Would it surprise you to know that technical skills, or lack thereof,  is not the main reason that most new hires don’t succeed at their position? In fact, according to a study by Leadership IQ, in a survey of over five thousand managers, only 11% of new hires don’t make it because they lacked the necessary technical skills. So what about the other 89%? Keep reading, you might be surprised at the findings:

• 26% of new hires didn’t make it due to Coachability - they couldn’t accept and implement feedback
• 23% didn’t make it because they lacked Emotional Intelligence - the ability to manage your own emotions, and correctly assess other’s emotions
• 17% didn’t make it because they didn’t have enough Motivation to excel at their positions
• 15% had the wrong Temperament for the position
• And 11% failed due to lack of Technical Skills.

Interestingly, many (82%) of the managers that responded to the survey reported that they had cues during the interview that suggested that they might have problems down the road, but overlooked it because they were too focused on the skill set required for the job! Perhaps it’s time for a change.

The cost of hiring the wrong person, compounded by the lost opportunity cost of hiring someone who excels, can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars even for small businesses. So hiring the right person to begin with is worth the time to take a look at alternatives approaches.  Interviews, instead of focusing almost entirely on skills, should be re-structured to include an evaluation of interpersonal skills, motivation and temperament.

Hiring Right – What to Really Look For is a post from: Management Software Tools

If you haven’t yet heard about Google’s “B2B Buyer at Zero Moment of Truth,” you’re not alone. Initially, the phrase “First Moment of Truth,” as coined by Proctor and Gamble (P&G), described the 3-7 seconds after a shopper first encounters a product on a store shelf. Marketing strategies have been developed and focused around that moment to convince the buyer to interact with that product.

However, since more people are using the internet as a research tool, Google is proposing that the rise in online information has posed an new moment of truth they call “B2B Buyer at Zero Moment of Truth.” A video presentation explaining this concept, along with Mike Brown’s interpretation of the presentation is available at http://brainzooming.com/?p=4261&cpage=1#comment-1280.

So what does this mean for businesses? According to Brown, Google suggests businesses focus on three strategies:

1. Visibility: More individuals are performing searches in “off” (non 9-5) hours when individuals are at home in the evenings or during the weekends. There’s also an increase in the amount of searches on  mobile phones, so maintaining a constant online presence is very important

2. Persuasion: With the dramatic increase in social media conversations, businesses need to work harder to manage their reputations. This means they need to be active in online social media sites. By engaging in the conversation, businesses gain trust and build stronger relationships.

3. Flexibility: This is a businesses willingness and ability to respond and adapt to customer needs quickly. It also implies that products come to market faster, with less emphasis on perfection and more emphasis on finding better solutions.

Brown goes on to write that the biggest take away from the presentation is that online activities have already affected many industries, including travel, publishing, retail, and real estate. A warning message follows: if you think online activity won’t affect your business, you’re wrong. Don’t wait to begin your online strategy, or to adjust the online strategy you already have in place.

Interestingly, a survey of 100 companies by Digital Brand Expressions found that although 78% of respondents engage in social media within their business, only 41% actually have a social media strategic plan in place. You can find the survey survey here: http://www.digitalbrandexpressions.com/services/enterprise-social-media.asp. It appears that businesses need to re-evaluate their marketing strategies and incorporate social media strategies into their comprehensive plan, otherwise they risk being left behind.

For more on strategic planning, see this blog on strategic planning and execution: http://www.performancesolutionstech.com/category/strategicplanning/

Google’s “B2B Buyer at Zero Moment of Truth” is a post from: Management Software Tools

The basic function of fleet management is vehicle tracking. Using a GPS system, companies can locate vehicles, see which direction the vehicle is headed, and track the vehicle’s speed. This information is crucial for planning and managing the entire fleet. Vehicle tracking also improves safety as management is able to immediately detect unsafe driving practices by personnel.

Recent technological advancements have now made it possible for management to safely disable a vehicle, even while in operation. This feature nearly eliminates theft of vehicles and related cargo

Fleet management software is designed to manage all operations, from vehicle acquisition to disposal. The following list highlights a few of the benefits of fleet management software:

• reduction of maintenance cost

• improves the profitability of trucks

• invoicing increase

• simplification of operational processes

• provides control of the routes

There are many choices when looking for fleet management software. The following 10 minute video, created by CIMA Truck, offers a demonstration of the features and benefits to using fleet management software.

Fleet Management Basics is a post from: Management Software Tools

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Strategic planning requires understanding the internal and external conditions of the organization, and developing a strategy to move the company forward. All strategic plans should be about growth or improvement. Either the company is trying to grow through expansion, innovation, or acquisations or they are trying to improve on current business processes, client relationships, supply-chain logistics, or whatever they deem appropriate.

