Business Archives

The 12 Week Year: Book About Getting Things Done

What is The 12 Week Year book about? How do the authors challenge the annualized goal-setting approach? What alternative do they propose? In The 12 Week Year, the book’s authors challenge the conventional approach to goal setting and execution that is based on annualized thinking—where execution plans are aimed at attaining yearly results. Further, they propose an alternative approach that is based on the principle of periodization— achieving yearly results within a three-month timeframe. Keep reading to understand the premise behind Brian Moran and Michael Lennington’s book The 12 Week Year.

Tips on How to Fire Someone Professionally

A man in a business suit pointing and showing an adaptive leadership style

How do you fire someone professionally? What if that person is an executive or a loyal early employee? If you are a CEO, manager, or business owner, chances are that at some point in your career, you’ll need to fire somebody. Here is advice on how to fire someone professionally and how to handle different types of lay-offs. Continue on for advice on how to fire someone.

The History of Uber: The Timeline of Uber Expansion

What is the history of Uber? How did the company grow from a small side project into the international ride-hailing empire? The history of Uber dates back to November 2008, when Garrett Camp registers UberCab as an LLC in California. A month later, Camp meets Travis Kalanick, who ends up moving to SF from Chicago to run Uber as its co-founding CEO. Read about the history of Uber from 2007 to 2016.

Tips on Providing Feedback to Your Employees

What are the best methods for providing feedback to your employees? How can you deliver feedback tactfully? As a business owner or manager, you should always be evaluating your employees. Providing feedback has many benefits including improved performance, showing your employees you care, and creating an open communication model. Keep reading for advice on how to provide feedback.

A Guide to Planning a One-to-One Networking Meeting

How to Be Persuasive and Always Get What You Want

How do you set up a networking meeting? Where should you meet? What should you talk about? How should you end it? A one-to-one networking meeting can be a great way to deepen the relationship with a new connection. When it comes to setting up a networking meeting, it is important to think it through in advance. Keep reading for tips on how to prepare for a networking meeting to make the most of it.

Uber in China: An Embarrassing Defeat

When did Uber enter China? And why did the ride-hailing giant end up selling its Chinese operations to its Beijing-based rival? Uber entered China in early 2014, launching its black-car service in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. However, the company ended up selling its Chinese operations because the losses Uber was incurring to win a meaningful market share were unsustainable. Here is the timeline of events that have led to ceding off Uber China to its biggest competitor Didi Chuxing.

Every Effective Team Must Have These 4 Qualities

What makes an effective team? What are the qualities that enable team members to perform effectively in stressful situations? In Team of Teams, General Stanley McChrystal considers examples of effective teamwork in critical situations in military contexts. Analyzing these examples, he came to the conclusion that there are four qualities that make an effective team: empowerment, shared consciousness, trust, and awareness of the whole. Learn about the four characteristics of an effective team, according to Stanley McChrystal.

How to Manage People in a Growing Business

A Cooperative Business Model for Companies

Is your business taking off but you don’t know how to manage people? How do you create a good company culture? What is Freaky Friday management? When you own a business, one of the most important parts of managing is to create a good company culture and take care of your employees. Sure, some companies with terrible workplaces still manage to become successful, but you should aim to create a workplace that your employees are proud to work in. Keep reading for advice on how to manage people in your growing business.

The Executive Hiring Process and Interview Questions

Do you own a company and are considering hiring an exectutive? How do you know when you should hire from within or find an external applicant? What kind of questions should you ask during the interview? When your startup grows and you find yourself in need of an executive, the first step is to decide whether you should hire from within or externally. The next step is the hiring process and determining who is the best fit. Keep reading for advice on the executive hiring process.

Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk

What is Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk about? How has social media changed the marketing landscape? How can you take advantage of social media to boost own business? Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk is about the rise of social media marketing. Vaynerchuk compares marketing to boxing because both are aggressive and strategic, and both require dedication and hard work. Learn how “jabs” and “right hooks” can increase your company’s presence and increase sales. Keep reading to learn more marketing tips from Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk.