• Listening, Understanding and Collaborating - Read or Listen

Many people have lost jobs, savings and their homes. Everyone is being affected in some way. It appears that we are in the midst of transformation: financial, ecological and cultural. What could we as Early Words Toastmasters (and people everywhere) do to make a difference in our communities?

• Customers Are Your Lifeline: A Vital Survival Strategy - Read

During times of great change, business-life is like being in rough seas wearing a life preserver. If we are thrown a lifeline, we must focus and catch it. Article length is one and one-third page, approximately 580 words.

• Write Your Business Plan - Read or Listen

Step-by-step approach to set personal and business goals leading to a short business plan that could be easily maintained and gradually expanded. It is complimented with the "Simple Plan Outline" that makes it easy for an entrepreneur or department manager to read the "Write Your Business Plan" article and go right to work on an existing outline. Contact the author (john@BeCauseBusiness.com) for access to the outline. Article length is one page - approximately 350 words.

• Improve Employee Productivity - Read or Listen

Leadership of groups achieving objectives is critical for successful business in the short and long term. Inspiring group members to a) take initiative and b) function as a unit requires a gentle blend of control and direction. Having a "light hand on the wheel" can involve inviting group members to write up their ideas for actions in departments that will achieve milestones towards the company goals. Article length is one page - approximately 400 words.

• Adapting To Change in Challenging Times - Read or Listen

Improving communications with clients while fostering customer satisfaction is always good. Engaging staff to discover client's deeper needs, then developing products/services to fulfill them "better, faster and cheaper" is fundamental to growth and survival. Creative Destruction, Appreciative Inquiry and Project Management are three methods to achieve competitive advantage, particularly during economic turmoil. Article is two pages - approximately 740 words.

Learn how to prepare your business to sell.

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