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Say No to Networking — Sometimes
By: KAREN KODZIK / (06/23/2011)
Every job seeker is told that networking is the key to finding a job. However, there are times when networking may not be the right thing to do. Today there are two forms of networking: face-to-face networking and online social networking. In either case, some networking is not worth your time. Read more >>
Winning Through Soft Power
By: Steve Young / (04/8/2011)
One big lesson taught us all by the current financial meltdown and resulting recession is the importance of “soft” power to success. Read more >>
The Value of Loyalty
By: Paul Long / (12/2/2010)
The Scene: Ryan (George Clooney) and Alex (Vera Farmiga) are in a hotel lounge, emptying the contents of their wallets all over a table. It is all MEMBERSHIP CARDS. The Conversation: Alex: "Oh my, I've heard about these but never actually seen one," she says while grabbing a black card from Ryan. "Is this an...." Ryan: "Onyx card. Yeah. I was pretty excited the day that puppy came in." Read more >>
Leverage Your Strengths to Achieve Success in Your Career
By: Amanda Wrangham / (11/18/2010)
Early in life, we devote more time trying to fix our shortcomings than develop our strengths. Instead of identifying and nurturing the best in ourselves, we buy into the myth that we can “be anything we want to be” if we work hard enough... Read more >>
Managing During a Change in Leadership
By: Todd Overgard / (09/12/2010)
Companies often undergo changes in leadership; it's simply part of business. These changes can be challenging for established companies or nascent ones experiencing rapid growth. Although strategic adjustments in company structure are designed to further growth and business development, it is important to recognize how shifts in leadership can affect employees and the work environment. Read more >>
Effectively Building Your Network
By: TOM WILSON / (08/5/2010)
Years ago during a campus visit at a small Midwestern college, my oldest son discovered the value of building and maintaining a network of connections. The Q&A session was over and David introduced himself to the dean of the business school. After thanking the professor for speaking, my son asked for the dean’s business card. Read more >>
Minnesota Energy
By: ANN CARLON / (07/30/2010)
Natural gas is one of the most versatile, dependable sources of energy available to today's businesses. Compared to other fuels, it offers many advantages such as convenience and efficiency. Natural gas also remains one of the best values in today's volatile energy market since natural gas heating systems and appliances have the highest "total energy efficiency."... Read more >>
“And” or “Or”?
By: STEVE YOUNG / (07/1/2010)
One of the great insights into business success is the concept promoted by Jim Collins in “Built to Last” of the tyranny of the “or” and the genius of the “and”. Read more >>
Behavioral Economics: Is Your Manager Killing You?
By: AMANDA WRANGHAM / (06/11/2010)
In tough economic times, employees may feel they can’t walk out on a bad manager, but employers would be wise to carefully evaluate their management talent and take advantage of opportunities to raise the bar. Lousy managers take a serious toll on employee engagement and welfare. Read more >>
3 Actions You Can Take To Win In This Economy
By: Lamar Hamilton / (05/11/2010)
There are 3 actions you can take to gain the advantage in this economy…quicker, easier and cost effectively. In times like these, winning in business comes down to having the right people with the right outlook and creating an environment where those people trust each other enough to openly exchange ideas and problem solve together.... Read more >>
How Can Your City Reduce Energy Price Volatility?
By: SANDY ZOULEK / (04/28/2010)
Similar to businesses, cities also can feel the pressure from volatility in the energy markets. Some cities in Greater Minnesota have met this challenge by owning their own gas utility, operating as a municipality and taking control of the purchasing decisions for the entire city’s natural gas needs – both residential and commerci Read more >>
Behavioral Economics: Moving From Four P’s to Five
By: LEVI KRAFT / (04/16/2010)
When companies create products, marketing theory says that in order for that product to be successful, companies need to place, promote, and price the product where it can deliver a competitive advantage in the marketplace. This model of marketing has served businesses well, and many successful Minnesota brands have flourished under this old model. Read more >>
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