Bridging the Gap: Balancing Emotional Appeal and Analytical Rigor In business, the ability to quickly and effectively communicate complex ideas is a valuable skill. Often, this is referred to as the "30-second pitch." A shorthand for what is the top-line value proposition. As seasoned
Digital Transformation: Lessons from a Roadmap for NYC Transit
Over the last ten months, there has been a spike in the number of strategy reports minted predicting the impact of technology on - well, pick the subject, business operations, employment, and the survival of humanity as we know it. These works are great food for thought, but how often do we go
Letting Go
In my prior post series on business models I talked about getting liberated. Breaking connections to make room for your new ideas. One of the most difficult traditional views for businesses is the thought that a product or service needs to be perfected before released upon the masses. Yes, a
Making Solid Business Decisions: 7 Things that You Must Know
photo: Simon Doggett via Flickr Why are bad decisions made by capable businesses? Business decisions are typically green-lighted, if not made directly, by seasoned people within an organization, then why is it so hit or miss? After all, isn’t decision making something that we as individuals do
5 Cornerstones of a Powerfully Successful Business Development Pitch
photo: Aladair Middleton via Flickr You live and die by the pitch in business. Pitching is not a science nor an art & science it’s pure art. You have mere minutes to impress your audience and with success or failure hanging in the balance a tight relevant presentation is key. There are
Warning: This will get you and your boss’ head nodding
“Who are these guys? They're my theme music. Every hero's got to have some.” - Jack Spade, ‘I’m Gonna Git You Sucka’ This has to be one of my favorite quotes from a movie. I’m pretty certain no one is going to call me a hero. But, I do have a theme... check that a soundtrack. In fact, I
The Truth About Starting a New Business Successfully
Okay, it's that time of year again where lists of how to close out the year right, get a jump on the next year, and how to leverage the holiday social scene pop-up like… well they are everywhere. So much so that it forces your brain to tune out and everything starts to sound like the teacher from
How to Win Friends and Stifle Competition
If you’re King of the Hill and there is another that’s banging on the front door you protect your house (top of the line iPhone) by making sure that all your flanks are covered. That’s the virtual role of the iPhone 4S and the line’s new pricing structure. As pointed out in a New York Times
The Art of Finding Your Groove
It’s good every now and then to take a moment to understand why you do what you do. It gives you an opportunity to insure that you’re actions are relevant to your core. The points below were developed in advance of participating on a career panel at my alma mater the Fuqua School of Business (Duke’s