Most Active Articles 2009-11-25T22:08:56.571-05:00 Business Exchange Business_Exchange@businessweek.com urn:com:businessweek:bx:topic:most-active:sales-performance-management Mark Smith msmith670 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:3716327332050599689-4fa05b56270934041955c770a51cb5c1 2009-11-18T13:21:57.478-05:00

According to Department of U.S. Labor Statistics, the self-employed aged 55 - 65 rose 33% in 2008, double the number of self-employed 25 - 35 year-olds. Research shows that approximately 22% of all new startup businesses are registered by people between 47 and 65 years of age. No matter how old you are, there is always that perceived often misleading label attached to your age.

According to Department of U.S. Labor Statistics, the self-employed aged 55 - 65 rose 33% in 2008, double the number of self-employed 25 - 35 year-olds. Research shows that approximately 22% of all new startup businesses are registered by people between 47 and 65 years of age. No matter how old you are, there is always that perceived often misleading label attached to your age. http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/mr-rickman/sustainable-business-news-services/seniors-and-women-small-business-startups-gain-mo James Rickman jrickman047 2 1 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:9318472212470208827-c3c3de02845b92cdbeae4c071c6c77a7 2009-11-18T13:19:42.787-05:00

In the U.S., the more than 25 million small business entrepreneurs employing 75% of the population are a driving force in the development of laptops, cell phones, PDAs, Netbooks, and free WiFi Internet connections now found at most shopping malls, hotels, public libraries or coffee shops. In this fashion, portable devices have inspired entrepreneurs to work from their home office, car or sitting on the beach redefining traditional paradigms. These wireless gadgets allow us to learn, fulfill and deliver high quality work from anywhere in the world. Read more...

In the U.S., the more than 25 million small business entrepreneurs employing 75% of the population are a driving force in the development of laptops, cell phones, PDAs, Netbooks, and free WiFi Internet connections now found at most shopping malls, hotels, public libraries or coffee shops. In this fashion, portable devices have inspired entrepreneurs to work from their home office, car or sitting on the beach redefining traditional paradigms. These wireless gadgets allow us to learn, fulfill and deliver high quality work from anywhere in the world. Read more... http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/mr-rickman/sustainable-business-news-services/small-business-innovation-trends-mobile-enterpris James Rickman jrickman047 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:6972134232771028806-3f93aab4dbc53b275b7b182183612710 2009-11-17T20:10:43.125-05:00

Economic Data FED Reports Sluggish Recovery - Industrial production edged up 0.1 percent last month, the Fed reported Tuesday. It was the poorest showing since output fell 0.4 percent in June. Since then, industrial output had posted strong gains, helped by a rebound in auto production. GDP has been revised to around 2.8 percent for the third quarter, then slip to 2.5 percent in the current quarter. Some analysts predict GDP growth will slip to around 1.5 percent in the first half of next year.

Economic Data FED Reports Sluggish Recovery - Industrial production edged up 0.1 percent last month, the Fed reported Tuesday. It was the poorest showing since output fell 0.4 percent in June. Since then, industrial output had posted strong gains, helped by a rebound in auto production. GDP has been revised to around 2.8 percent for the third quarter, then slip to 2.5 percent in the current quarter. Some analysts predict GDP growth will slip to around 1.5 percent in the first half of next year. http://useconomicdatanovember.blogspot.com/ James Rickman jrickman047 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15090786840600310611-00a459ecd688fcc99ce39250ffe55d99 2009-11-10T17:11:02.916-05:00

As the choices of new marketing strategies and initiatives evolve, organizations constantly reevaluate what marketing initiatives to pursue. Learn to help your organization determine how much to invest in from one vehicle versus another?

As the choices of new marketing strategies and initiatives evolve, organizations constantly reevaluate what marketing initiatives to pursue. Learn to help your organization determine how much to invest in from one vehicle versus another? http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/mr-rickman/sustainable-business-news-services/increase-sales-using-dynamic-marketing James Rickman jrickman047 4 4 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:16611021513729054901-f01db1a9ee5073e87e177a95184db303 2009-11-10T08:56:43.558-05:00

Sales trainers and sales training firms have a big challenge over the next year: many customer training budgets have shrunk or been eliminated entirely; the trainers’ own revenues are significantly down—there has been plenty of downsizing; there are big changes in customer buying patterns; and sales training itself, due to advances in technology, is going through some of the biggest changes since the first commercially available recordings of sales trainers were produced.

Sales trainers and sales training firms have a big challenge over the next year: many customer training budgets have shrunk or been eliminated entirely; the trainers’ own revenues are significantly down—there has been plenty of downsizing; there are big changes in customer buying patterns; and sales training itself, due to advances in technology, is going through some of the biggest changes since the first commercially available recordings of sales trainers were produced. http://davesteinsblog.esresearch.com/2009/11/09/inside-the-sales-training-industry-part-2-9-big-obstacles-to-overcome/ Dave Stein dstein194 7 7 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5451394482030969591-cc5e8e2716fd0a7e22f3962f44094632 2009-11-13T12:49:18.198-05:00

Great article details holiday tree sales facts, pricing and tips. See new White House Tree 2009 online. Find out how to pickout your tree. What to look for from local tree farmers and ways to save during holiday shopping season.

Great article details holiday tree sales facts, pricing and tips. See new White House Tree 2009 online. Find out how to pickout your tree. What to look for from local tree farmers and ways to save during holiday shopping season. http://christmastreefacts.blogspot.com/2009/11/christmas-tree-facts-prices-and-tips.html James Rickman jrickman047 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:3330072608139377981-01850f01678179e82fec27cec5fab4b8 2009-11-11T15:22:35.846-05:00

New report shows that some of the same pressures that have pushed California toward economic disaster are wreaking havoc in a number of other states, with potentially damaging consequences for the entire country. Find out how fiscally sound your state is by reading this report.

New report shows that some of the same pressures that have pushed California toward economic disaster are wreaking havoc in a number of other states, with potentially damaging consequences for the entire country. Find out how fiscally sound your state is by reading this report. http://statebudgetreport.blogspot.com/ James Rickman jrickman047 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:3162670989151651610-3f512ccc9bde1fff7fbfba73f9c14c98 2009-11-09T13:29:53.961-05:00

The world's biggest drugmaker, Pfizer said Monday it is closing six of its 20 research facilities, reorganizing and consolidating others, and cutting the jobs of roughly 15% over 8,000 workers of its scientists and support staff. The job cuts accelerate internal cost controls that mirror other companies also reporting better than expected earnings through productivity reorganization as the U.S. consumer markets remain anemic.

The world's biggest drugmaker, Pfizer said Monday it is closing six of its 20 research facilities, reorganizing and consolidating others, and cutting the jobs of roughly 15% over 8,000 workers of its scientists and support staff. The job cuts accelerate internal cost controls that mirror other companies also reporting better than expected earnings through productivity reorganization as the U.S. consumer markets remain anemic. http://pfizercutsjobs.blogspot.com/ James Rickman jrickman047 2 2 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10867722032965011549-4b3b08843243d2901bfa3e7755d4379a 2009-11-08T09:31:41.964-05:00

Differences in the way that sales teams and marketing departments are managed lead them into conflict. Here are strategies for harmonizing their missions

Differences in the way that sales teams and marketing departments are managed lead them into conflict. Here are strategies for harmonizing their missions http://tinyurl.com/qn6whg Christine Crandell ccrandell590 4 3 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:903088942819608348-67501ddb1bbae57952d207086a07aaa6 2009-11-10T16:44:14.657-05:00

Research has shown that 60% of websites do not know their conversion rates. By regularly measuring the websites effectiveness it will increase your sales in comparison with most competitors. Several lead – sales management tools are available to help you monitor the download conversion rates. Do you know your site's conversion rates? What do you take into consideration when making changes to your site's design?

Research has shown that 60% of websites do not know their conversion rates. By regularly measuring the websites effectiveness it will increase your sales in comparison with most competitors. Several lead – sales management tools are available to help you monitor the download conversion rates. Do you know your site's conversion rates? What do you take into consideration when making changes to your site's design? http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/mr-rickman/sustainable-business-news-services/sales-results-developing-website-conversion-rates James Rickman jrickman047 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15170065201076130024-c29d10ce8e64a70d356b28a47d89458e 2009-11-08T09:32:36.296-05:00

Not long after I assumed the role of vice president for marketing at Ariba, Inc. in the Fall of 2005, I came face to face with one of the challenges marketing executives fear the most. There was a discernible rift between sales and marketing that...

Not long after I assumed the role of vice president for marketing at Ariba, Inc. in the Fall of 2005, I came face to face with one of the challenges marketing executives fear the most. There was a discernible rift between sales and marketing that... http://bit.ly/3drLK Christine Crandell ccrandell590 3 3 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:13399561646351270104-7aa45ea08250dd0ef3628bef07a5e964 2009-11-09T18:04:17.449-05:00

Rod Sloane's just published new interview with Christine Crandell on the No Bull Business radio sharing some radical ideas.

Rod Sloane's just published new interview with Christine Crandell on the No Bull Business radio sharing some radical ideas. http://rods.libsyn.com/ Christine Crandell ccrandell590 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:408421537214904563-920aa8f77b938f6ca2198fb19927e796 2009-11-07T18:15:20.007-05:00

When telesales is done right, the experience is most rewarding. Many people don't like it very much because it requires hard work, discipline and consistency. Let's face it, closing the sale is a lot more fun. Here are some tips to make your power dialing experience more effective.

