June, 2014

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How to be Insanely Good at Closing

David A Fields

'A number of years ago in Pittsburgh, a small group of onlookers (including me) collectively gasped. The slender, young man we were watching wobbled at the top of his ladder, briefly looking like he was going to fall. Then he deftly kicked out the ladder’s integrated platform and continued his home-show demonstration of the Little Giant ladder. Ten minutes later, every single one of us paid an impressive sum to own the Rolls Royce of ladders.[1] That man could close!

How To 275
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5 Core Case Study Principles Every Interviewee MUST Know

Management Consulted

'The case study question is a fundamental portion of any consulting interview. Perhaps you’re a natural at networking, possess a wunderkind resume, and exemplify expert-level interpersonal communication skills. When it comes to evaluating case studies, none of your other skills really matter. The bad news is that case study questions require a very particular way of thinking.

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Gorillas in our Midst

Tom Spencer

'Why you’ll often miss the best opportunities – and biggest upcoming problems – when they are right in your face. (Source: Freaking News ). Suppose for a moment that I were to walk into your office, right at this minute, dressed as a gorilla. Yes, a gorilla – stay with me here. Now imagine I start making a scene, beating my fists on my chest, grunting, upturning desks and throwing papers.

Retail 127
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TCIP #002 – Strategizing Social Media for Crisis Communications with Isaac Griberg

Melissa Agnes

'Welcome to episode #002 of The Crisis Intelligence Podcast with Melissa Agnes and Isaac Griberg of the ICRC. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is doing ground-breaking things when it comes to leveraging social media for crisis communications and emergency management. In this episode of The Crisis Intelligence Podcast, I chat with Isaac Griberg of the ICRC about how they’re utilizing social media as a key component of their communications strategy, both internally and ext

Media 104
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State of AI in Sales & Marketing 2025

AI adoption is reshaping sales and marketing. But is it delivering real results? We surveyed 1,000+ GTM professionals to find out. The data is clear: AI users report 47% higher productivity and an average of 12 hours saved per week. But leaders say mainstream AI tools still fall short on accuracy and business impact. Download the full report today to see how AI is being used — and where go-to-market professionals think there are gaps and opportunities.

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Organizational Fitness for Growth: Five Insights for CEOs

Kates Kesler

'Learning from Big Companies. We recently completed a study for the CEO of a very well known, global sports-apparel brand company. He wanted to challenge his team, as part of the strategic talent review process, to think about whether or not the company’s organizational architecture was suited to its growth plan to double in size. The CEO was interested in learning from smart moves as well as the mistakes that other companies had made in going from large to very large.

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More Trending

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How to Write Stuff People Want to Read

David A Fields

'Malcolm Gladwell has five books on Amazon.com’s top-sellers chart (which seems to update by the minute), each of which has been there for at least three years (I guess the minute-by-minute updating doesn’t matter). Obviously, a lot of people like to read his books. What about your writing? Is anyone reading it? Would you like […]. The post How to Write Stuff People Want to Read appeared first on David A.

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Networking 101 Video Overview

Management Consulted

'In 9 out of 10 cases, especially if you are an experienced hire or come from a non-target school, having a contact inside a consulting firm will make the difference between getting an interview or not. Because of that, effective networking is critical. In the following videos, we give a basic overview on networking basics – specific to consulting.

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Forgiveness

Tom Spencer

'An act of personal empowerment that gives you freedom from the past and allows you to retain the initiative. (Source: Flickr ). FORGIVENESS is a noble sentiment, but shouldn’t our tormentors be punished? What about truth? What about justice? What about revenge ? Breathe, breathe, everything will be okay. The deceptions and betrayals of those around us can sometimes infect and overwhelm the mind.

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Crisis Avoidance Strategy: Neighbour of Choice

Melissa Agnes

'By Garth Rowan, Communications Consultant and member of the Agnes + Day Crisis Intelligence Team. When you can’t change who you are or what you do; when your business is the type that no one wants; what are your options to build up credit in the trust bank should a crisis strike? Let’s face it, a crisis is when you’ll need the benefit of the doubt and the community’s conviction that something bad just happened to generally good people (you being the “good people” hopefully).

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Less Stress, More Success: Accounting Best Practices & Processes for 2025

Speaker: Duke Heninger, Partner and Fractional CFO at Ampleo & Creator of CFO System

Are you ready to elevate your accounting processes for 2025? 🚀 Join us for an exclusive webinar led by Duke Heninger, a seasoned fractional CFO and CPA passionate about transforming back-office operations for finance teams. This session will cover critical best practices and process improvements tailored specifically for accounting professionals.

