Incubators. They aren’t just for poultry anymore. According to the National Business Incubation Association, there are more than 1,200 incubators in the U.S. and some 7,000 around the world. Back in 1980, there were only 12 incubators, so the phenomenon is certainly growing. One type of incubator is sponsored by a university and for the […]
Every brand needs to occasionally take out the pruning shears and polishing cloths to spiff itself up. Sometimes these efforts are a big success, as LEGO has proven recently, and sometimes they are major flops; think New Coke. LEGO had let its brand slide over the years. In part it seemed to think that as […]
I’m a shoeaholic. I also hate to pay retail for anything. So I’m a frequent shopper at several of the discount designer shoe stores. If you shop at these stores, you’re probably familiar with their customer loyalty programs. You earn special rewards, such as $5 or $10 off, based on your spending activity. Recently, I […]
Angels must have a great PR firm. Polls continually find that about 80 percent of all Americans believe in angels. Of course, that’s the diaphanous, winged variety. How about the money-investing angel? Should small business owners believe in them? First, let’s set out what I mean by “angel.” Historically, an angel investor has been a […]
Quelle horreur! French labor unions and corporate leaders recently took steps to strictly limit after-hours emails. The deal would give workers 11 hours of guaranteed freedom from business emails. The idea wasn’t popular with everyone in France, especially many young businesspeople who are trying to get startups off the ground. Right now, if approved by […]