Case study/examples on what’s wrong with the your “best practices” Below are examples of an “internet savvy” marketeer who makes all the mistakes you can make when commenting on LinkedIn. I bet you make them too. Explanations follow. LinkedIn is the major social media platform for business oriented people. If you are like many others, you may post longer articles…

Many times, customers want to be heard and treated as important even if you can’t solve their concern — Sometimes it seems that it’s impossible to figure out what an angry customer really wants from you and your company. It’s not uncommon for an angry customer to continue to act out, or be abusive even though you’ve actually been able to resolve his or her apparent problem. …

It’s often the case that small businesses exist in a market that includes at least one, and often many other LARGE businesses or chains. On the surface of it, it would seem that the small business is in competition with these giants, but that’s more of an illusion or a…

Welcome to the fire of an unhealthy workplace. Leadership may be the cure — Summary: Some organizations have climates that are unhealthy for those that work in them. We call these organizations toxic organizations. Within toxic organizations conflict thrives like weeds. Read more about toxic companies. Toxic Organizations We can think of organizations as falling on a continuum. One end is anchored by organizations that function…

Too many lupins, lack of common vision and purpose — “Ah. God is really excellent and today is a wonderful day,” Robin thought as he stepped from his tent into the sun-painted larches, oaks and sumacs of Sherwood Forest. Around him, over three dozen men were also waking, or already hard at work. Three dozen! It startled Robin. Since the…

Ten tips. Learn the gentle art of persuasion and leadership. Lead so people follow. — It doesn’t matter who you are speaking to. Whether to a group of a thousand, a radio or television audience, or one person in the privacy of your office, much depends on your ability to come across in a credible and honest fashion. Good intentions are not enough. Many the…

Meep meep. Oops. — In a previous article we discussed the plight of Mary Duncan, Director of the Income Security Branch, who had to contend with John, the human speed bump. John’s tended to shoot holes in new ideas, procrastinate, and generally hold to the status quo. …

Groups and teams work on the job, and at home with family and friends. Learn whether your group should have ground rules and how to set them. — The following question is about a workplace, but the things that make teams function well apply to ANY kind of group or team, whether it’s a sports team, non-profit action group, or in the home (yes, your family is a team too). Question Our branch has been moving towards a more…

It sure as hell isn’t expertise or wisdom! — Perhaps it’s because I’m slowly reading “You Are Not A Gadget” By Jaron Lanier, but I’m getting more interested in the changes that society may undergo as a result of social media, and in turn, I’m interested in what is held in common by people who are considered the leaders…