strategic alliances http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for strategic alliances Copyright 2008 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:07:05 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/strategic+alliances Who Controls Your Thoughts And Information? http://www.artwoo.com/article/who-controls-your-thoughts-and-information http://www.artwoo.com/article/who-controls-your-thoughts-and-information#comments Mon, 19 Mar 2007 19:10:02 +0000 henry goldyoutubemsnbcgooglemicrosoftmsni am not the one http://www.artwoo.com/article/who-controls-your-thoughts-and-information
However...

Everything is the same thing. It is all the flow of information going towards my conscious mind. In fact, believe it or not, every word that I speak is all based on the information I received.

This makes me think TWICE recently:

"Who controls my thoughts and information?"

I thought I was the guy who controlled everything. I thought I was the super smart guy. I thought I was the one with the source of information.

The truth is very different.

who controls the information. I am NOT the one who controls the words that comes out from my mouth?

Who is it in control, Henry? Who controls our thoughts and information?

Let me ask these questions:

1. Do you know about ? 2. Do you know about ? 3. What have you heard about Google recently? 4. What have you heard about Microsoft recently? 5. Do you know about ? 6. Do you know what Henry Gold did in New York? 7. What made Henry Gold famous?

Now, once you have answered these questions. Tell me exactly whether you can figure out who controls your thought and information that are coming your way.

Seriously, I mean.

Everybody knows Henry Gold is the one who pioneered the give away long before anybody else.

The question I would like you to consider is...

"Who Pioneered Your Thoughts About Henry Gold?"

Here is the answer, "The Media".

Look. Who tells you about Microsoft New Product, "Vista"? Who tells you Google is trying to take over Microsoft? Who tells you Henry Gold in New York? Who tells you This marketer and that marketer is famous online?

The Media.

Now, who controls the media?

Microsoft owns .com" >http://MSN.com, http://Microsoft.com, http://live.com, and .com" >http://MSNBC.com Google owns http://Google.com, http://Bloggers.com, and .com" >http://YouTube.com Henry Gold owns http://HenryGold.com and http://TheSuperGifts.com.

This is the media these guys are using. They own the place where they can spread out the word about their companies, every single time they have new information.

In addition...

They also own a network of strategic alliances where they can spread out the news every single time they would like to broadcast to you.

That's why when you heard the news about Henry Gold, it is NOT just from my newsletter, http://HenryGold.com, and TheSuperGifts.com. However, it is from my various network of alliances as well.

This is why and how you heard about Henry Gold. This is why and how every single product that I come out with always turn out to be a major success.

We own the media. We own the information that we want people to pay attention to.

The key secret is... "Start owning your own media".

How is that possible? How can I own it, when I have to compete with all the big dogs?

Start your own Blog. Start posting regularly. Start telling others about information that is valuable to them.

This is how people know about Henry Gold. This is how people know about many of my alliances. This is how people know about YOU.

You'll be AMAZED on how the word will start to notice you every single place you go. Start doing it now! Henry Gold is known as a pioneer of Web 2.0 marketing revolution. He has helped hundreds of marketers build thousands of hungry buyers with his secret marketing strategies. To download the rest of the reports and how it can help your business, visit: http://thesupergifts.com/henry-secret4 ]]> How To Boost The Value Of Your Business http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-boost-the-value-of-your-business http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-boost-the-value-of-your-business#comments Sat, 15 Sep 2007 23:25:00 +0000 company valuationjoint venture partnersvalue added resellersacquiredgoogyoutubemsft http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-boost-the-value-of-your-business Company valuation is emotional=97a company is worth what an acquirer will pay, what the market will pay, what the interested parties perceive. We see evidence of this frequently when companies with a trickle of revenue are for gushing millions or even billions of dollars.

Maybe you aren't planning on raising financing, securing a credit line, being acquired, or one day going public. You still need to continually boost the value of your company. A higher-value company has more options. It gets the right partners, preferential terms, and often a more glorious future. There's an art to value-boosting, and I am going to tell you how to do it. First, know the facts:

=95 Company valuation is emotional.

=95 Intangibles often matter more than tangibles.

=95 You can't build value if your business isn't enticing.

=95 You should always be selling: to financiers, customers, strategic partners, staff, and strangers.

I've used some or all of the following seven value-boosters to quintuple the value of my clients' companies and my own. These value-boosters have also worked for companies such as le (GOOG), Microsoft (), , and many, many more.

1. A killer team and a killer business plan.

2. A hot board of directors and/or advisory board.

3. Specific strategic alliances. An LOI (Letter of Intent) with a partner ain't gonna cut it. You need a binding contract spelling out exactly what the terms of your deal are. Clarify how many widgets they will buy/distribute/co-market, the time period, as well as what happens if they default on the agreement.

4. New sales channels. Distributors, value-added resellers, outside sales forces, affiliates, joint-venture partners=97all boost the value of your company. Of course, you'll track the performance of your sales channels. Use the affiliate tools in your online shopping cart to track the performance of your online sale channels, and use your accounting system or sales force management software to track all others.

5. Product line extension. Let's assume you sell a supercool widget. What's next? Son of Widget? Platinum Widget? Widget Extraordinaire? Map out your future product lines so financiers, partners, and staff can see where you are headed and how you plan to get there.

6. Intellectual-property (IP) portfolio. Protect your corporate jewels! A patent portfolio can be worth gold. A friend of mine sold his company for $425 million (with about $30 million in trailing revenue) because he had locked in so many patents. That's what the acquirer bought. They didn't give a hoot about the business.

7. Compelling prototype of product. This is key when you're in the zero or near-zero revenue range, as you'll see below. People need to see/touch/feel what the product will be like. Then they can envision your fabulous future.

Consider this example. A professional services firm with an initial value of $2 million hired me to help boost its value. But the trouble with services firms is they are often valued at only revenue times one. Ick. So we beefed up the board and advisers (adding $1 million in value), helped nail down specific strategic alliances ($3 million), mapped out a line of "productized" services ($2 million), and developed new sales channels ($2 million). About six intense months later, the firm sought financing with a respectable pre-money valuation of $10 million. It closed the financing in three months.

Then there is the example of the Internet promotion company I started with no revenue. Before seeking financing, my team and I had to answer the question: How do you make an idea into a hot commodity? The solution consisted of pulling in a rocking team and coming up with a hot business plan (adding $1 million in value), developing a compelling product prototype ($1 million), locking in killer alliances ($1 million), and building an IP portfolio ($2 million). We took its value to $5 million in four intense, somewhat sleep-deprived months. Then we raised $2.5 million in financing with a pre-money value of $5 million, and a post-money value of $7.5 million. The $2.5 million invested bought one-third of the company.

Value is about potential. Potential today, potential tomorrow. The main reason you keep building value in your company, in all the tangible and intangible ways (and as I've shown you, the "intangible" ways often do have dollar values attached to them!), is because a high-value company gets the financing it wants on the terms it wants. It also gets multiple acquisition offers at fabulous terms. The high-value company gets the alliances, the staff, and the opportunities it wants, too.

Remember, you are selling the future as you are selling the present. The present must look promising for the future to be potentially glorious. What are you doing to boost the value of your company today? Christine Comaford-Lynch is CEO of Mighty Ventures and author of Rules For Renegades: http://www.rulesforrenegades.com ]]> Your Very First Steps To Outsourcing http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-very-first-steps-to-outsourcing http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-very-first-steps-to-outsourcing#comments Tue, 25 Jul 2006 18:27:04 +0000 outsourcingcheapyjeopardizeoutsourcetalentsrepetitive taskscopywriting http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-very-first-steps-to-outsourcing outsourcing has been around for years, its implementation often incorrect and misled.

