| December 21, 2012 |
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- Entrepreneur taps into customers' creative side with DIY hardware kits
Limor Fried created MP3 players and other devices while studying for her master's degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She posted do-it-yourself instructions on the Internet, and the feedback she received eventually led her to start Adafruit Industries, which sells hardware kits that customers can assemble themselves. "I spend a lot of time thinking about how customers will interact with products so they won't break them," Fried said. "And when we sell something, we always give good documentation to get [them] going in a couple minutes." Entrepreneur magazine
(1/2013)      
- Good leaders are great communicators
Would-be leaders should prioritize developing their communication skills, writes Gretchen Rosswurm. That means mastering public speaking, corporate communications and interpersonal communication skills. "You may be hired for what you know, but you'll be promoted for your ability to influence people," Rosswurm writes. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Leadership
(12/18)
- How to ensure your employees fulfill your business promises
Your employees may not know what your company stands for or how to deliver on the promises you have made to your customers, writes Robin William. Creating a mission statement isn't enough to ensure that your employees are behaving properly, William notes. "So start with your mission statement, but take a careful, honest look at what your company can and will do for customers." Gallup Business Journal
(12/20)
- How to market your app on social sites
Social media can be a good way to spread the word about an application that your company has produced, writes David Murdico of Supercool Creative. "The key to social media marketing your app is determining who you're trying to reach, what you want them to do for you, evaluating what's working or not working and adjusting your approach." It's a good idea to post videos that show off your app on YouTube and to reach out to influential bloggers, he advises. iMedia Connection
(12/19)
- Lessons on business and happiness from a Starbucks barista
As a business leader, you may be able to learn from one especially cheerful Starbucks barista whom Ryan Estis ran into while traveling a couple of years ago. The barista explained that she was so friendly because happy customers enriched her life. "Instead of focusing on how to be successful, focus on how to be helpful," Estis advises.  PassionOnPurposeBlog.com
(12/20)
- What the best entrepreneurs have in common
In general, successful entrepreneurs tend to love what they do, are willing to trust their instincts and are adept at finding solutions, writes Steve Tobak. "Once they understand the problem, they revel in bringing their intellect, inspiration, and observations to bear in coming up with the right solution, plan, decision, whatever's appropriate for the situation." Inc. online (free registration)/Last Word blog
(12/19)
- How to innovate like Daniel Libeskind
Modern architect Daniel Libeskind has come up with some of the era's most creative designs -- and corporate innovators can harness the techniques he uses, writes Scott Bowden. Libeskind's ability to flip existing paradigms on their heads, blend substance and style, and spot big trends and apply them to his designs are all themes that innovators in any field can use, Bowden writes. InnovationExcellence.com
(12/19)
- Does your company excel at performance management?
Performance management is a critical ingredient for business success, but many companies don't do a very good job of it, writes Sebastian Bailey. Your performance-management efforts may be falling short if your employees feel uninspired or if individuals aren't held accountable. "Sure, the manager has a big part to play, but ultimately an individual has to be accountable for his or her performance and future career," he writes. Forbes
(12/20)
 | [D]on’t just do it, believe it! But don’t allow yourself to be blinded by your beliefs."
--Linda Peia, change manager with Ashoka, writing at Forbes
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