If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it."
--Lucy Larcom,
poet
| Your feedback is important to us. Click here to email us your feedback. |
| CVSN SmartBrief |
| December 18, 2007 |
Diesel costs heighten economic worries as holidays approach
At the pump, the cost of diesel fuel in the U.S. is up 18% since September, adding another layer of concern onto manufacturers and sellers who are hesitant to pass the cost of higher shipping prices onto already reluctant holiday shoppers. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (12/4)
Economy's slump becomes top issue in presidential race
The economy's steady decline over the past several months has reshaped the presidential election. Candidates who had previously focused on the war in Iraq are now using higher gas prices, the subprime-mortgage crisis and other economic issues as their key talking points. MSNBC/Associated Press (12/12)
Wall Street encouraged as government takes action on economy
The economy may have reached a point of crisis that will force the government to intervene. Talk of the White House working on deals with banks to try to prevent widespread home foreclosures, and other encouraging news, has given investors a new sense of reassurance, this article says. The New York Times (12/1)
Other News
Ten important considerations in planning for 2008
As companies plan for the upcoming year, an expert offers a list of 10 important business and marketing ideas. They include analyzing and updating Web sites; considering new media possibilities; creating a company newsletter; and enhancing your team's client communications and relationships. Manage Smarter (12/5)
Secret to sales success: Be self-confident, build relationships
All aspects of selling revolved around relationships under the set of old-school rules. Relationship-building still matters, but salespeople also need to have a strong sense of self-confidence and enthusiasm to become successful. CEO Strategist (12/3)
Incentives that optimize sales performance
Best practices for implementing appropriate compensation plans to improve sales behaviors include keeping plans simple and consistent. Compensation should also be flexible, with features such as special performance incentive funds. Also, new plans should be shared with the finance, sales operations and human resources departments. Manage Smarter (12/10)
Legal advice: Respect employees, be consistent
The legal advice Amy DelPo and Lisa Guerin offer on employees sounds a lot like common sense every manager should have. Nevertheless, treating employees with respect, being consistent, keeping good records and conducting performance reviews regularly can help avert an employee crisis or even a lawsuit, they say. The New York Times (12/11)
Holiday preoccupation can cause work slowdown
Small-business operators may need to be creative to keep employees focused on work amid distractions of the holiday season. Offering incentives for keeping up production -- such as a gift certificate or early closing -- is one of several ideas consultant Sari Friedman has on keeping workers at the top of their game. Financial Post (Canada) (12/10)
Small businesses consider Web customer management help
Customer relationship management is a Web tool that can help a small business find and keep good clients. Consultant Brent Leary offers tips on how to decide if a business needs CRM. Black Enterprise (12/11)
CVSN signs six new members
The Board of Directors of CVSN approved six new distributor members, at a recent Board meeting in Phoenix. Read the complete release.
|
--Lucy Larcom, |
Email: cvsn@smartbrief.com
Legal and Privacy information at http://www.smartbrief.com/legal.jsp