Outsourcing is NOT about having jobs done by other parties.

Outsourcing is about having the best talent and resource to do some tasks, so you can concentrate on more strategic ones.

The distinction is obvious. Your strategic tasks is the most important things you need them to be done to grow your business. You do not want to be distracted by other you can to third parties. However, if you select those parties carelessly, you may your business entirely. On the other hand, if you put your outsourced tasks on the hand of the best expert you can find, you may even increase your productivity.

If you have no experience in outsourcing, you can follow these steps:

1. Determine which task is strategic and which one is not. 2. Outsource non strategic tasks. 3. Do your research to find third parties with the best and resources. 4. Don't be . You always get what you pay for. 5. Do some testing and observe the outsource results. If you find those third parties are not what they have told you, fire them. 6. Consider to use media to attract talents. 7. You may need to write 'help needed' ads to attract talents. 8. Outsource that task, too. 9. Do your strategic tasks to find the way to win your business 10. Once you find the way, find best talent and resources to do it.

With that process, sooner or later you will find the difference between outsourcing and out tasking. The later is when you get your tasks done by other parties regardless of their capability and talent. They just do what they have to do. Sure, you get your tasks done. But the results do not give any contribution to your productivity.

One thing you should understand about strategic thinking. Thinking strategically is about finding any possible ways to win. So, your strategic tasks are activities in finding ways to win. Once you find the way, find the best talent and resources to do it and make it happen. That's outsourcing. Indratno Widiarto is the editor and CEO of The Infopreneur World. You can find articles and resources on infopreneuring including free ebooks and subscription at http://www.InfopreneurWorld.com ]]> Getting Into The Core Of Strategic Planning http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-into-the-core-of-strategic-planning http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-into-the-core-of-strategic-planning#comments Fri, 02 Feb 2007 10:27:03 +0000 strategic planningbusiness entrepreneurface of the earthliterallydecisionsplanning schemeenter the realm http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-into-the-core-of-strategic-planning literally nobody in the who does not wish for success. After all, it is the ultimate goal of most people. People who of business are nonetheless not the exceptions to the generalization. More than anybody else, they are the persons who crave for prosperity. They deal with profits. They talk about investment. And they certainly will not be satisfied unless they see before their eyes how their businesses are flourishing. So what must be resorted to by a like you? It is none other than a carefully laid out !

More than ever, strategic planning must be personalized. It will be best if you exert a hands-on job on your strategic planning. While it is true that there are professionals who may draft the strategic plans for your business, it is never the same with giving them your personal touch. Try to internalize it-it is your business, your investment, and you are most likely the one to be affected whether you gain or you lose.

What is meant by strategic planning?

Strategic planning is all about a disciplined thought-about procedure that takes full effect on the actions and which you integrate into your business. Furthermore, it is the strategic planning method which shapes your enterprising persona and the one that guides you in the appropriate way of handling your business.



What are the purposes of strategic planning?

Strategic planning will not be born for nothing. Everything here on Earth serves a specific purpose and so does strategic planning!

Strategic planning is a course of action which gives you meaning, direction, and purpose. With this method, you are able to come up with decisions that are to produce great effects to the future of your business. It is therefore a part of your strategic to direct your energies towards the most important things so that the best results will be earned in no time. For the business world, strategic planning escalates the level of your craft's performance that allows you to have a taste of prosperity in the areas of finances, time, freedom, and balance. Overall, with a carefully drawn out strategic planning, your uncertainties and fears are erased and your potentials are maximized.

What are the things that must comprise a business strategic planning?

Your personal philosophy. All people see things in diverse outlooks. These philosophies are often derived from the influences of the parents, religion, pals, culture, and many others. Your strategic planning method for your business will not work out to be fine if they will be in contrast with your own personal philosophies. It only goes to show the importance of balance and harmony within your business and personal outlook.

Your legacy statement. This covers your motto in life. What are your missions and goals? Now these things must bear actual relevance to your business venture. How could you come up with a successful business if you don't even know what you really want to achieve? You surely want to be remembered by your comrades and customers for being good in the business, right?

Your trusted staff and board of directors. You cannot live alone in a business. There will always be people who will need to help you out. Maintenance and provision of the services will have to be catered to by the persons who are out to render you service. In this particular business, it is a must that you must know whom to trust.

With these things in mind, you are now guided with the pertinent details on how to create a personalized strategic planning that will bring your business to success. Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information checkout http://www.ideacenter.com and http://my-updates.info. ]]> Top 8 Killer Investor Presentation Points http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-8-killer-investor-presentation-points http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-8-killer-investor-presentation-points#comments Sat, 19 May 2007 18:20:00 +0000 investorsmarket opportunitypersonal insightinvestor presentationopening statementsxyz corporationmanagement team http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-8-killer-investor-presentation-points Investors are people just like you and me. They want to know 'what is it in for me'. The have money to invest because they have successfully earned enough income to put them in the top 5% of the wealthy. They are motivated to invest because they want to give back with the experience and money.

Your first presentation should be no longer than 8 - 15 minutes. Back up charts and other visuals can be used to expand on a point. Use our Top 8 Killer Points as a guide.

1. Opening Remarks

2. Mission Statement

3.

4. Description of Product or Services

5. Management

6. Marketing Strategy

6. Capital Needs

8. Closing Remarks



1.

Opening statements should be concise and to the point. Introduce yourself and any other members of your who are present. If possible, have one of your creditable investors speak for a couple of minutes on their as to why they invested. It should not be an investor who is a close relative or is part of the management team.

Get excited and have passion about your opportunity. Create a buzz about your deal, so that investors will spread the word about your company to other investors.

Comment: Give a concise and professional overview that gives investors attending some insight as to your organizational skills. The tone you set for the presentation is critical. Be professional, but find some areas where you can add some humor without being a comedian.

"First impressions are very important."

2. Mission Statement

In one or two sentences, state the mission of your business.

3. Market Opportunity

In a short paragraph, demonstrate to the investors the specific market opportunity or need for your product or service. Be specific with how many actual products or services can be sold and in what time frame.

Sample of Opening and Mission Statements

Good afternoon, my name is Tom Jones. I am the founder and President of . Assisting me today is our CFO, Richard Smith.

Accelerated use of latex gloves and latex covers for medical devices to protect against infectious diseases over the past two decades has resulted in as many as 17 percent of healthcare workers affected by latex allergies. A greater risk is with the general population that is not aware of the allergy until they come in contact with latex during a medical procedure. XYZ has identified the cause for the allergy and has determined a process for making latex virtually non-allergenic.

We have a contract to distribute our process to 72 countries and are raising $500,000 to fulfill the contract.

4. Description of the Product or Service

4. Describe what product or service your company sells. Keep it simple. Don't bring up technical or confusing information. Details are usually brought up in later meetings. It is important to be specific on the product or service's unique value to customers and why your company is different from the competition. It is imperative that you show how your company will attract customers who will purchase what you are selling.

5. Marketing Strategy

Many companies who have had good products and services did not become successful. One reason is to clearly identify your company's marketing strategy.

