Shel Holtz and Ted Demopoulos’s new book, “Blogging for Business” could be renamed Business Blogging 101. Their book is an excellent read for anyone who is interested in blogging, wants to know various ways to use his/her blog, or needs a technical guide on how to get started.



Blogs have exploded in popularity due to their user friendly administration and ability to utilize the web in new and innovative ways. Companies such as Boeing, Go Daddy, Soutwest Airlines and Whole Foods Marketshave adopted blogs of their own. Each company has placed senior management (Both Whole Foods and Go Daddy CEO’s are the authors) in the position to give insights on key topics for each company. However, don’t think that blogs are only for Fortune 500 companies though. Small businesses have the opportunity to give their customers the ability to find out more about the businesses they love. And that opportunity is through blogs.

Check out the “Blogging for Business” website for more info!

The search is over! I’ve received a ton of interest for this opportunity and have selected 6 individuals to join the team. Expect some great things in the near future!

BizBookTalk is growing and we’re looking for 4 people who are interested in reviewing books. It’s a great opportunity for those who are passionate about business and reading. This opportunity includes:

• Writing Feedback and Critique
• Learning Opportunity - Increase Business Knowledge
• Opportunity to Connect with Leading Business Thinkers
• Access to the Latest Business Books

Anyone who is interested please send an email to brandon [at] bizbooktalk [dot] com. Please include either:

• A writing sample
• A Link to your blog/website

Or

• A paragraph explaining why you want to join

Come join the team!!

In today’s world, leaders are a dying breed. You don’t have to look far to see this as being true. Look at our government. Look at the colossal failures at major corporations (Enron, WorldCom, Tyco and Adelphia to name just a few).



Is it because everyone is out for #1 (aka themselves)? Or has management by deception and lies trumped the benefits of leading with integrity? Our organizations and schools have systematically failed to build leaders. It’s evident as many organizations have to look outside to hire senior management. Noel Tichy has a fix for this problem. Noel, a professor at the prestigious University of Michigan Business School and a former director at Crotonville GE Human Developing Center has developed the framework to build organizations that grow leaders. It’s highlighted in his book “The Cycle Of Leadership”. Although the books reach is aimed at the organizational leader there are many important points to take away:

• Always be open to learning. Create your own opportunities, step outside your comfort zone. It doesn’t matter if you are entry level or CEO a leader is open to new ideas and opinions. Richard Branson one of the most successful individuals in the world practices this. Read Tom Peters blog post for more details.
• Create your TPOV (Teachable Point Of View). Leaders need to have anywhere from 4-6 points to teach from. They need to be specific and easy to understand. Just because the format in which you present them is simple, it’s your duty to make these a part of the culture (which is the hard part).
• Leverage Teachable Moments – Whenever you have the opportunity leverage current situations as teachable moments for employees (new guy at the company, transitioning to manager position) do so
• Always remember the 80/20 rule -
  

  “80% of leadership development comes on the job and through life experience. Formal development experiences have the potential to deliver only about 20% of the knowledge and capabilities needed” The Cycle of Leadership

Check out Noel’s homepage to find out more information about the The Cycle of Leadership and other publications.