Tag Archives: managing

Getting Out In Front Of A Problem

Over the weekend, you might have read about Zappos getting hacked. Specifically, some of their account information was illegally accessed. I read about it but didn’t think too much about it until this morning I got an email from them and it turns out that my account may have been one of the 24 million that was grabbed.

What I want to write about is how Zappos handled it and how it can be a great example for any business that has to deal with a problem not of its own making. As an aside, I think Zappos is a model for many things in business – customer service being quite high on the list. But let’s stick to the issue at hand. Continue reading

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What Slow Cookers Teach Us

I’ve been using a slow cooker lately and it seems like a good topic for a Foodie Friday. Maybe you call it a “crock pot“, maybe you call it “that thing we never use.” I call it my new kitchen BFF and have been producing all kinds of soups, chilis, braised meats, and stews; the kind of stuff that’s perfect wintertime fare.

a slow cooker Oval Crock Pot

Image via Wikipedia

I’m sure you’re not a regular reader of the screed for cooking lessons so I won’t explain all the ins and outs of successful slow cooker use. I will, however, attempt to explain how slow cookers can teach a great business lesson.

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How To Set A Goal

This is a time of the year when there is a lot of focus on what we don’t have.  How else does one make a wish list without thinking about what we’d like but don’t own?  Wishful thinking is a good thing as long as it’s grounded in reality.  I mean, your kid may want you to buy them a functioning light saber along with a robot opponent with which to joust, but light sabers don’t exist, at least not of the sort that the kid might see in the Star Wars movie.  May the force be with you as you explain that.

It’s a point we business folks need to keep in mind as well – both with respect to our wants as well as to our fears. Continue reading

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Filed under Helpful Hints, Reality checks