Talk about the value of your strategic alliances and partnerships. Investors look for aggressive marketing as a key component to success. Therefore, choosing a marketing method is critical to achieving your success. Will you be marketing directly or use strategic partnerships and alliances? This is vital, since the cost to market directly can be very costly. Using strategic partners, alliances, or resellers could be a much more valuable marketing and sales strategy.

"Create a buzz about your deal by being articulate, passionate, and with complete understanding of your opportunity."

6. Your Management Team

Describe each key person who is important to making the company successful. Most investors recognize that having a management team of friends and relatives is usually not a good idea and could be a critical mistake to the company in many ways.

Assemble the best talent you can find, with strong managerial skills, and explain to the investors why this management team, under your guidance, can lead the company to success.

If your management team is not in place, it is vital that you at least identify key personnel who will join your business at some future event or date, (such as after funding has been obtained).

"Investors are attracted to people who have been successful in other businesses."

7. Capital Needs

It is very important to outline the need for funding and why your company should be considered for an investment.

Understanding the importance that each investor is very interested in how you are going to spend their money. Demonstrate exactly how your company will prudently spend the money.

Be sure to have an easy to understand, detailed month-by-month written use of funds that backs up what you say in your presentation. In a summary format, reveal the use of funds and projected salaries. Investors look favorably on first year salaries of $40K - $60K tied in with some performance clause. Investors usually don't want to pay for high salaries.

8. Closing Statements

Be sure to say 'Thank you' to the investors for their time and invite them to an demonstration, a visit to your facility, or to an additional meeting with more in-depth information.

The gold is in the follow-up. Keep investors informed about your progress in an investor relations campaign. Ask if there are certain areas they would like you to address. When possible, get their feedback on what they liked and any concerns they may have. "Practice until you can deliver the presentation by memory."

Learn about where to present to investors at http://www.launchfn.com/id213.html As a venture catalyst with LAUNCHfn and NBAI, accelerates the capital raising process by delivering resources and capital. $23.7 Million in funding transactions have been completed since 1994 through the Private Equity Investor Forum. View my Linked In Profile http://www.linkedin.com/in/roxiethomas ]]> Strategic Planning -- Focusing On Reaching Your Goals http://www.artwoo.com/article/strategic-planning-focusing-on-reaching-your-goals http://www.artwoo.com/article/strategic-planning-focusing-on-reaching-your-goals#comments Thu, 07 Dec 2006 16:27:05 +0000 strategic planningwholeheartedlyexpoundsound judgmentsentrepreneurialorganizational successmanagement tool http://www.artwoo.com/article/strategic-planning-focusing-on-reaching-your-goals wholeheartedly means doing the best one can in every situation. That is when you made something out of nothing based on what you have.

This is also applicable to organizations and set up, where management and staff are required to coordinate with one another to work out with the best .

Strategic planning simply refers to a certain type of supervision tool created exclusively for the organization's success. It is one way of organizing different aspects of communicative, organizational, and promotional tools.

Indicative of what will come out in the future; strategic planning seeks to put a firmer grasp on the underlying factors that leads to .

With strategic planning, an organization will be able to create , firm decisive moments, analytical brainstorming, and clear and comprehensible ideas that will all contribute to an organization's success.

The word strategic refers to the way actions and decisions are prioritized according to their values, functions, and impact on the organization's structural achievement. This also includes the way things are prepared, which will enable the staff and management to respond to the event or situations established and embedded within the organization's entrepreneurial milieu.

Moreover, strategic planning is focused more on the preparation rather than the results. Organizations and people who know how important it is to plan know why strategic planning is imperative.

Planning takes place when goals and objections are created first and a line of attack to obtain that objective.

To know more about strategic planning, here are some of the benefits that can be derived with this particular :

1. It enables the organization and staff to accept responsibility

The more responsibility you give to people, the greater their interests and productivity is likely to be. The same principle applies to their knowledge of the organization and how they contribute to its success -- the more knowledge, the better.

When responsibility is built up, high group morale is enriched. High group morale can enrich individual motivation and performance remarkably. In difficult situations, when companies are in crisis and can only be saved by major effort, group morale often rises to far higher levels than before.

2. It show the way to action

Adopting a strategy that will ensure the staff and organizational members to learn and develop solutions and turn them into actions.

3. It is based on valuable data

Strategic planning is not just based on facts and figures but more on values. Any data can be effective and useful, but not all data are valuable according to the specific needs of an organization and its staff.

With strategic planning, you can get valuable data, from which your organization and staff will benefit.

4. Responsive to the impact of the environment

One of the reasons why some business fails is that they tend to neglect the outside factors. They do not anticipate what will happen in the future.

With strategic planning, your organization will be able to predict what lies ahead through the events that take place in the environment. Do not just deal more on the structural success of an organization. It is best to focus more on the environment because that is where your organization's future will lead you.

Indeed, identifying and using strategic planning is one of the most satisfying and productive aspects of managing a business. Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information checkout http://www.ideacenter.com and http://my-updates.info. ]]> Why Strategic Planning Is Important Even For Small Businesses http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-strategic-planning-is-important-even-for-small-businesses http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-strategic-planning-is-important-even-for-small-businesses#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2007 18:36:01 +0000 small business ownersstrategic planningbusiness owners needarguablycompany benefitsocio cultural factorshinder http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-strategic-planning-is-important-even-for-small-businesses Small business owners mistakenly believe that the size of their business negates the need for but the opposite is actually true. Its inherent size is actually what makes strategic planning more important because it can be means for a small business to gradually evolve into a huge and thriving multinational corporation.

What Small to Know about Strategic Planning

Planning is one of the five important functions of management, but it's the most important of all because it's the first function that any manager or business owners should focus on. Planning sets the goals, mission-vision, and direction for the company. Without it, the other functions may be impossible to achieve.

A business can't, however, benefit from just any kind of planning. It must be strategic in essence to be effective. Strategic planning is a methodical process of deciding where you want your company to be in a given time frame and what you propose to do to get there.

There are different ways to let your from strategic planning so don't worry about following the so-called rules. Whatever works for your company is good enough.

Elements of Strategic Planning

Internal and External Assessment of Strategic Planning -- A coach of a basketball team won't be able to map out an effective play if it doesn't know its players well, which team it will be playing against, and other related factors. The same can be said for any business manager. Before you can start working on the details of your strategic plan, you must first focus on compiling data about the external and internal environment of your company.

Outside your business, politico-legal, economic, and socio-cultural factors can affect how your business will fare in the next few years. Inside, factors such as management style and the type of workforce you have can also help or your company from attaining your goal.

Setting Your Company's Goals -- Small or big, the important thing is for your business to have goals. If you' can be satisfied with small and short-term goals then that's good; if you secretly desire for bigger goals then that's even better. To know if the goals you plan to work on are indeed workable, determine if they adhere to the SMART rule -- specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound.

Rule of Majority -- Of course, as owner or manager of a business, you reserve your right to approve or naysay any suggestion but as much as possible, allow the rule of majority to stick. Plans can only come to fruition if everyone in the company works together and you can assure yourself of their cooperation by showing them that you care about what they think.

Devising an Action Plan -- Finally, it's time to concentrate on the nitty-gritty of your strategic plan. List down possible and specific courses of action then choose what all of you deem as most suitable. Make sure that you set a definite schedule or timetable for everything but give allowances for unexpected delays and concerns. Set a budget as well.

The Ever-So-Popular Plan B -- Last but not the least, devise a Plan B in the event that your first plan doesn't work and list down indications to know when's the right time to put Plan B to action.

