Three ways negativity can make you a better entrepreneur
To be a successful entrepreneur, it’s helpful to have a certain level of bravado. Demonstrative levels of confidence and optimism can help a leader maintain a steady course for investors and team members when there are bumps in the road. That said, an honest look at the other side of the coin can often enlighten […]
Find your sweet spot between blind trust and micromanagement
How do you manage your executives? Imagine a line scale where full empowerment or blind trust is on the extreme left. Senior executives are empowered to do whatever they want. If a problem arises, the CEO may plead ignorance. On the extreme right of the same scale is micromanagement, where the CEO performs executive responsibilities […]
A lawyer, CIA analyst and a crisis management specialist walk into a bar…
Before James Comey headed up the FBI, he served as general counsel of Lockheed Martin Corp. While at Lockheed, he spoke at the National Security Agency about how studying law is similar to the education intelligence analysts receive. He elaborated on what he called a “uniquely lawyerly ability … to transport ourselves to another time […]
Communication agility can help you fit your message to your audience
The best way to ensure peak physical performance is to maintain a regime of exercise to keep our bodies physically fit. In much the same way, exercising one’s mind, skills and capacity to utilize applicable tools is essential to achieving and sustaining an edge in today’s business world. A virtual daily diet of expert blogs, […]
Be bold and find ways to grow professionally right now
The pace of business is not showing any signs of slowing down and the demands at work continue to trickle into our calendars as appointments, tasks and projects. It’s moments like these when I appreciate the times I can celebrate accomplishments in my work or the work of people around me. This issue of Smart […]
Building your business network is all about delivering value
Building value-added connections is a big part of my role at Riverside Co. This is challenging in a dynamic environment where everyone’s time is at a premium and they’re inundated with a wide range of communication. One great way to filter through the clutter and reach your key targets is to give them valuable information. […]
Tri-C steps up to help Puerto Rican hurricane victims
Cleveland is a welcoming city. No one knows that better than the newly arriving families from the island of Puerto Rico. In late September, the territory suffered the wrath of Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 hurricane that devastated the island’s infrastructure and displaced thousands of people. In the aftermath, hundreds of these families traveled to […]
ASPIRE 2018 is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss
Entrepreneurs need a robust set of dealmaking skills in to compete in today’s economy. The market is flush with capital and private equity is paying big multiples, with an estimated $1.7 trillion already committed to PE firms, reports Bloomberg. The bottom line is there are deals out there to be made. It’s up to business […]
Melina Gilbert has made helping others a priority in Lake County
Much of the work done at Lake County Community Network involves helping individuals and families who are struggling to come up the money they need to make utility bill or rent payments. In the next few years, Executive Director Melina Gilbert hopes the nonprofit will be able to do more to help these people regain […]
How quality lighting design can transform your space
When it comes to lighting, there’s the good, bad and the ugly. It can be difficult to feel the difference unless there’s a side-by-side comparison, says Sean Keenan, associate principal and chief electrical engineer at Bialosky Cleveland.