tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21047100887772459522024-03-13T22:04:19.644-05:00To Be Productive (aka 2bProductive Blog)2Bproductive is a business leadership and productivity blog of ideas, tips, suggestions, inspirations, and expertise. We hope to help you be more effective and productive both personally and professionally. We invite you to add your own tips and ideas along with ours by using comments. Check back often to see what is new.<br>
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Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.comBlogger483125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-5661404812752226942024-01-11T08:00:00.292-06:002024-03-13T22:03:48.132-05:00Low Value Programs Killing Business Is Killing Jobs<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCg6dma-D-PD_bJglrJVZjPUFQvxIiFoDYjAQ3aLAwZBURbRIGs60TyFFb8r-_GdoIEIIsZFYQMEcayhPj6Ett3RHTk7mNDwBh_F0MgQ3KOKay8LizECjDwxPZw2OkIKlcE0kRE5SoNe5XsW1twmFq97R0nRuUQRibGu5awyLNYipTHoSTyNO4Sf2Pms/s300/unemployment.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="300" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCg6dma-D-PD_bJglrJVZjPUFQvxIiFoDYjAQ3aLAwZBURbRIGs60TyFFb8r-_GdoIEIIsZFYQMEcayhPj6Ett3RHTk7mNDwBh_F0MgQ3KOKay8LizECjDwxPZw2OkIKlcE0kRE5SoNe5XsW1twmFq97R0nRuUQRibGu5awyLNYipTHoSTyNO4Sf2Pms/w200-h143/unemployment.jpg" width="200" /></a>Do things that create profit matter for business anymore? Does a little money from the government outweigh the value of business reputation or the big money from customers?</p><p> It seems that the writer of the <i>Forbes</i> article "<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimelsesser/2022/06/20/the-business-case-for-diversity-is-backfiring/?sh=6a8eace8351d" target="_blank">The Business Case For Diversity (DEI) May Be Backfiring</a>" thinks it should not matter as much as the feelings of potential employees - not current staff. If a company does not value generating profit, then how can it afford to keep or hire employees? If it does not have innovative, trust-worthy, flexible, and qualified personnel; how can a business succeed? These programs are not resulting in qualified hires, instead they have led to experienced <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/major-corporations-woke-trainings-exposed-in-2021" target="_blank">employees complaining about</a> and leaving some companies. Most employees complaining said they felt less valued so their productivity, creativity, quality, and participation in teamwork suffered. Those employees then exposed why they left and showed samples of training matierials in videos and on social media. That exposure led to customers finding out, about the programs that were vastly different from what they valued and then looking for alternative companies to fill their needs.</p><p>Still want diversity and equality? "<a href="https://hbr.org/2016/07/why-diversity-programs-fail" target="_blank">Why Diversity Programs Fail</a>" in <i>Harvard Business Review</i> says to stop forcing re-written EEO-type initiatives based on race or <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/06/where-are-women-rights-in-workforce.html">gender</a>, instead promote volunteer training and mentorship. The studies this article shares show people get along better working together equally, rather than being told what to do or not do based on gender or race criteria. It now seems that diversity and equity programs tend to divide people instead of increasing inclusiveness, motivation or unity. The technology areas seem to be suffering the most due to <a href="https://www.palladiummag.com/2023/06/01/complex-systems-wont-survive-the-competence-crisis/" target="_blank">falling quality in systems</a> because of limited qualified candidates in quota related hiring. So why do government agencies want force or reward these programs? Why do <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/05/dei-training-initiatives-consultants-companies-skepticism/674237/" target="_blank">consultants</a> still push the programs if they do not meet the client's needs? Are the consultants hurting the economy by personally getting richer if their client companies profilts decline or start on a path of going-out-of-busines? </p><p>Understand these terms and the history:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>DEI</b> =Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - 2021 Executive Order </li><ul><li>Government subsidized on-the-job <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/critical-race-theory-repackaged-marxism-opinion-1599557" target="_blank">re-training</a> to promote exclusion</li><li>Government sponsored <a href="https://www.city-journal.org/article/yes-critical-race-theory-is-being-taught-in-schools" target="_blank">education</a> prior to joining workforce to <a href="https://twitter.com/BillAckman/status/1742441534627184760" target="_blank">discourage</a> equality</li><li><span style="color: #999999;">Education substituted <a href="https://momsforamerica.us/mom-watch/what-is-crt-dei-and-sel/" target="_blank">SEL & CRT</a> (mutation of Karl Marx's Critcal Theory) </span></li></ul><li><b>EEO</b> =Equal<span style="color: red;">[ity]</span> Employment Opportunity (jobs) - 1964 Civil Rights Act of Congress</li><ul><li>Open education and job options to promote a diverse workforce at all levels </li></ul></ul><p></p><p>What is the difference between <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/equality-vs-equity-difference" target="_blank">Equity and Equality</a>? Basically, some are treated differently or all are treated equally. The majority of people want to be treated equal to others, a few want to be better than others, while none want to be less than others. Most workers find these forced re-training programs more <a href="https://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/the-adversity-of-diversity-a-qa-with-dr-carol-swain/" target="_blank">divisive, not inclusive</a>. So which kind of employer should companies try to be? Common sense says treat everyone the same. If not the same, at least based on productivity and responsibility instead of some physical trait that they have no control over. Will businesses expect education to change or will they continue to look for certifications rather than degrees for competent people? Will human resources have to go back to looking for qulaiied workers tather than some abstract number?</p><p>If installing these programs adversely affects ingenuity, morale, productivity, motivation, or profits; will it kill business? If businesses get <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2023/06/business-and-politics-boycott-likely.html">boycotted</a> when customers find out they are doing this newest training, will that affect their bottom-line profits? After seeing what this program does to business, should this acronym be redefined as Death to Empowerent and Innovation? (Or as recently published <a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/words-matter-can-your-dei-policies-be-evidence-reverse-discrimination-claims-2023-07-11/" target="_blank">Discrimination</a>, Exclusion, <a href="https://www.nas.org/blogs/article/literature-indoctrination-and-dei-oh-my" target="_blank">Indoctrination</a> in Twitter MEME as well as the trending hashtags #DeathToDEI and DEIisDead...) If businesses die, where will people work? Logically, when there are less businesses, then there will be less jobs. Less jobs means killed jobs, which means fewer opportunities for employment.</p>Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-83090190741141585452023-11-14T08:00:00.109-06:002023-11-18T17:27:39.311-06:00Real Marketing Options for Every Business<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZdM4diPkuJA2WY3kk3ARPzHOsSObv4iHJ0VfLPBuQnEsjQtp8lBaVyM6_qWq2cQCbE9zC0L-HFITcnJt_rusUMVivgCNw5pV8wGL4RC_IMY0Tl7ruAGYa_sJR3B5Dx-8DeF8ORQZoqy5jAqWFboLNA3U63ARu6kh8ZKy2Le5KcOvWhVuHZPswB4eBRc/s384/marketing3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="384" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZdM4diPkuJA2WY3kk3ARPzHOsSObv4iHJ0VfLPBuQnEsjQtp8lBaVyM6_qWq2cQCbE9zC0L-HFITcnJt_rusUMVivgCNw5pV8wGL4RC_IMY0Tl7ruAGYa_sJR3B5Dx-8DeF8ORQZoqy5jAqWFboLNA3U63ARu6kh8ZKy2Le5KcOvWhVuHZPswB4eBRc/s320/marketing3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>If you have tried lots of marketing options presented in articles or given to you by "next generation" advisors, have you had success? Maybe a little, but probably not a lot. So did you waste your money on marketing? Again, maybe a little if you learned what not to do but for sure if you are still listening to people who are giving you the wrong advice for the type of business you have. What works for big businesses may not work for small businesses. What works for selling retail products direct to consumers/customers - does not work for selling products and services to corporate clients. <p></p>
<p><b>If your company is a small business</b>, instead of hiring a consultant, try some of the ideas in <a href="https://ahrefs.com/blog/small-business-marketing-strategies/" target="_blank">14 Cheap and Effective Small-Business Marketing Strategies</a>. Notice this article does not mention social media until option 10 and then only as a way to continue the efforts from other options. Do not jump on a social media platform immediately because someone told you it worked for them. To be effective social media must provide something for the reader and must target the people you want reading your posts.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>You may also want to check out blog posts on Marketing via: <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2011/08/marketing-via-website-blogging-and.html" target="_blank">Website, Blogging, and Video Media</a> or <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2011/09/marketing-via-on-line-press-releases.html">On-line Press Releases and Article Directories</a> for more more tips related to options 5-10 in article above.</li></ul><b>If you are Business to Consumer</b> (B2C) retail seller or service provider, <a href="https://www.masterclass.com/articles/b2c-marketing#52AedgPpJmxKE2arhoCpRs" target="_blank">7 Tips for Consumer Marketing</a> emphasizes digital areas such as ecommerce stores and social media for brand awareness. The article briefly explains the basic differences between B2C and B2B marketing. It targets getting customers and repeat business through special offers , customization, and using various strategies to market and grow your business.<br /><p></p>
<p><b>If you are Business to Business </b>(B2B) product or service provider, according to <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/b2b-marketing" target="_blank">The Ultimate Guide to B2B Marketing</a> you should to concentrate on understanding your competition and the standard <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2011/04/plan-your-sales-message-by-asking.html">sales cycle</a> to actually get sales. The guide compares B2B and B2C marketing differences in a simple chart. It also explains what you must do before marketing and then explains how to build a multi-faceted marketing strategy. Social media is more for business brand awareness and most likely will not directly result in sales, but it can be the first place corporate leaders and buyers may find out about you if your marketing plan is done well. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>B2C or B2B, you may also want to check out blog posts on Marketing via: <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2014/11/to-blog-or-not-to-blogthat-is-experts.html">To Blog or Not to Blog…that is the Expert’s Question</a> or <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2021/08/what-is-best-alternative-for-social.html">What Is the Best Alternative for Social Marketing?<br /></a></li></ul><p></p>Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-68525895344083700182023-06-14T08:00:00.027-05:002023-06-26T20:53:03.479-05:00Business and Politics: Boycott Likely, BUYcott NOT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KcYvRM1rYsh3Wea5C7aonblvmuVlLWLIZM0EkOiNUg5o36EEu_Fv9U4wCk6OuZbt649FNJmQgc_JxE1w3VhFsRrpWrLWXqg3-7oW3aPj5Fm0xxftnB_x_g-WXvyuN5aCGDNoikPEeFG1rtaHsWIfcXTlBbmhY0zHqtxYu2km__RuNUpGHYXGVngNGA8/s158/buycott.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="157" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KcYvRM1rYsh3Wea5C7aonblvmuVlLWLIZM0EkOiNUg5o36EEu_Fv9U4wCk6OuZbt649FNJmQgc_JxE1w3VhFsRrpWrLWXqg3-7oW3aPj5Fm0xxftnB_x_g-WXvyuN5aCGDNoikPEeFG1rtaHsWIfcXTlBbmhY0zHqtxYu2km__RuNUpGHYXGVngNGA8/s1600/buycott.jpeg" width="157" /></a></div><br />Even as many corporations see great losses and a few go bankrupt, their leadership is still failing to recognize that politics in marketing for business is not a good idea. Using <a href="https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/esg/esg-environmental-social-governance/" target="_blank">ESG</a> index and <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/05/dei-training-initiatives-consultants-companies-skepticism/674237/" target="_blank">DEI</a> initiatives as indicators for business is driving too many out-of-business by alienating customers and landing on <a href="https://daveseminara.com/complete-list-of-woke-companies-condemning-so-called-racist-voting-laws/" target="_blank">"<b>Go Woke Go Broke</b>" boycott lists</a>. Those alienated customers are now looking for entrepreneurs who start-up businesses with either the opposite politics or preferably no politics at all.<div><br /></div><div>Business magazines, newspapers, and blogs are taking note and urging companies to return to concentrating on profits over politics. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Newsweek article "<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/2022/08/12/woke-businesses-face-right-wing-wrath-culture-war-capitalists-cash-1730249.html" target="_blank">As 'Woke' Businesses Face Right-Wing Wrath, Culture War Capitalists Cash In</a>" emphasized consumers are "<i>are likely to <b>boycott</b> over a political position they don't like but are <b>not</b> likely to "<b>buycott</b>" over stances they agree with.</i>" Newsweek also published "<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/millennials-most-likely-support-go-woke-go-broke-poll-1801438" target="_blank">Go Woke, Go Broke? Millennials Say It's True</a>" which suggests this generation greatly disagrees with the supposed new marketing genius of young <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2016/05/managing-five-generations-of-employees.html" target="_blank">Gen-?</a>. </li><li>New York Post shared a former CEOs opinion in article "<a href="https://nypost.com/2021/06/21/woke-inc-why-im-blowing-whistle-on-how-corporate-america-is-poisoning-society/" target="_blank">Woke, Inc: Why I’m blowing whistle on how corporate America is poisoning society</a>." where he notes "<i>... the answer is to do the hard work of rediscovering who we really are.</i>"</li><li>In blog post "<a href="https://rigorousthemes.com/blog/go-woke-go-broke-examples-of-companies-facing-consequences/" target="_blank">Go Woke, Go Broke: 8 Examples of Companies Facing Consequences</a>," a digital marketing professional explains "<i>From a business mindset, <b>politics should be a big no-go zone</b>. If you are silent about an issue, you might receive pressure from a few activist groups, but things will likely quiet down soon enough, and people will forget about it.</i>"</li></ul><div>If businesses want to survive, company leadership needs to stop listening to bad advice, research the facts, and understand that <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/07/politics-in-marketing-can-kill-business.html" target="_blank">politics in marketing can kill their profits</a> and possibly drive them out of business. Corporate leadership needs to get back to basic <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2022/01/uncovering-key-business-management.html" target="_blank">business concerns</a> and <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/01/two-key-parts-of-strategic-planning.html" target="_blank">strategic planning</a> based on items key to success.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some companies claim they are supporting social issues because their human resources think it might get younger people to be interested in working for the organization as employees. But, does it get loyal or competent employees? Which matters most to the bottom line - customers or employees?</div></div>Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-66446131090812275902023-02-01T08:00:00.004-06:002023-06-26T21:58:09.773-05:00Is Your Company Failing?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouvt6VxBpP578dQapa6LaKG4mjrqTlukZYAuPZ8HgprfteWjffoKQOX9tJ6USXq9f1sFHm99EY87WJNsJHFEQKzIEQpd8H_YjT1A7GJDyeLOchR3dhkJxP2Qum24mJ_MQilDzt7yRxwo9rF5Zs1DGx_idWcZyNao8-4lJINpA-TAl2ghXGbemSHY1mJ4/s640/going-out-of-business.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouvt6VxBpP578dQapa6LaKG4mjrqTlukZYAuPZ8HgprfteWjffoKQOX9tJ6USXq9f1sFHm99EY87WJNsJHFEQKzIEQpd8H_YjT1A7GJDyeLOchR3dhkJxP2Qum24mJ_MQilDzt7yRxwo9rF5Zs1DGx_idWcZyNao8-4lJINpA-TAl2ghXGbemSHY1mJ4/w200-h134/going-out-of-business.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />COVID shutdowns caused a lot of small businesses to fold during and after, even though a few entrepreneurs seemed to flourish (especially those that provided delivery services) through it. Bigger businesses upgraded their websites to increase online sales and went to Zoom meetings (and contine to do so for travel cost savings) to keep things going. <p></p><p>Although people are supposed to be <a href="http://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2021/06/getting-back-to-work.html">back-at-work</a> now, there is still a crisis in the world if business as inflation rises, regulations increase, and the economy has not yet recovered. Large and small companies continue going under for various reasons. </p><p>Wondering how to tell if the company you work for or the business you own is about to go out-of-business? </p><p>Check out these articles for employees:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/signs-your-company-might-soon-go-belly-up/" target="_blank">Signs Your Company Might Soon Go Belly-up</a> from ZD Net</li><li><a href="https://www.otterwize.com/layoff-red-flags/" target="_blank">9 Red Flags that Layoffs or Closings May Be Imminent</a> on Otterwize blog</li></ul><p></p><p>Check out these articles for owners :</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/120815/4-most-common-reasons-small-business-fails.asp" target="_blank">The 4 Most Common Reasons a Small Business Fails</a> via Investopedia (1. Financing Hurdles, 2. Inadequate Management, 3. Ineffective Business Planning, 4. Marketing Mishaps)</li><li><a href="https://www.zenbusiness.com/blog/why-small-businesses-fail/" target="_blank">Why Small Businesses Fail: Top 8 Reasons for Startup Failure</a> by ZenBusiness </li></ul><p></p>Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-74420037162010012502022-07-19T08:00:00.044-05:002023-09-25T15:16:54.264-05:00Who Controls American Business, Media, or Government?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_n8uCIKJTENGlqA6mv3tLzB_bgx3ZzxeQrWX1yVAnUGTR4_lfF4oNIhMGj8edm9EkmNtQj1T8Hu2XFnzbiIiwzogffdctntSaIKPwMnR9k5gp1HobwqGnNY1zITLH1F266Fqz84JfUMa1M7YzBW6sDZJnwSZck_tbc8AvoshrRAfWt9S-zw_lgmvo/s263/USAworld.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="263" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_n8uCIKJTENGlqA6mv3tLzB_bgx3ZzxeQrWX1yVAnUGTR4_lfF4oNIhMGj8edm9EkmNtQj1T8Hu2XFnzbiIiwzogffdctntSaIKPwMnR9k5gp1HobwqGnNY1zITLH1F266Fqz84JfUMa1M7YzBW6sDZJnwSZck_tbc8AvoshrRAfWt9S-zw_lgmvo/s1600/USAworld.jpeg" width="263" /></a></div>Do you ever wonder <b>who really controls American business, media, or government?</b> For business: you might say it is American entrepreneurs starting new enterprises, or you may think of those running franchise opportunities in America and abroad, or you may say the rich citizens who already own big successful companies. You may even look at Wall Street to see what is currently on-top or research billionaires to determine what they are into. For media: you might think along the technology lines of <a href="http://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2022/03/are-social-media-outlets-hiding.html" target="_blank">social media</a> (aka Big Tech), or entertainment media (aka <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/9-ways-hollywood-destroyed-movie-business-john-nolte" target="_blank">Hollywood</a>), or you might consider <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/05/always-check-facts-before-you-share.html" target="_blank">journalistic</a> pursuits (aka Main Stream Media). For government, you may believe in "we the people" democracy as the major stakeholder or the republic and who laws are created to protect.<p></p><p>For every example, you are most likely thinking it is United States citizens who have achieved the American dream. Some may even consider international and global reach as the people in control. Then there are those that worry <a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/infographic-how-the-ccp-seeks-to-control-america_3692278.html" target="_blank">Communist China is really the one gaining control of American business, media, and government</a>. Is the USA hurling towards crisis inspired by a new type of economy based on marketing propaganda instead of quality products and preformance-based service? If it is USA citizens (native-born or legally naturalized) controlling corporate strategy, the American dream will continue to grow. If it is not, then either environmental and growth restrictions of <a href="http://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/12/is-deglobalization-new-business-solution.html" target="_blank">globalization</a> or communist government-owns everything will be the future resulting in the crushing death of the American dream. </p><p>Who do you think controls American business, media, or government? Is <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/12/is-deglobalization-new-business-solution.html" target="_blank">de-globalization</a> the answer to save USA or European businesses? Share your thought in comments on this blog post.</p>Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-85547471979030213702022-03-10T08:00:00.235-06:002023-07-30T11:31:11.114-05:00Are Social Media Outlets Hiding Information From Users? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2w9ZBc84M3qlLNCmCGiRnP6sOsnUQNuZxXUa14zI4-_g8cftc_BehFvqDt3b4cz6CjRyvXmPEuAxclceibePzB62MDwuTyz9z9U_mbnDRQZbuQ1qi5cnbucfV84kmEYZkRq4aXFaiK8qHRz23O3kGipXieX61FNhsiqj4MjpLNlz3ryh8XkWD28GL=s300" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="300" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2w9ZBc84M3qlLNCmCGiRnP6sOsnUQNuZxXUa14zI4-_g8cftc_BehFvqDt3b4cz6CjRyvXmPEuAxclceibePzB62MDwuTyz9z9U_mbnDRQZbuQ1qi5cnbucfV84kmEYZkRq4aXFaiK8qHRz23O3kGipXieX61FNhsiqj4MjpLNlz3ryh8XkWD28GL=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></div>In the past few years, we have learned that most s<b>ocial media</b> providers are not about their users or about promoting <b>free speech </b>as was designated as their original purpose for existing. No, they are a business with customers who are not necessarily the same as their users. Most social media outlets are about profit through <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2021/08/what-is-best-alternative-for-social.html">advertising</a> dollars and promoting the <a href="https://capitalresearch.org/article/shining-a-light-on-zuck-bucks-in-key-states/" target="_blank">beliefs/values of the outlet's owners</a>. Social media platforms keep changing who they allow to voice opinions on their networks and what they will allow the remaining network audience to see. A few of these actions may be directed at preventing "<a href="https://www.poynter.org/ethics-trust/2018/americans-believe-two-thirds-of-news-on-social-media-is-misinformation/" target="_blank"><b>misinformation</b></a>" or encouraging "<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/china-embraces-russian-propaganda-version-184124548.html" target="_blank"><b>disinformation</b></a>" to appease the government or other powers, but more are about controlling what facts social media users see. Whether hiding select information is done at the direction of owners, advertisers, or <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/07/politics-in-marketing-can-kill-business.html">politicians</a> is not shared with their users. <p></p><p>Well-known social media platforms continue hiding information from users by constantly changing how the information is displayed. When hiding started in 2020, Facebook users were encouraged to either view a "<a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/05/always-check-facts-before-you-share.html" target="_blank">fact check</a>" or "alternative view" article first before clicking through to what they wanted to view. Twitter did something similar with a friendly <a href="https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2020/06/12/twitter-wants-to-know-if-you-meant-to-share-that-article/" target="_blank">warning pop-up when users wanted to share</a> "questionable" items and forcing user to choose to continue by clicking option in pop-up or outside of it to cancel communication. Now, the user sometimes also may click an additional option on the post to see one-time view of the article image link or video link. To prevent the complaints, users are allowed to go to a "security" option to turn-off the platform's latest change or <a href="https://www.creativefuture.org/google-scandal-timeline/" target="_blank">opt-out of tracking history</a>. </p>
