Cross That Finish LineBack in the early days of the online learning platform Coursera, I took a class in gamification offered by the Wharton School of Business. The ubiquitous application of game design elements across so many areas and sectors of business was in its infancy, and I was intrigued. One of the most fascinating things I learned about is the Goal Gradient Hypothesis, which basically posits that the closer one gets to completing a goal, the more motivated they become. If you've ever watched a marathon…Keep Reading
Learning to FlyI was planning to write one of those typical messages about getting back into a business mindset now that Labor Day is in the rearview and we’re heading into the busiest time of year for many of us. But, when I sit down to write, I don’t feel the usual back-to-school energy that’s typical for me during the first week of September. Instead, I’m reflecting on my mixed bag of a summer and wishing it weren’t, in everything but name, over. I had such momentum coming into the season and then life…Keep Reading
Help! I Need SomebodySo, you're ready to bring someone in to help you with admin tasks, research, and more. For most business owners, hiring help is a big decision. It's scary giving up that sense of control and relying on somebody else to get things done and do them right. That's why I'm so glad to share this advice from Dianne Bennett, Founder of May I Help You Virtual Services, on finding the right Virtual Assistant (VA) for you. The first thing to understand is that, just like you, a VA is a business owner….Keep Reading
Shaken and StirredHi Reader, Did you know that research shows men are more comfortable ordering a cocktail when they know what kind of glass the drink is served in? It's led some restaurants and bars to add images to their cocktail menus to give men the boost of confidence they need. When you think about it, it makes sense. Some men think it doesn't look manly to drink a fruity cocktail or one that comes in a glass associated with fruity cocktails. So rather than risk it, they'll go with what they know. Big…Keep Reading
Diversity is KeyIn 2008, I was the second person in the boutique consulting firm I worked for to get laid off—after the Director of HR, if you can believe that! The problem was, our clients were largely in the financial sector and, as the mortgage crisis came to a head and titans of the industry began to falter (not to mention the banks), the opportunities dried up faster than teardrops in the desert. I am a big proponent of getting very niche with your target audience as a small business so you can really…Keep Reading
No CompetitionIf you're wondering whether I'm still experiencing Games On Olympics fever, you bet I am! In high school, I was selected as the captain of the girl's swim team. Why did my teammates select me? It's not because I was the fastest swimmer on the team. It's not because I won or placed more than my teammates in our competitions. It's not even because I was the only member who could swim the butterfly, making me essential to our competitive standing. It's because I put my all into our practice…Keep Reading
Back in the early days of the online learning platform Coursera, I took a class in gamification offered by the Wharton School of Business. The ubiquitous application of game design elements across so many areas and sectors of business was in its infancy, and I was intrigued. One of the most fascinating things I learned about is the Goal Gradient Hypothesis, which basically posits that the closer one gets to completing a goal, the more motivated they become. If you've ever watched a marathon…Keep Reading
I was planning to write one of those typical messages about getting back into a business mindset now that Labor Day is in the rearview and we’re heading into the busiest time of year for many of us. But, when I sit down to write, I don’t feel the usual back-to-school energy that’s typical for me during the first week of September. Instead, I’m reflecting on my mixed bag of a summer and wishing it weren’t, in everything but name, over. I had such momentum coming into the season and then life…Keep Reading
So, you're ready to bring someone in to help you with admin tasks, research, and more. For most business owners, hiring help is a big decision. It's scary giving up that sense of control and relying on somebody else to get things done and do them right. That's why I'm so glad to share this advice from Dianne Bennett, Founder of May I Help You Virtual Services, on finding the right Virtual Assistant (VA) for you. The first thing to understand is that, just like you, a VA is a business owner….Keep Reading
Hi Reader, Did you know that research shows men are more comfortable ordering a cocktail when they know what kind of glass the drink is served in? It's led some restaurants and bars to add images to their cocktail menus to give men the boost of confidence they need. When you think about it, it makes sense. Some men think it doesn't look manly to drink a fruity cocktail or one that comes in a glass associated with fruity cocktails. So rather than risk it, they'll go with what they know. Big…Keep Reading
In 2008, I was the second person in the boutique consulting firm I worked for to get laid off—after the Director of HR, if you can believe that! The problem was, our clients were largely in the financial sector and, as the mortgage crisis came to a head and titans of the industry began to falter (not to mention the banks), the opportunities dried up faster than teardrops in the desert. I am a big proponent of getting very niche with your target audience as a small business so you can really…Keep Reading
If you're wondering whether I'm still experiencing Games On Olympics fever, you bet I am! In high school, I was selected as the captain of the girl's swim team. Why did my teammates select me? It's not because I was the fastest swimmer on the team. It's not because I won or placed more than my teammates in our competitions. It's not even because I was the only member who could swim the butterfly, making me essential to our competitive standing. It's because I put my all into our practice…Keep Reading