Maybe you can’t judge a book by its cover. But you sure can tell a great deal about prospective vendors by the quality of their PowerPoint presentations. Here's what to look for, and what it will tell you. more

Technology is full of differing approaches. But Microsoft v. Linux goes beyond a simple disagreement. It’s a Hatfields-and-McCoys feud, a drama of honor and justice, a fight for the way things ought to be. more

Companies spend millions of dollars each year developing mission and vision statements, identifying their brand, and then communicating their brand promise through various media. Well, employees are the primary “media” in the majority of brand contacts. But in most companies, employees don’t understand the brand promise well enough to communicate ... more

ate last month, Scott Adams kicked off the first National Weasel Day in San Francisco as a shameless plug for his new book, "Dilbert and the Way of the Weasel." In a play on Groundhog Day, the new holiday's lore holds that if the weasel entered its cubicle, the economy ... more

Email's evil twin -- UCE or "unsolicited commercial email" as it’s officially known -- has come to be known as “spam.” Your intrepid gumshoe, always up for a good mystery, went in search of the nefarious beginnings of the stuff from which so many Hotmail accounts runneth over. Just where ... more

In the first half of this two-part series, the author examined what has changed in the realm of technology spending, and studied factors that motivate different companies to buy during depressed economic cycles. In this final installment, find out how to exploit these motivators to pry dollars out of tight ... more

In the introduction to "Business: The Ultimate Resource," author Daniel Goleman makes the case for including "business intelligence" among other forms of intelligence that are now studied, ranging from Howard Gardner's breakdown to the work that Goleman furthered in emotional intelligence. How does business intelligence differ from other identified intelligences? more

Here’s the thing about the RIGHT small agency – it can get your work done, it can think big, and it can deliver improved ROI or reduced acquisition cost. At least...that's the opinion of some. more

Many of us still have annual sales projections that are based on backroom conversations with unsubstantiated forecast logic or rolled forward from last year's commitment to investors, compensation plans that haven't changed in years and sales support departments who are not assigned a sales quota. Does this sound uncomfotably familiar? more

What's the value of loyalty programs – both to consumers and to the issuers of the cards? more

The number one reason people leave a job is because of an unhappy relationship with a direct supervisor/manager. What makes for a truly exceptional manager? more

Since lucid, memorable and profitable direct marketing is now more than ever dependent on first -class planning, the skill is fast becoming as crucial as it is scarce. It is now time for a planning renaissance. more

The line between marketing and advertising is fuzzy to begin with. Ask 20 experts what the difference between the two is, and you'll get 20 different answers. So what's the right answer? more

Respect often doesn't develop in business relationships. Why not? R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Find out what it means to...YOU. more

Here are the top ten most common methods firms use to calculate their technology sales quota - and they're all wrong. Did your method make the list? more

Sure you hear pronouncements and predictions about dot-com failures every day. But from the people who actually design them? Well, this webmaster's willing to talk. more

It's hard enough to sell in this economy, isn't it? That's especially true when you need to battle age-old IT sales myths. more

It's true. Agencies don't always do what's best for the client. Here's what you can do to make your relationship mutually beneficial. more

Mistranslation (words, gesture, small nuances) can sabotage your best global marketing efforts! Here are some major league gaffes and how to avoid them. more

I guess I'd better do some marketing. Does that sound familiar? Then you're a binge marketer. And as doctors tell us, binging is rarely healthy. more

Trying to maintain a consistent brand image is hard. Don't just rely on your advertising, packaging, etc. A true brand communications program should also consist of these six steps. more

Many brainstorming sessions are not as productive as they could be. They are typically poorly conceived, planned or managed. Here's a proven way to get great ideas. more

You may think you already know the reason most managers fail. Just for fun, stop for a moment and come up with what you think is the number one reason. Then read on. more

Branding is not just about products and companies. Manage your personal brand and you can effectively lead others. more

The future has arrived. Dot-com mania, driven by prestalgia, was the sizzle. What will be the steak? more