Good luck on strategic planning for your business! Mario Churchill makes it quicker and easier for you to create profitable business ideas, develop your marketing strategy or brainstorm any topic. To read more and download a free trial of the ultimate innovation software, please visit http://www.ideacenter.com ]]> Article Marketing - Some Ideas To Get Started http://www.artwoo.com/article/article-marketing-some-ideas-to-get-started http://www.artwoo.com/article/article-marketing-some-ideas-to-get-started#comments Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:15:00 +0000 keys to business successnew vitalitydepth marketingarticle marketingstrategic alliancesplan professionalsmilea http://www.artwoo.com/article/article-marketing-some-ideas-to-get-started article marketing is only limited by your efforts. Here are some ideas.

Copy writing has the potential to increase your profits. Incorporating these four ideas into your promotional efforts is sure to inject your marketing plan with a and renewed success. If you do it correctly article marketing can become one of your most effective means of building page rank and direct traffic to your site.

You absolutely must have a detailed and in plan for your articles. Your article marketing deserves as much attention as any other service or product being marketed anywhere. Not only must they be marketed, they must be sold. In order to accomplish this it is essential that you have and use a coordinated strategy. Just having the plan laid it is not good if it is not followed.

Now more than ever the field of copy writing and article marketing is a highly competitive. It is entirely appropriate to consult with and even obtain the services of a profession when creating your marketing plan. Professionals in this field have experience in helping create plans and keeping clients on track with their marketing efforts. A web site is one thing that every successful individual in article marketing agree upon. This is a definite must have as it allows you to showcase your articles and skills as a writer. This gives you a place to promote your skills and talent. Keep in mind that this web site must be appropriate to your work and goals as a writer.

Last but not least, you should consider forming with businesses and others. This can be online or off. Joining forces with others increases your exposure and expands your potential customer base. Work smarter not harder and watch your profits grow. You can get a free copy of our latest ebook "The 7 " by clicking here: http://www.bizraves.com/is . Sean is writer for BizRave Inc. http://www.bizrave.com ]]> Trends In Human Resources http://www.artwoo.com/article/trends-in-human-resources http://www.artwoo.com/article/trends-in-human-resources#comments Sun, 15 Oct 2006 16:27:07 +0000 craighr practitionershr professionalsstrategic planningquothuman resources departmenttalent pool http://www.artwoo.com/article/trends-in-human-resources Human Resources Department has changed dramatically over the past 30 years and will become increasingly more strategic in nature in the future, said a leading light of the HR community in the recent 2006 Annual Conference and Exposition of in Washington, DC.

Rita , president of the Craig Group and a long-time professional HR consultant, said the role of HR has changed from a primarily administrative position to one that is more strategic. Times certainly have change from those days when the HR department was called the and;smile and fileandquot; department since in that era, the primary qualifications for HR were simply a friendly disposition and an ability to file.

She said that the emerging trends in HR call for to take the lead in planning for the future and becoming strategic business partners in their organizations. She identified several other trends in the industry, as follows: (1) a shrinking , (2) An increase in outsourcing, (3) A more intense focus on work/life balance; (4) Changing workplace demographics, (5) Greater need for talent management, (6) Ethics requirements, and (6) Globalization.

But the key appears to be . With the changing landscape of Human Resources management in the years to come, strategic planning will be the key for HR to meet those needs and to succeed. The key to HR planning for the future begins with one simple question that HR professionals have to ask themselves, says Craig: andquot;If we are successful in the years to come, what will our customers and competitors be saying about us?andquot; With the answers to this question, HR practitioners can formulate a clear, shared vision and a sense of direction for the organization.

As a possible starting point in providing answers to the key question, Craig suggested the following: Focus resources on key goals and strategic measures, create and sustain long-term performance, and create a living document that can change when necessary.

In closing, Craig warned against andquot;powerful and pervasive barriersandquot; that prevent HR professionals from being effective in their roles. She pinpointed these as resistance to change, failure to implement plans, the wounds of past strategic planning failures, and failure to anticipate the impact on people, process and organizational structure. Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://yourworkexpert.com/ - In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://1stconsumerinfo.com/ and http://4educationinformation.com/ ]]> Russia on the Rise? http://www.artwoo.com/article/russia-on-the-rise http://www.artwoo.com/article/russia-on-the-rise#comments Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:29:17 +0000 mahmoud ahmadinejadtartus syriavladimir putinnuclear power planthugo chavezeconomic superpowerhated enemies http://www.artwoo.com/article/russia-on-the-rise
George Bush always claimed to have a sense of 's soul. What he has always failed to understand is that Putin's heart belongs with the former Communist regime. Putin is a pragmatist, and as such, made "friends" with leaders that would leave him alone, while he pursued the rebuilding of Russia as a military and . Once his goals are accomplished, the advice of his more democratically minded "friends" will go unheeded. In fact, it has already taken place.

So what has Mr. Putin been up to? He's been yucking it up with some of America's most . He's helping of Iran build his first , along with supplying arms to aid their military. He just signed oil, gas, and nuclear power pact with in Venezuela. It was Mr. Chavez who recently argued that the USA should ditch their constitution, and draw up a new one based upon Communist principles.

By docking their destroyer "Peter the Great" in the port of Tartus, Syria, Russia has signaled that they are reengaging in the Middle East, and could have a significant impact on peace negotiations(or lack thereof) between Israel and its neighbors. That's not the only overture they've made, however.

Russia has signed arms pacts, and done deals with the following nations over the past year, in full view of the public: Libya, Sudan, Turkey, Algeria, Syria, and several other Middle-Eastern/African nations. Putin has made it clear where his strategic alliances lie, and where his bets on the future are placed. Remember, these are just the public alliances, they don't include shadowy deals done at midnight by a pier, and as a former member of the KGB, Putin has made plenty of this type of deal as well.

Russia also continues to do arms deals with China. Russia and China are just Siamese twins, two bodies that share the same heart. Neither of them particularly like being told what to do by the UN, much less the USA. They have both taken a more nuanced approach in the diplomatic arena, by ignoring criticisms of political opponents, and focusing on accomplishments that are more palatable to their accusers. Capitalism has kept China from having to answer on human rights violations. Capitalism has kept Putin from having to answer charges of a state-controlled/supported religious system, and the fact that he has a puppet-democracy. That's also how he managed to skate by on the invasion of Georgia, by-the-by.

So what exactly is going on with Russia? In business terms, they call it "restructuring for the purposes of emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy". In political terms, it's called the resurrection of a Soviet Union. The goal is to bring glory and power back to Mother Russia.

So far, Putin has succeeded. The question is, how long before the West raises an objection? My guess is, when they finally do, it will be too late for the rest of the world.Kurt Hartman is a International Political Junkie. While he loves ruminating on foreign policy, his day job is Head of Web Development for Mobile Fleet Service. They sell OTR Tires , of the type used by heavy equipment, on six of seven continents. Go figure.]]> Why Is A Strategic Business Plan Important? http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-is-a-strategic-business-plan-important http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-is-a-strategic-business-plan-important#comments Mon, 16 Jul 2007 03:35:02 +0000 business plansell your productsbudget proposallay outaccomplishfellow businessstrict budget http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-is-a-strategic-business-plan-important business plan is basically a list of the things you would like your business to and how you plan to accomplish them. A business plan should cover items like the description of your business, management, how you plan to and what your plan for the financial aspect is. With a larger business you will need to set aside members that are on specific committees, such as financial or management. Laying out what your products and services are is very important. There needs to be a way to know what you plan to sell, or the services that you plan to offer in your business. This will let others know exactly what you do or will not do, so there are no misunderstanding regarding your business.