<p> Example of Twitter Popup when Retweeting Website/Articles </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDuF1AJaJFh7idyXDkJqhPPbLTXS8p8bzvVKZXW4JNYW-znyeCga4cKX8gppUgQm_5Fi1-h2jLr-CJSIzWXzNKSh_mjcI60A_VnbJvTobqt6nhkgPBj6rb0EZtjB2mL_D387327M3lwUF_Grvt_b8S5nhSdyYJirsDnB7aWPL2_Vdtwec73SkElicj=s250" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="152" data-original-width="250" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDuF1AJaJFh7idyXDkJqhPPbLTXS8p8bzvVKZXW4JNYW-znyeCga4cKX8gppUgQm_5Fi1-h2jLr-CJSIzWXzNKSh_mjcI60A_VnbJvTobqt6nhkgPBj6rb0EZtjB2mL_D387327M3lwUF_Grvt_b8S5nhSdyYJirsDnB7aWPL2_Vdtwec73SkElicj=w154-h94" width="154" /></a></div><p> Example of Twitter Text on select Website/Video as of 3-4-2022 </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjywxh1X8qLbnxQJGyL-Mx35n50YHTRfZmHMSXaapmnWQwVE-sBtu3HnV1eZwkuAHhfwpal79ukiRz6ZtUNxtPJSPT0m0-XotMFTvBg0h0iSqMlNkO3ks3Nnu2HssGJEk3LPmCy4yqnja-ku87qrjVVtbZghp7R8c3I_9NoK6RX-O0GcBr_1cvnoMEw=s541" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="71" data-original-width="541" height="53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjywxh1X8qLbnxQJGyL-Mx35n50YHTRfZmHMSXaapmnWQwVE-sBtu3HnV1eZwkuAHhfwpal79ukiRz6ZtUNxtPJSPT0m0-XotMFTvBg0h0iSqMlNkO3ks3Nnu2HssGJEk3LPmCy4yqnja-ku87qrjVVtbZghp7R8c3I_9NoK6RX-O0GcBr_1cvnoMEw=w400-h53" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" left="" style="clear: both;" text-align:=""><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Example of Twitter Text on Blocked </span><span style="text-align: left;">Video Sites as of 6-1-2022</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY0ZaXNSBY2vuEFtT5P3FbJst07_KGsS-QicouoKAgxjIUV-rWIypa3QVNDmCcxjIffy0juDE4Dy21qy_bw_kyHoklILI28rzA6hPXhwRmrt8H3nWI8ubHAitdtV4BZ5pMCNNDnUDws3Q1hxNVOT4XAeU3DXFNv3MdAXdC6fqJHefxRioQZk8Tcr6/s500/Twitter4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="500" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY0ZaXNSBY2vuEFtT5P3FbJst07_KGsS-QicouoKAgxjIUV-rWIypa3QVNDmCcxjIffy0juDE4Dy21qy_bw_kyHoklILI28rzA6hPXhwRmrt8H3nWI8ubHAitdtV4BZ5pMCNNDnUDws3Q1hxNVOT4XAeU3DXFNv3MdAXdC6fqJHefxRioQZk8Tcr6/s320/Twitter4.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p> Example of Twitter to Change View Settings (from above) to Prevent Blocking </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy_duzYmr7JfrB830N9a8vCHZSNzHsh_2XqW4clU14pRyN9lnksZOciwQ16aCUE6iPHxSl0hjoIjnGJBlACICl9lYM-uJOaaNE6u1gIlr8LPRvQA_MNCPTuw4ocZuP3wjMqPGNrl_yywMkKzj7lKVG40fPZ9DXKfgx6DyQvVOSzzgsNe8-5gWYNQpB=s560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="136" data-original-width="560" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy_duzYmr7JfrB830N9a8vCHZSNzHsh_2XqW4clU14pRyN9lnksZOciwQ16aCUE6iPHxSl0hjoIjnGJBlACICl9lYM-uJOaaNE6u1gIlr8LPRvQA_MNCPTuw4ocZuP3wjMqPGNrl_yywMkKzj7lKVG40fPZ9DXKfgx6DyQvVOSzzgsNe8-5gWYNQpB=w400-h98" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Example of Twitter Terms to End Accounts for ANY/NO reason effective 6-10-22</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTflfWtMFk1j93cclRdvaQXWre3m86TvVEsJ5hbDgiJd4t77FHq6rbAnCCNbjNFYDFJhnXBcNaXkMEYY4jBUCIRUqr3Qlc0n-RfGsxk_BoPigN0xLL1lZM2Ok3orsCfMCHW2zVK8O4ISnfjJDENobGfaGZ7MuvZqroNpBiO-JaMu_4_LiojCxhP9hH/s500/Twitter5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="500" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTflfWtMFk1j93cclRdvaQXWre3m86TvVEsJ5hbDgiJd4t77FHq6rbAnCCNbjNFYDFJhnXBcNaXkMEYY4jBUCIRUqr3Qlc0n-RfGsxk_BoPigN0xLL1lZM2Ok3orsCfMCHW2zVK8O4ISnfjJDENobGfaGZ7MuvZqroNpBiO-JaMu_4_LiojCxhP9hH/s320/Twitter5.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Are these new changes letting users control more of what they see or is it still about the social media outlet keeping control of that? Will users take the 2nd or 3rd click/step required to see the hidden information from selected sites? Will other platforms choose to change "sensitive" view options that make it sound like users will see pornography instead of platform-deemed "questionable" information. Are social media owners hoping users will not exercise their personal choice by making the extra effort to click again? Is the reason platforms are requiring the extra clicks so they can track user choices better or find out what is most popular topics? Will any of it make a difference to owner's profits, advertiser's bottom-line, or to the <a href="https://nypost.com/2022/05/31/elon-musk-something-very-strange-happening-to-twitter-feed/" target="_blank">user's free speech</a>? Do social media users still have the option to gather their own facts and form <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/twitter-poll-meant-to-expose-elon-musk-as-phony-backfires" target="_blank">their own opinion</a>s? </div><p>Articles and <a href="https://thefederalist.com/2023/03/07/searching-for-tucker-carlsons-bombshell-j6-videos-youtube-censors-will-direct-you-to-fake-fact-checks-instead/" target="_blank"><b>videos continue to get blocked</b></a>, not because they have been individually "<b>fact checked</b>," but due to the main URL of the .com/.net/.org being targeted for reasons known only to the social media provider. Or in the case of a video, it might it be a particular YouTube (and <a href="https://rumble.com/v14bxrt-2000-mules-music-video.html" target="_blank">competitors</a>), TV, or cable channel suppression. So where do users go to find truth/facts or lies/fiction now? </p><p>Yes that's a lot of embedded questions above that are definitely NOT hidden from view! Why? Because questions make you think. If you think, then you can form your own opinions. Sharing opinions in an acceptable and respectful way is allowed <a href="https://www.lawforseniors.org/how-government-works/282-freedom-of-speech-what-it-is-and-what-it-isn-t" target="_blank">freedom of speech</a>. The user should have the opportunity to decide, not the social network outlet. <a href="https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2020/11/04/twitter-censors-trump-conservative-journalists-as-election-disputes-continue/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">History</a> will tell us if the user's decision is important to the platforms they use.</p><p><b>NOTE: Twitter changed ownership in 4th quarter 2022, now transparency of past and current processes is ongoing under the new management that is promoting "freedom of speech" but not necessarily freedom of reach? See December 2022 </b><a href="https://nypost.com/2022/12/08/elon-musk-vows-to-release-everything-on-twitter-censorship/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">deletions</a><b> and </b><a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/elon-musk-offers-solution-users-being-shadowbanned-second-twitter-files-exposes-companys-bias" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">solutions</a><b> articles plus January 2023 <a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/infographic-key-revelations-of-the-twitter-files_4986669.html" target="_blank">infographic</a>, regarding #<a href="https://www.racket.news/p/capsule-summaries-of-all-twitter?r=5mz1&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web" target="_blank">TwitterFiles</a> compiled data of <a href="https://www.wnd.com/2022/12/miranda-devine-twitter-execs-claimed-no-shadow-banning-caught-lie/" target="_blank">free speech suppression</a> and <a href="https://thehill.com/opinion/judiciary/3770060-with-new-twitter-files-musk-forces-a-free-speech-reckoning-for-politicians-and-pundits/" target="_blank">hidden truths for political reasons</a> currently being ignored by mainstream media news that proves <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11559455/The-Twitter-Files-leaks-FBI-key-revelations-far.html" target="_blank">partisan censorship</a>. </b></p><p>ADDED NOTE: <b>What about Facebook?</b> FB uses a little italicized <i><b><span style="font-size: large;">i </span></b></i>to make it look like users can get more related topic information, but often it tricks people by showing a list of prejudiced articles that express the social media owner's views. Although, upon occasion, it will share if a link site has/hasn't an FB page or other recent videos from that site only if it is "news" site. But they still limit or outright block free speech of most vocal <a href="https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2019/05/02/facebook-blacklists-prominent-conservatives-including-paul-joseph-watson-laura-loomer/" target="_blank">conservatives</a>, medical experts, <a href="https://greeknewsondemand.com/2023/05/23/facebook-bans-all-christian-content-labels-jesus-fake-news/" target="_blank">Christians</a> (formerly religious freedom to <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/fact-check-facebook-banning-bible-passages-1565190" target="_blank">Bible</a>), and <a href="https://dcenquirer.com/meta-hasnt-seemed-to-have-enough-with-election-interference-as-they-block-robert-f-kennedy-jr-from-making-an-instagram-page/?utm_source=89385" target="_blank">politicians</a> that do not buy into <a href="https://capitalresearch.org/article/states-banning-zuck-bucks/" target="_blank">Zuckerberg's</a> obvious malarkey meant only to get FB owner more money - not actually help people. In 2021, <a href="https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2021/12/13/facebook-admits-in-court-that-fact-checks-are-just-opinion/" target="_blank">Facebook Admits in Court That ‘Fact Checks’ Are Just Opinion</a> - in other words, what the boss wants communicated or NOT. Then the following year, at Congressional hearing, Facebook CEO blames the government <a href="https://brownstone.org/articles/facebook-files-show-brazen-aggressive-censorship/" target="_blank">for selected censorship</a>.</p><p><a href="https://nlpc.org/corporate-integrity-project/google-youtube-told-their-denials-about-censorship-are-not-credible/" target="_blank">Google</a> is no longer in the social media game, but are they a "<a href="https://www.hudson.org/domestic-policy/twitter-facebook-and-amazon-censorship-of-conservatives-harms-social-media-giants" target="_blank">Big Tech</a>" who is still <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-manipulates-search-results-report-2019-11?op=1" target="_blank">censoring topics in searches</a> too? What about those MSN searches, will their <a href="https://jonathanturley.org/2023/02/15/free-speech-is-futile-gates-goes-full-borg-on-ai-censorship/" target="_blank">AI bots censor even more</a>?</p><p>July 2023 UPDATE: Did <a href="https://dailycaller.com/2023/07/04/biden-officials-barred-social-media-censorship-federal-judge-rules/" target="_blank">DNC government try to crush</a> USA citizens' FREE SPEECH? Will it ever be fully restored on social media platforms?</p>Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-87699318631074802882022-01-20T16:00:00.007-06:002022-02-10T08:19:35.595-06:00Uncovering Key Business Management Issues<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnsnnkqJRuuI202kHIQh4t5QesoxrYWcGopSABLYw0fTCTGW08S543ssb-0NA89pEfBAz0wkGl2Vd29Fv6nMqeVOrHHBiu3Qzj9keFk2G7Rrk9QqISwjNCoqVBU303IBUhT8tEcVk8CON1FUzSCxRqUE3bXVSh0NH5Ts8bopiVjR39oVpXxvrIyoaW=s261" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="261" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnsnnkqJRuuI202kHIQh4t5QesoxrYWcGopSABLYw0fTCTGW08S543ssb-0NA89pEfBAz0wkGl2Vd29Fv6nMqeVOrHHBiu3Qzj9keFk2G7Rrk9QqISwjNCoqVBU303IBUhT8tEcVk8CON1FUzSCxRqUE3bXVSh0NH5Ts8bopiVjR39oVpXxvrIyoaW=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div>The economy is down and <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-inflation-might-hit-40-235931660.html" target="_blank">inflation</a> is rising! The pandemic is not coming to an end yet and schools move to and fro with web-based classrooms - continuing to effect the workability and challenge flexibility of employees. There are so many issues facing business this year, it is no wonder managers are trying to find what they should be doing to keep their business thriving. Many are turning to their Human Resource departments to do research or they are doing their own research on the internet or by reading multiple business-related publications.<p></p><p>There are so many articles and surveys trying to give leaders some sort of idea where to concentrate their efforts. However, they need to be read carefully for who the article is meant to help. Is it meant to help most corporations stay in-the-black, or to keep small businesses afloat in uncertain times, or is the article really meant to generate a business need that will actually profit the article writer more than those who read the article or post?</p>
<p>Two surveys that you may want to review include:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-10-20-gartner-survey-reveals-hr-leaders--number-one-priorit" target="_blank">Gartner HR Survey Reveals #1 Priority in 2022 will be Skills and Competencies</a></li><li>Bloombe<a href="https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/72-of-ceos-are-concerned-about-their-job-security-in-2022.html" target="_blank">rg Survey Shows Top 3 Concerns of CEOs in 2022</a></li></ul><p></p>
<p><b>Is technology a big issue for business in 2022? </b> <a href="https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2022/01/20/cyber-concern-2022/" target="_blank">Security companies </a>are telling business mangers that cyber security should be their main concern to prevent business interruptions. However, only 57% of managers they surveyed agreed with that. At the same time, companies that offer telecommunications are still saying it is important to increase virtual meeting capability and phone app usage as the pandemic has taken various twists and turns. Are they right and are <a href="https://wraltechwire.com/2021/11/20/telecoms-future-here-are-three-predictions-for-2022/" target="_blank">telecommunication companies</a> ready to meet performance requirements? Does your company need new technology, better technology, or updates to <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/04/top-ten-telecommuting-tips.html">telecommuting</a> processes and policies?</p><p><b>Are social issues and/or DEI (<a href="http://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-importance-of-diversity-in-workplace.html">Diversity</a>, <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/06/where-are-women-rights-in-workforce.html">Equity</a>, <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/06/where-are-women-rights-in-workforce.html">Inclusion</a>) a current issue for business? </b> Although consultants will tell you these are major concerns, do they really affect the bottom line? Yes, if you choose the wrong ones! Social awareness is supposed to be key to the newer generation of employees but following what maybe advertised as <a href="http://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/07/politics-in-marketing-can-kill-business.html">politically correct has cost many companies</a> in loss of valuable customers due to boycotts the past few years. DEI was low on the Gartner survey as it does impact Human Resources, Not only as a training program, employees have left companies for bringing in propaganda disguised as "diversity training" that was insulting to their personal morals, values, ethics, and intelligence. These same employees took customers when they reported the that information on social media, which created a PR nightmare and devastated the image of those companies. Traditional versions of DEI and EEO to build trust and understanding. as well as prevent racial issues has been effective for decades. But some of the new "improved" versions may not be what they claim, instead they can build distrust and division. Employees working against each other can not be good for business. Management and HR must research heavily and attend the training themselves before they bring in anything that is not skills related to verify it meets their needs to include others not divide people. Consultants and training material providers want to make sales, just like you do - so verify the facts instead of believing the pitch. Make sure what you buy truly matches corporate culture and beliefs.