• The Social Capital of Online Communities is Embedded in Trust

Enterprise social capital accrues from online communities designed to build participant trust and active participation. It begins with trust building.- By Joshua Ferdinand

• Financial Services Industry, Technology and Supplier Innovation

The conservative financial services industry is experiencing a technological transformation accompanied by increased cyber security risks. This sets the stage for supplier innovation. - By James Hsu

• Meeting the New Hiring Challenges of Global Onboarding Programs

Diversity managers know intuitively that diversity programs add value to the organization. Applying the ROI Methodology proves it through metrics.

• Who Owns Your Data-Consumerism Reinvented

Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration Meet in Social NetworksInnovative businesses have active social networks that the entire organization can utilize. It is a system that promotes the free flow of innovation-producing knowledge

• Few U.S. Companies Are Effectively Dealing with Language Limitations of Foreign Workers

Few U.S. Companies Are Effectively Dealing with Language Limitations of Foreign WorkersAs foreign-born workers make up a larger share of the U.S. workforce, more employers will be dealing with language limitations. But a new survey by The Conference Board finds that a majority of employers are doing...

• In China’s Shadow, Taiwan Offers MWBEs Tremendous Business Opportunities

In China’s Shadow, Taiwan Offers MWBEs Tremendous Business OpportunitiesTaiwan’s small size does not match the enormity of the business opportunities

• Making Data-Driven Decisions Using Human Capital Analytics

Making Data-Driven Decisions Using Human Capital Analytics

• A Call of Duty: Using Technology to Retain Veterans in Post-Military Jobs

Employers hire veterans to take advantage of their training and skills. The next challenge is increasing employment retention rates, and technology is helping.

• Strategically Managing Supplier Price Increases

The negotiation process for supplier price increases should focus on strategic issues, rather than simply price. A company needs a negotiating strategy that is more about improving supplier performance than just trying to minimize costs.

• Taking the Giant Leap into the Future of Communication in the Virtual World

Taking the Giant Leap into the Future of Communication in the Virtual WorldThe virtual world already exists, but so much more is coming. It is already changing how people communicate, and just around the corner is communication already being humanized in amazing ways. It is a clarion call to diverse...

• Bring On the Innovation: Developing a Culture of Continuous Improvement

A culture of continuous improvement supports successful shared services organizations. The first two challenges in developing this culture: Changing mindsets to embrace change innovation; and developing metrics and analytics to measure success. - By Valerie Gomez

• Performance Management: Setting goals and measuring success for growth in a flatter world

In a competitive market, how do companies make sure they are staying ahead of the curve and succeeding in providing the best possible service for their client? “If you’re without any benchmark, you really don’t know how you’re doing,” says Albert Chen, CEO of Telemon Corporation. Performance managem...

• Growing Supplier Capacity through Leadership Development

Growing Supplier Capacity through Leadership DevelopmentHigh performing suppliers need high performing leadership, and client organizations are helping them develop the right skills for success.

• Learning to “Putt” Business Decisions

Successful putting depends on the golfer being able to properly assess the green conditions and make adjustments at the last minute. So when you “putt” a business decision, it means making decisions that quickly assimilate current conditions, no matter how much preparation was completed.- By Vincent...

• CEO Murray Martin Showcases Diversity at Pitney Bowes

Pitney Bowes is well known for being a leader in the development of mailing, shipping and postage equipment and services. Customers also know the company is a leader in software development including location intelligence applications, secure tracking, data management and document composition and im...

• Transparency & Accountability are Basic Tenets of Sustainability Reporting

Standardization still eludes sustainability reporting, but the foundation of every report should be transparency and accountability.

• Data Centers...New Opportunities in the Technology Industry

Data Centers...New Opportunities in the Technology IndustryData centers began when very large companies realized they needed to manage scattered informational technology (IT) locations better to achieve more efficient data processing and improve data security. Centralizing the processing equipment i...

• Cost Effective Approaches that Create Business Value

Cost effective approaches to creating business value go beyond traditional resource reductions. They focus instead on ways to empower each of the components in an integrated organization.

