Ideas

This column has always been about shedding traditional ways of selling. More specifically, I have encouraged salespeople to reinvent themselves by adopting what I call a "business resource mindset."

It's still early in the year, so it's only fair for CEOs, company presidents and executive leaders to ask: what things do we know for sure about 2010, and what's really just pure speculation?

All the champagne bottles are empty, the noise makers are now silent and the clock has welcomed in the New Year. It is tradition to make personal resolutions, like start a diet, exercise more often, call your mom on a regular basis and clean out the attic.

While January in Wisconsin typically brings cold weather and snow, the start of a new year also brings hopeful feelings and anticipation of what lies ahead. A new year can also be a time for making resolutions, commitments to alter or change various behaviors.

"The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is...

Most employers haven't had employee retention on their minds. Last year, it's been quite the opposite. Many employers have had to reduce their workforce to remain in business.

E-Verify is a federal program that lets employers electronically check the identity and work eligibility of employees. To participate, an employer must register online and agree to use the system for all new employees.

Johnson Controls Inc. recently partnered with the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) to commission more than 1,400 business executives from various industries to answer a survey related to energy efficiency in North America and its effects on business strategy and employee relations.

In early February, the Wisconsin chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) will conduct the second Wisconsin ACG Cup, a case study competition that asks MBA students to examine a theoretical buy-side investment banking transaction.

Plans are probably already underway for your company's holiday party.