Is all that classic macho car chatter about V8s, horsepower, and “muscle” disappearing? Now, amid $4 gas and government requirements for cars with better mileage, car manufacturers are pumping their own tires regarding how …
End a Mentoring Relationship Before It Dies
It’s easy for a mentoring relationship to outlive its worth. You get into a groove, you enjoy the stimulating conversations, and you’re learning. But sometimes you have to move on to move up. Set goals and assess whether you have achieved them. Once you have, it might be time to find a new mentor to help you with your next set of …
Democracy Could Destroy the Euro
Upcoming elections in France and elsewhere will likely show massive popular resistance to the austerity policies needed to save the common European currency
Financial Literacy: U.S. Trails … Brazil and Mexico?
A new survey from Visa ranks 28 nations by their commitment to financial education. The U.S. finishes fourth. But everyone fails.
Get an Edge on Razor Manufacturers: 8 Strategies to Save on Shaving
Most men take little joy in shaving. Keeping a clean-shaven face is an obligation — a chore that’s necessary for maintaining a professional appearance on the job, and perhaps to maintain some semblance of attractiveness to …
Business Etiquette: 5 Rules That Matter Now
The word “etiquette” gets a bad rap. For one thing, it sounds stodgy and pretentious. And rules that are socially or morally prescribed seem intrusive to our sense of individuality and freedom.
But the concept of etiquette is …
They’re Baaack: Americans Paid $31.6 Billion in Overdraft Fees in 2011 — and the CFPB Ain’t Happy
Federal Reserve rules implemented in 2010 were supposed to protect customers from getting hit with overdraft fees if they unwittingly made a purchase that put their account in the red. Now, two years later, banks are still raking …
Why Product Reviews May Be The Next Big Thing For Investors
If you want to know which direction the stock price of a company rolling out a new product is headed, there’s no need to wait for sales figures. Just check out user-generated product reviews on the web. They’re as good an early …
Guy Sues Apple and Wins — but Here’s Why His Victory Is a Bummer
A Seattle blogger who goes by the handle Rex won a small-claims lawsuit he filed against Apple after it reneged on a promise to fix his defective computer. This kind of man-bites-dog moment is rare, but in the wake of legislation …
A New Sports Drink Scores By Winning Over Soccer Fans (And Soccer Moms)
Among soccer-crazed Seattleites, the hottest ticket in town isn’t at a Sounders game when LA Galaxy comes to town. It’s a “Copa Golazo” in a converted BMW dealership with a 75-foot by 25-foot indoor soccer field …
Poll: Consumers Care Less About the Environment Now. Happy Earth Day!
So much for saving the planet. A recent survey reveals that over the past few years, Americans have become less likely to say they care a great deal about the current and future state of the environment. Similarly, we’re also …
Make Service Easy for Your Customers
The notion of going above and beyond customer needs is so entrenched that managers rarely question it. But delighting your customers may be a waste of time and energy. In fact, most customers just want simple, quick solutions to their problems, and your company should make that possible. Think about the service initiatives you have …