Small Businesses Think Things Are Looking Up!

 

Being a former manager of a FedEx Office center, I can tell you that the team members working behind the counters really know small businesses. And not just because our company once was a small business (did you know the first Kinko’s was just one copy machine located on the sidewalk next to a taco stand in California?). No, it’s because small businesses are in our centers each and every day, working with team members to find the solutions that help them build business. And for the last three years we’ve done a nationwide survey of entrepreneurs just like them to see how they’re feeling about things – their business, their customers, the economy and more. 

This year, the results told us that things are looking up for small businesses…that they feel poised to help drive the U.S. economy out of its rut. I thought that was great news, and definitely worth spreading the word about! ...read more

When Was Your Last Unforgettable Presentation?

 

Remember the old days when transparencies, flip charts and 35mm slides ruled meetings? These days, presenters have countless new options for helping an audience understand and engage. With all the technology and tools available, I’ve found several favorite ways to stand out and make a great impression – and some have even been inspired by the overhead projector era! 


Some things to think about include:



  • Always keep in mind that the materials or slides you feature in a presentation are visual aids – rely on your own, more detailed notes rather than reading your presentation materials to the audience

  • Use props that catch the audience’s attention and make a statement

  • Leverage the power of multimedia like photos and videos – or create drawings on the spot that illustrate the points being made<?xml:namespace prefix = o />

  • Incorporate presentation boards to drive home core points that underpin the discussion

Beyond the Apple -
Showing Teachers Our Appreciation

 

As another school year comes to a close, I’m beginning to brainstorm ideas for a thank you gift to show my son’s teacher how much I appreciate what she does. And right now, I’m definitely thinking that you can’t go wrong with a delicious baked treat. After all, who doesn’t enjoy homemade chocolate chip cookies? It’s a sweet way to say thanks!


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How Does Your Garden Grow?

 

Blog friends, I have to let you in on a little secret: I have always wanted to be a good gardener! I always thought that when we had a yard, I’d plant bulbs in the winter and watch beautiful flowers blossom in the spring. Or have a few rows of veggies so we could make fresh salads. But alas, no luck – my thumb isn’t showing any green tendencies and our yard is filled with wildflowers and weeds (and maybe a few too many “presents” from our dogs Molly and Conrad). My grandparents, however, were very active gardeners.  I spent many summers enjoying perfectly ripe and flavorful tomatoes, juicy strawberries, sweet corn and crisp cucumbers…Yum!

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