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100% of U.S. Employment Growth Since 2000 Went to Immigrants

MishTalk

'The Center for Immigration Studies reports All Employment Growth Since 2000 Went to Immigrants. Actually, greater than 100% of jobs went to immigrants because the number of non-immigrants holding a job is negative, and the total must equal 100%. On a population adjusted basis, the numbers look horrific. Population-wise, native US citizens account for two-thirds of the working-age population growth, yet fewer work today.

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In Praise of the Invisible Leader

Strategy+Business

'Author David Zweig discusses the true power of modesty in management.

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Barter….A Bad Idea or a Best Practice?

David A Fields

'A question I was asked…. A prospect that wants to work with me has a service that I could really use. Should I discuss a potential barter deal? Is that a good way to secure them as a client?… see my Response in the Solo Consultant’s Network. The post Barter….A Bad Idea or a Best Practice? appeared first on David A. Fields. Agreements Consultants Context Discussion Creating Value Fees Positioning Proposals Relationships adding value benefits Connections Consultative selling consultin

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Take Care of Your Top Business Asset

Women in Consulting

'By: Mary Beth Deans. A lot of the posts in this blog talk about the very practical, nuts-and-bolts of business: contracts, PR, technology issues, dealing with customers, and so on. They’re all great posts—my fellow WIC members are nothing if not bright, practical, experienced and generous in their willingness to share their expertise with the community.

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PowerPoint Best Practices for Creating Stellar Presentations

Mastering data visualization in PowerPoint will help accelerate your career because it positions you as someone who can present data that drives business decisions forward. think-cell's PowerPoint Best Practices eBook was created specifically for professionals aiming to master the art and science of data-driven storytelling. What’s inside: Practical Insights: Uncover valuable tips for crafting engaging and persuasive presentations.

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Loyalty Games

Tom Spencer

'If you are there for them, they will be there for you. WHEN it comes to marketing, you have a choice. Chase new customers, or care for the ones you already have. Buy a million dollar Superbowl ad, or do the hard work of creating remarkable products for the people who care. Pursue the glittering promise of untold wealth by trying to please everyone, or focus on delighting the loyal few.

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Newborn Abducted from Hospital and Social Media Saves the Day

Melissa Agnes

'On Monday, May 26th, just before 7pm, a lady dressed as a nurse walked into Mélissa McMahon’s hospital room in Trois-Rivières, Quebec (a town just outside of Montreal), where she was resting with her one-day old daughter, Victoria. The lady dressed as a nurse took baby Victoria from her mother, walked out of the room, into her car and drove away.

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Robot Truck Convoy Tests in Nevada; Driverless Trucks Before Cars, and Before the End of the Decade

MishTalk

'I have discussed driverless trucks before, but the timeline keeps speeding up. Self-driving trucks before the end of this decade used to seem like a remote possibility. It now seems very likely, if not a given. Moreover, driverless truck convoys will be safer and more fuel efficient than human-driven trucks. " The technology, developed by Peloton Tech, uses radar and a wireless link so that the following trucks travel at the same speed, braking simultaneously for safety, and doing so on an auto

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What's the Secret to Leadership Presence?

Strategy+Business

'Be present. Although your mannerisms and dress matter, so does your focus on the person or task at hand.

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Savings Consultants Are Needed in Today's Market More Than Ever

Savings Consultants are needed in today’s market more than ever. With an increase in expenses, businesses are looking for opportunities to save. Often unknown to businesses are savings in expense reduction, specialized tax savings, specialized savings including medical underpayments, health benefits cost reduction, zero cost processing, and more. Blue Coast Savings, with over 20 years in business, assists Savings Consultants in helping these companies move toward more profitable businesses.

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Should I Give a Salary Expectation to a Client?

David A Fields

'A question I was asked… My client asked if I might consider being a full time employee for a project they assume will take 2 years. They are asking me for an hourly rate, how do I calculate a salary from this?…See my response in the Solo Consultant’s Network. The post Should I Give a Salary Expectation to a Client? appeared first on David A.

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Still Recovering From Tax Season? Next Year Can Be Better!