Marketing is one area that tends to not receive a lot of attention in a business plan, but is one of the most important areas of a plan. It defines how you plan to sell the product or services that you offer. Having a plan that is clear and concise will help others to understand exactly what you want to do and how you are going to do it. Be sure to add a very strict into your business plan. Making this an area of importance can cut down on those that are unsure if your finances are being spent in the appropriate way or not. They will be able to take a quick look and see exactly how much of your money goes towards the products and which products those are. It will also how the profit is being used. Business plans are not just for you to lay out the information for yourself, but also to receive funding from others, such as loans or grants. Theses can be very helpful as you are getting your business up and running or in times of financial need.

A strategic business plan is of great importance not only for you, but to let others who are considering doing business with your company know exactly what your intentions are and how well put together your company is or when you are considering a merger with a . Your business plan can be changed when the situation arises, so it does not have to be permanent. A company can and will grow; therefore, your business plan may become out of date or obsolete after a few short years. Adding a section in your strategic business plan about what you hope the company plans to do in the future may add some insight for others, into what you hope to accomplish and what the business officials are like as individual persons. Knowing what the intentions are for a company that you are considering doing business with, can help you to decide whether this is the type of business that you want to interact with. Dock J. Murphy is owner of Plug In Profit http://Site.com and writes on a variety on a variety of subjects. To learn more about this topic Dock J. recommends you vist: Http://www.pluginprofitsite.com/main-17106 ]]> Important Facts About Strategic Planning http://www.artwoo.com/article/important-facts-about-strategic-planning http://www.artwoo.com/article/important-facts-about-strategic-planning#comments Wed, 01 Nov 2006 04:27:02 +0000 quotstrategic planningtargetgoals and objectivescore competenciesdesirable resultsstp http://www.artwoo.com/article/important-facts-about-strategic-planning strategic planning.

Strategic planning is the process of developing strategies and defining objectives to reach a particular goal or set of goals. If you labeled your planning as and;strategicandquot; then you must expect that it would perfectly operate on a grand scale. It will achieve success in a broader field.

It is very different from andquot;tacticalandquot; planning which focuses more on individual detailed tactics of activities. andquot;Long rangeandquot; planning however projects current programs and activities into a modified outlook of the outside world where it describes the phenomenon that will likely occur.

Strategic planning is creating more in the future through influencing the external world, and adapting current actions and programs to achieve a more favorable result in the outside environment.

There are different reasons why most people are doing strategic planning.

1.To acquire the capability in obtaining the desired objectives.

2.To fit well on both the organization's and resources, and to the external world. Make sure that your plans are appropriate and feasible.

3.To acquire the capability in providing competitive advantage that is sustainable within the organization.

4.To prove that it is flexible, dynamic, and adaptable even to changeable situations.

5.To be sufficient in providing favorable results without cross-subsidization.

These advantages will not be realized without its methodologies. Strategic planning depends on (three-step process) process. andquot;Sandquot; for situation where it was been thoroughly evaluated, andquot;Tandquot; for where are defined, and andquot;Pandquot; for path where the routes of goals and objectives are clearly mapped.

However another alternative approach can also be used. It is known as the Draw-See-Think-Plan procedures. andquot;Drawandquot; creates the desired image and achievements. andquot;Seeandquot; evaluates current situation and detects gaps between ideal situation and current situation. andquot;Thinkandquot; develops specific actions that must be done to bridge the gaps between ideal situation and current situation. andquot;Planandquot; lists down required resources for the execution of activities.

Strategic planning is also considered a set of creative and logical steps.

1.It clarifies the objectives to be achieved. These objectives are ranked according to the level of its importance. It can either be TRO (Top Rank Objective), 2nd Rank Objective, 3rd Rank Objective and so on. The lower rank objectives answers the andquot;Howandquot; question while higher rank objective answers the andquot;whyandquot; question. However TRO is exempted because the objective here is defined.

2.It gathers and analyzes the information. It includes internal assessment on resources, and external assessment which include environmental scanning. Morphological analysis is used by both internal and external assessments. SWOT analysis can also be incorporated to assess the aspects of environments and organizations that are essential in achieving the strategic plan objectives.

3.It evaluates objective feasibility in the SWOT view. SWOT is the acronyms which stands fro Strengths, Opportunities, Weaknesses, and Threats.

4.It develops strategy involving SWOT.

5.It develops action programs creating a more attractive strategy.

To summarize everything, strategic planning provides overall strategic direction on the core management of the company. It gives a more specific direction in areas such as marketing strategy, financial strategy, human resource strategy, organizational development strategy, and deployment information technology strategy to achieve success. Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information checkout http://www.ideacenter.com and http://my-updates.info. ]]> 3 Reasons Networking With Other Business Owners Is Good http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-reasons-networking-with-other-business-owners-is-good http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-reasons-networking-with-other-business-owners-is-good#comments Tue, 24 Jul 2007 20:29:58 +0000 social networkingindustry networkingbusiness ownersadvertise your businessword of mouthrewarding endeavorprofessional ladder http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-reasons-networking-with-other-business-owners-is-good business owners is a key to success. Some business professionals call it strategic networking while others call it , either way, networking with other business owners is a sure way to climb the in any industry.

Networking with other businesses and business owners is a wise decision for several reasons. First and foremost, it is usually a free way to market and and services. Secondly, networking with other business owners can allow you to maximize your resources. Additionally, not only can strategic networking among other business owners help you market yourself and your business but to find potential business partners.



Everyone knows that advertising is the best kind.

It is free, fast, and reliable. Usually word of mouth advertising comes from happy customers wanting to share their good experience. Well, when you network with other business owners about your business, they will have the chance to meet you and get to know all about your business=12 services. Whether or not that particular person is interested in your services, he or she may know someone who is. Networking allows you to get the word out about your business for free.

When you network with other business owners you are also opening up the possibility of maximizing or increasing your resources. This does not necessarily have to refer to monetary resources and clients but can include new vendors and contractors as well. For example, as you network and discuss your business=12 services, you may find yourself talking to the manager of a business that can complement your product line. Networking can prove to be a truly resulting in many symbiotic professional relationships.

Strategic networking allows for business owners to meet their direct competitors face to face in many cases. Additionally, networking allows for business owners to meet other business owners who are in the same field, but may not be direct competitors. This allows direct competitors to get an edge on each other and keep business fresh. Competition is key to strong businesses =16 it keeps the creative juices flowing for the best products and services possible. Furthermore, networking allows for business owners who are in the same industry but not directly competing to meet and possibly engage in new partnerships.

Strategic networking among business owners is one of the most effective ways to build a successful business. Many business owners continue to network even after their initial start-up years. Continued networking throughout all stages of business allows for new professional relationships and opens the doors of possibility of new clients, new resources, and new partners. Ashton Dixon Internet Made Millionare visit http://www.makedinero.com for Home Business Opportunities and Ideas ]]> 10 Practical Internet Marketing Rules To Live By http://www.artwoo.com/article/10-practical-internet-marketing-rules-to-live-by http://www.artwoo.com/article/10-practical-internet-marketing-rules-to-live-by#comments Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:30:00 +0000 test test testniche audiencedescriptive adsconversion ratenew marketinghot marketlookers http://www.artwoo.com/article/10-practical-internet-marketing-rules-to-live-by
1. When Starting Anything New =96 Start With A Small Investment.

