Take the time to give your interns meaning, not just work

Your college interns are increasingly likely to be your future employees: The average offer rate to interns is 72.7 percent, the highest since the pre-recession market, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers survey. How can you increase the odds those offers will be accepted? Make them aware of opportunities to be involved […]

Step out of your echo chamber to gain a new perspective

“I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.” — Nelson Mandela Human beings have a natural tendency to surround themselves with those who share similar backgrounds and ideas. We’re all biologically programmed to avoid discomfort, and focusing your time and attention on those who share […]

The lessons that can be gained from writing a grant

Here is a suggestion we hear a lot at Our Lady of the Wayside. “You should write a grant.” It’s an idea that has tremendous merit. Certainly, grant writing is a birthright for nonprofits and we make it our business to write a lot of them. But what my for-profit brethren might not know is […]

Your case will now be heard on Twitter and Facebook and …

The Court of Public Opinion is always in session on social media. In 2003, James Haggerty’s book “In the Court of Public Opinion: Winning Your Case with Public Relations” became the bible of litigation communications or litigation public relations as a part of risk. “It is not at all overstatement to say that the world […]

A close look at the private equity exit process

So much has been written about selling to private equity, but far less has been said about what happens when private equity sells. Education and preparation are two critical components that need to be part of the private equity exit process. The fundamentals of the company need to be addressed and target investment returns should […]

Business leaders need to be decisive as they plot the future

The brick vs. click debate is a discussion all business leaders continue to have as the world becomes more reliant on digital technology. Amazon seemed to deviate from the tech trend earlier this summer when it spent $13.7 billion to buy Whole Foods, which is very much a brick-and-mortar business. The move has consumers intrigued […]

Why we all need the opportunity to be creative

One of the most fun parts of being a parent is the front row seat you get to your child’s imagination. I have two kids, a boy and a girl, and their ability to turn whatever they are doing into a song or a game is amazing. Don’t get me wrong, it can quickly spiral […]

2017 Business Longevity Awards

This year’s Business Longevity Award honorees are proof that hard work and a commitment to excellence can pay off. These 44 companies were built on timeless values and principles that set the stage for generations of economic achievement.