The Blog - Where Business Collides with Human Nature

What makes those famous Silicon Valley companies attract and keep top talent? Given a choice, the talent went to work for Google, Facebook or Apple. What made them do that? Most people will argue that it's the competitive pay or extra benefits (such as free meals), but I have to disagree. These businesses all have the factor of innovation on side, allowing their staff to think big and to perform in fresh and new areas.

The result is ‘belonging,” the knowledge that they are part of something and their opinions matter. I am a firm believer that innovation is undeniably effective as a motivator. Maybe you are thinking you can't possibly afford to have a workplace powered by innovation, but that's where you would be wrong. I'll go through five ways you can bring innovation to your workplace, attracting and keeping the best local talent, however big or small your company is.

When you decide that it is time to switch up your content marketing campaign, adding some humor can be a smart strategic move. If you think about it, most of the memorable content has a humorous element. The reason for this is that humor has a positive effect on memory.

Creating and distributing content that will make people laugh is a perfect attention-grabbing strategy that can differentiate you from other brands in the industry. If you are curious about why and how to incorporate humor in your content marketing, just keep reading. You’ll learn about the most popular forms of digital humor and how to choose the right one for your business.

Where Are You?

You are; 

...working very hard to make money with an online business and swinging the proverbial bat but missing the ball continuously.  You try wearing your hat on backwards, a different bat, different shoes, read another book, and the list goes on.  You are trying to follow the mantra:  "if at first you don't succeed, try... try again".

You are;

...looking for a job and not interested in an online business but are peeking here to consider options for income.

You are;

...sick, sick, sick... and tired of reading emails, blogs, online eBooks, articles and find that none of them have the answer... and yet each of them seem to know a piece of the puzzle.  You have heard an Internet marketer once say: "email them until they buy or they die" and the actions of many seem to confirm this.

You are:

...just starting.  Fresh, new... positive attitude with an open mind to the possibilities.

There are many more questions to consider in determining who you are and they are very important.

You may initially think of nonprofits and businesses on opposite sides of a spectrum. However, the two entities can also mutually benefit each other.

Here's a look at how that can happen.

Data and insights about Google and search results that should be very important for you to review. It is an easy read, not technical as Rand Fishkin tells it like he sees it --- and shows that less than half of Google searches now result in a click.

Think of how many ads you see each day — watching TV, streaming music, playing a mobile game. Could you add them all up? Do you remember what each one was for?

In America, the average person sees 4,000 to 10,000 ads per day. Even if each ad lasted only one second, that’s hours of brand-sponsored posts and messages.

Consumers are bombarded by videos for the latest fashions and social media posts touting lavish lifestyles. The pressure to buy more has led consumers to push back against traditional marketing methods.

Today, marketers must understand their audience to reach them. Modern consumers want authentic voices and personalized recommendations. They want a brand that understands who they are and the values they represent. That’s where people-based marketing comes in.

Considering there is a growing abundance of ‘older people’, does dementia, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and other health issues increase risks when hiring them? Is it worth the risk?

According to the CDC, only 21.6% of people over 65 say their health is fair or poor which leaves a majority with average, good or excellent health.

Does the experience, wisdom and maturity they bring outweigh the risk of potential health issues? Sandra has a few thoughts!

The rise of the internet makes it easier than ever for people to get the things they want or need simply by going to a website and placing an order — often receiving their merchandise the next day or even in a matter of hours. However, despite the convenience of the on-demand economy, I was curious about whether buying things online is genuinely better than shopping for stuff in a store.

I am an avid shopper and split my time between buying things in stores and online. Not long ago, I needed to buy some specific items and thought the circumstances presented perfect opportunities to figure out the best way to shop.

I decided to pay attention to my experiences with both options and use the outcomes to determine which one I preferred. The news coverage of how many brick-and-mortar stores are shutting down was another factor that sparked my curiosity. Do online stores spell doom for physical stores in all or most cases? Let's find out based on my shopping spree.

If you have a great business idea, selecting a profitable business model is essential to future success. Your business model explains what product or service your company plans to sell and it outline your company’s blueprint for making profit. Business models also identify how you will market your product or service, how much it will cost to run your business, and much more.

A majority of business startups fail in the first four years – in fact, of all the small businesses started in 2011, only 4% made it into the second year – so it’s important that you pick the business model that sets your company up for success.

How to Pick a Business Model

When you are selecting a business model, keep in mind that the best model allows you to fulfill customer and client needs at a reasonable cost, while still aligning with your core company values and objectives.

Here are 3 good questions to ask yourself in the planning stages:

1. Value: Have you thought of a unique value proposition that makes your product or service valuable? How are you different from your competitors?
   
   
2. Target Market: Who will you be marketing your product or service to? Are there enough people in this market to sustain your business and do they have a need for this?
   
   
3. Costs: How much will your product or service cost to create? Does it have the chance to be profitable? Can it be scalable?

These are questions you should ask yourself in the early stages of writing your business plan. You don’t want to waste your time writing up a plan only to discover later that profitability is not an option.

Congratulations on your decision to go into business for yourself! (Or maybe you are an idea away.) Not everyone has what it takes to follow their dream. Entrepreneurs are unique individuals. You have likely spent hours, months, even years planning.

You feel SO prepared.

People are not 'getting it'. You talk, teach, sell and hope someone will take action... but they continue on with the same habits.

Students, employees, peers, prospects, customers, the boss, patients, your children (and even your parents). They are stuck in old unhelpful paradigms because they don't know enough, or they are unwilling.

IMPORTANT: There are people who think they know everything! If this is the case, watch the video at the end of this article: "How to Train People Who Know Everything" by Arthur Carmazzi

To make a a difference, to move people to a better reality, we rely on the common term: "Show & Tell."

But I am thinking it shouldn’t be referred to as "Show & Tell"’.
It should be called "Tell & Show".

"Tell" someone the goal, the how, the plan.
Then model the behavior – "Show" them with real activities. (aka demonstrate)

This survey says 71% of employees are dissatisfied and looking for a new employer. What might seem apparent as an easy fix would be to improve the skills and knowledge, to be more “hirable”.

Working and taking classes simultaneously should be simple enough. Cut out a little TV, hide the Xbox, stay healthy, ignore home maintenance for a while and get a study buddy. Do not tell the boss about any interest in self-improvement, taking classes and the commitment to study… the boss would likely not appreciate your goal of “escaping” from the company. (Or so you tell yourself)

Full time students have a similar issue but in reverse. It seems the whole day is taken up by classes and studying. How would anyone have the time to also be an intern, have a job or even do volunteer work in an industry of interest?  (Some like to drive an Uber or Lyft with flexible hours, but that too takes time.)

No time to study --- have to work.
or
No time to work --- have to study.

If you think it is time to get out of the trap, improve your skills and do not expect magical handouts, get ready to invest in studying. (And maybe for a few letters behind your name.)

If you are a student and see the writing on the wall of the future trap you too will fall into, get ready to immerse yourself into work that gives you experience.

Whether you are a professional or a student, leadership development, becoming a PhD, a journeyman electrician, or an amazing insightful awesome consultant... it takes more than just showing up.

This infographic may be helpful.

"Working and Studying Together, Can it be Done?"