Gitomer.com

"Most people (you included and me included) expect someone friendly, someone helpful when you need them, to be served in a timely manner, to be given fair value, to be presented with a quality product, to make the process quick and easy, and to be thanked whether you give them the business or not."

Thinking About Expanding Your Market?

"Application software companies frequently talk about expanding their markets. Often this idea represents wishful thinking rather than a well-thought out rationale and business plan. If your business is discussing expanding its market, here are 10 questions to answer before you decide."

ECONOMIC TRENDS 2007: Milwaukee companies brace for a slow climb in 2007 - Small Business Times

"Tempered by a housing market hangover, a slumping American automotive industry and the costly war in Iraq, most economists are projecting slow growth of 2 to 3 percent for the U.S. economy in 2007. As the figures suggest, growth will be attainable. However, that growth will have to be earned, and it will usually come in small increments, as companies that are prepared to make the slow climb are able to grind through or around the obstacles in their paths.

The largest obstacle of all may be the lingering housing bubble, recession or correction – depending upon which economist you are listening to. Whatever it is, it is cramping the spending of consumers, many of whom can no longer tap into their home equity lines of credit."

Gitomer.com

"Think about how you feel when someone yells at you. Not the most pleasant feeling in the world. Most people have an instant reaction to defend themselves, blame someone else, or apologize profusely. With a YES! Attitude, none of these are acceptable.

If you say, “Thank you, I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. Now that I know about it, I can fix it right away,” your words clearly state an implied apology, a desire to take action, and a ton of self-confidence. You are expressing your attitude in the form of positive action.

“I’m sorry” is a state of being. If you state it enough, you become it. If you want to make amends, just say, “I apologize.” But an apology does not indicate action. “Thank you” indicates acceptance, and the words that follow indicate you’re willing to do something about it."

Private equity firms raised record $215.4B in 2006 - San Francisco Business Times:

"U.S. private equity firms in 2006 smashed their previous fund-raising record, reaping $215.4 billion among 322 funds by the close of the year, according to a report released Thursday."