Why Being Self-Centered is Good

This may seem like an odd blog entry, but it has been the topic of conversation over many dinners recently. Although we are taught from a young age that being self-centered is a bad thing, I think that more people would benefit from being this way. Let me explain. To start off, I am not […]

EVA, SVA, and the Economy

While at Accenture, one of our analytical tools was Shareholder Value Analysis (SVA) – a tool based on Economic Value Added.  The premise is that by looking at a company’s financials, we can determine where to best target our innovation efforts.  The analysis can show us, for example, if reducing SG&A will have a greater […]

Best Companies to Work For

Fortune Magazine released their list of the top companies to work for. #1 on the list is the 7,000 person data storage company, NetApp.  They have some great business philosophies that show they treat employees like owners of the company – a key to creating a truly innovation organization. The article says… NetApp early on […]

Do Your Innovation Efforts Work?

Sometimes the question you ask is more important than the actions you take. During President Obama’s inauguration speech, he said… “The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works – whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, […]

A Business Idea Every Day

Could you develop a new business idea every single day for an entire month? That’s what my friend Susanne Goldstein has been doing since the start of the year. She is a “business accelerator and experience architect,” and she wants to find a source of passive income; money that comes in without her having to […]

Johnny Cupcakes

What do T-shirts and cupcakes have in common? A guy by the name of Johnny. Today I spoke at an event for the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE).  They are an amazing organization that teaches entrepreneurship to high school kids, many of whom are in the inner city. I did a breakout session for […]

Happy New Year

In just a matter of hours, 2009 will be upon us.  If you have not done so, please read my article on setting New Year’s Resolutions.  You may also be interested in some statistics about New Year’s Resolutions. Happy New Year!

Personality Poker ®

It’s official.  Personality Poker® is now a registered trademark.  In 2009 we will be announcing some exciting developments with this brand.

Why Aren't You More Successful?

A friend of mine is a fantastic freelance writer.  After telling her how great she is, she asked, “So if I’m that good, how come I’m not working now?  Tough market out there.” Yes, it is a tough market.  But I suspect that is not the reason she can’t find work.  She has fallen into […]

Wii and the Bell Curve

Many of my recent posts discuss “Innovation and the Bell Curve.” One quick comment on this idea.  I often say that the left-hand side of the bell curve is about affordability and accessibility.  But sometimes it is just about accessibility – for a premium price. Two quick examples come to mind. The Nintendo Wii is […]