There's always the risk of losing money.

Even top level copywriters don't have winning ads every time. Sometimes just a simple change, a word or two, makes all the difference to get the results you want. Your marketing audience is not perfect so there is no such thing as a perfect ad.

That's why it's prudent to limit your risk when starting any campaign.



2. Test, Test, Test!!

Stop blindly following gurus. You are the only expert in your test results. Try different headlines; shorter, longer, different content. Sometimes the length of your ad copy makes a big difference. Test short concise against longer more . Try something besides the written ad like audio or video or all three together. The more ways you can reach a persons mind the better. Test different squeeze pages. For every ad group always run 2 ads on Adwords.

Test different offers, like "try before you buy". You may also want to test telephone follow-up. Just test everything you do!

3. Do Something Different!

Look at everyone and everything in your marketplace. Don't be a "business as usual" kind of person. Look for something that makes you unique from the rest. Compare the benefits and services of your product with theirs, cross off all that are the same and see what's left. If there's nothing left, then you may need to brainstorm with ideas to add to yours to make if better/different for your market.

4. Buyers Only Ads!

Write your ads to your and not to everyone who visits your site. A 100% buying rate is not achievable! Most of the time a 1% is acceptable. Sometimes if you hit a really it can be up to 10%, which is very good. So writing to the 90% who are just is not what you want to do. Even if those 90% don't like what you write, it doesn't matter, as long as the 1%-10% DO like it and take action.



5. Start At The End!

Not really! But try to have your next offer =96 your backend offer =96 ready before your first one is ready. Are you starting with a CD or an ebook? Think about affiliate offers or joint ventures with others as a backend offer. Repeat business and backend sales is where the real money is. If you HAVE to make money from one product, it destroys your marketing ability. How can you compete with a competitor who is breaking even or losing money on his advertising and still make a living with the same offer?

6. Your Net Worth Is Determined By Your Network.

Credit Mark Victor Hansen with this phrase. Some of the keys to your online business are: viral marketing, referrals, social networking, strategic alliances, etc. Most of the time trying to "go it alone" won't work. Affiliates make up 50% -75% of sales in most businesses. The keys to SEO are the links coming in from other sites. Form alliances with other top marketers, help them and they will help you. Brainstorm, network, whatever it takes to make contacts.

7. Your Business Is NOT Internet ONLY.

Your business is internet based, but not necessarily only on the internet. When developing your business model, do so for both internet and offline. Phone follow-up is a good idea. Some have increased their profits by 40% just by calling people who have just purchased to thank them and offer them something else at a discount price right away. You can generate leads by renting a targeted list and send postcards (direct mail) to get people to sign up to your list, and also offline publicity and networking works.

8. Educate your lists.

Educate your list members about your products/services and good content. Use direct mail as well as email as follow-up methods.

Sending thank you cards to customers and JV partners is a good follow-up method. To meet with your customers/prospects try a teleconference. Try creating a blog. You need to let them get to know you as a person. Put a face with a name.

9. Focus On What YOU Are Good At.

Find what you're best at and focus your time and attention on it. There are so many ways to market your site, so concentrate on the ones that fit what you're good at. If you don't like doing a certain skill, hire it out, it will save you time, money and frustration. You are good at something! You just need to focus on that.

10. Don't Expect Overnight Riches.

Focus on your thing. Give it all your attention and watch it grow. If you jump on every "new thing", you're spreading yourself too thin. As with anything, just start! Everything is not going to work, so you've just found one way NOT to do it again. Modify yourself, your thinking, your work until it does work. Plan where you want to be in a year and work backwards from there; where you want to be in 6 month, 3 months, 1 month, 1 week and tomorrow. Do something every day to meet that goal. It's hard at first, but it will get easier with each day/goal you attain. Discover Practical Methods Of Finding Markets That Virtually Guarantee You An Income From Day One Introduces The Foolproof Method of Choosing Slam Dunk Markets for Beginners. Know Before You Even Enter the Market Just How Much Money Is Ready to Be Sucked Out of It http://www.chooseyourmarket.com ]]> Network Your Way Out of the Recession http://www.artwoo.com/article/network-your-way-out-of-the-recession http://www.artwoo.com/article/network-your-way-out-of-the-recession#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:36:17 +0000 quality relationshipsincome streamseconomic climatenetworking eventsbusiness networkingquiet timeschallenging times http://www.artwoo.com/article/network-your-way-out-of-the-recession economic climate and the prospect of ahead as a small business you may be looking to answer the following questions:

How are you going to bring in the business you are looking for?
What other opportunities should you be seeking out?
How can you keep your profile raised so you win over your competition?
How should you spend your limited marketing budget?

You may already be out there promoting yourself and your business and at times wondering whether you are still getting the return you are looking for. One of your marketing activities may be and this may be one expenditure that you are looking to cut, especially if the results are not instantaneous. However do ask yourself the following question:

'Can you afford not to network?'

Well in short the answer is 'no' ...now, more than ever, is the time to get out and about in front of people and here are some of the reasons why:

Less business needs more marketing

When business is hard to find unfortunately stopping marketing your business is not the answer, leave this to your competition -- you have to market yourself more to get the business you are seeking.

Your profile in the business community

If you keep your profile raised even in , when the going gets good again you will be there to hit the ground running while your competitors wither away.

Networking is a relatively cost effective way of marketing your business

You can easily spend hundreds of pounds on a single newspaper ad which gleans little or no business...can you afford this? Or you can spend a few pounds developing with a circle of business people who will help you achieve the contacts you are looking for.

Other business opportunities

If the current climate is affecting your business you may need to be creative about seizing other opportunities which will supplement your current . Attending are a great way to meet new people and discover new opportunities.

Support

When times are tight for your business it can be really beneficial to meet up with others who can provide you with a bit of moral support and often some great advice to help you through.

Top tips for networking your way through the recession

1. Carefully choose your networking activities to meet your needs -- think about what you want to achieve from networking, who you want to network with and how best to achieve this.

2. Raise your profile within business networking circles further by getting actively involved -- be proactive about making business presentations, and volunteer to help run or market the events.

3. Use your quiet times to:

Get to know other businesses, what they do and how you can help them
Investigate new opportunities and develop new ideas for your business
Improve your own personal networking skills -- hone your 'elevator pitch' (i.e. what you say you do when people ask you), your 60 seconds or your business presentations.

4. Take a look at who you can form strategic alliances with -- teaming up with others may open up your markets and provide you with new openings.Passionate networker Louise Yates shares business networking tips and business networking information for word of mouth marketing, generating referrals and sales leads. Louise also runs events for business networking Lancashire.]]> Attitudes In Psychic Defense And Aura http://www.artwoo.com/article/attitudes-in-psychic-defense-and-aura http://www.artwoo.com/article/attitudes-in-psychic-defense-and-aura#comments Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:24:57 +0000 proper measurespersonal lifestylecompound problemspositive attitudeself recognitionpersonal strengthwillpower http://www.artwoo.com/article/attitudes-in-psychic-defense-and-aura positive attitude will strengthen your aura. Some that has developed a degree of strategic learning skills has the to continuing learning, since this person has cultivated his self-awareness. Self-awareness and willpower combined are the two human skills that help us to reach our goals.