</p><p><b>Is <a href="https://www.scmr.com/article/top_5_supply_chain_risks_for_2022" target="_blank">supply chain</a> still a key issue for businesses to be concerned about?</b> This concern did make the bloomberg survey as the continued pandemic has and will affect it. Whether your business is a supplier or uses supplies, you should be adapting your processes sustainable and resilient. Organizations will need to become streamline and agile. Products quality also needs to be maintained to ensure repeat customers. who are moving from a just-in-time ordering process to a storing for future purposes.</p><p>Seems like business managers may be better focused on the needs of their particular business than listening to the trends. Read the surveys to learn what others think, but keep in mind that is their impression based on their experience not yours. Focus on your compnay leadership, your customer service, and your process improvement. Yes, you can research "what's new" just be sure to check it through your professional lens to determine if it meets you needs or just send your dollars down the drain into another's profits. Jumping on a new bandwagon without really looking, means you are likely to totally miss your target!</p>Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-5273490938440977272021-12-08T09:00:00.010-06:002021-12-08T16:09:01.616-06:00Holiday Concerns in Current Business Climate<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oE2x28pEInhCR85innhvCqP7bFjBMpRqWwwGmNWM-DSDuGVtfnP2oXo2Ir-SpSoTjP-PjR8kq86I3aXUlimh9me8ferSUSoGTXF1HQp9bKDpRyBS7Vx-GetvxRSUCihy_OuglDV876s/s289/holidaystress.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oE2x28pEInhCR85innhvCqP7bFjBMpRqWwwGmNWM-DSDuGVtfnP2oXo2Ir-SpSoTjP-PjR8kq86I3aXUlimh9me8ferSUSoGTXF1HQp9bKDpRyBS7Vx-GetvxRSUCihy_OuglDV876s/w173-h200/holidaystress.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>The holiday season is hectic and often stressful for employees and employers. Wholesale supply chain issues make it hard to provide what is needed for manufacturing products or selling consumer goods. Piling on the stress for employees is schools choosing to restart on-line learning or reducing the <a href="https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrE190SHrFhnakAVxZXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZANQSFhMTkNfMQRzZWMDc3I-/RV=2/RE=1639026323/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.nytimes.com%2f2021%2f12%2f08%2fus%2fschools-closed-fridays-remote-learning.html/RK=2/RS=TD95uzkkzil7qvZOTm4fb4_ls0c-" target="_blank">hours on campus during the holiday season</a>. This forces parents to either take-off from the workplace that they recently returned to or work remotely to cover childcare and insure lessons get done. It forces employers and their human resource departments to either do without some of their workforce or scramble to create workarounds to continue productive performance. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">New <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/04/biden-vaccine-mandate-businesses-have-until-after-christmas-to-comply.html" target="_blank">government mandates</a> also add to this stress by telling individual and companies what they have to do and not how to pay for it without increasing the already rising inflation and the cost of doing business. "It pits government against private employers instead of working with them to create a safe working environment” says <a href="https://www.rila.org/" target="_blank">Retail Industry Leaders Association</a>. Employee moral and motivation may be at an all-time low with the continued restrictions, changing narrative, and perceived violation of personal rights.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These challenges make it hard for companies to take advantage of the <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/what-opportunities-do-the-holidays-present-for-small-businesses" target="_blank">holiday season opportunities</a> to bolster their profits after a particularly hard past tow years. The economy is on a downward trend making it hard for both employers and employees to look forward to a bright future. Even though it seems hard to trust that success is around the corner, with the possibility of <a href="https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2021/08/01/bartiromo_will_democrats_have_a_lockdown_in_summer_2022_to_keep_mail-in_ballots_flowing_in_from_dead_people.html#!" target="_blank">new "health" lockdowns</a> as occurred in 2020, goal-setting and flexibility are very important to making the next year better for business. </div>Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-89733790082714661772021-08-31T08:00:00.138-05:002022-06-01T16:43:31.465-05:00What Is the Best Alternative for Social Marketing?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcXbmulw-gqQIyB0wsZTQ9-KVkiiEzAYmU5RVaZS4lQmzhL-a-mGmLPfMRB3AyLfrMTTnukd5yWukJehz_RcpCXt-KErfq9RKB6XPM3x0RXNphNbuGqsvcdOU2Z6U5j_Klnk8ijNBmLg/s223/socialmediacube.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="223" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcXbmulw-gqQIyB0wsZTQ9-KVkiiEzAYmU5RVaZS4lQmzhL-a-mGmLPfMRB3AyLfrMTTnukd5yWukJehz_RcpCXt-KErfq9RKB6XPM3x0RXNphNbuGqsvcdOU2Z6U5j_Klnk8ijNBmLg/s0/socialmediacube.jpeg" width="223" /></a></div>Businesses are getting conflicting messages on what to do with their social media accounts. Articles paid for by the social media companies say profits are up. However, customers have left Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and others citing: their <a href="http://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2022/03/are-social-media-outlets-hiding.html" target="_blank">censorship</a> of posts, too many ads, or increasing restrictions. Technology changes, cyber-security issues, and varying user needs are being reflected in multiple new platforms are being designed and redesigned. New social media and other interaction alternatives seem to be coming out on a more frequent basis. <p></p><p>It seems that social marketing is not what it used to be. <b>Where is the profitability for companies to continue to have a social media presence with specialized pages or advertisements? What are the best alternatives for different types of businesses to reach the customer-base they want? </b>If you have questions about what to do now, you may find some answers by reviewing the posts and articles below. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/trends-and-insights/articles/social-media-trends-may-want-incorporate-marketing-strategy/" target="_blank">Social Media Trends You May Want to Incorporate Into Your Marketing Strategy</a></li><li><a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/planable-brands-move-away-from-traditional-social-media-platforms-as-video-content-increases-by-17-1030655162" target="_blank">Brands move away from traditional social media platforms, as video content increases </a></li><li>Smart Insights: <a href="https://www.smartinsights.com/social-media-marketing/social-media-strategy/social-media-marketing-trends-2020/" target="_blank">Social media marketing trends</a> </li><li><a href="https://strikesocial.com/blog/social-media-marketing-myths/" target="_blank">5 Social media marketing myths you should stop believing</a></li><li>Harvard Business Review: <a href="https://hbr.org/2020/02/the-era-of-antisocial-social-media" target="_blank">The Era of Antisocial Social Media</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/brands-turning-to-micro-influencers-instead-of-instagram-stars-2019-4" target="_blank">Why brands are turning away from big Instagram influencers</a></li><li><a href="https://businessesgrow.com/2016/05/03/private-media/" target="_blank">Are you ready for the mega-shift from social media to private media?</a></li></ul><p></p><p>If something peaks your curiosity, you can refine your own <a href="https://duckduckgo.com/" target="_blank">web search</a> using concepts and ideas presented in the text of an article or post you read.</p>Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-21770742146585329212021-06-01T08:00:00.001-05:002022-01-20T11:32:26.025-06:00Getting Back to Work<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNEFbBP1FgD82aA8e3bi6wrvpZFsi1r1DElXSyXEwddwAFiGFn7iaFiSymp8ysu0B5UXvkzkGKRkpn5YNOVe_2gv9gmBb5OBw2i7P6RkhXAE7HMfl_wcOErom3S1X-Au_pnV3OT4UPPs/s200/helpWanted+.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="200" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNEFbBP1FgD82aA8e3bi6wrvpZFsi1r1DElXSyXEwddwAFiGFn7iaFiSymp8ysu0B5UXvkzkGKRkpn5YNOVe_2gv9gmBb5OBw2i7P6RkhXAE7HMfl_wcOErom3S1X-Au_pnV3OT4UPPs/s0/helpWanted+.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The statistics for people returning to work, after the state and/or national shutdowns, can be confusing. Some reports say possibly 40% of the former workforce DO NOT want to return to work because they are getting paid to stay home by the government in the form of both <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/unemployed-workers-arent-returning-to-the-labor-force-jobless-benefits-2021-4" target="_blank">unemployment benefits</a> and <a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/are-stimulus-payments-and-unemployment-cash-keeping-people-working-184821" target="_blank">stimulus checks</a>. Others say that 2/3 of the workforce are afraid to return to work since new cases of virus are being reported and they fear getting sick. While other reports show 25%-29% want to return to work but want more <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2012/10/flexible-work-options-low-cost.html" target="_blank">flexible work </a>days/hours because they got used to telecommuting and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/02/business/office-remote-work-anxiety.html" target="_blank">doing work-from-home</a>. <p></p><p>Studies show some employees feel they are more productive working from home, whereas others feel they accomplish more at-the-office. However, there are articles that show people want to get back to a workplace where they can <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90605978/the-office-is-not-dead-heres-why" target="_blank">collaborate in-person</a> with others, not be distracted by children, and also return to developing their careers.</p><p>Safety options companies are considering to bring back their employees include:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Having everyone in the office, warehouse, restaurant, or store continue to wear face masks provided by company</li><li>Allowing only people with an approved vaccination and health card to come into company facilities (<a href="https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ASU-Workplace-Commons-Phase-2-Report-4-28-21.pdf" target="_blank">Rockefeller Foundation survey</a> indicates 9 out of 10 companies prioritize this) </li><li>Providing counseling and support and for this stressful situation to those concerned employees</li><li>Educating employees through health professionals (live or video) on illness signals and stress signs to be aware of</li><li>Continuing <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/04/top-ten-telecommuting-tips.html" target="_blank">telecommuting</a> and <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2012/09/improve-virtual-meetings-with-tips-and.html" target="_blank">virtual meetings</a> for unvaccinated employees</li><li>Offering on-and-off site workday scheduling options for experienced employees they wish to keep</li><li>Using more on-line options for interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training to fill open positions</li></ul><p></p><p>Company owners and managers need to decide what IS or is NOT working for the profitability and productivity of their organizations. After issues are reviewed, <a href="https://www.natlawreview.com/article/re-opening-strategies-and-return-to-work-policies-after-covid-19-pandemic" target="_blank">re-opening options</a> considered, and best policy/process is chosen to get people back to work, then communicate that to current and potential employees via company website. Send emails or letters to employees to let them know the highlights and refer them to website for details and new information as decisions are made. </p>Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-35152896235076016232021-02-26T12:00:00.058-06:002023-01-26T15:21:19.647-06:00The Business of Energy - Which is Best for All?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKhQeHMoCmOwdRtOQ-cEEKV6Fq0sxKjSCRbX7aLu5Q2-7VwRAjoNJbNwnez7HRE6Cr2HYlmqTMCccHLqQ4jugi9sBO0vPxhAUGi6F-y3V2jILUOeHSaVXNWMD6E8Px6sS2ZPsHGHVa4Y/s300/frozenlines.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="300" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKhQeHMoCmOwdRtOQ-cEEKV6Fq0sxKjSCRbX7aLu5Q2-7VwRAjoNJbNwnez7HRE6Cr2HYlmqTMCccHLqQ4jugi9sBO0vPxhAUGi6F-y3V2jILUOeHSaVXNWMD6E8Px6sS2ZPsHGHVa4Y/w200-h131/frozenlines.