There" to give girls skills they need to be leaders in 25 years." ~ Anna Maria Chavez, CEO, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.

"We have to think about everything that goes on in our members' lives, beyond just what they're doing in the club." ~ Sarah Robb O'Hagan, President, Equinox

What did you learn in 2012?  Let us know and we'll publish your best lesson here.

Meanwhile, get your own dose of business wisdom here.