• Collaborative Computing Offers MWBEs Expanding Opportunities

Anytime the word ‘collaborative’ is used, the implication is that there will be some sort of sharing and interaction. When people collaborate, they work together to achieve something greater than could be achieved working alone. That is the same principle behind “collaborative computing.” The princi...

• Building a Case for Mitigating Risk

Building a Case for Mitigating RiskPresident Lincoln said “I will prepare myself then when my opportunity comes I will be ready.” How many entrepreneurs are ready when opportunity knocks? As an entrepreneur do you “wing it,” go with a gut feeling or do you build a case that justifies to you, your ...

• Letting the Market Drive the Corporate Sustainability Model

Letting the Market Drive the Corporate Sustainability ModelMarket driven sustainability models recognize that external forces are driving a need for supplier alliances that compound results.

• New Challenge: Separating Good and Bad Data

Just because data is accessible and plentiful does not mean it is all good. Inadvertently using bad data can cost a business in many ways, including poor decision making and missed insights.

• Staying on Course in Golf and Business: It’s all in the Mind

Playing a good game of golf and pulling off a successful business strategy have a lot in common, and one is the psychological aspect of competition. It is mind over results. - By Vincent Pane

• Using Technology to help with Veterans Retention

A Call of Duty: Using Technology to Retain Veterans in Post-Military Jobs Employers hire veterans to take advantage of their training and skills. The next challenge is increasing employment retention rates, and technology is helping.

• Wanted: Food and Beverage Industry Suppliers Ready to Innovate and Collaborate

The food and beverage industry is one of the most volatile industries found today due to a mix of complex factors like climate change and changing customer preferences. It is the ideal setting for innovative and collaborative suppliers to start or grow their businesses.------By James Hsu

• Offshoring or Domestic Outsourcing in the Financial Services Industry

The financial services industry continues to face headwinds in the post-Recession era. In an effort to cut costs, the big question is: Offshoring, domestic outsourcing, or both?- By James Hsu

• Smart Grid Where’s the Value?

Smart Grid Where’s the Value?The energy companies that provide us with the heat and electricity we use in our homes have been criticized a lot in recent years. Experts have said that the billing systems and price rises that these corporations impose on consumers are underhand, and unclear to consume...

• Using External Big Data to Drive Insights into Opportunities

Using External Big Data to Drive Insights into OpportunitiesExtracting business insights from external Big Data is a complex challenge. Companies mastering that challenge are discovering new opportunities that enhance competitiveness.

• The Big Picture: Comprehensive Measurement of Inclusion of Veterans

The Big Picture: Comprehensive Measurement of Inclusion of VeteransHistorically, the results of veteran and other inclusion programs have been measured in a piecemeal manner with metrics offering information about factors like recruitment totals and spend per FTE. Metrics that give a more comprehens...

• Keeping Diversity and Inclusion Programs Moving Ahead

Putting a diversity and inclusion program in place and reporting benchmarked results does not guarantee progress. Results must be connected to improved strategizing and decision-making

• Small Manufacturers Eying the Industry 4.0 Transformation

Small Manufacturers Eying the Industry 4.0 Transformation Industry 4.0 is thought of as an event that applies to large manufacturers because it includes stepping into the realm of sophisticated technologies like AI and IoT. The truth is that Industry 4.0 is as valuable to small businesses as it is t...

• Changes To Data Privacy Views, Practices, And Laws Have Widespread Impact

Canadians are increasingly conscious of their digital privacy. As their views and behaviors change, businesses and lawmakers race to adapt.

• Learning to Manage Attention as a Leadership Development Strategy

Learning to Manage Attention as a Leadership Development StrategyIt is easy to get sidetracked as technology gains people’s attention. Losing focus on personal learning can hinder job performance and suppress leadership development.

• Leadership For a Successful Digital Transformation

Leadership For a Successful Digital Transformation A digital transformation leads to a fundamental change in everything the business does, impacting employees on all levels. Success requires leadership skills in employee engagement, to develop a shared purpose that drives a successful transformation...

