Emily Kitazawa, Author at Shortform Books

How Does the Power Grid Work & Why Does It Fail?

How does the power grid work in the U.S.? Why does it fail at times? What factors make the power grid vulnerable? The power grid in the U.S. works to transmit and distribute electricity across long distances, but extreme weather events in recent years have highlighted its growing vulnerability. Several factors contribute to the power grid’s problems, including its age and the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Read on to learn more about how the power grid works in the U.S. and why it’s in poor shape.

What Makes a Good Manager & Leader? 2 Must-Have Traits

What makes a good manager and leader? What do nearly all great leaders do? In Making Things Happen, management expert Scott Berkun explains what makes a good manager and leader, based on his former management experience for major companies like Microsoft and WordPress. He claims that there are two must-have qualities that define good managers and leaders. Read on to learn what makes a good manager and leader, according to Berkun.

Phil M. Jones’s Exactly What to Say: Book Overview

Want an overview of Phil M. Jones’s Exactly What to Say? What are the book’s key takeaways and suggestions for sales techniques? In Exactly What to Say, Phil M. Jones describes how to improve your business interactions by using key phrases that appeal to your listener’s subconscious mind. He claims that you can guide them to a decisive “yes” by capitalizing on conversational selling skills. Read on for an overview of the sales techniques and key phrases in Phil M. Jones’s Exactly What to Say.

Why Some Avatar 2 Critics Despise Cameron’s New Film

What are Avatar 2 critics saying about James Cameron’s new film? What are the problems with Avatar 2, according to critics? With the release of Avatar 2, James Cameron has been accused of cultural appropriation and promoting a “white savior” narrative. Some indigenous activists have even called for a boycott of the film. Read on for an explanation of the controversy and to learn exactly what some Avatar 2 critics are saying.

The Best Open-Ended Sales Questions for Undecided Customers

Want to know some of the best open-ended sales questions? What are the best techniques for asking open-ended questions? Author and sales expert Phil M. Jones wrote Exactly What to Say to teach readers how to use conversational selling to appeal to their customers’ subconscious minds. Jones claims that the best open-ended sales questions should help you to control the direction of the conversation. Keep reading for the best open-ended sales questions, according to Jones.

How to Create a Project Management Plan: Step-by-Step Guide

Want to know how to create a project management plan? What do project management experts suggest? According to management expert Scott Berkun, the planning phase is about figuring out what your project is trying to accomplish. In Making Things Happen, Berkun walks readers through how to create a project management plan based on each step of the planning and pre-planning phase. Read on to learn how to create a project management plan, according to Berkun’s guide.

Noncompete Clauses in Contracts: Will the FTC Ban Them?

What are noncompete clauses in contracts? Why has the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a ban on noncompete clauses? The FTC recently proposed banning noncompete clauses, which restrict former employees and contractors from launching or working with rival companies. The clauses aim to protect businesses’ sensitive information. Keep reading to learn why the FTC wants to ban noncompete clauses in contracts and if they’ll succeed.

Closing the Deal in Sales, Even if They Say No

Want some tips for closing the deal in sales? How can you best handle a “yes” or “no” response from your client? In Exactly What to Say, business expert Phil M. Jones describes how to improve your business interactions by using key phrases that appeal to your listener’s subconscious mind. He offers tips for closing the deal in sales, telling you what to say to capitalize on a “no” or “yes.” Read on to learn Jones’s advice for closing the deal in sales, regardless of the customer’s ultimate response.

What Is a Vision Document in Project Management?

What is a vision document in project management? What are the key qualities of strong vision documents? According to Scott Berkun’s book Making Things Happen, creating a vision document is an important part of the planning phase for any project. In the book, Berkun offers some tips to help you make a motivational vision document for your project. Read on to learn what a project vision document is and how to make one, according to Berkun.

Permitless Carry States: New Gun Laws & How They Affect You

What does permitless carry mean? How many states allow permitless carry? What should you know about open and concealed carry laws? In the last decade, the number of permitless carry states—those that allow people to carry concealed weapons without a license—has jumped from two to 25. However, the change isn’t as drastic as it sounds. Read on for an overview of permitless carry in the United States, including what’s changing for gun owners.