When telesales is done right, the experience is most rewarding. Many people don't like it very much because it requires hard work, discipline and consistency. Let's face it, closing the sale is a lot more fun. Here are some tips to make your power dialing experience more effective. http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/mr-rickman/sustainable-business-news-services/sales-power-dialing-results-art-not-simply-techno James Rickman jrickman047 2 2 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10963443885996008100-faaf0d753a14fd6276183d89a846556e 2009-11-09T10:00:52.395-05:00

Automakers sold a total of 1.2 million cars and trucks, the government-sanctioned China Association of Auto Manufacturers announced November 8, 2009. China's October auto sales 72% from a year earlier, outpacing U.S. sales for another month, according to data reported Monday.

Automakers sold a total of 1.2 million cars and trucks, the government-sanctioned China Association of Auto Manufacturers announced November 8, 2009. China's October auto sales 72% from a year earlier, outpacing U.S. sales for another month, according to data reported Monday. http://chinacarsalesoct.blogspot.com/ James Rickman jrickman047 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:17090204639406222351-f8596f270593a159464d021d19276dcc 2009-11-07T13:11:45.270-05:00

Breaking World News Commentary with Innovative Business Resources for Consumer Markets, Corporate Managers, Nonprofits, Entrepreneurs and Workforce Communities. Read World News Impacting Your Daily Life including Sustainable New Job Solutions For Americans...

Breaking World News Commentary with Innovative Business Resources for Consumer Markets, Corporate Managers, Nonprofits, Entrepreneurs and Workforce Communities. Read World News Impacting Your Daily Life including Sustainable New Job Solutions For Americans... http://www.sustainablevirtualbiz.com/sustainable_business_news_source James Rickman jrickman047 2 2 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:9370417203165298255-c1fa9a63037bbfc2996883b20f9b7864 2009-11-07T18:40:21.661-05:00

As the unemployment rate continued to spiral upward over 10.2% for October 2009. Mixed data includes factory orders in the U.S. while companies focus on internal costs controls for better productivity. Entrepreneurs offer innovative solutions to creating jobs in America.

As the unemployment rate continued to spiral upward over 10.2% for October 2009. Mixed data includes factory orders in the U.S. while companies focus on internal costs controls for better productivity. Entrepreneurs offer innovative solutions to creating jobs in America. http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/mr-rickman/sustainable-business-news-services/sustainable-job-employment-solutions-usa James Rickman jrickman047 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:17514397797518436233-2c5f4f98c89bd21801e7e44402bcf562 2009-11-07T18:25:30.812-05:00

Several foolproof ways exist to drive traffic to your website using your unique content. To get your web pages listed high in the SEO rankings you may need to use a number of strategies. For example, articles should be carefully drafted containing keyword rich body of the text, Meta tags and several content links. A very important thing is focus on using keywords in your SEO summary entries. Routinely use keyword URL names for article web pages coupled with effective Title Tag that will appear in search engines.

Several foolproof ways exist to drive traffic to your website using your unique content. To get your web pages listed high in the SEO rankings you may need to use a number of strategies. For example, articles should be carefully drafted containing keyword rich body of the text, Meta tags and several content links. A very important thing is focus on using keywords in your SEO summary entries. Routinely use keyword URL names for article web pages coupled with effective Title Tag that will appear in search engines. http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/mr-rickman/sustainable-business-news-services/website-sales-content-solutions-driving-more-web- James Rickman jrickman047 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:3418197424098973555-1f275434dbd6154dcfcfe5f77d583b25 2009-11-07T18:10:46.157-05:00

Improving sales, particularly in highly competitive industries, requires leadership from within that must create a career growth-oriented atmosphere that thrives on constant improvement, regardless of market conditions. Managers often find by showing some “love”, it helps to recruit and retain high product sales team members. Do you have that employee who complains loudly? Which type of employees is more productive for your sales organization?

Improving sales, particularly in highly competitive industries, requires leadership from within that must create a career growth-oriented atmosphere that thrives on constant improvement, regardless of market conditions. Managers often find by showing some “love”, it helps to recruit and retain high product sales team members. Do you have that employee who complains loudly? Which type of employees is more productive for your sales organization? http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/mr-rickman/sustainable-business-news-services/effective-sales-teams-higher-revenues James Rickman jrickman047 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:12059283969553113749-9ff3dcb25cb86052071a9a8f9a0d6781 2009-11-07T16:10:12.190-05:00

Marketing professionals live for campaigns; Sales professionals loathe them. The heart of their disagreement is this: of all the leads that Marketing brings into the pipeline, not that many actually result in booked revenue. It’s a constant...