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Many parts of America experience cold weather in winter. However there are also locations in the United States that typically have a mild or warm winter. In <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/02/15/winter-storm-texas-power-outages-south-ice-snow/4487366001/" target="_blank">February 2021</a>, most of America woke up to find below freezing weather and that citizens, utility companies, and government agencies were unprepared for the crisis that came next. Instead of being warm from their heating units, they were cold as power went out when windmills froze and electrical lines went down. Environmental technology was failing! Not only were people cold, in some places, they were unable to connect via internet or phone - so no working from home or getting televised updates on crisis! There were others who could not use water for cleaning and drinking as public water facilities went down due to frozen equipment failure and pipes bursting not just in homes, but in many buildings and outside locations. <p></p><p>For years the USA has been encouraged to move away for the fossil fuels (coal, gas, oil which there is lots of within country across various states) to more environment--friendly "green initiatives" to prevent global warming. As windmills froze and solar panels proved useless during the gray days and long nights of the cold spell, people began to doubt the wisdom of these initiatives. When you and your family are <a href="http://org-this.blogspot.com/2021/02/lessons-from-big-freeze.html" target="_blank">huddled under multiple blankets around a small fireplace</a> to keep warm due to power outages, it is hard to believe "global warming" is really a real thing. Many now believe fossil fuels should still have a key place in America and governments now need to look at the truth about energy alternatives to get the best service and economical options for their citizens. </p><p>Every type of energy resource does have some bad environmental impacts as well as some good ones. Each type may have: some long-term money saving advantages, immediate economical impact on workers' jobs, and possible expensive start-up costs. Below are links to pros and cons of different energy sources. Please note that the wind option states that it had less American government money spent on research but it is also primarily a NON-USA business. Naturally, moving to NON-USA energy sources will automatically mean a <a href="https://www.lawenforcementtoday.com/biden-kills-keystone-xl-pipeline-along-with-70000-american-jobs/" rel="nofollow">reduction of American jobs</a> and ultimately an <a href="https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/10/f80/Economic%20Impact%20of%20Oil%20and%20Gas.pdf" target="_blank">increase of costs</a> that impacts both citizens and businesses.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://greengarageblog.org/24-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-wind-turbines" target="_blank">24 Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Turbines</a></li><li><a href="https://vittana.org/23-solar-power-advantages-and-disadvantages" target="_blank">23 Solar Power Advantages and Disadvantages</a></li><li><a href="https://greengarageblog.org/16-main-pros-and-cons-of-hydropower">16 Main Pros and Cons of Hydropower</a></li><li><a href="https://vittana.org/26-important-nuclear-energy-pros-and-cons" target="_blank">26 Important Nuclear Energy Pros and Cons</a></li><li><a href="https://environmental-conscience.com/natural-gas-pros-cons/" target="_blank">33 Key Pros & Cons Of Natural Gas</a></li><li><a href="https://brandongaille.com/24-major-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-coal/" target="_blank">24 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Coal</a></li><li><a href="https://futureofworking.com/6-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-petroleum/" target="_blank">21 Advantages and Disadvantages of Petroleum (Crude Oil)</a></li></ul><div>Updates in 2023: </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>USA Economic Impact Report - <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/energy/oil-industry-exec-rips-white-house-surprising-keystone-admission-biden-created-economic-boondoggle" target="_blank">Keystone cancelling created ‘economic boondoggle’</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.wnd.com/2023/01/wind-solar-energy-flatlines-frigid-state-worst-time/" target="_blank">Wind and solar energy 'flatlines' - Natural gas to the rescue</a></li><li><a href="https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/01/22/quietly-released-energy-dept-report-admits-mistake-in-canceling-keystone-xl-pipeline-shows-economic-benefits/" target="_blank">Quietly Released Energy Dept. Report Admits Mistake in Canceling Keystone XL Pipeline</a></li></ul></div><p></p>Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-43786025815017570822020-12-01T08:00:00.004-06:002023-09-25T15:16:02.141-05:00Is Deglobalization the New Business Solution?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIWDhqbMHrosVObr5ywab7TmeOA0mGrXkrFI03hwtXG6ouTKC8LDm78AMar98JSuUvaVSv3C34RJo3lVHtzoJHa_NbAEJk6pBEjYF2Y8PUQSoQdOz4Aml1JQbT5v3XjYBuWu5TLefb_w/s254/deglobalization.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIWDhqbMHrosVObr5ywab7TmeOA0mGrXkrFI03hwtXG6ouTKC8LDm78AMar98JSuUvaVSv3C34RJo3lVHtzoJHa_NbAEJk6pBEjYF2Y8PUQSoQdOz4Aml1JQbT5v3XjYBuWu5TLefb_w/s0/deglobalization.jpeg" /></a></div>Over the past few decades, world trade opportunities led many companies to see globalization as a way to increase sales growth and potential profits. Moving manufacturer to countries where labor was cheaper or regulations less strict seemed important to cost cutting efforts and again increased profits. <p></p><p>Due to the <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2020-02-29/why-deglobalization-is-accelerating-bloomberg-new-economy" target="_blank">world pandemic and economic ramifications</a> causing a break in the supply chain as well as rising shipping rates and import/export costs, some corporations are not only rethinking globalization. There are questions how to work during <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/03/ways-businesses-protect-employees-and.html" target="_blank">global isolation</a>. Plus many organizations are also considering deglobalization as a possible economic resolution. </p><p>Is the new <a href="https://www.advisorperspectives.com/commentaries/2020/10/27/de-globalization-already-happened-and-it-didnt-matter" target="_blank">concept of deglobalization</a> the most recent answer to companies changing the way they do business? Will deglobalization decrease or increase <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/investment-ideas/article-covid-19-and-deglobalization-have-created-new-opportunities-in/" target="_blank">investment opportunities</a>? Are the business trends really moving from a <a href="https://www.piie.com/blogs/realtime-economic-issues-watch/pandemic-adds-momentum-deglobalization-trend" target="_blank">history of worldwide marketplaces</a> and returning to home base operations? If the trend in more national than global, how does this impact future product marketing and sales? If the trend is more local than world-wide, what does that mean for human resources departments and employee placement? What does it mean for building factories, moving manufacturing, customer service, and more for logistics, productivity, and quality?</p><p>What do you think? Have you read any good articles that helped your compnay make decisions regarding globalization or deglobalization? If you have, please share article sources and hyperlinks in comments on this post.</p><p>FYI: NEW answer on Chief Executive Net 2023 <a href="https://chiefexecutive-net.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/chiefexecutive.net/china-the-decoupling-is-here/" target="_blank">China: The Decoupling Is Here </a> </p><p><br /></p>Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-31274928342187847002020-10-06T09:00:00.021-05:002021-01-08T09:39:57.026-06:00Committing to Corporate Citizenship<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAss7BEdJ4z-M8z95YrcxSbq_V6tKAzhinyXwh2e7RnQjflWwWwpNkomAlBWpYlGBvh1Pq-v2DLzU37ai_f-H73QakulK-_H1S0VS3gbWodHQA_02O3Uylvo0anmaIOqvpb2ixNcqYBQ/s265/volunteerword.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="265" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAss7BEdJ4z-M8z95YrcxSbq_V6tKAzhinyXwh2e7RnQjflWwWwpNkomAlBWpYlGBvh1Pq-v2DLzU37ai_f-H73QakulK-_H1S0VS3gbWodHQA_02O3Uylvo0anmaIOqvpb2ixNcqYBQ/w200-h136/volunteerword.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/corporatecitizenship.asp" target="_blank">Investopedia</a> defines corporate citizenship as "the social responsibility of businesses and the extent to which they meet legal, ethical, and economic responsibilities, as established by shareholders." So how does citizenship impact profit, after all profit is the reason most businesses exist. However, putting profit over people can eventually cause a company to loose some customers, which does impact the bottom line.<p></p><p></p>Most organizations understand meeting legal requirements and how the economy affects them, in order to stay on business but do they understand social responsibility? For decades companies have been training employees and leadership in business ethics and corporate values. The clearest way to understand social responsibility is it is taking corporate ethics and values outside the company and into the community. This can be done via charitable activities and contributions, which may be done corporately or by sponsoring the actions of specific employees. <p></p><p>There are <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/3228435_Stages_of_Corporate_Citizenship" target="_blank">five stages to developing corporate citizenship</a>: Elementary, Engaged, Innovative, Integrated, and Transforming (similar to the <a href="https://ezinearticles.com/?The-Five-Stages-of-Team-Development&id=1254894" target="_blank">stages of team-building</a>). In between each the five stages, companies develop the four C's: Credibility, Capacity, Coherence, and Commitment. </p><p><a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/314620" target="_blank">Entrepreneur</a> says the initial cost of becoming socially responsible in stage one will negatively affect profits, which is why many companies move no further than elementary stage. However their article uses the case that consistent citizenship can build a good corporate reputation that may eventually lead to profits in a socially conscience environment. To ensure that corporate citizenship happens within the company, it is important to include it in long-term strategy planning and goal setting. However, be careful in how you use your citizenship actions and contributions in marketing on social media and corporate websites. Aligning unwisely to the wrong types of non-profit organizations or causes can result in looking unpatriotic or overly political, which may result in possible <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/06/nfl-blunders-in-business-again-and-may.html" target="_blank">boycotts</a> and lost business. </p><p>Want more information on how to create corporate social responsibility (CSR), watch the 1 hour video <a href="https://youtu.be/0tP5H_iKCwo" target="_blank">Corporate Citizen: Risk & Internal Controls</a> by Strategic Business Leadership (SBL). </p>Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-24204141905889790512020-08-11T13:00:00.002-05:002023-11-24T12:06:12.144-06:00Patriotism in the Workplace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXUcT9_BLwmleiT7wcYwBj7IfxLTRa-GrKpXD5akbv99cJeZueBSpF7QiZcGMXm7B5eHhzPiG7WedrrjYxtOFBVXHzPPlFlvwYX1LsCg-6x31KcvnPWfq3HRqh6PF8zwaTnRanrQxwSk/s1600/USAflag.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXUcT9_BLwmleiT7wcYwBj7IfxLTRa-GrKpXD5akbv99cJeZueBSpF7QiZcGMXm7B5eHhzPiG7WedrrjYxtOFBVXHzPPlFlvwYX1LsCg-6x31KcvnPWfq3HRqh6PF8zwaTnRanrQxwSk/s1600/USAflag.jpg" /></a></div>
A 2018 <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/236420/record-low-extremely-proud-americans.aspx" target="_blank">Gallup polls on American pride</a> and various new articles summarizing the polls claim patriotism is declining in the USA. The major decline is based mostly in one political party, although article writers make different guesses as to why this may be so. However, multiple social media posts over the past few months seem to indicate that US citizens are concerned over current events but still proud and patriotic. <b>So where should businesses stand on patriotism?</b><br />
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An American industry seen as unpatriotic might lose business and may find it hard to recruit new employees. American companies can turn around public opinion of themselves and help increase patriotism by showing they are proud of the country they do business in. Although there have been a few articles stating the youngest job seekers want to work for more liberal companies, there have been no conclusive studies or data presented. However, most people (regardless of age) looking for jobs probably would prefer to work for an organization that has the same values as they do. Companies that want economic growth tend to take risks in business but remain conservative in their political approach. After all, capitalism allows for creation of new businesses and new innovations to help existing business to successfully continue. In other words, <b>profit is king</b> in business.<br />
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Even so, it is important that American-based companies show good citizenship. One way to do that is for leadership to prove that they <a href="https://org-this.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-other-side-of-story.html" target="_blank">value the country</a> they live in, the rights of its citizens, and patriotism. Some ways businesses can show patriotism include:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Fly a USA flag outside the company buildings</li>
