Charting Dreams

The Word “Book” Now Up For Grabs

Jen McGahan — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:41:14 +0000

This week Penguin Books' CEO John Makinson teased the digital media world with a preview of some of the interactive ebooks it will be publishing for the iPad. Currently, I and millions of other bibliophiles own countless books that "do" one thing. Well, okay, I take it back. They don't actually do anything. They are done unto. To think that I may wish my books to someday perform amazing feats that my (future) digital reader can't facilitate...I can't even go there yet.

Disaster-Ready?

Jen McGahan — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:35:21 +0000

Consider what would happen if you couldn't go into your workplace to contact your customers. Would they have a way to contact you? Assuring them that you are covered in an emergency could help you get future business. And knowing you have plan B in place provides you with peace of mind.

Your High Risk Job

Jen McGahan — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:34:33 +0000

I'm guessing it's because the risk of earning a living doing anything else than doing your own thing is unthinkable. All the hazards of owning a small business pale in comparison to the work-a-day rat race of working on someone else's dream. Or it could just be nobody would hire them wearing that superhero outfit.

Haig’s Role in Starting AOL

Jen McGahan — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:42:05 +0000

“Practice rather than preach. Make of your life an affirmation, defined by your ideals, not the negation of others. Dare to the level of your capability then go beyond to a higher level.”

Born Leaders

Jen McGahan — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:30:26 +0000

To get ahead, you must be at least capable in each of the above areas of Emotional Intelligence. Even if you are not "The Leader," these qualities will allow you to do your work with effectiveness and support from your team. Furthermore, it's never too late to acquire these traits.

Small Business Advice

Sam Maropis — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:32:52 +0000

I totally agree that training for coaches is so important. But it seems odd to me that someone who may have no or very little experience as a small business owner would be dishing out advice. That reminds me of the person who has big opinions on child rearing; yet has no children.

Toyota’s Apology Reveals Teamwork

Jen McGahan — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:43:05 +0000

I found it interesting that Toyota shows many different employees in the commercial, from the salesman on the showroom floor to the assembly line workers inside the factory, soberly laboring away while a compassionate voice apologizes for the whole mess. No heads on sticks, but no heads in the sand, either.

It’s Tax Time

Sam Maropis — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:01:08 +0000

As a small biz coach, I see that the role of “taxpayer” is perhaps the most stressful job our clients have.

Feedback

Jen McGahan — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:54:06 +0000

Respect your customers by acknowledging that you don’t know better than them. Use their generous input to help shape your company’s future or, if you disagree, provide a point from which to “continue the conversation.” Your business may look different from what you originally envisioned, but you will gain the goodwill of potential clients and customers who are looking for integrity in their vendors, shopkeepers, and consultants.

Up in the Air

Sam Maropis — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:44:43 +0000

Are you ready for the ax?