Marketing professionals live for campaigns; Sales professionals loathe them. The heart of their disagreement is this: of all the leads that Marketing brings into the pipeline, not that many actually result in booked revenue. It’s a constant... http://www.productstrategynetwork.com/content/view/511/1 Christine Crandell ccrandell590 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:11395630586875391255-f1a4c6dd116e606471ec9b578539c465 2009-11-03T13:30:13.094-05:00

“So much of the focus has been on getting employers to hire i.e. add jobs instead given the global economic stagnation it’s much more realistic and effective to enable unemployed individuals to ‘create’ their own jobs by fostering small business entrepreneurship. There’s a measurable, huge difference between the two approaches. It’s the key to achieving sustainable economic recovery in America.” Author Quote – Mr. J Rickman, CEO (November 3, 2009)

“So much of the focus has been on getting employers to hire i.e. add jobs instead given the global economic stagnation it’s much more realistic and effective to enable unemployed individuals to ‘create’ their own jobs by fostering small business entrepreneurship. There’s a measurable, huge difference between the two approaches. It’s the key to achieving sustainable economic recovery in America.” Author Quote – Mr. J Rickman, CEO (November 3, 2009) http://seekingalpha.com/instablog/321507-james-rickman/34172-sustainable-job-creation-solutions-for-unemployed-americans?source=new_post_submission James Rickman jrickman047 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:6525732031612318915-bbceb54a1d4cc2c729247f0f3e772454 2009-10-30T11:01:37.240-04:00

http://www.varicent.com/news_detail.php?id=115 Mark Smith msmith670 3 3 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:2934013696012082053-5b5f809ef9204069fffda323fa4b6b8f 2009-10-30T01:44:33.474-04:00

As of October 29, 2009, over 106 bank failures in 2009 with assets totaling $107.1 billion and at a cost to the FDIC's Deposit Insurance Fund of $26.89 billion. Overall there is an estimated $3.5 trillion or more of outstanding debt associated with U.S. Commercial real estate. The delinquency rate on commercial property loans pooled together into investments is well over $750 billion considered under/nonperforming in Q3, 2009.

As of October 29, 2009, over 106 bank failures in 2009 with assets totaling $107.1 billion and at a cost to the FDIC's Deposit Insurance Fund of $26.89 billion. Overall there is an estimated $3.5 trillion or more of outstanding debt associated with U.S. Commercial real estate. The delinquency rate on commercial property loans pooled together into investments is well over $750 billion considered under/nonperforming in Q3, 2009. http://seekingalpha.com/instablog/321507-james-rickman/33627-bank-failures-real-estate-delinquencies-unemployment-all-sustainable-recovery-obstacles?source=new_post_submission James Rickman jrickman047 2 2 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:13344473767448703215-c11b7fa9898966a7b81bbed4bffc22bd 2009-10-06T08:45:26.209-04:00

Struggling to secure sales force buy-in to your sales compensation plan? Inundated with sales, compensation, and performance data, but unable to produce any useable information? Wasting valuable time chasing down approvals and relaying updates?

Struggling to secure sales force buy-in to your sales compensation plan? Inundated with sales, compensation, and performance data, but unable to produce any useable information? Wasting valuable time chasing down approvals and relaying updates? http://www.synygy.com/spmsummit/?utm_campaign=LI-SPMSummit&utm_medium=SociaMedia&utm_source=businessexchange Synygy Inc vpatil155 6 5 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:13674565673496467601-5238cdac3eebcfcaeee6e3e5cb858153 2009-10-29T10:55:40.929-04:00

The Commerce Department third quarter 2009, the best showing in two years, fueled by government-supported spending on cars and homes. Several companies also reported positive earnings. Despite signs of growth most expect a slow recovery in the months ahead due to rising unemployment 17% (U6 data), consumer confidence index (47.7 down from Sept. 53.4) and rising real estate delinquencies still weigh.

The Commerce Department third quarter 2009, the best showing in two years, fueled by government-supported spending on cars and homes. Several companies also reported positive earnings. Despite signs of growth most expect a slow recovery in the months ahead due to rising unemployment 17% (U6 data), consumer confidence index (47.7 down from Sept. 53.4) and rising real estate delinquencies still weigh. http://gdpgainsjobs.blogspot.com/2009/10/gdp-gains-35-but-jobs-cpi-still.html James Rickman jrickman047 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:4110228839355349720-93cc63e7e5da85dbd0915791dc6a13c2 2009-10-23T08:41:37.507-04:00

What I'm about to espouse will cause many an eyebrow to furrow and jaw to drop. I truly believe that the practice of sales as a business discipline has become at best ineffective, and in many cases flat out obsolete. You see, good business practices...

What I'm about to espouse will cause many an eyebrow to furrow and jaw to drop. I truly believe that the practice of sales as a business discipline has become at best ineffective, and in many cases flat out obsolete. You see, good business practices... http://www.business-strategy-innovation.com/2009/10/stop-selling-and-add-value.html Braden Kelley bkelley034 3 2 0 1