<li>Keep politics out of marketing</li>
<li>Recruit military veterans who have gotten the training or leadership skills the organization needs</li>
<li>Support local and/or national <a href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=531" target="_blank">military and veterans charities</a></li>
<li>Provide time-off options for patriotic holidays</li>
<li><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/manondefelice/2018/07/03/patriotism-at-work-why-companies-should-hire-military-spouses/#77aeab4916c8" target="_blank">Hire military spouses</a> as telecommuting employees or part-time workers</li>
<li>Do not force political parties, views, or issues on others</li>
<li>Encourage employees to <a href="https://www.engraveawards.com/blog/patriotism-and-nationalism-at-the-workplace" target="_blank">productively work as a team</a> and not get political</li>
<li>Put the flag and/or company history on corporate website</li>
<li>Encourage employees to exercise their right to vote.</li></ul></div>
Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-12677716350407761542020-07-06T08:00:00.006-05:002021-01-15T10:54:41.685-06:00Politics in Marketing Can Kill Business<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Have you seen ads mistakenly promoting political agendas as current social issues that they support? Have you been considering showing similar support for the short run in your marketing? If you have, then think again before reacting. <b>This type of political marketing can backfire on a business. </b>Consider ticket and sponsor losses of the NFL when they appeared to take a political side.<br />
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Before you change your website, ads, and social postings, do your research and consider the implications for your business. Is the political issue or current socialistic opinion being supported by hundreds rather than thousands, by thousands rather than millions? News reports can often be misleading. Is the group or charity you are considering making a difference? Is the movement making a difference, is it peaceful or violent? Did it physically destroy property, loot other businesses, or hurt people? Is it really a social cause or a political agenda? However those actions are perceived may reflect on your company as a supporter. How many customers do you want to get? How many are you willing to alienate? How many are you willing to lose? <b>If you make the wrong move/impression, the company page on social media may blow-up in your face instead of in your sales. </b>Have you researched the issue to be sure it is real and not a lie or hiding a different political agenda?<br />
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Instead of using the political issue or socialized opinion "of the week" or month to build an advertising campaign, look for a way to use your marketing budget for the long run to build business. Create marketing that builds-up you brand instead of promoting the brand of others. How do you do this? Sell your value, create brand recognition, and build trust with current and future customers. Most customers are interested in WIFM (what's in it for me), so <b>sell the value of your product or service</b>. Build your advertising and social media presence around being known for what you do, and repeat that in multiple formats and places. This reputation is key to <b>create name recognition and service/product </b>reputation. Steer away from ads that leave people thinking "That was an interesting commercial. What was it for?" If you want to <b>build customer loyalty, do it through brand trust</b>. You have to have trust in your compnay first, an uninformative or misleading advertisement makes people think you are covering something up, therefore killing any chance at building trust.<br />
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Still considering putting your political views to <b>grab attention</b> by supporting current issue? If you are, you may want to read the articles and tips below before you spend your marketing money.<br />
<a href="https://www.brightlocal.com/blog/social-media-can-destroy-your-business/" target="_blank">How Social Media Can Kill Your Business</a><br />
<a href="https://cloudnames.com/en/blog/politics-and-marketing/" target="_blank">Politics and Marketing</a><br />
<a href="https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/business-advice/marketing/8-steps-to-marketing-your-business" target="_blank">SBDC 8 Steps To Marketing Your Business</a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/08/19/most-americans-think-social-media-sites-censor-political-viewpoints/" target="_blank">Most Americans Think Social Media Sites Censor Political Viewpoints</a></div>
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Will you let your business be hurt by putting an irresponsible statement in a box promotion or funds into a questionable process/policy? If you move too soon, you may lose business. If you have already made the wrong move, better backup and hope to reduce/reflect backfire from the larger population not supporting the statements which may be your greatest potential for customers. It is ok to have a personal political view, however advertising it in your marketing can result in: lost capital now, future loss of consumer business, which means no freedom to innovate and grow your business. Only a foolish leader makes decisions out of fear or not checking for all the facts. Make sure social media people know to avoid politics and hopefully avoid boycott and other outcries from customers/readers.<br />
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If you have funds you wish to donate anonymously or publicly, make sure they provide a helpful service to society. Consider ecology and help save the planet. Or help people by feeding the hungry or housing the homeless. Before you donate, verify the legitimacy of the charity; as well as their values, goals, and past spending results. If tax deduction is also important to you, verify what the organization qualifies for since most charitable deductions are not be taken at 100%. <a href="https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/filing/adjustments-and-deductions/are-political-contributions-tax-deductible/" target="_blank">Political contributions</a> are not tax deductible. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">According to the marketing "rule of seven" it takes awhile for people to notice an advertisement. The more you share information with people, then it may become believable to them even if it is just a cleverly disguised sales pitch. Be ethical and honest with your potential clients, make sure you statements are truth not lies just for profit. Dishonesty catches up with a compnay as disillusioned customers will leave in droves and make their dissatisfaction and distrust known on social media so new customers think twice before buying,</div>
Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-18236669271793814982020-06-25T08:00:00.011-05:002021-09-02T23:01:55.434-05:00NFL Blunders in Business Again and Takes Other Sports With Them!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooMwm4gJaeiYiEQi-J5Y_wbcVMz0trLRNJkTNgUNKZ0dUOMvhiIu2FYSDu5tr_k0FwrB8ZiKgBrVPRlkxTihIaHzQ6dkar8mhSFHqsLrSPDLkVt_burbbk3H1oLapJMwNiWAIxj-0jXk/s1600/nonfl.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="195" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooMwm4gJaeiYiEQi-J5Y_wbcVMz0trLRNJkTNgUNKZ0dUOMvhiIu2FYSDu5tr_k0FwrB8ZiKgBrVPRlkxTihIaHzQ6dkar8mhSFHqsLrSPDLkVt_burbbk3H1oLapJMwNiWAIxj-0jXk/s200/nonfl.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>
A few years ago, the <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2017/09/nfl-makes-big-business-blunder.html" target="_blank">NFL Made Business Blunder </a>which lost them and sponsors lots of money because they were seen as <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpatriotic#other-words" target="_blank">unpatriotic</a>. They eventually took a stand and their fans and customer base began to slowly return. Due to coronavirus this year, they can not sell tickets, so they are trying to be "relevant" with a new marketing campaign. Will this cost them customers again? Will the <b>#BoycottNFL</b> cry across social media start again as more people check the historical records of the National Football League on politicizing social issues? What will it for them to <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2020/07/politics-in-marketing-can-kill-business.html" target="_blank">separate their business from player politics</a>?</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Other sports leagues or teams (NBA/WNBA, NASCAR, MLB, etc) besides NFL are starting similar campaigns as well. Some are even considering changing the names of teams. Are the name and logo changes a politically correct idea or a marketing ploy to pave the way to try to generate income through new sales of re-named sports gear since they cannot sell tickets? What will their customers/fans think of name changes? Will they buy into the media hype or continue to abandon professional sports? Will fans begin to boycott other sports as well as their sponsors and advertisers too? Will the league owners lose money when sponsorship goes away? Will the players now lose their bloated million dollar salaries? Will professional sports eventually go from being big business back to a low cost athletic-based pastime fro fans? Or will USA sports decide their business would be safer if they go back to separating themselves from political agendas as UK sports do? Forbes suggests <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirkwakefield/2020/08/28/escape-from-2020--a-case-to-separate-sports-and-politics-for-more-fans-and-higher-ratings/?sh=450be78476ad" target="_blank">Case To Separate Sports And Politics For More Fans And Higher Ratings</a>.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Headlines below show a few of the results from political activism in American sports.<br /><ul><li><a href="https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2020/01/03/nfl-attendance-crashes-to-15-year-low/" target="_blank">NFL Game Attendance Crashes to 15-Year Low</a></li><li><a href="https://theundefeated.com/features/nfl-viewership-down-and-study-suggests-its-over-protests/" target="_blank">NFL TV Viewership Down and Study Suggests it’s Over Protests</a></li><li><a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/nfl-season-begins-with-player-protests-as-opening-sees-low-ratings-fan-backlash?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=benshapiro&fbclid=IwAR2iOQgqV4KB2r-NbWwnMZQ4s1gNN_0Sr8WNfxLy4a_5EfImkm0shy6ygv4" target="_blank">NFL Season Begins With Player Protests As Opening Sees Low Ratings, Fan Backlash</a></li><li><a href="https://www.rt.com/usa/500512-nfl-opener-ratings-fall/" target="_blank">NFL opener ratings tumble to 10-YEAR LOW as league pays price for politicizing sport</a></li><li><a href="https://noqreport.com/2020/09/21/nfl-ratings-plummet-they-need-to-plummet-more/" target="_blank">NFL ratings plummet. They need to plummet more.</a></li><li><a href="https://nypost.com/2020/12/26/nfl-drops-the-ball/" target="_blank">NFL drops the ball as TV ratings take hit over ‘woke-ism’</a></li><li><a href="https://www.redstate.com/bradslager/2020/09/10/beyond-the-ratings-a-new-poll-shows-professional-sports-are-in-real-trouble-with-americans/?fbclid=IwAR1qxuLie8JXPRsvYE6RG4mr0farHG69j_mrszfzkFDzfwrSNMG0M_GBZ7k" target="_blank">Beyond the Ratings a New Poll Shows Professional Sports Are in Real Trouble</a></li><li><a href="https://thefederalist.com/2020/09/11/gallup-public-favorablity-towards-the-u-s-sports-industry-has-collapsed/?fbclid=IwAR359vEFzSMprVtC0s3UpCsgkYXPioTwqturcnlGMnRGSFvX641rT1SZ0Ac" target="_blank">Public Favorability Towards The U.S. Sports Industry Has Collapsed</a></li><li><a href="https://madworldnews.com/nba-mlb-taking-knee-stop/" target="_blank">NBA & MLB Find Out The Hard Way ‘Taking A Knee’ Must Stop Or It’s Game Over</a></li><li><a href="https://www.westernjournal.com/new-law-pro-sports-teams-skip-anthem-texas-now-world-hurt/" target="_blank">Pro Sports Teams That Skip Anthem in Texas Now in for a World of Hurt</a></li></ul></div>
Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-82298374712162830472020-06-16T08:00:00.006-05:002023-11-10T10:26:29.126-06:00Where Are Women's Rights in the Workforce?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTH42wSJY-CggCNbD2KH9bttH8xUtcdoIyZHQcX33HijtAZD-P8qaiRSHVedlOaeCb704nq6CcOm0wfi1pvgJqlfGI4zbADaFf177QPt2BYZ0vwHSR7lIYvbC_3IJnSlE-v47V2q_aw8/s1600/suffragettes%2527.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="238" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTH42wSJY-CggCNbD2KH9bttH8xUtcdoIyZHQcX33HijtAZD-P8qaiRSHVedlOaeCb704nq6CcOm0wfi1pvgJqlfGI4zbADaFf177QPt2BYZ0vwHSR7lIYvbC_3IJnSlE-v47V2q_aw8/s320/suffragettes%2527.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Rights_Act_of_1964" target="_blank">The Civil Rights Act of 1964</a> specifically required equal treatment of individuals regardless of gender. This meant qualified women should be considered for hiring and promotion if they match the job requirements as well as a man. The oldest and most accepted definition and/or synonym for the word <b>sex is gender</b>.<br />
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Recently, the "educated" members of the Supreme Court and Congress decided to redefine the word sex from the previously accepted gender to indicate terms of private intimacy preferences. In essence destroying the gender equality portion of the Civil Rights Act and replacing it with <a href="https://nypost.com/2021/02/21/bidens-equality-act-is-a-danger-to-womens-and-conscience-rights/" target="_blank">behavior-based concepts</a>.