Strategic planning that involves scenario planning is useful because it applies “what-if” scenarios to the plan and devises a strategy in case the scenario becomes reality. Scenario planning is widely used in the strategic planning process and can alleviate the stress of the unknown. Of course, scenario planning is only an exercise in forward thinking that is done before the opportunity or threat arises. By planning ahead for scenarios, leadership has a plan to refer to that was developed long before the event presents itself.

Strategic business software that keeps all goals, objectives and projects in a highly visible format keeps the plan active and assists in execution.  The ability to drill down on a project or goal and see who’s assigned to what, what’s been accomplished to date, and what’s still outstanding is invaluable for the strategic manager. Saving both time and resources with the use of progress updates and conversational threads keeps business strategy aligned with personnel performance.

For more on strategic planning software, see http://www.performancesolutionstech.com/category/strategicplanning/

Strategic Planning & Scenario Planning is a post from: Management Software Tools

While it’s true that some large corporations employ strategic planning specialists that do nothing but focus on how to master their art, strategic planning at its core is simply defining desired outcomes and establishing corresponding action items. Fred Nickols offers in this article some helpful advice on simplifying strategic planning. First, take stock of the situation. This will vary depending on the organization; some may simply need to have a conversation about the condition of the company, while others will perform SWOT or PEST analysis, according to Nickols. He suggests looking at different methods and choosing one that makes sense to your organization.

Nickol’s second tip: picking your targets and setting your objectives. The “target” is that which you focus your attention on (e.g. sales, or market share, or productivity rate). Then set your objectives, such as “We want to increase our market share by 10% within 18 months,” or “We want to increase sales by 25% next year.”

Finally, formulate your plans. This is a set of action items to get you to your planned objectives. How exactly does you company plan to increase sales, or market share, or whatever is the selected objective. This is also when you allocate the needed resources, decide who does what and when, and deciding if you have the necessary tools in place to accomplish the action items.

Article Quote:

“Sometimes, people are overwhelmed by the apparent complexity of the strategic planning process. Two pieces of advice: (1) Relax, because it isn’t really all that complex once you strip it down to its essentials, and (2) No company has ever been known to fail for lack of a strategic plan (although more than a few have been known to shoot themselves in the foot with one).”

Link: http://www.smartdraw.com/blog/archive/2010/02/04/strategic-planning-for-the-strategically-impaired.aspx

With so many different models and practices to choose from, it’s no wonder business owners shy away from strategic planning. Strategic planning doesn’t have to be an exhaustive chore as Nickols points out. It really is only a set of goals and activities planned to reach those goals. Once the plan is developed, implementing the plan is often the next hurdle to jump. Leaders should communicate the plan to subordinates and clearly define what each individual’s responsibility to the plan is.

Utilizing performance technology can help mangers by keeping the plan active and visible to all participants. By knowing your expected outcomes and having a system in place for documenting results, managers are given timely information on critical information. This enables them to see how the goals are progressing and whether or not they should course correct.

For more on strategic planning technology, see http://www.performancesolutionstech.com/category/strategicplanning/

Strategic Planning for the Strategically Impaired is a post from: Management Software Tools

When a leading event management software vendor recently asked event planners which tools they use to plan their events, the majority said event management software (67%), with spreadsheets coming in second, and “other” listed last. While spreadsheets have some advantages such as being low cost and widely accepted, they also lack many of the features of event management software.

One of the best features of event management software is its ability to seamlessly integrate with your website so people can get all the important details of the event, register online and pay fees online when necessary. Event management software also has the ability to send invitations, print name badges, event surveys, and assist managers with resource allocation. Click the link below for the whole article.

Article Quote:

“Many events have multiple event managers, all using the same spreadsheets to organise and plan various areas. Problems arise when managers update spreadsheets without informing the other event mangers that the spreadsheet has changed.”

Link: http://ahmedsauer.typepad.com/blog/2010/07/event-management-software-tools-to-manage-and-plan-events.html

Spreadsheets are a great tool that many people from a variety of industries. The drawback is that spreadsheets are not created for a specific niche, such as event management software is. Creating a software with the end user in mind is beneficial because it is customized with added features to make the user’s job easier, while keeping all the information in one place and in one application. As mentioned above, when changes are made to one spreadsheet, those changes don’t automatically populate to other users’ copies and that leads to miscommunication or at the very least, the need to spend more time updating everyone’s spreadsheet to reflect recent changes.

For more on management software and how it can help your business keep everyone ‘on the same page’, see http://www.managepro.com/management.html

Event Management Software Tools to Manage and Plan Events is a post from: Management Software Tools

Entrepeneurs and seasoned business owners alike know very well that one very important element can make or break their business, and that is to get and stay organized. Management software is one way to help your organization be organized which streamlines the business process. For example, car rental businesses use fleet management software to book reservations, see which cars are available and to manage their entire fleet. Car rental companies would have a difficult time running their business without the use of management software.

