Is FTC Probe Warranted in Google’s Business Practices?
Updated Feb. 4, 2012 So, instead of solving important budgetary and other policy issues, Congress has launched an investigation in Google’s privacy policies. In other ways, Uncle Sam has set itself up as the digital-age czar. You’ll recall the Microsoft antitrust case in which it averted a breakup. Only this time it’s the Federal [...]
[Read more...]Think 1930s for Business Success. Consumer Attitudes are Changing.
Hyper-consumerism is history. Traditional values with a purpose are in vogue. Traditional values – old-fashioned, if you prefer – describe the new mindset of consumers and what they expect from business. That’s according to a white paper, “The Power of the Post-Recession Consumer,” republished by strategy+business in June, 2011. Authors John Gerzema and Michael [...]
[Read more...]Is Facebook Approaching the End of Its Product Life Cycle? Ostensibly, Yes.
Updated Feb. 14, 2012 If you’re a prospective Facebook stakeholder looking to profit from the social-networking site – as an investor or major advertiser – beware of all the Facebook hype. Yes, Facebook has 800 million users worldwide and appears to be in the proverbial catbird seat. However, caution is advised. “You can’t be serious,” [...]
[Read more...]Thanks to Gov. Brown, Is Solar Energy Finally About to Hit Its Stride?
Updated Feb. 14, 2012 Two major news headlines surrounding two solar-energy projects were certainly more than disturbing in 2011. That being the $535 million federally guaranteed loan to Solyndra and the $1.2 billion loan guarantee to SunPower. True, they smacked of cronyism by the Obama Administration. The two tragedies have harmed the potential of [...]
[Read more...]Manufacturing Jobs Might Return to U.S. as China’s Labor Costs Rise
Updated Feb. 14, 2011 Will federal, state and local governments change public policy to take advantage of a development in China? A recent study by a world-class consulting firm offers hope to regions in the United States beleaguered by high unemployment – the firm predicts labor issues in China mean U.S. firms will be less-inclined [...]
[Read more...]Security Precautions to Take Following Citibank’s Second Reported Online Breach
Updated Feb. 4, 2012 Citibank’s acknowledgment that private information of 360,083 North American Citigroup credit card accounts was stolen by hackers, which affected 210,000 customers, serves as a warning for all businesses and consumers to take precautionary steps. The bank’s May, 2011 security breach wasn’t reported until weeks later. Originally, Citibank said 200,000 accounts were affected. None [...]
[Read more...]Link between Financial Performance and Succession Planning
Companies that promote their chief executives from inside vis-à-vis recruiting from the outside have a much higher financial-success rate. In other words, successful companies identify and nurture their intellectual capital. It’s not just my experience. It’s been confirmed by a global human resources study. The report comprised an analysis of 500 S&P non-financial companies [...]
[Read more...]What Should You Divulge When Asking for Investment Capital?
If your startup is the next big thing, but you want venture capital, you can start smiling. Yes, financing has been difficult to obtain in recent years. But entrepreneurs wanting venture capital have reasons for at least a small celebration – the money is starting to flow again after the Great Recession took its [...]
[Read more...]Study – CFOs Still Calling the Shots in IT Decisions
The top IT decision-maker for many companies is not the chief information officer. Instead, the chief financial officer is, according to a Gartner study. The chief financial officer is becoming the top technology decision maker in around half of businesses, according to Gartner research released in June, 2011, which is entitled: “Financial Executives International [...]
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