The attitude we cultivate will help us to fulfill our desire to gain . We can stay alert to our strengths and weaknesses. The value of effective skills and strategic learning will strengthen the aura. It connects us with success and changes that occur in our life. We learn to recognize our own limitations.

Sometimes in life, we all feel that our effort is a waste of time. When one strengthens the aura by developing a winning attitude and strategic learning abilities, he/she sees that his/her efforts will pay off in the end.

By developing these skills, we also develop our self-esteem. Developed self-esteem will enhance your confidence, which helps you to see effective measures that you can take to advance further in life. Underpins of self-esteem will direct us to success.

How to develop a winning attitude and strategic learning skills:

First, one must examine his and learning abilities. One must pinpoint any that he/she takes to succeed. By analyzing these points, you can adapt to new learning styles that allow you to retain information in unique ways. You will begin to explore the techniques that are available to you and weed through these techniques to find the best solution that works for you.

A strategic learning stays alert to building skills. This person will develop unique learning methods and abilities that enrich his/her ability to retain information effectively. When you cultivate new skills, it leads you to self-recognition, which improves your critical and creative thinking abilities. You learn that critical and creative thinking helps you to solve effectively. In addition, you will learn to advance toward better decision-making, which helps you to solve many problems by continuing to use your critical and creative thinking cap.

When you have developed advanced skills, one can adapt to accepting others input. When other people are talking, your listening skills stay tuned in so that you can help find solutions to solve problems.

While you are strengthening your aura and self-defense by adapting to strategic learning and a new attitude, it guides you to develop your self-regulating tools. This enables you to say alert while managing all aspects your life effectively. When you have self-regulation abilities, you always know your stand in life.

When you have self-regulating skills, you also keep your goals in sight. You stay tuned to your aura and correct any problems that throw you off course.

Developing these skills will help you define your goals. As you evaluate your steps to achieving these goals, you will cultivate your receptive abilities, which allows you to accept feedback effectively and give it in return. Moreover, when your antenna or receptive skills are strong you stay in the light that guides you to success.

When the mind opens to perceptions it often helps us to grow stronger and encourages us to continue learning. We can then move to assess obstacles that get in our path. This builds our self-defense since we can use strategic tactics to push those obstacles aside. When one can see the different challenges that affect our lives it assists us with controlling our state of mind, attitude and guides us to adapt to physical changes that take place each day. Furthermore, our need to fulfill our responsibility improves. Author sites: http://www.e-self-help.com , http://www.herbalremedieslk.com , http://shabi-home-remedies.blogspot.com ]]> 6 Ways To Build A Stronger Strategic Plan http://www.artwoo.com/article/6-ways-to-build-a-stronger-strategic-plan http://www.artwoo.com/article/6-ways-to-build-a-stronger-strategic-plan#comments Thu, 28 Jun 2007 04:35:01 +0000 service response timecustomer service responsestrategic planimprove customer servicetacticsfew wordstake a closer look http://www.artwoo.com/article/6-ways-to-build-a-stronger-strategic-plan strategic plan that really works.

Every year, we meet thousand of decision makers around the country in our consulting and speaking work. Like you, they're smart, ambitious, and they're doing a decent job. But, they're also often frustrated that they aren't doing better. When we break down the element for them, we find that few if any of them have a good strategic plan they can work from. In fact, most of them don't even know how to create one.

The following is a mini lesson in strategic planning. We don't have a lot of space, but here are some important things to know when creating a basic plan.

1. Know the difference between a strategy and a tactic. Strategy is the plan that defines where you're going. are the things you do and use to get to the destination. Sounds simple, right? You probably already know this, right? at any list of goals; you will find that many of those goals are tactics. This is the reason most New Year's resolutions and company goals are off track by March.

2. Be specific. A can make all the difference in the direction you take your firm, and the tactics you use to implement a strategy.

Vague statement: We will improve customer . Specific statement: We will improve time will drop 29%. Can you see how a few words change the way you might approach a challenge or opportunity?

3. Engage the aging process. Like great wine, the making of a strategic plan takes time. A strategic plan is NOT built during a weekend retreat! It evolves out of thoughts, research, information, and experiences. Spend some real time developing a strategy so that it's the right one for your organization. Not having a strategy is hard on a firm. But having the wrong strategy, because you just threw one together, can be disastrous. On the flip side, don't let the time frame hinder you from doing something, at least. It's better to have some type of plan to follow, even if it isn't exactly what you want it to be today.

4. Keep it simple. You can still be thorough without running yourself through the mill. Use the A-B-C approach:

A. Establish what you want to achieve: STRATEGY. B. List available, realistic ways to make it happen: TACTICS C. Select options that give the highest rewards for the lowest output: IMPLEMENTATION.

5. Follow the plan. Most plans are developed, and then put on a shelf. When (or if) they're finally taken off the shelf for referral, you usually have to blow the dust off them. Not good. Senior management is guiltiest of not following the plan. A CEO should be able to clear everything off his desk and follow the plan daily if the plan is complete. He shouldn't think it is meant for everyone but himself. Think of the strategic plan as the road map you and your organization use to follow your intended path. If you were to drive from California to New York, you would use a map of some sort. You'd refer to it to make sure you took all the turns and exits you need to follow the right roads, prevent getting lost, and get where you want to be. The same with the corporate map. 6.Be flexible. If, during the course of the year, you find that the plan needs some tweaking, you can certainly modify it. Be careful not to switch directions too often, as this will discredit you and your plan in the eyes of its followers. But, make sure that the plan is working in the best interests of the organization, even if that requires a sensible, justifiable change here and there.

Using these tips alone, you should be able to develop a stronger strategic plan=85one that will endure through the unexpected trials that arise through the year, also. We hope this year is one full of growth and success for you. Good luck.

=A9 David and Lorrie Goldsmith David and Lorrie Goldsmith are managing partners of a firm that offers consulting and speaking services internationally including clients from Fortune 200 to international associations. More information at http://www.keynoteresource.com ]]> Collect And Use Those Airline Credit Card Rewards http://www.artwoo.com/article/collect-and-use-those-airline-credit-card-rewards http://www.artwoo.com/article/collect-and-use-those-airline-credit-card-rewards#comments Thu, 24 Aug 2006 08:27:28 +0000 airline credit cardsairline milescredit card rewardscredit card offersfrequent flyer milescredit card holderways to save money http://www.artwoo.com/article/collect-and-use-those-airline-credit-card-rewards credit card offers. There are the which are specific to a particular airline. Then there's the reward card that allows you to accumulate bonus points you can use towards . This article is more specific to the airline credit card.

Many who travel extensively, either for business or personal use, quite often have a particular airline they like to travel on. Over the past few years, there have been many partnerships formed with the various airlines. These business alliances have opened up a whole new world of ways a traveler can save when they use their airline credit card.

The first airline were available just for on that airline. Realizing that when away from home, travelers need to stay at a hotel, dine out, or may even play a round of golf or attend a show, partnerships have been formed that can afford the more while traveling.

When choosing an airline credit card, it's best to keep in mind the additional ways you might use your card. If you need to entertain clients you would be interested in a card that has alliances with particular restaurants. If you know you'll need to travel around by auto at your destination, an airline credit card that has a partnership with a car rental agency would be more suited for you.

If you're the owner of a small business and travel extensively, the lure of an occasional free airfare can be most attractive. The Skypoints Card by Delta offers redeemable Skypoints for up to 75% discount on certain flights. These savings can be most attractive to a business owner when it comes down to the bottom line.