Businesses looking to stay connected, even from across the globe, would benefit from collaboration software. Increasingly, software vendors are offering web-based management software so there is not installation required and the software can be accessed from any computer.

Management software is useful if it helps the business get more done within the same amount of time. The best way to determine which management software would work well for your organization is to clearly define what your business needs to find a good fit.

Article Quote:

“It is necessary to be well organised in order to expand the business. Management software helps you in achieving this.”

Link: http://www.freeezinearticles.com/2010/07/23/how-management-software-helps-in-various-fields/

Management software that allows user to leverage information, agility and effectiveness of people by using a “One input- multiple use output” documenting and repurpose process is what managers are seeking to effectively run their businesses. It is a time drain to re-input the same information, hold meeting after meeting to get everyone on the same page, and continually seek status updates on outstanding tasks. Being able to use one central application that keeps everyone informed is a great business investment.

For more on management software, see http://www.managepro.com/management.html

How Management Software Helps In Various Fields? is a post from: Management Software Tools

These days, project management is increasingly handled with web-based applications instead of it being necessary to always report in person with your PM. Web based project management works by centralizing complete project information onto a single server that tracks all the work being done.  This allows the project team to access important information and collaborate from anywhere in the world.

Using web-based project management saves a lot of time as team members don’t necessarily need to be physically present, and they don’t need to give an oral status update which takes much longer than reading it. In addition, web-based project management software keeps all of the crucial information in one place and can be organized into gantt charts, flowcharts, or dashboards so PMs can focus on action items.

Article Quote:

“If we try to take a look at kind and type of project management software, we find that several such software have marked their presence in the corporate world. Thus selecting one such software can be brain-taxing task.”

Link: http://www.daomubiji.tk/2010/07/22/project-management-software-guide.html

Before searching for project management software, evaluate your project needs. Have a list of the applications or features you will need so when you begin the selection process, you’ll get exactly what you need. Choosing a flexible software that is simple to start, yet has the more complex features when and if you need them saves you from needing to switch softwares as larger more involved projects come along.

For more on web-based project management software, see http://www.performancesolutionstech.com/category/project-management/

Project management software guide is a post from: Management Software Tools

GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF), a leading financing provider to manufacturers and their distributors,  announced that it has established a $35 million credit facility for Global Technology Resources, Inc. (GTRI). Denver based GTRI is a leading provider of a wide variety of technology solutions.

The credit facility will be used to procure inventory from distributors and manufacturers, and it will also be used for working capital needs. GTRI sells and installs IT systems and programs to customers in the commercial, federal, education and healthcare markets.

Jeeva Ratnathicam, vice president of finance for GTRI said “This new financing facility allows us to take advantage of manufacturers’ channel financing programs while providing us with capital necessary to continue our rapid growth.”

Article Quote:

“GTRI gives clients the necessary visibility and control to tackle their greatest technology challenges, leveraging professionalism and experience to deliver the best of next-generation networks.”

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ge-capital-establishes-35-million-credit-facility-for-global-technology-resources-inc-2010-07-14?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Maintaining enough capital is a challenge for expanding businesses so having access to credit during rapid growth can be the deciding factor on whether the business survives or suffers. GTRI is a leading technology consulting provider by assisting in aligning client needs with the right infrastructure, wireless, network convergence, systems management, business continuity, storage and backup, project management, staff augmentation and managed services.

For more on project management, visit www.managepro.com/projectmanagement.html

GE Capital Establishes $35 Million Credit Facility for Global Technology Resources, Inc. is a post from: Management Software Tools

Topsider Homes, builders of prefabricated homes attribute their four decade long success to hard work and careful strategic planning.  Additionally, Topsider values their customer service standards and maintain customer contact beyond that of many of their competitors. For instance, they understand that every customer has different needs and wants and they communicate closely to meet those needs before building begins.

After the customer choses a design, Topsider has their experts and engineers  ensure that the terrain is suitable for the home.  The company has diversified their product line to include green homes. They must adhere to guidelines set by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Building Program, and on occasion consult environmentalists.

Article Quote:

“It should be remembered that Topsider Homes builds homes that are green, eco-friendly in all ways. Special care is taken as regards waste disposal and recycling of unused material. The company takes it as a challenge to provide architectural solution for home building in environmentally sensitive and topographically challenging locations, with minimal disturbance and impact on the environment.”

Link: http://www.livegreenecofriendly.com/topsider-homes-makes-it-great-with-strategic-planning/

One of the core focuses of any business should be to create a product that people want, and provide service that exceeds customer expectations. However, many companies have failed even though they met these criteria. Why? Because running and maintaining a successful business requires strategic planning of the whole business, from operations, marketing, logistics, and capital management.

For more on strategic planning, see http://www.performancesolutionstech.com/category/strategicplanning/

Topsider Homes Makes It Great With Strategic Planning is a post from: Management Software Tools