<b>What does this mean for the working woman now? </b><br />
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<li>Since gender is not an issue, <b>does it mean wages and job options will recede</b> to pre-1963 when <a href="https://history.house.gov/HouseRecord/Detail/15032448840" target="_blank">equal pay for equal work</a> was enacted?</li>
<li>Since sexual orientation is now the issue, <b>does it mean that <a href="https://employment.findlaw.com/employment-discrimination/sexual-harassment-what-is-it.html" target="_blank">sexual harassment</a> may increase</b> over what it was in the 1980's and become even more prevalent in the future?</li>
<li>Since <a href="https://thefederalist.com/2021/03/17/abigail-shrier-exposes-equality-act-as-insidious-end-of-protections-for-women-and-girls/" target="_blank">gender equality</a> is not important, <b>will women lose their jobs</b> and be forced to return to pre-WWII stay-at-home status?</li>
<li>Since gender is gone as an issue, what is next to lose - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suffragette" target="_blank">women's right to vote </a>which was gained back in 1920?</li></ul>
What has happened to business leaders saying workforce <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2019/06/gender-diversity-women-in-workforce.html" target="_blank">diversity</a> is important for idea generation and problem solving? Where are all the so-called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism" target="_blank">feminists</a> hiding that allowed this to happen? Is everyone so focused on face masks and other protest actions that what has already been gained is allowed to slowly die away? <br />
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Obviously there are not enough <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_the_Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States" target="_blank">women on the Supreme Court</a> or in Congress to <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/equality-act-doesnt-stop-discrimination-it-bans-dissent-opinion-1575822" target="_blank">protect female rights</a>. Will women's right continue to go backwards as <a href="https://twitter.com/i/status/1719905771394085117" target="_blank">Twitter video</a> clams? Perhaps it is not about gender, maybe it is an attempt to increase lawsuits against businesses? Maybe the reasoning is business and personal values are not as important to economy as a backlogged legal system is...</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Pray fro women's rights, not only in USA, but everywhere around the world. <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/world/taliban-women-lara-logan" target="_blank">Taliban rule will be 'a long slow death' for women</a>,</div>
Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-81194718917396280942020-05-05T08:00:00.002-05:002021-09-03T22:53:51.926-05:00Always Check the Facts Before You Share the Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMX6tgXSMsonhvXz6MSlisKoFDBMfECoOhg6hdoVyX350U6cx4d6rmjNUKLKbXHgqhjPaajQsZo4FBsECJnJYXwPDPlCWwHq7DQ35J0gbd7OUAi4SLhBl65J97ac44pk6SNkeiS-C_c0/s1600/ethics.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="423" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMX6tgXSMsonhvXz6MSlisKoFDBMfECoOhg6hdoVyX350U6cx4d6rmjNUKLKbXHgqhjPaajQsZo4FBsECJnJYXwPDPlCWwHq7DQ35J0gbd7OUAi4SLhBl65J97ac44pk6SNkeiS-C_c0/s320/ethics.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
With the increase of "<a href="https://www.dictionary.com/browse/fake-news?s=t" target="_blank">fake news</a>" and revival of "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_journalism" target="_blank">yellow journalism</a>," it is important to check the facts before you decide to share a story even if you are leaning towards it as a possible truth. Spreading distortions, libelous stories, and downright lies is irresponsible behavior. Even if you know the story is <a href="https://www.dictionary.com/browse/satire" target="_blank">satire</a>, you need to make that distinction before you hit the "share" or "retweet' button in order to not mislead other readers. Not everyone understands sarcasm and therefore they might retaliate. <b>Going viral is NOT worth the harm</b> it can do to yours or another's reputation.<br />
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So how do you check the facts? In the past, we could rely on <a href="https://ethicaljournalismnetwork.org/how-tragedy-strikes-when-journalism-and-social-media-lack-ethics-and-humanity" target="_blank">journalistic ethics</a> and real research to check the facts and verify <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/585152/people-shot-to-death-by-us-police-by-race/" target="_blank">statistics</a>.. However the desire to sell stories has changed the media from presenting impartial facts to generating sensationalism and <b>repeating social media to not get scooped </b>on a story. As proof of this, we were incredulous when TV news shows added a Twitter feed or Facebook trends to their news hour. Of course they had to spend time saying what was true, false, or unproven. Doing so took away from "real news," weather, and sports because there was no guarantee people stayed tuned for that last part of social media reports. So some reputable networks have finally discontinued that ridiculous source of news. Forbes <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tonysilber/2018/04/24/survey-of-journalists-suggests-accuracy-is-more-important-than-being-first/#1a2b55327b29" target="_blank">Survey Of Journalists Suggests Accuracy Is More Important Than Being First</a> shows discontinuing that was the right thing to do.<br />
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Formerly, the daily newspapers provided details we did not get from TV reports. However, many print newspapers have gone on-line and have to compete with other web sources to get your attention. Therefore, they may provide <b>sensational headlines to get attention</b> before presenting the details. Unfortunately many people are lazy about getting all the news and only read the headline plus the first paragraph or two. So they do not get the full picture or miss where something was fully presented or falsehoods disputed. Hopefully, if you want the full story, you check multiple sources to be sure. According to Business Insider chart, these were <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/most-and-least-trusted-news-outlets-in-america-2017-3" target="_blank">the most and least trusted news outlets</a>.<br />
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One source historically considered impartial in finding the facts was Snopes.com. Then Forbes magazine told us that we cannot trust them in the article <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kalevleetaru/2016/12/22/the-daily-mail-snopes-story-and-fact-checking-the-fact-checkers/#381311d2227f" target="_blank">Fact Checking the Fact Checkers</a>. In the past, many of us used that site for finding out if a story was true or false. After reading they considered a a skewed story on their site as TRUE after reviewing the full <a href="https://youtu.be/PsQnfpfIa_o" target="_blank">video</a> (story supposedly based on a few minutes near middle of the hour) and written transcript portion that they said proved the story, I saw a definite misconstruing and misinterpretation of what was said to support a falsehood. What the story quoted the presenters as saying was never actually said. For anyone who understands English, the result of fact checking should have been FALSE. Or they could have at least responded MIXED and said a slip-of-the-tongue seemed to be misunderstood by people not listening closely or reporters were choosing to take a statement completely out-of-context. Other popular (<a href="https://nypost.com/2019/08/11/the-new-york-times-modifies-its-motto-to-fit-leftist-agenda/" target="_blank">supposedly non-partisan</a>) fact-checking sites include: <a href="https://www.allsides.com/">AllSides</a>, <a href="https://www.politifact.com/">PolitiFact</a>, <a href="https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/about/">MediaBiasFactCheck</a>, and <a href="https://www.newsguardtech.com/about/why-should-you-trust-us/">NewsGuard</a>. So now, <b>not only do you have to double-check the facts of the story, you must verify the accuracy of the fact checkers</b>!<br />
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Has journalism moved from being an extension of the English department to under Political Science or Marketing? Is sensationalism more important than communication of the facts? It is shame that you have to be distrustful of your news sources in order to be a responsible person and citizen. Please do not accidentally or purposefully spread lies. Remember <b><a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/12/05/503581220/fake-or-real-how-to-self-check-the-news-and-get-the-facts" target="_blank">always check the facts</a> and/or <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/585152/people-shot-to-death-by-us-police-by-race/" target="_blank">statistics</a> before you share a story</b>! As much as possible, you want to be right so you are not shown to be wrong in the future. You also want to be honest, which: shows integrity, gains respect, and builds trust.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">For more reasons to research for bias, see Harvard Business Review long article "<a href="https://hbr.org/1995/05/why-the-news-is-not-the-truth" target="_blank">Why the News Is Not the Truth</a>."</div>
Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-22904740723656813302020-04-07T08:00:00.000-05:002020-04-07T08:00:08.212-05:00Top Ten Telecommuting Tips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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According to <a href="https://globalworkplaceanalytics.com/telecommuting-statistics" target="_blank">Global Workplace Analytics</a> 56% of the workforce could use telecommuting to accomplish their work and 62% feel they could telecommute part of their work week. In a time of crisis or because of limited space, telecommuting becomes important to employers as well.<br />
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For various reasons, you may need to work from home or another location other than your company office. Working from home can relieve the stress of traffic going to work. The reduced travel time can be used to create a different work schedule. To be as effective as possible working from a home office there are a lot of things to consider. There are lots of conflicting ideas on how best to telecommute by working from home office. Below are the top ten tips for telecommuting.<br />
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<b>Top 10 Telecommuting Tips</b><br />
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<b>1. Set Work Schedule</b>. Work-at-home means you set "work" hours for doing the job and keep them separate from "home" time. Impose "do not disturb" guidelines for your job time. Set break times, as well as start and stop times. Make is clear to family that, although you are home, you are really on-the-job during work hours. Getting dressed, doing laundry or dishes is home-time activities, not part of the job you are being paid for. Arrange for childcare during work times to eliminate distractions. Just as you keep work time promise to your employer, keep your promise to family by calling an end to the work day when that time comes.<br />
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<b>2. Get the Right Technology.</b> You must have a good internet connection to work from home. A LAN connection will typically work more efficiently than WIFI. Ask your corporate IT for their hardware, software, bandwidth, and cloud/server storage recommendations. Consider audio/microphone headsets and webcam needs. Make sure your computer/laptop and internet service provider meets those <a href="https://www.bandwidthplace.com/home-office-internet/" target="_blank">requirements before you transition to home office or telecommuting</a>. Download the Applications you will be using before you need them.<br />
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<b>3. Dress for Work</b>. Experts say that getting dressed as if you are going to the office will help you concentrate on work and be more effective at the job. Not only is this a good idea to put you in the right mode, if you end up in an emergency video-conference you will not be caught in your pajamas. </div>
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<b>4. Create a Workspace.</b> Set-up your work area or office/room with everything you need to perform your job at maximum potential. When choosing your space, a room with a door is best. Avoid common areas like the kitchen or family room to prevent distractions. You need a computer, paper and pen for notes, phone, and any job-specific supplies for telecommuting. Using a dedicated workspace in your home lets the rest of the family know when you are "at-work" and therefore you should be left alone.<br />
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<li><a href="https://org-this.blogspot.com/2015/05/organizing-your-computer-work-space.html">Organizing Your Computer Work Space</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://org-this.blogspot.com/2013/11/organize-telecommuting-with-mobile.html">Organize Telecommuting with a Mobile Office</a></li>
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<b>5. Tackle Priority Duties. </b>Make a "To Do" list for each day and then develop a plan to accomplish the highest priority items first. If you want to remain a key employee, as an off-site worker you must show your worth by finishing important projects. This requires good <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2012/03/making-your-own-personalized-time.html" target="_blank">time management and planning</a>. Being busy with low-level activities gets work done but it does typically not get recognized.<br />
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<b>6. Do not Multi-task.</b> Trying to do too many things at one time will result in sloppy work or missed deadlines. Finish each work task before starting another. While at work. do not get distracted by household chores.<br />
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<b>7. Be Available to Co-workers.</b> Quick and easy communication with co-workers, customers, and suppliers is important. Although it is a good time management technique to limit your phone and email use, most of the time that is not an option when working outside the office. Keep your email or chat windows open and minimized so you receive notifications when something comes in. Then immediately decide if response is needed or if it can wait determine when to respond. Prepare to delete - do not keep items that do not require any action on your part. Same applies to calls and texts on phone.<br />
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<b>8. Prepare for Virtual Meetings.</b> Even though you are not physically at company office, you will be expected to attend team or staff meetings. Your meetings may be via teleconference, however many corporations are moving to the internet in order to emulate face-to-face meetings. You need to prepare for virtual meetings in the much the same way as for live meetings, the only difference is the added technology component. If you listen to music while you work, be sure to turn it off and be in a quiet location before your meeting starts.<br />
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<li><a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2013/02/increasing-focus-in-meetings.html">Increasing Focus in Meetings</a>
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<a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2012/09/improve-virtual-meetings-with-tips-and.html">Improve Virtual Meetings with Tips and Tools</a></div>
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<b>9. Take Creative Breaks.</b> Staying in one place for too long can be boring. Boredom can result is less productivity. Go to another room or go out for lunch to break the monotony. You do not have to be in a corporate office to take a business lunch or attend a professional association meeting. Take the dog for a quick walk or run on your short breaks to revitalize. Set a timer to keep from extending your breaks too long. If you need to do a lot of on-line research or write creative text, consider taking your laptop and phone to Starbucks, the back yard, or the park for that small portion of your work day.<br />
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<b>10. Attend Meetings and Training.</b> Going into the office for meetings weekly or a couple of times a month keeps your face in front of co-workers, team members, and superiors, It allows you to develop a bond for working together and keeps you more up-to-date on what is going on. Attending corporate classroom training is another way to develop a company network, in addition to enhancing your skills. Although you can do on-line training from your home office, it does tend to isolate you from other employees.<br />
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As you can see from the above, telecommuting can be challenging. It requires proper planning and dedicated effort. For ideas from the leadership side of telecommuting, see
<a href="https://peakperformancesolutions.wordpress.com/2020/04/01/ten-tips-for-preventing-isolation-in-your-remote-workforce/">Ten Tips for Preventing Isolation in Your Remote Workforce</a>
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Bonus tip: <b>Stay-off social media!</b> Unless it is your job to monitor a business account - Facebook, Twitter, Linkedn, Instagram, etc. can be distracting. Do not let what others are saying or doing keep you from getting your work done. If you do, then you ,ay be forced to make up work-hours during home-time, which will make both your family and employer unhappy.</div>
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Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-6779322210268496052020-03-17T10:00:00.000-05:002020-04-19T10:00:37.366-05:00Ways Businesses Protect Employees and Inform Others During Global Isolation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Very few businesses today are not global in some way. It is easy to think of large corporations as global because they may have offices in more than one country. However, any company that has an on-line business is most likely global as they may be sending products or services anywhere in the world. Even if a small business does not go outside their home country for customers, they may be getting materials from a supplier based in another country. Face it, current times meant a global economy. Anything that happens outside your country can possibly impact your business.<br />