• Understanding Phishing and the Threat It Poses To Your Business

Understanding Phishing and the Threat It Poses To Your Business One Phish, Two Phish … More Phishing, More Problems

• Placing A Firm Value On Innovation Culture

Placing A Firm Value On Innovation CultureChange is the only constant. In a global economy with rapidly changing circumstances, from trade disputes to pandemics, companies that cannot change will certainly fail. Innovation must be endemic to organizational culture to succeed in the long-term.

• Taking Cues for Offensive Business Strategies from Offensive Golf

Taking Cues for Offensive Business Strategies from Offensive GolfThere is a fine line between offensive versus aggressive strategies in golf and business. Finding balance is the path to competitive success.

• Need for Financial Services Cybersecurity Presents Business Opportunities

The financial services industry is under cyberattack, and usually from unknown sources. The need for innovative approaches to cybersecurity has never been greater. - By Donna Benjamin

• Financial Services Companies Forging Better Relationships with Suppliers

Financial Services Companies Forging Better Relationships with SuppliersDifferent Metrics Involve Creative Approaches

• Financing and Managing Business Growth

In today’s business environment, minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) face steep challenges and unprecedented opportunities. By most accounts, minority communities will comprise some 40% of the U.S. population by the middle of the century. And yet, minority companies currently make up a sma...

• Global Companies Need Local Strategies for Entering Emerging Markets

One global investment strategy does not fit all, especially in emerging markets where there is so much uncertainty. A good strategy is going global by going local. - By William Bell

• Cloud Computing: Revolutionizing the Model for MWBEs

Cloud Computing: Revolutionizing the Model for MWBEs Cloud computing brings powerful and affordable technology to MWBEs. It is a game-changer in that SMEs can have access to computing resources once the domain of only the largest corporations.

• Working with Suppliers to Meet the Green Imperative

Supplier sustainability metrics and scorecards are once again a trending topic as companies both large and small continue to make the green imperative a part of their business planning. Large corporations, well aware of their position in the public eye, market their supplier sustainability as a con...

• The Real Impact of Dodd-Frank For MWBEs

The Real Impact of Dodd-Frank For MWBEsFor All The Hype And Chatter, What Does Dodd-Frank Really Mean For MWBEs?

• Transforming to an Agile Organization for Current and Future Success

Transforming to an Agile Organization for Current and Future SuccessAgile organizations are resilient, and resilience is critical to organizational success in a world where disruption can happen with little notice. The transformation process to achieving true agility is a step process, impacting eve...

• Counting Best Practices in the Financial Services Industry

The financial industry is a key economic engine, meaning support for supplier diversity does matter. Leading companies are implementing key best practices to ensure progress. - By Donna Benjamin

• Leadership For a Successful Digital Transformation

Leadership For a Successful Digital Transformation A digital transformation leads to a fundamental change in everything the business does, impacting employees on all levels. Success requires leadership skills in employee engagement, to develop a shared purpose that drives a successful transformation...

• Securing Assets to Keep End Users Cyber Safe

Crucial to cyber security is ensuring proper use of workplace technologies by end-users. Understanding the types of risks is a first step in keeping the organization cyber safe.

• IBM Develops Transformational Leaders with Transformational Processes

Being able to identify potential leaders and develop them into transformational leaders is a necessity for any business that wants to achieve sustainability. IBM has developed a unique manager system that focuses on processes and results rather than control.

• Capturing the Value of Big Data as New Revenues

Capturing the Value of Big Data as New RevenuesThe opportunities to generate new revenues through the efficient and organized use of big data and big analytics are skyrocketing as technology advances.

• Getting Business Results by Using Brand Sponsorships to Reach Consumers

Brand sponsorships can lead to significant revenue growth by reaching consumers based on their passion for an event or special interest. The key is designing a value-generating program and activating the sponsorship by fulfilling promises. - By Karen White

• Disaster Recovery Planning On A Shoestring Budget

No small business likes to think about disaster, but any small business that doesn’t spend time considering the possibility faces a double disaster in the future. Not only will their business have been hit by a crisis event, but they won’t be prepared to survive. With all the other issues coming a...

