Here is a provocative summary of Roberta Matuson's new book, Suddenly in Charge. It just launched this month. You will enjoy her tips for Managing UP in a DOWN World in this article. Alan Weiss' synopsis will incite you to think differently about how you influence others. These time-tested principles apply to anyone who collaborates, leads a virtual team, or operates within a formal organization.
Click here to download the review:
How to Manage Up in A Down World
A recent article in U.S. News & World Report disclosed that in 2010, airlines have generated $2.1B in additional passenger revenues through clever, and often egregious pricing strategies. If they had asked their customers for ways to make travel memorable again, would they have selected this strategy to grow revenues?
The "pay to breathe, walk or eat" pricing approach is rapidly eclipsing customer service in the airline industry, and customers like me are furious. Their nickel and dime strategy are earning them billions: Extra baggage fees comprised $600M in additional revenues and flight changes comprised another $900M.
StarCite, a B2B technology company serving the travel industry, has charted a different course to fuel growth. I recently met with Greg Dukat, their CEO. He outlined a customer-centric growth strategy that challenges the airlines' approach, and will surely outlive it.
Continue reading "How B2B Stars Innovate – and Why Airlines Have Hit a Black Hole" »
Ten Rules for Modern Mastermind Groups
What is a mastermind group, and why should you care? They may just be the secret weapon to help you outpace your competitors and weather these stormy economic seas.
In the 1930’s, wealth expert and author Napoleon Hill defined a mastermind group as “the coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony.” Well before he authored Think and Grow Rich, Ben Franklin introduced a similar model.
In 1728, at the ripe young age of 21, Franklin created a club of mutual improvement called a junto (pronounced “hoon-toe”). Franklin was struggling to grow his printing business, and knew he could not do it alone. The junto, which comprised seasoned tradesmen, a bartender, and an astrologer, gave him the boost he needed to thrive. As a side benefit, this group surreptitiously shaped public opinion.
Whatever you prefer to call these special societies, you will notice they have withstood the test of time, and have created fortunes for thousands, if not millions. Today, you can find juntos in Paris, London, New York, and parts between.
Continue reading "The Secret Weapon To Help You Outpace Your Competitors" »
The term "best practices" is SOOO yesterday.
In this guest post from Patricia Wheeler of The Levin Group, you will hear why.She proffers three strategies you can implement immediately to ensure you are defining the next big thing, and avoid falling behind the leadership curve. Without these strategies, you will find your products and services becoming commodities faster than the hottest song from Lady Gaga.
Continue reading "Skip Best Practices – Think “Next Practices”" »
In her new book, Adrian C. Ott summarizes the new 24/7 customer when she says "For innovators and marketers it is not about the TIME value of money; it is about the MONEY value of TIME."
This contemporary study of customer behavior in a time deficient world will expand your perspectives on strategic positioning and selling. Adrian gets to the heart of what motivates people, and has the research and models to support her ideas.
I seldom see such a vast collection of case studies in one business book. From healthcare to software, you'll find examples that inspire you to position your offerings in innovative ways.
Order or download your copy NOW before your competitors do. I am certain you will find one new strategy to energize your business and improve your customer relationships. Time's a wasting!
[photo courtesy of Adrian C. Ott]
Copyright 2010, Lisa Nirell. All rights reserved.
Your business is a living organism – something that has potential to grow and thrive long after you’ve played your role in it. Yet many firms are still smarting from a very tough recession, and feel like they are on life support. The “new normal” has accelerated industry consolidation, longer sales cycles, fee pressures, and tight credit. If you are a seriously growth-oriented B2B company, what can you do to ensure that you swiftly return to wealth creation mode?
Continue reading "Seven Wealth Builders That Most B2B Companies Ignore" »
You may blame today’s services growth challenges on the “new normal.” Yet many services firms are thriving in spite of tight credit, cost-conscious clients, and escalating competition. What do they have in common? A practical, easy to understand growth plan and a system for consistently promoting their brand.
Continue reading "What's your "Blueprint?" Join us for Webinar - September 14" »
Chip Conley and his investors were forced to make some tough decisions.
Several months ago, Conley, the CEO of Joie de Vivre Hotels in San Francisco, California, witnessed competing hotels facing potential foreclosure. According to the Wall Street Journal, "there is about $5.6 billion in securitized mortgages tied to hotels coming due this year and next...27.8% cover properties now estimated to be worth less than their mortgage balances." (source: Trepp LLC's Foresight Analytics). Billions of dollars of mortgages are coming due in the coming years. Analysts are forecasting that the hotel industry will not regain its full strength until 2013.
Photo courtesy of Chip Conley
Continue reading "How to Promote "Joie De Vivre" With New Investors" »
I had the pleasure of connecting with Dan Schawbel last week. He is the genius behind the #1 job blog by CareerBuilder in 2008-2009. FastCompany dubbed him "a personal branding force of nature."
Dan wanted to know more about my book, how leaders manage rapid growth, and some of the best ways for B2B companies to stay connected to customers and partners.
If you are in the process of hiring more professionals, or are personally seeking a new position, check out his blog. It's chock full of inspiring stories, ideas and resources:
http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/personal-branding-interview-lisa-nirell/
Photo courtesy of http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/
copyright 2010, Lisa Nirell. All rights reserved.
