Perspectives - Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick

Organizations Can't Change

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Organizations can't change; only individuals can. If you want to bring about change in your organization, you must begin with people.

Right Hand, Meet Left Hand

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The contest wasn’t a big deal, but I thought the chance to win the prize package was worth a few minutes of my time. It was even worth the inevitable sales call I really didn’t want to receive, but was sure would follow. So I obeyed the publication’s instructions and entered the web address in my browser.

Volatility � The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The word volatility in the investing arena typically evokes visions of extreme risk and unpredictability. And while that may be partially true, it is important to recognize that volatility also creates opportunity.

Planning Pays Off

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Super Bowl XLVI is over and we can certainly be proud of Indianapolis. The world has a new perception and a deeper appreciation for our City. Our Host Committee set its goal for the event, planned for all contingencies, and implemented completely. Planning is the key to achieving personal goals as well.

Five Ways to Make Your Trade Shows Pay

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Trade show season is in full swing, and so is the dance to justify their cost. One of the largest expenditures of a B2B marketer, trade shows siphon off precious marketing dollars with the promise of generating leads and driving sales.

Risky Business: Are Your Workers Covered When Traveling Overseas?

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

While there’s been a substantial improvement, we’re still in the midst of a recession and local businesses are still struggling to make ends meet. At a time when business leaders are making difficult decisions on where to cut funds, it is vital that executives realize the necessity of travel medical insurance for their employees who travel overseas.

Reach For The Sky With Cloud Computing

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

“Having your head in the clouds” used to be a negative description of someone more interested in daydreams than the work at hand. These days, however, a businessperson without cloud computing capabilities may find that not having her head in the clouds is a competitive disadvantage.

No Guarantees For Retirees

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

I recently read an article that suggested Social Security benefits, company pensions, and insurance annuity contracts provided a dependable, even guaranteed, income for retirees. I beg to differ. Risks and uncertainties exist that can quickly derail that confidence.

Ten Great Morning Habits

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

If you are looking for a way to be more successful in the new year, try setting your wake-up alarm a half hour earlier. That's one of the 10 new habits Kevin Eikenberry is suggesting to possibly jump start your success.

Five Tips to Position Your Event's Speaker for Success

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Make no mistake about it: the quality of a speaker's performance at your event will primarily be his or her own responsibility. Good speakers know there's no substitute for preparation—which includes asking some good questions of the event host long before taking the stage.

12 Trends For 2012

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

What are the hottest trends in branding, design and marketing this year?

Pay Off The Mortgage or Invest?

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

With uncertainty surrounding our investment markets, homeowners with cash are questioning whether to pay off their mortgage or invest the extra dollars. The answer depends on your mortgage rate and your inclination to hold debt.

Creating a Work Space That Promotes Your Productivity

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Whether you work in an office, cubicle, or your favorite coffee shop, your environment influences your productivity. This article from Kevin Eikenberry offers some questions to consider about your work space and some suggestions you can implement to make your work environment as productive as possible.

Forbes Magazine's Rankings of Best States For Business and Careers �

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Forbes magazine recently completed an analysis of the 50 states to determine the best locations for business and careers. The top 10 ranged from smaller states such as Nebraska and North Dakota to larger ones, such as Texas and North Carolina. The rankings provide insight into why some states fare well, while others struggle.

Fiber Gigabit Broadband: The Quiet Energizer for Indiana Economic Development and Recovery

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Using cloud-based strategic Internet applications with nearly limitless memory? Is streaming video for product demonstration a major part of your retail sales? Do you use on-demand video-conferencing to cut costs or online modeling to reduce development time? Is your workforce participating in online training?

Indiana Vision 2025: A Plan For Hoosier Prosperity

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The calendar may have just recently turned to 2012 and there are many goals to accomplish in the New Year, but at least part of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce focus will be on 2025 – as in Indiana Vision 2025.

Gov't Savings Bonds Have Gone Paperless

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Gone are the days of giving or receiving a savings bond...at least in paper form. As of January 1, you can only purchase and hold savings bonds electronically through the TreasuryDirect program. In addition, the amount you pay for a bond has changed.

National Make Your Dream Come True Day

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

How to financially prepare to make your dreams come true.

Will Your Company Donate Professional Work in 2012?

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Lawyers call it pro bono, which is short for the Latin phrase pro bono publico, which means “for the public good.”

Class Sports: Putting Fairness First

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

This time of year, with chords of Auld Lang Syne still ringing in our ears, it’s not uncommon or unnatural to think of days gone by as being more desirable than the era we live in today.

An Open Letter to Parents of High School Students

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

There is no bigger decision than trying to decide what to do after high school.

Start Your 2012 Tax Planning Now

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Make plans now and take action to reduce your 2012 taxes. Pre-tax savings and taking capital gains at this year’s lower rate can make a difference. And, if you are over 70 ½ years of age, it may make sense to delay taking your IRA minimum distribution until later in the year.

Inheritance Tax Warning: Don�t Be Caught Dead in Indiana

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

If you die in Indiana, the people you leave your assets to will pay.

Five Benefits of Enterprise Risk Management

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Organizations across all industries are implementing some form of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), because ERM can provide significant value to the strategic development and execution of business plans.

Winter Weather Advisory: Prepare For Weather-Related Absences

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

It’s that dreaded time of year: winter’s chill is upon us, and with it comes the possibility of inclement weather that can affect the workplace and your business’s bottom line.