• Creating Sustainable Corporate Startup Incubators: 4 Lessons From Canada’s Federal Programs

The strong emphasis on bringing more incubators and business accelerators to life will only last if Canada’s businesses are willing to learn from experiments in the public federal level.Business accelerators and start up incubators have been a major funding initiative of the Canadian government thro...

• Leveraging Shared Services as a Platform for Growth

In today’s economic environment, it doesn’t make sense to duplicate services that can be consolidated. It also doesn’t make sense to financially support separate administrative functions at separate divisions or operations or in different locations when centralization would bring cost effective oper...

• Organizational Justice Climate Influences Workplace Experiences of Disabled

The way employees experience their workplace is largely determined by three elements of the justice climate. The collective beliefs include procedural, interpersonal and informational aspects. - By Jeremiah Prince

• Shared Services: Creating a Service Culture

Global businesses need more than cost cutting strategies to remain competitive. The shared services model offers a comprehensive approach to achieving efficiency, cost reductions, higher quality, and increased service levels. - By Debra Jenkins

• Facing the Challenge of Insider Threats to Cybersecurity

Cyber threats from the outside often get the most notoriety due to their audacity, sophistication and success. Yet, internal threats are just as real and potentially dangerous. - By James Hsu

• Côte d’Ivoire Makes a Remarkable Economic Recovery

Côte d’Ivoire’s economy is on an upward trend with a stabilized government and the pursuit of foreign investors. The goal is set: Become an emerging economy by 2020. - By William Bell

• Thriving Through Global Diversity _ Inclusion Core Values

Diversity and inclusion are core values that provide the springboard for global inclusiveness. It takes a comprehensive approach that includes developing allies, ERGs, culturally intelligent leaders, and safe communication and learning opportunities.

• Supplier Diversity: Retail Offers Contract Variety and Extensive Opportunities for Minority Firms

Supplier Diversity: Retail Offers Contract Variety and Extensive Opportunities for Minority Firms The retail industry has been facing some tough quarters as a result of the recent recessionary period, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still opportunity for minority firms. The most recent data (2009...

• Navigating Opportunities and Valuing Potential in Technology and Media

Technology and media represent an area of incredible growth opportunities for investors. When investing, there are several factors that need to be considered.

• Getting and Keeping Customers Strategies for Customer Engagement

Running a small business is no easy task for anyone. However, the challenge is even more daunting for women and minority business owners. What are the benefits for them in terms of utilizing customer relationship management (CRM) processes in their businesses?

• Using Technology for Smart Sourcing to Make Smart Decisions

Using Technology for Smart Sourcing to Make Smart DecisionsTraditional procurement functions have measured success in terms of savings and timely materials or product deliveries. Smart sourcing can turn procurement into a strategic organizational partner through tech-based measurement of ROI and th...

• Getting the Greatest Value from Global Business Services

Getting the Greatest Value from Global Business ServicesThe Global Business Services model offers significant cost savings, process efficiencies, and adaptability to continuous change. Accruing these benefits depends on getting and keeping the right governance in place.

• Turning Social Media Big Data into Innovation by Way of Analytics

Social media supplies a steady stream of data. Buried in that data is the path to innovation via analytics that provide insights. - By Donna Benjamin

• Developing a Human Resources Culture of Data and Analytics

Developing a Human Resources culture that is anchored in HR data and analytics is a process. It is a journey over time that moves HR from reporting to analytics.

• Preparing for the Future: Developing Gen Y Leaders

Preparing for the Future: Developing Gen Y LeadersBusinesses looking for future leaders need only look as far as the organization’s Gen Y employees. Now is the time to develop the leadership behaviors needed for strong bench strength.