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<b>INC</b> magazine says <a href="https://www.inc.com/suzanne-lucas/coronavirus-may-already-be-affecting-your-business.html" target="_blank">Coronavirus May Already Be Affecting Your Business</a>.<br />
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<b>What can you do to help your employees at this time? </b> If they must be at work because your business is one that supports citizens in time of crisis, then provide the materials to protect your employees and customers. During a pandemic/epidemic or natural disaster, for most this would be hand sanitizer, gloves, soap, water, googles, face masks, and a way to communicate with superiors and where necessary other agencies. For a specialized workforce, there may be additional requirements to meet industry standards. It is important to provide a safe workplace or outside work environment for your employees. Knowing you are providing this for them will keep them going and will give some comfort to your concerned customers as well.<br />
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If your business is important but is not a support organization, then provide ways for employees to work-at-home (such as <a href="https://org-this.blogspot.com/2013/11/organize-telecommuting-with-mobile.html" target="_blank">telecommuting</a> or <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2012/09/improve-virtual-meetings-with-tips-and.html" target="_blank">virtual meetings</a>), take on-line training/education courses and attend <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2019/12/ten-tips-for-wonderful-webinars.html" target="_blank">webinars</a>, or take time-off (such as sick leave, <a href="https://www.patriotsoftware.com/blog/payroll/paid-leave-absence/" target="_blank">LOA</a>, vacation, or <a href="https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/furlough-and-layoff-differences.html" target="_blank">furlough</a>) without losing their jobs. Although your business is important to you, it may not be key during national or global times of crisis. If this is the case, you may want to consider letting people take time off and if necessary closing for a short period of time.<br />
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<b>Forbes</b> magazine shared <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarwantsingh/2020/03/02/impact-of-the-coronavirus-on-business/#3565d91f4414" target="_blank">Impact Of The Coronavirus On Business</a> and the economy, as well as statistics and plans for <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloedemrovsky/2020/01/28/what-businesses-can-do-about-the-coronavirus/#32458d483101" target="_blank">What Businesses Can Do In Response To The Coronavirus</a>.<br />
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This is why many organizations are taking the time to communicate with their employees, suppliers, and customers what they are doing during local or global difficulties. Although a few may complainthey are getting to many emails, most will be comforted by the shared information, Also a few businesses are going beyond email and taking the time to use social media or upload videos about what they are doing or how they are supporting efforts to keep both out-of-work employees and customers informed.<br />
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The new business slogan to customers and employees becomes "<b>let us take care of you while you take care of yourself.</b>"</div>
Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-65043921744451019262020-02-11T08:00:00.000-06:002020-02-11T08:00:00.447-06:00Best Time to Hold a Meeting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Do you ever ask the question "<b>When is the best time to hold a meeting?</b>" Some time ago, I answered this question in an <a href="https://ezinearticles.com/?Best-Time-to-Hold-Business-Meetings-is-When?&id=1601606">article on best meeting length and time of day</a> in relation to corporate culture, participant availability, and type of meeting. This advice still holds true, however there may be more to think about now, due to technology and research.<br />
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Recently there have been productivity studies showing the part of the workday when people are best at decision-making or being creative. This information is typically used to help plan a daily schedule and to do's for effective time management. However, this same data may be <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3032498/why-you-should-rethink-that-morning-meeting" target="_blank">key to planning meetings</a>, as well. The studies show that people are most alert during the <b>morning and it is a good time to make decisions, </b>work on major projects or logistical items. Consider the <a href="https://ezinearticles.com/?Common-Types-of-Participative-Meetings&id=1423250">type of meeting</a> you are having, if it is for decision-making, consider planning the meeting in the morning. Studies also shows people are <b>more creative in the afternoon</b>. This indicates that free-flowing meetings for brainstorming, problem-solving, design, process mapping, or discussion should be planned for the afternoon. Get the creative stuff done in the afternoon with your group, and if decisions can be postponed plan a shorter meeting the next morning. This allows participants time to review the minutes and think about things before jumping to fast on a quick solution.<br />
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Before deciding on a time to hold your meeting, first determine <a href="https://ezinearticles.com/?Is-This-Meeting-Really-Necessary?--Five-Indicators-When-a-Meeting-Should-Not-Be-Held&id=1439567">if the meetings is really necessary</a>. Information sharing can easily be done via email instead of a meeting. Most meetings work better face-to-face, but <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/search?q=virtual+meeting" target="_blank">virtual meetings</a> are a good alternative when the participants are not all located in the same building.</div>
Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-36035539908123057732020-01-07T08:00:00.000-06:002020-01-07T08:00:00.830-06:00Two Key Parts of Strategic Planning: SWOT and SMART <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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At the beginning of each year, business leaders will take time to review their achievements of the past year and plan for their growth in coming year and future. Planning will include reviewing the company vision, mission, values, as well as setting goals and creating new projects. Leaders will look for new products, acquisitions, services, process improvement, marketing, cost cutting, and other ways to improve the profits and placement for the company, Human, technology, and other resources will be reviewed and future requirements considered to support meeting their new goals and strategic initiatives. <b>Two items hat can be very key parts of <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2014/01/will-your-strategic-planning-event-be.html" target="_blank">strategic planning</a> include SWOT analysis and SMART goals. </b><br />
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Knowing how to do all this requires brainstorming and mapping of ideas. The <b><a href="https://www.potential.com/articles/swot-analysis/" target="_blank">SWOT process</a> </b>(Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) can help with looking at what was, what is, and what might be. Doing a SWOT helps to align action with planing for growth and profit. It creates an awareness of many issues and how to overcome them or build upon them. This process may be done by the company leaders or a team they have give the task to. Potential team members could be valued employees, technical experts, current clients, and interested stockholders.<br />
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Setting the annual strategy should be yearly process to develop <b><a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2009/01/setting-smart-goals-for-new-year.html" target="_blank">SMART goals</a></b> and create a plan for success. Goals must be measured and reviewed during the year to make sure the path is still the direction that the company should be going and if it is, that the target is still achievable. Celebration for reaching goals and recognizing those that contributed to the company;s success should also be part of the plan </div>
Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-88441322642408789852019-12-10T08:00:00.000-06:002019-12-10T08:00:12.514-06:00Ten Tips for Wonderful Webinars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Webinars are a great way to share knowledge or give presentations to multiple audiences at one time. People from multiple locations can connect at the same time to hear your message without travel requirements or tie zone issues. Consider webinars as an e-learning option for training and as a marketing tool for sales prospecting. Below are ten tips to help you have a problem-free webinar.<br />
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<b>10 Tips for Wonderful Webinars</b><br />
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<li><b>Select a webinar platform</b>. If the organization hosting the webinar does not have a webinar/virtual meeting provider, you will need to research ones that might fit your need. Most platforms offer a free short trial period you may use to host a small webinar to get started.</li>
<li><b>Alleviate technical issues</b>. Presenters should use a landline connection over WIFI option to prevent possible downtime. For the best voice sound, use a microphone headset rather than the mic inside your computer. Turn off any pop-up notifications to prevent distractions during presentation. Also be in a room where there will be no background noises or voices to interfere with the audio. </li>
<li><b>Have a technical assistant </b>or moderator, if possible. This allows the presenter to concentrate on delivering content rand answering questions over clicking on the computer. Verify with each other when the pre-webinar check-in time together will be , presentation expectations, and any post-webinar activities.</li>
<li><b>Provide a short speaker bio</b>, if you have a moderator who will be introducing the webinar. This is especially important if there will be several speakers in a panel or webinar series. It gives the moderator relevant data on presenter to share before introducing the current topic.</li>
<li><b>Keep it short </b>at 30-60 minutes, but no more than two hours. People get tired of staring at a screen even if the topic is absorbing. If your message requires more time, consider making it a multi-part series over a few weeks instead of a long session.</li>
<li><b>Promote the webinar</b>. Webinars target to a specific group should be communicated via email to target audience. Open webinars may be marketed via email and/or on social media.</li>
<li><b>Have a photo of the presenter</b> to include with bio and show on introductory/closing slides. This way the audience knows what you look like. This will allow you to skip having a presenter camera on you when you are speaking. Presenter cameras are geared for emulating face-to-face meetings, not for presentations where speaker may be glancing down at notes or on-line ressonses.</li>
<li><b><a href="https://ezinearticles.com/?Creating-Presentations&id=649067" target="_blank">Prepare</a> a slide show</b> for display during the webinar that is interesting and informative. Keep <a href="https://ezinearticles.com/?Professional-PowerPoint-Presentations-With-the-Rules-of-Six-and-More&id=1269972" target="_blank">slide text</a> as concise as possible, use appropriate statistics, have relevant graphics often, and use animations/transitions to get attention. In virtual presentations there is no eye-contact so you will need show more slides and spend less talking time per slide than if you awee doing a live presentation.You may want to give the audience the option of downloading a copy of the slid es to follow-along and make notes.</li>
<li><b><a href="https://ezinearticles.com/?Delivering-Presentations&id=649088" target="_blank">Practice</a> your presentation</b> for attention-getting delivery and with your assistant for technical delivery. With the technical practice session, include testing pauses for: audience to read statistics or graphs, taking polls, giving quizzes, and answering questions. </li>
<li><b>Consider recording</b> the webinar so that people unable to attend the original virtual session or missed part of a series has the option of watching at a later date. You may want to limit the amount of time the recording is available to eliminate the possibility of people seeing out-of-date information.</li>
</ol>
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Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-80519151567516587602019-11-12T09:00:00.000-06:002019-11-12T10:47:34.860-06:00Making Meetings Effective and Inclusive<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In other meeting posts, I have stressed the importance of <b>pre and post meeting A's</b> in order to have efficient and <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2013/02/increasing-focus-in-meetings.html">focused</a> meetings. More on these A's can be found in my <a href="http://shirleyfinelee.com/RARAmeetingmgmt.htm">meeting management book</a>.<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Prior to the meeting, provide a written <b>Agenda</b> so everyone knows what to expect. It is also important to quickly review the agenda at the beginning of the meeting as a reminder and to make shifts in timing of items if necessary to accommodate others schedules or topic urgency due to situational changes. </li>
<li>After the meeting, send out an email with <b>Actions</b> that need to be completed with the names of the people who will do each item and when it is due for completion. </li>
</ol>
You may also remember the meeting management <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2011/07/more-on-how-to-have-rara-meeting.html">podcasts</a> on the A's and the R's from the book, which stand for <b>Roles</b> and <b>Records. </b>Or perhaps you remember the process form the meeting wizard book, read related meeting management <a href="http://shirleyfinelee.com/Articles_EzineMtg.htm">articles</a>, or saw the meeting management <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2012/05/infographic-tweeting-rara-meetings.html">infographic</a>? This time, I want to share new <b>R's for making meetings more inclusive</b> while keeping them effective at the same time.<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Respect</b> others in the meeting by paying attention when they are talking. Listen to their words rather instead of planning your reply or preparing your next suggestion. Show interest with eye contact and nodding or smiling as appropriate. </li>
<li><b>Rephrase</b> what you think you heard someone say in the meeting starting with "I think you are saying ,,," to avoid confusion. Doing this let s the other person know they were heard and allows them to correct any misinterpretation. It not only clarifies for the group, it can help to calm an emotional situation.</li>
<li><b>Raise</b> your hand if you have a question or concern when someone else is presenting rather than interrupting their flow. This is a visual cue to them that they need to pause and give clarification before continuing. If they will cover the information you seek later in the presentation, they can let the group know. Chances are that someone else had the same concern so if you wait until presentation is done, you may miss the opportunity for valuable information.</li>
</ol>
That makes five R's for meeting management. Another A for you to think about for meeting inclusivity is using <b>All </b>words like "us" and "we" instead of "I" and "you" when appropriate. This fosters a unifying sense of team, which is important for meeting productivity. Now we have three A's for meeting management!<br />
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Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2104710088777245952.post-23753116914388715962019-10-29T09:06:00.000-05:002019-11-29T19:33:10.396-06:00Ten New Leader Assumptions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Whether a person is hired or promoted into a leadership position, they are expected to have certain skills. If they are experienced, they will have many of the skills and talent required of good leaders. Those with experience will know they need continuous learning to become great leaders.<br />
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However, people who are new at leadership may fell they have to jump right in and do rather than learn. Or they may be afraid to ask for training or mentoring as it may make them appear "not up to the job" they have been entrusted with. Either idea is a false assumption. Bad leaders choose not to learn, good leaders choose to gain what is need as it is need, great leaders seek to learn continually. Below are some false new leader assumptions that can be improved with appropriate mentorship, by reading good books on the topic, or through formal training.<br />
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<b>10 New Leader Assumptions</b><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Leaders know how to communicate with their followers.</li>
<li>Leaders can facilitate <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2013/02/increasing-focus-in-meetings.html">effective meetings</a>.</li>
<li>Leaders know how to <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2019/09/nine-tips-for-leading-by-example.html">inspire and motivate others</a>.</li>
<li>Leaders have excellent <a href="https://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2010/08/time-management-with-tapp-steps.html">time management</a> skills.</li>
<li>Leaders know how to solve problems and make decisions.</li>
<li>Leaders understand vision, mission, and objectives of the organization.</li>
<li>Leaders know how to discipline and reward their employees.</li>
<li>Leaders are technically competent.</li>
<li>Leaders know how to get necessary resources.</li>
<li>Leaders have ethics and are trustworthy,</li>
</ol>
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Shirley Fine Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667025870850424333noreply@blogger.com1