FeaturesNow

Build Cash!

Your readers know the old business maxim: cash rules. At the end of the day, their business success is measured by their ability to cover costs and generate new cash flow. But when your readers face economic challenges, they need to conserve cash. Many readers will be tempted to scramble wildly to cut wherever and whenever they can. But the most successful readers will view their cash challenge as an opportunity. They'll ponder one of the time-tested models of cash generation, and put one or more of those models to work. This feature describes how your readers can boost cash - permanently. 749 words. [Feature 1102]

Problem Deadline ... Dead Ahead

A deadline is looming. Your readers know that deadlines are important, even critical. But what happens when a deadline looks like it can't be met? No simple answers, but the reader facing a problematic deadline needs to know the drill: understanding the meaning behind the deadline, examining hidden options and, most important, taking action wherever possible.This engaging feature explains how. 1066 words. [Feature 1006]

Online Criticism: Answer and Overcome!

It can happen to any of your readers, anytime: online criticism from a customer, a blogger, or just someone out of the blue. Getting angry doesn't help. Responding does. But how? This feature introduces readers to a variety of ways they can effectively respond to online criticism -- and come out ahead in the eyes of the public. 719 words. [Feature 2005]

Mediation Magic

What happens when disputes erupt between employees, co-workers or members? You can insist they work it out. Or impose a solution. Or separate them. But often, the best solution is to mediate. Although complex problems may require sophisticated mediation techniques, you already have the knowledge and skills necessary to address everyday disputes. This brief feature explains what mediation is all about, and offers readers a practical, step-by-step guide to mediation basics. 922 words. [Feature 2004]

Preparing for the Worst

Just suppose ... A pandemic hits, and readers must shut their business doors for a few days. Or a fire rages through a nearby building, seriously disrupting normal business operations. Or a natural disaster wrecks havoc on readers' communities, and communication lines are broken.

Emergencies happen. How fast a reader recovers from an emergency often depends on his or her pre-emergency preparations. Readers who carefully analyze their emergency risks, and develop backup plans to confront them end up protecting their business operations. 

Preparing for the Worst offers readers tips they can use to plan and prepare for the unthinkable. 808 words. [Feature 0909]

Fight Fear with Facts

Fear is a common commodity these days. You name the challenge -- an uncertain economy, scathing competition, taxes and government regulation, the cost of technology, and more -- and your readers and members are probably facing it.

No wonder they feel fear every once in a while.

Fear can cripple. But it can also motivate. Once readers understand the origins and implications of their business fears, they can take steps to surmount them. More important, they can steps toward creative business growth. This inspiring feature explains how. 836 words. [Feature 0906]

Manage Your Stress When Times are Tough

Tough times put stress on business. And tough times put just as much stress on people.

Many of your readers or members are worried about today's recession and its impact on their businesses. It's easy for stress to take hold.

This new feature -- Manage Your Stress When Times are Tough -- offers practical tips readers can use right now to keep stress at bay, and navigate these economically challenging times with calm and confidence. 739 words. [Feature 0904]

Talk Your Way Out of the Recession

Many of your readers or members can't wait for the recession to end on its own. They need action -- now. And trite as it may sound, action begins with powerful talk. Recession-busting talk means selling new products and services to customers ... persuading old prospects to become new customers ... creatively motivating employees to become more productive ... talking to prospects in new ways ... and more.

Talk Your Way Out of the Recession offers practical and inspirational guidance to almost any reader -- and reminds all readers of the powerful "tool of talk" available to them right now. 1062 words. [Feature 0903]

When Business Slumps, Step Forward

Dismal economic news sends shivers of fear throughout the business world.  When sales and dollars dwindle, many business owners and managers have a tendency to circle the wagons and plot ways to defend declining profits.  But the secret of success during challenging times is pushing forward:  strengthening markets, creatively retooling sales efforts, and exploring new opportunities.  This feature explains how.  1055 words.  [Feature 0810]

Cash Tight? Thirty Ways to Boost Cash Fast

No question about it:  your business readers will experience the occasional dry spell -- a period when cash is especially tight.  Here are thirty ways your readers can find and save cash during tough times.  679 words.  [Feature 0421]