Women in Consulting

'By: Melissa Stacey. Tax season is over and if you’re like most, it’s a glaring reminder that we need to be better organized as we scramble to make sense of our expenses and earnings. And each year we promise ourselves that next year we will be more organized! I have three magic words for you that will make next tax season easier: File It Now! Pretty simple, right?

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Capacity versus Leverage

Tom Spencer

'IN the quest for market dominance, companies often engage in a war for talent. They seek out new recruits with outstanding capacity, the chosen few who are able to demonstrate a track record of success, and an ability to solve new problems quickly and easily. Management consulting firms are the flag bearers in this war. In a clear and methodical way, they invite the strongest applicants to come and joust in a competitive case interview tournament, which emulates the complexity and ambiguity of

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TCIP #003 – The Power of Mobile Technology in Crisis Communication with Jim Spicuzza

Melissa Agnes

'Welcome to episode #003 of The Crisis Intelligence Podcast with Melissa Agnes and Jim Spicuzza. Mobile technology can do wonders for today’s crisis communication. The flexibility, the interactivity and the mobility of it all can save lives, reputations and bottom lines. Within this podcast, Jim Spicuzza, CEO of CrisisGo, and I discuss the power of mobile technology in your crisis communications.

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TOOLS and METHODOLOGIES for developing DECISION SUPPORT PACKAGES

This White Paper targets opportunities for Management to develop proficiency in the Decision Framing and Analyses element of input to Decision, & Risk Analyses for Major Project Funding Decisions.

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Spanish 10-Year Bond Yield Lowest Since at Least 1789; Reflections on Absurd Risk Assumptions

MishTalk

'Those searching for absurdity in government bonds can find it in a multitude of places. For example, and via translation from Libre Mercado (courtesy of my friend Bran who lives in Spain) please note Spanish 10-Year Bond Yield is Lowest Since at Least 1789. The interest rate offered on the secondary market for Spanish bonds maturing in ten years is at historic lows, below equivalent yield in U.S. treasuries, which has not happened since April 2010.

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Do Winners Give--or Take--All?

Strategy+Business

'Generosity in the workplace doesn''t cost as much as being selfish.

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Following Up vs. Being a Nag

David A Fields

'A question I was asked… I have one client that is resistant to follow-up and it always seems as though I am bothering him. How do I follow-up with a client without it seeming that I am bothering them?… See my response in the Solo Consultant’s Network. The post Following Up vs. Being a Nag appeared first on David A. Fields. Consultants Context Discussion Creating Value Positioning Relationships adding value agreements benefits closing Connections Context Document positioning.

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When Updating Technology Doesn’t Mean Upgrading Technology

Women in Consulting

'By: Mary Beth Deans. I just wrapped up a great project for a non-profit professional organization. I was asked to assess their technology and that included everything from the website, to the social media tools they use, to the document repository, membership management tool, and email list serves. Members felt all the technology was outdated, difficult to use and frustrating; they tended to develop their own work-arounds.

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Why You Need to Use Case Studies in Sales and Marketing (and How to Start Now)

Case studies are proof of successful client relations and a verifiable product or service. They persuade buyers by highlighting your customers' experiences with your company and its solution. In sales, case studies are crucial pieces of content that can be tailored to prospects' pain points and used throughout the buyer's journey. In marketing, case studies are versatile assets for generating business, providing reusable elements for ad and social media content, website material, and marketing c

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Let It Go

Tom Spencer

'Holding a grudge is like drinking poison, and wishing your enemies would die. Let it go, keep moving, and retain your freedom. Or, as Oscar Wilde put it, “always forgive your enemies, nothing annoys them so much.”.

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TCIP #004 – Simulating Crises for Crisis Preparedness with Rob Burton

Melissa Agnes

'Welcome to episode #004 of The Crisis Intelligence Podcast, with Melissa Agnes and Rob Burton. Crisis simulations are the best way to prepare your team for a crisis and to strengthen your existing crisis plan. Within this episode, Rob Burton, managing director of PreparedEx, and I discuss the benefits and fun that comes with putting your team through a crisis simulation.

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Bitcoins to Become Legal Currency in California; Bill Awaits Signing by Gov. Brown; Commodities vs. Currencies

MishTalk

'California Bill AB-129 Lawful Money passed the California Senate on June 19, and the Assembly on June 23. The bill now awaits signing by Governor Jerry Brown. Existing law prohibits a corporation, flexible purpose corporation, association, or individual from issuing or putting in circulation, as money, anything but the lawful money of the United States.