There are often times that an unexpected rush trip must be made. This is where the airline credit card comes in handy also, as you can make last minute reservations and there are no black out dates.

If you rely heavily on travel, you would want a card that has no limits on how many miles you can earn. The Continental Airlines World Master Card by Chase makes this offer. In addition, they have more than 10,000 partner restaurants across the U.S. and Canada, that when you use your airline card at their establishment, you earn bonus points on your airline card.

Just as many of the business credit cards allow you to manage and keep track of your expenses online, the United Mileage Airline Credit Card makes this offer. They also offer twenty-four hour emergency assistance when you're traveling.

When you're shopping for a new airline credit card, keep in mind that they do charge a yearly fee. But if you're a frequent traveler, the small amount charged will pay for itself over and over again when you take advantage of the additional reward offers with their partners. Bradley Carson is the webmaster of Apply Online For A Credit card at http://www.cards-king.com where he shares his financial expertise regarding credit cards. See Brad's current recommendations of Airline Credit Card offers at http://www.cards-king.com/categories/airline_frequent_flyer_credit_cards. ]]> The Business Value Of Relationships http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-business-value-of-relationships http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-business-value-of-relationships#comments Sat, 10 Nov 2007 21:34:59 +0000 relationshipsself made millionairesrelationship successstrategic alliancesnetworkingreflexivephenomenal growth http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-business-value-of-relationships networking in the formal sense. Success in business starts with good with those around you. This is really connecting with the people around you in a friendly and trustworthy manner. If you are going to work a business and make a living out of it this matters.

You know where you want to go, but how to get there is another matter. Most opportunity comes about because of contacts. usually did not do it alone. They had some very good opportunities come their way by having some great contacts. They know that everyone that helps is their business team.

The real fun of business is that you meet a lot of great people along the way. Everyone you meet has a wealth of experience that is invaluable. Now more than ever relationships and networking happens in real time. has a lot to do with the relationships with customers, vendors, and . Creative ideas are tossed around when you interact with clients, vendors and other people. A lot of times in a matter-of- fact way a comment changes your company. Live and learn sure applies to business.

Involvement is the key word in any business. Obligation is not the same as a social connection that stresses the importance of relationships. Aspiring to profit from a business is not always the same as succeeding in business. That means the value you bring to your relationships has a paramount impact on your business. People who are passionate about what they do are usually the most generous with sharing their expertise

The ability to partner with your customer, distributors, vendors, and other businesses is what will help make your business a success. The knowledge you add to your service and communicate to your customers is what makes a long lasting relationship. Success in any field is about working with the people that are there. No one does it alone, only by connecting with others can you expect to reach your goal. People you meet can work as mentors by offering help, guidance and opportunities to grow your business. This is your business team that will help you reach your goal.

Let people enrich your life and transform your business. Consumer connectivity both literally and figuratively creates a strong brand for a company. You build one person at a time until you have enough connections to forge an identity. Create, collaborate and share in a wide variety of ways your business, yourself, and your knowledge. It is always good to remember you are part of a business and social community that are drawn together for survival.

There is a new breed of businesses that really count on both the interactive and traditional. Remember the web is a community of businesses connected through links, affiliations, and testimonials. The web is a growing success because of its interconnections. This new media has one important message that delivering to, and reaching a wide audience is the way to nurture a business. Relationships are the key to unlocking a treasure trove of support and access to resources. Paula Martinez is a contributing editor to Clermont Rocks which is a marketing resource for small business in Clermont, Florida. You can find it at http://www.clermontrocks.com ]]> Bridging the Gap Through Strategic Alignment: A Strategy For Business Transformation http://www.artwoo.com/article/bridging-the-gap-through-strategic-alignment-a-strategy-for-business-transformation http://www.artwoo.com/article/bridging-the-gap-through-strategic-alignment-a-strategy-for-business-transformation#comments Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:08:33 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/article/bridging-the-gap-through-strategic-alignment-a-strategy-for-business-transformation "Where do we start?" It's a good question. And it's one that many organizations struggle with when they are trying to decide where and how to deploy a Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement initiative.

Up until now, the traditional answer has been to start in the area with the least resistance. Go where you have some support from both executives and employees, and where you can make tangible gains that will jumpstart the program's momentum and put you on the path to sustainable change.

It's still good advice: go for the low-hanging fruit in a friendly orchard. But in today's world of competitive excellence, it's just not enough. These days, companies that want to stay ahead of the competition must go beyond process improvement and transform the way they do business. This means achieving not just incremental improvements, but breakthrough results by understanding and leveraging the relationship between processes, systems, people and strategy.

Business transformation requires the organization to focus on strategic goals, not just problems, and on disseminating those goals throughout the organization. In other words, it enables you to connect the dots between the big picture and tactical assignments --- between forward-thinking strategy and project execution. Making this link is called strategic alignment. And, today, it's the answer to the question, "Where do we start?"

Bridging the Gap between Strategy and Execution

In many organizations, there is a gap between strategy and execution. Strategy is determined at the executive level, but it's hard to translate it into quantifiable, executable and repeatable projects. As such, the projects that do get done may or may not support the strategic objectives. And the gap between management and employees grows as they continue to exist on opposite sides of the gulf of possibilities.

Bridging this gap takes a commitment to defining breakthrough strategic goals that are attainable and sustainable, and then translating these strategies down the chain of command to the project level. How do you do this? By developing objectives, measures and targets that link strategic and tactical levels.

For example, say that one of your Strategic Themes is "Service Excellence." From a customer perspective, what's one way to achieve service excellence? Well, you could "provide accurate and timely service." This becomes your Objective, or goal, in support of this strategic theme. (Note that you may have more than one objective, and you would also want to support the strategic theme from other perspectives -- financial, internal process and infrastructure -- as well as from the customer perspective.)

Now, there are many ways you could accomplish this broad objective of providing accurate and timely service. One specific approach would be to increase the "first call resolution percentage," or the number of customer support requests that are completely resolved on the first attempt. This becomes your Measurement for achieving the objective.

You should also specify a Target, or the amount by which you will improve the measurement, and the timeframe --- say, a 30 percent increase in one year. How will you achieve the target? There may be several initiatives you could employ, including your process improvement program, your innovation initiative, your training and development program, or even your call center software.

Once you select the most suitable initiative, you designate the mode of Execution -- in this case, a particular Lean Six Sigma project, training path or software enhancement. Voila! You have just established a link between strategy and execution --- strategic alignment!

What does strategic alignment accomplish?

To begin with, it mobilizes executive leadership behind overarching strategies that will enable you to satisfy the demands of shareholders, customers and employees, if you have an understanding of your internal process capabilities and a robust infrastructure to support the vision.

When these strategies are translated into quantifiable, executable and repeatable projects, it ensures that everyone's efforts are aligned behind a common goal. Not only does this increase your chances of attaining that goal, it also motivates people and reduces resistance. When people can see the link between the work they do and the executive vision, they feel that what they do matters and they'll move mountains to do it well. Finally, it puts a management framework in place for making strategy a continual process that can be realized year after year.

Strategic alignment builds a bridge between vision and strategy, execution and results. This, in turn, enables true business transformation and a strategy for sustainable growth and success.Breakthrough Management Group International (BMGI) helps organizations around the world systematically improve processes and increase innovation. For more about BMGI's corporate onsite services, visit www.bmgi.com. For open enrollment training, visit www.bmguniversity.com.]]>