Best Practices

Best marketing strategies guided by integrity, truth
When it comes to marketing, maintaining honesty and integrity is the key to overcoming a variety of challenges, according to marketing consultant Lynn Upshaw. Marketing with integrity means avoiding "weasel words" and making sure you -- and not just your lawyer -- find a marketing strategy to be acceptably truthful. Entrepreneur (8/2007)

Startup lessons in fundraising
The successes and challenges of finding funding for startups are described by branding expert Karen Post. Those seeking startup funds need to know what would constitute a winning pitch and how to appropriately address an audience in making a fundraising request. Fast Company (8/2007)

Management

Executive teams take shape of versatile, leader-centric models
Executive teams often set the tone for an entire organization and usually follow one of two leadership models: a versatile leadership model, with a leader who aspires to build a collaborative team, or a leader-centric model, with a CEO who runs the show. Both models have merits, but the versatile team leadership model can produce more efficient and thoughtful outcomes, this article says. SmartBIZ (8/6)

Customer Relations

What to do when customers only want lowest price
In response to a question on how to deal with customers who only want to hear lower prices, sales expert Dave Kahle suggests considering whether lower prices or better value is what the customer really wants. Customers may have been trained to push for lower prices by sellers who make price the main topic of their conversation, or price reductions in the past may have prompted customers to continue to expect them. DaveKahle.com (7/24)

Training and Presentation

Coaching, mentoring essential elements in executive training
Training for executives may offer specific skill sets, but continued training should also include mentoring and coaching, according to an expert. In addition to providing a coach or mentor, employers should enlist tools such as performance appraisals, changes in incentive or pay, and changes in work flow processes to support the mentoring or coaching process. CEO Strategist (8/1)

Closing the Deal

Keep top talent
"It's important for sales recruiters to get creative in the way they market their career opportunities and in the way they introduce benefits," corporate communications manager Tanya Flynn says in Manage Smarter, "in order to retain and recruit top prospects."

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