Finesse is often a natural gift. Still, it has to be nurtured by study and a personal emphasis on empathy. And we all stumble. CEOs, though, have access to a key tool for learning and practicing management finesse. The corporate communications function. Like anything else, it's all in how you build it. Continue reading

The economy is in recovery. Innovation is happening, and this crash is going to help in the long run. Position your company for that long run. Even if you don't believe in karma, or you don't think it's your responsibility to help others, the very best kind of marketing for your enterprise is based in relationships. Show the world that you know relationships are key to commerce. And that you know the key to good, sustainable relationships is the personal touch. Continue reading

Fluid boundaries are the mark of the social enterprise -- so enterprise messages must be ever more precise. And they must be distinguishable from those of other enterprises, especially from your competitors. Continue reading

You can add another important competitive barrier, and a differentiator, by turning your customers into advocates of your company. Continue reading

However much you're using social media to talk with your customers -- what I call the muscle of engagement -- you still need the skeleton. Continue reading

Today, I use StumbleUpon and Google Reader both to catalog my favorites and to share them with followers on those sites. I'm starting to do more on Facebook and LinkedIn as well, mainly through a standing link from my Twitter feed to those networks. My goal is to wean myself off saving things to my computer. Continue reading

Sacrifice is not an element usually associated with stardom, God-given beauty, serial monogamy -- or being a corporate CEO. When it is, though, it's noteworthy. Continue reading

These five articles reach beyond short-term business trends to point us in a new direction -- one that takes leaders to game-changing practices for managing growth, culture and image. Continue reading

There is a great deal of content floating around on the Internet about marketing, especially when it comes to incorporating social media into the traditional marketing mix. I find myself saving posts from these blogs on a regular basis. In reading them, I find workable ideas for clients, whatever their size and scope. Continue reading

These books, which I've read or am reading, are works whose content can inform business life. Continue reading

I want to be the same person on Twitter that I am on LinkedIn that I am in my neighborhood that I am when working. I might express myself a bit differently in each venue, but essentially, I'm me. I think that should be the goal. Continue reading

Here are the basics of Father Locatelli's approach to leadership, as captured by Mr Gardner, that I took away and will keep in front of me. Continue reading

Ada Lovelace still inspires women centuries beyond her time Continue reading

It's the Startup Bus. Six teams are developing a startup idea while they ride the bus to Austin. Regular folks can use virtual dollars to invest in the startup of their choice. Continue reading

Now that we have multiple social networks for multiple purposes and interests, with new ones emerging and gaining traction regularly, technologists and user experts are thinking about what's next. Continue reading

I hope these guys keep writing. Continue reading