Savvy companies understand this and recognize that developing a sound program that motivates an employee to do what is in their best interest to do is one of the major reasons why large companies get bigger. And it might be a reason why small companies stay that way – small. They may not fully grasp the “how” and the “why.”

One key component to this is a well-written job description.

Goals and expectations need to be carefully laid out so that an individual or category of employee can understand how they can increase their compensation package – whether through commissions, bonuses or other incentives.

Failure to do so can be VERY expensive!

Contrary to what you may think, market research is not something that only big companies do. Keeping your company aware of positive or negative trends in your industry and in the market that interacts with your industry can mean the difference between prospering—and something far less desirable.

Knowledge is power, and the more power you have, the stronger your business will be. What can market research do for your company?

Effective April 1, 2010, all CMC’s (Certified Management Consultants) certified by the Institute of Management Consultants (Washington, D.C.) are now certified by the International Organization for Standardization ISO (Geneva, Switzerland).

How might this impact a U.S. company’s competitiveness?

Today, the U.S., as well as foreign companies seeking business in the European Community (EC) are expected to be ISO certified. ISO (International Organization for Standardization)—a non-governmental organization—is the world’s largest developer and publisher of International Standards. From ISO9000 to the broad spectrum of other standardizations, the necessity for becoming certified is critical when a company wishes to partner with businesses that sell to European governments.

What You Need Is A Structured Business Process We all get them at every trade show we attend: Those beautiful, shiny plastic bags filled with business cards, free samples and pamphlets. “This document imaging idea is great!” you think. “The vendors I met at that last booth will really help me improve my bottom line!” [...]

What You Need Is a Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

To stand out in today’s competitive market, marketing and business development professionals need to focus on what’s unique and special about the business. What you need: A Unique Selling Proposition (USP)—a single statement that anyone can easily understand, a sentence that clearly defines what makes you better, different or unique.