It’s a good time to get back to why
At this time of the year, following the close of the fiscal year for many organizations, we often take stock of our financial health and make budget projections to ensure the sustainability of our organizations. Perhaps there is no more important time to consider also taking stock of the culture and climate of our communities […]
Be clear about your company’s needs before pursuing a new line of credit
One of the keys to securing an appropriate line of credit for your business is being clear with your bank about the problem you’re trying to solve, says Kelly Cook, senior vice president, Technology Banking Group at Bridge Bank.
What I’ve learned working to secure grant funding
Like many accelerator and incubator programs around the country, the Akron Global Business Accelerator writes grants to secure funding for programs, projects and activities to support the companies and entrepreneurs in our program. Proposals have ranged from one-page requests to local foundations to several hundred page documents to secure state and federal funds. The frequency […]
A look at how a new trade secret law will affect businesses
Every business has trade secrets. Trade secrets can include formulas, processes, methods, know-how, customer lists, business plans and other confidential information. Unfortunately, current or former employees, competitors, vendors and even suppliers can improperly acquire a company’s trade secrets.
Jeff King wants to make alternative fuel a more attractive option for motorists
The launch of InsightFuel is an attempt by Jeff King to drive the cost premium out of clean fuel technology and make it a more attractive option for consumers. “Companies have focused on reducing cost on the vehicle side or on the station side, but not on both at the same time,” says King, an […]
How a case of TB helped Fred Terman start Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley wouldn’t be here except for? Leland Stanford, Fred Terman and Bill Shockley (in that order). Leland Stanford, entrepreneur, politician, horse breeder, wine maker, railroad magnate, robber baron and the founder of Stanford University. Fred Terman, Stanford professor, and the initiator of the foundation of Silicon Valley. Bill Shockley, co-inventor of the transistor, and […]
Expectations and the Law of Reciprocity
Life is about give and take. Business transactions often come down to making promises and delivering on them. If you want something, you have to give something. If you want a friend, you have to be a friend. If you want success, you need to help others become successful.
Innovate authentically: the power of purpose when trying something new
You cannot innovate if your brand stands for your products and services alone. While adopting a culture of innovation has many benefits — finding new, more efficient ways to work, staying connected to a more active consumer and product diversification to name a few — it can also appear insincere if your brand doesn’t already have a reputation for it.
How to boost productivity and take steps that will grow your business
Hard work that doesn’t support your customers or generate revenue for your business is only going to get in the way of productivity, says Jon Park, chairman and CEO at Westfield Bank.
Double take: to get more leaders ready now, don’t focus on learning
How can we accelerate learning and growth to keep up with the speed of change? The answer isn’t to cram more learning into the already overwhelmed lives and minds of emerging leaders. There’s a different solution.