FeaturesNow

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]

2010 and Beyond: Trends to Watch

It's a new decade, and the pace of change is accelerating faster than ever. What does the new decade hold? This feature takes a peek at the next ten years, and offers your readers a glimpse of the trends that will affect their personal and business lives. 1657 words. [Feature 2003]

First Contact

That first transaction with a new customer is all-important. It can cement the new relationship and lead to a lifetime of mutually profitable sales -- if it's managed right. That first transaction might be big or small, in-person or online. It might involve a purchase or it might center around a freebie. This feature explores a wide variety of "first contact" transactions, and offers power-packed tips your readers can use to turn those transactions into lasting customer relationships. 878 words. [Feature 2002]

Random Observations About Leadership

Leadership is an art. There's no one "right" way to create good leadership, but over the years astute observers of the art have suggested that great leaders share some common traits and habits. Random Observations About Leadership contain 18 intriguing ideas about leadership. These observations will get your readers thinking ... and maybe even help them improve their leadership skills. 652 words. [Feature 1001]

Hmmmm ... Let Me Play the Devil's Advocate

Imagine this: One of your readers is in a serious and intense debate. Bold-faced and aggressive arguments won't cut it. So what will change minds and hearts? One strategy: playing devil's advocate. This punchy feature explains the why's and how's of this subtle, but powerful, approach to persuasion. 1166 words. [Feature 0912]

Techno-Resolutions for the New Year

The new year is a great time for new resolutions. With technology filling so much of our lives, now is the perfect time to make a few techno-resolutions. By learning how to use technology more effectively in the year ahead, you're taking important steps toward greater productivity and satisfaction in your personal and work life. This feature offers you 20+ simple and practical ways you can do just that. [Feature 0911]

Transformational Trends: Where Organizations are Headed in the New Decade

The 21st century ushered in an era of great change. And now, as we move steadily into the new century, business change is accelerating. This feature offers your readers a whirlwind tour of trends and changes awaiting them in the decade ahead. 984 words. [Feature 0910]

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]