• Crisis Communication New Opportunities and Challenges

The kinds of crises that can hit a small business seem to be expanding daily. Fortunately, there are ways to manage almost any crisis imaginable professionally and effectively. The key to responding and handling business emergencies appropriately begins with communication. - by Sherry Bloom

• Leveraging Social Media to Find Customers and Suppliers

Social media is evolving into social business, implying business intelligence. Conducting social business includes deliberately turning social media into an integrated tool for customer and supplier recruitment.

• Generating Value with Sustainability Reporting

Generating Value with Sustainability Reporting

• Cyber Attacks More Serious and More Sophisticated Each Year

Cyber Attacks More Serious and More Sophisticated Each YearCyberattacks can do more than steal data or money. They can drive a business out of business, due to loss of assets or loss of customer trust. SMEs are particularly at risk, meaning every business needs a cybersecurity strategy.

• Best Practices in Procurement Apply to All Businesses Without Regard to Size

Best Practices in Procurement Apply to All Businesses Without Regard to SizeStagnant profits and decreasing profit margins led to a surge in activity for procurement experts throughout the world. Businesses large and small began to focus more on cost efficiency, and relied on some of the industry’s ...

• Making the Business Case for Cloud Computing and Data Security

Making the Business Case for Cloud Computing and Data Security- by Sherry BloomThe phrase du jour is “working in the cloud,” with the implication that businesses that aren’t out in the cloud are doomed. Yet what’s really going on with cloud computing, and how can it help minority and women-owned bu...

• Accelerating The Innovation Agenda: Tapping into Innovations with Suppliers

Innovation is something that should always be on the agenda for any business relationship. However, for many supplier relationships, there is little urgency for innovations within an established framework that is working reasonably well. Unfortunately, while falling into secure balance may be a co...

• Social Media: The Path to Finding and Keeping the Right Talent

Social media is transforming the job-seeking process. That means organizations must transform their talent acquisition strategy to successfully compete for talent. - By Joshua Ferdinand

• A Strategic Approach to Security Compliance: Certification and Competitive Advantage

A proactive approach to information security is a stated goal of many minority and women owned businesses. Creating a framework for security and validating it is another matter entirely. - by Paul Lachhu

• Glimpsing the Future of Television: You-Tube Content Channels

YouTube TV was recently introduced to the market, marking the next step in the journey towards internet TV. Once a random collection of video content, it is now gelling into a major source of content channels. Experts wonder: What is the future of cable and satellite television?

• Optimizing the Cloud Infrastructure for Enterprise Application

One of the main tenets of operation for minority and women owned businesses ought to always be, “Why not us?” when it comes to tackling the latest technology. This isn’t to imply that every development is right for every firm, but rather to remind you that being open to trying new adventures is a h...

• Strengthening Inclusion and Diversity by Fostering a Culture of Empathy

North American businesses spend billions of dollars every year on D&I initiatives, yet many fail to move the needle. Something is missing, and it could be a lack of empathy. - By Daniel Perez

• How to Do Business with Financial Companies

How to Do Business with Financial Companiesby Anaga DalalOne of the key industries that offers promise to minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) is the financial services industry, which has a broad consumer and customer base. For many Americans, building a relationship with your local bank o...

• Going the Distance with Global Purchasing

Global sourcing and purchasing is standard practice today, but it adds new complexity to supply chain management in terms of freight, cost management, logistics, compliance, and various risks. Managing these factors upfront means not waiting for problems to develop. - By Shaniqua Thomas

• Using Data to Help Employees with Benefits Decision-making

Using Data to Help Employees with Benefits Decision-makingCompanies today usually offer benefit options, like different healthcare or retirement plans. Using data to help employees make the most advantageous decisions benefits the employees and the organization.

• Culture Change: Let’s Move Beyond Mandates

Culture Change: Let’s Move Beyond MandatesAddressing cultural challenges in organizations has long been handled with new policies and special programs. While meant to be helpful, these mandates have not generally been wholly successful in changing attitudes or fixing deep level beliefs in the workpl...

• Transparency & Accountability are Basic Tenets of Sustainability Reporting

Transparency & Accountability are Basic Tenets of Sustainability ReportingStandardization still eludes sustainability reporting, but the foundation of every report should be transparency and accountability.