Author Archive

Apple’s values, March Madness and this week’s other interesting business stories

Apple’s Future.  Tim Cook says everything at Apple can change except values--Fast Company         GM Ditching Russia.  Political turmoil in Russia, combined with a weak economy and lower-than-expected sales, convinced General Motors that it isn’t worth sinking more money into the once-promising market.—Forbes     March Madness...

5 ways to segment customers

Customer segmentation is a successful marketing tool when implemented correctly. Selecting segments and placing your customers must be done with precision. Here are 5 ways to tackle this vital task: 1. Demographics.  Divide your customers into demographic groups. Consumers primarily purchase product based on needs and wants that are related...

Are you a victim of organizational drift?

Valcort 35 Keys to Business Growth. #17: Have a formal process in place that makes sure that your products and services, your sales approach, and your internal operations all line up with the needs of specific, well-defined customer groups. Slipping on the fins and covering my face with the snorkel...

Zuckerberg’s hiring secrets and this week’s other top business stories

Mark Zuckerberg Shares His Secret to Recruiting the Best Employees – Inc. Magazine Facebook founder and CEO reveals the simple but counterintuitive rule of thumb he uses to keep the right candidates from slipping through his filter. Larger iPad Reportedly Coming in 2nd Quarter – Wall Street Journal Apple Suppliers...

Great Ways to Discover Employee Strengths

What are the most important characteristics of your next star employee?  I’d suggest there are three:  trustworthiness, essential competency, and perhaps the most important characteristic, passion (for life, for people, for your work, for every breath). With these characteristics in mind, check out the following tools to discover and analyze...

7 Steps to Employee Greatness

Think about the best job you’ve ever had. Perhaps it’s the one you have now, or it may be many years ago. What was it about your employee experience that made it great? Now, think back to the worst experience you’ve had as an employee (sorry, if this is a...

Fundamental truths of success and other top business stories of the week

1. 10 Fundamental Truths about Success We Forget Too Easily -- Forbes It’s surprising how easy it is to lose sight of the important things in life. Busy schedules and weekly routines have a tendency to put the brain on autopilot. Some of life’s essential truths need repeating.  Here you...

The 15 most important things you need to know about your customers.

What are the most important things you should know about your customers? You should know what they are most frustrated about. And what they’re trying to achieve. You should know where they hang out online. What else? Create your own list, but first read our list of 15 things you...

How clear customer focus can prevent a crash landing

Valcort 35 Keys to Business Growth: #15  Have a clear, customer-focused approach to your business that drives important business decisions. “Six Alpha Romeo, clear to land.” An F-16 fighter pilot recently told me that they are routinely trained and warned to keep their head up and eyes outside the cockpit.  Without...

Value Matters. Measure It.

Valcort 35 Keys to Business Growth: #14. Consistently measure all marketing and sales activities and your progress toward achieving your vision, and communicate the results with the company regularly. How would you define personal success? What will make your life a success? These are great questions to ask yourself. Perhaps it’s...