by John Beaton

In today’s fast-paced business world, CEO’s are trying to keep up with change and adapt to the global marketplace, constantly searching the horizon for an edge over the competition.

Traditionally, in American businesses, the same person occupies the role of chairman of the board and chief executive officer, though this is gradually shifting to the European model. In most European, British, and Canadian businesses, the roles are usually split, in an effort to ensure better governance of the company, and in turn bring higher returns to investors.

You CAN start with empty pockets and piles of bills and build a steady income, even wealth, via the internet. It’s a long, hard road though, so it’s best to prepare and take along a good map.

Have you ever faced any of the following situations? One: You need a lawyer but you don`t have the cash for the retainer. Two: You have a warehouse full of inventory that just isn`t moving. Three: Sales are down and you need more customers.

Do you need to start or grow your business but have little money? Before you look to banks and similar sources of financing, why not bootstrap your way to business success?

Your customer sees a marvelous array of products on your website. After thoughtful consideration, she purchases the product she wants. Amazingly, you have never actually seen the product. That is because your supplier shipped the order directly to her.

Have you considered the lucrative opportunity in finder`s fees? You could become a professional finder and earn a fortune from this alone. Alternatively, you could supplement your present income with finder`s fees.

Here are some excellent businesses that you can start, operate and grow from your home. All these work at home businesses have the following desirable features:

Although there are advantages to selling your own proprietary products and services, there are also drawbacks. For example, the time and investment required to produce your own book, invention, or other product could mean a long delay in receiving profits and cashflow essential to your business survival.

The problem with some business ideas is their cost. To manufacture and market a product you have invented could cost you millions of dollars. The investment in machinery, buildings, inventory and other expenditures could bankrupt you before your first sale ever occurred.

If you operate a small business, you may feel that your income potential is quite limited. However, you can increase and diversify your income through international trade.

THE STRUGGLE — I was recently talking with one of my entrepreneur friends. He has started three businesses in the last several years—a budding entrepreneur. He was relating some of the joys he has experienced in those enterprises: a sense of freedom from the corporate world, pursuing his dreams and passions, setting his own schedule, controlling his destiny and a large potential for financial rewards.

The curse of every hard working manager. Love or hate them, with geographically dispersed teams and travel restrictions, conference calls are here to stay as a communication medium in the workplace. If you want to stand out from your work colleagues, then follow these simple do’s and don’ts of effective conference calls.

Q. My company publishes a monthly employee newsletter. My boss asked me to write a funny quiz. I’m not exactly a stand-up comic. Help!

How many times have you had an employee quit and then immediately feel desperate to fill the slot that was just vacated? There are a number of things you can do to help you get through the trying times while hiring a replacement.

by Lynn Matlock Hicks

Are you a woman in a leadership or management position? Have you ever felt frustrated that you do not have the visibility or credibility that you deserve? Learn the 10 secrets for women leaders to get the recognition they deserve.

Improve your bottom line and capitalize on employee strengths with Axiology. This is the second part of a three part series.

by Andrea Pellettiere

I run a small meeting, event and conference planning company based in the New York City area. As an entrepreneur and small business owner with a limited advertising and marketing budget, developing business partnerships has been really helped me to get the word out…

Why every designer, artist or professional should insist on written, signed contracts before starting a project.

International businesses face challenges to their internal communication structures through cultural diversity. This article looks at common barriers to effective cross cultural communication.