Over the last few weeks, we’ve talked about ways you can build a business using the internet. Technology has made it easier than ever to turn a passion or small business dream into a very real way of making money. … Read More

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(BPT) – It’s no secret that there are countless challenges facing today’s family-owned businesses. In fact, less than one-third of family businesses successfully migrate from first to second generation ownership. Another 50 percent never survive the transition from second to third generation, according to Forbes. 

While every organization has its own priorities and category-specific issues to manage, family businesses that fail to innovate run the risk of losing market share to competitors, losing key staff or simply operating inefficiently so that they cannot survive. Innovation is a key differentiator between market leaders and their rivals, and can ultimately ensure longevity.

IDEAL Industries, Inc., a manufacturing company based 60 miles west of Chicago, is consistently growing and expanding under four generations of family ownership, and is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year.

How has this electrical product supplier and hand tool company managed to stay relevant and produce results for 100 years? Their success story can be chalked up to their ongoing devotion to innovation and looking beyond traditional business pressures of hitting quarterly results.

Their philosophy is simple: focus on the markets that exist today, while ensuring that they are poised to serve those of tomorrow.

“The beauty of being family-owned is that we have the freedom to make executive decisions with the long-term in mind,” said IDEAL Chairman and CEO Jim James. “We think ten years ahead — how will our family, board and business be different? What are the risks that lie ahead and how can we mitigate them now? How do we put our core business out of business? Because if we don’t, someone else will.”

While IDEAL may best be known for their wire connectors, their innovations also touch the sky, as nearly every commercial jet flying today has been constructed using IDEAL wire strippers. They’ve even reached the moon, as part of the critical equipment on NASA missions. Their Audacy advanced wireless lighting system is installed at major league ballparks, college campuses and airports.

Best of all, they touch the daily lives of skilled tradesmen around the globe, who reach for IDEAL, Western Forge and SK brand hand tools to get the job done right.

However, innovation is not only about designing a new product or service to sell, but also focusing on the development of new business processes and best practices in order to improve efficiency, find new customers, cut down on waste, increase profits and keep employee retention rates up.

“At the end of the day, it’s very important for organizations to take a step back and ask themselves what is truly blocking the innovation process,” said Vicki Slomka, senior vice president of global human services at IDEAL. “Companies that constantly challenge themselves and are relentlessly focused on innovation will survive in this ever-changing globally competitive environment.”

Thus, in order to prevent becoming another failing statistic, companies have no choice but to prioritize innovation. Family stewardship must ensure their professional management team has the strategic alignment, patience and resources available to foster an innovative workplace environment — one that produces products and services that continuously cater to today’s competitive marketplace and consumer. Family-owned businesses must commit to a high reinvestment rate in order to support a robust innovative pipeline that will allow them to survive and thrive into the next generation.

“What inspires you?” is a question that entrepreneurs need to ask themselves every day in order to keep pushing, keep innovating, and keep demanding excellence from themselves. Something that we ask less often though is “who inspires you?” and more … Read More

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Ermir, aka videosketch on Fiverr, developed his love of art from an early age. Like many of our users, he did freelance work elsewhere prior to finding a home on Fiverr. Check out his story below and his tips for … Read More

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Nicole Leinbach Reyhle is the Founder and Publisher of Retail Minded, the Co-Founder of the Independent Retailer Conference and a regular Forbes contributor. The author of “Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and Marketing Your Retail Business” and Spokesperson for … Read More

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There’s no second chance to make a first impression, that’s why every interaction counts. From visitors to your website to potential investors, you want to make every effort you can to create the best impression possible from the first moment. … Read More

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Bobby, Wingle on Fiverr, is from Faisalabad, Pakistan and has been a freelance graphic designer for six years. Now he works full-time on Fiverr. He’s also married, has a lovely two-year-old daughter, and just recently bought a house – thanks … Read More

The post How I Bought a House with My Fiverr Revenue #SuperSeller appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

(BPT) – Technology has influenced virtually every aspect of our lives. Arguably one of the biggest areas of change is in health care. From advanced surgical tools to early disease testing, every day new technology emerges in an effort to help people stay healthy and live longer. Wearable technology now puts information directly in the hands of the patient, helping people do everything from tracking steps to counting calories. Now, smartphone apps are getting even smarter, allowing physicians, patients and their loved ones if they choose, in-depth access to important health information in just a few finger taps.

Those in the diabetes community are embracing this new mobile technology enthusiastically to better manage their condition.  Keeping a written logbook can be time-consuming, confusing and frustrating for patients. Now, critical diabetes information is easier to manage and understand with the Accu-Chek Connect(R) Diabetes Management System.

With test results automatically sent from the Accu-Chek Aviva Connect meter to an app on your smartphone and an online portal, people with diabetes are able to log, view and share data anytime, anywhere, without ever writing in a logbook. Thus, never worrying about forgetting to bring this information to their physicians for important visits. Rarely do we forget our phones. They can be lifelines in more ways than one.

“The Accu-Chek Aviva Connect helps to create a sense of confidence for the person who is trying to self-manage their condition,” says Dr. David Robertson, MD of Atlanta Diabetes Associates. “It can help demystify diabetes and bring a sense of order to a very complex condition that is a constant burden to patients.”  

The system allows users to have text results sent automatically, plus you can attach meal photos, view trends and even use the app’s insulin calculator. Considering 91 percent of adults keep their smartphones within arm’s reach, it’s simple to track important information quickly and efficiently.

Beyond patient empowerment, technology like this better facilitates the patient-doctor relationship. Because the system loads all information into an online portal stored in the cloud, it can be accessed at any time by the physician if the patient chooses. This means a snapshot of the bigger picture is always available, whether in-person at an appointment or while the patient is on the other side of the world.

What’s more, the doctor can activate an insulin calculator in the app, the Accu-Chek Bolus Advisor, which makes it simple for patients to calculate how much insulin is needed at each meal. That means patients can enjoy their meals without worrying about the math.

“Perhaps no community is better suited for this type of advanced technology than the diabetes community,” says Dr. Robertson. “Knowledge is power. This detailed information is incredibly helpful to physicians so we can spot trends and make informed decisions along with the patient. Technology here is the tool to success.”

Learn more about how technology is transforming the diabetes community by visiting accu-chek.com/connect. Accu-Chek Connect is available at Walgreens, Rite Aid and select Kroger locations.

Caroline Beaton is an award-winning writer, millennial expert and brand consultant tackling the psychology of millennials at work.

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We’ve made some updates to the seller profile to make it easier than ever before for you to show buyers your talent, skills and experience. The new profile showcases help the right buyers connect with you right away. Let’s walk … Read More

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