With time running out for America’s debt crisis, the showdown between Democrats and Republicans in Washington over the nation’s finances could cause disastrous consequences for the United States if officials cannot reach an agreement before next week.

While most politicians have spent the week blaming each other and pointing fingers, those of us in the world of business are watching the events unfold with a bit of apprehension – and tremendous disbelief.

After all, one of the basic tenets of business is the art of understanding how to reach an agreement. Read more

The temperature is steadily rinsing, things are getting really sweaty and you’re about to boil over.

You might think I’m talking to the hot weather we’re currently experiencing-but I’m not.

In actuality, I’m referring to the stresses caused by working in a cluttered, messy office environment that can really affect your productivity, sanity… and most importantly, your bottom line. Read more

As you all know, Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11, 2001, terror attacks that killed thousands of innocent Americans including the father of my closest friend, was slain in his luxury hideout in Pakistan early Monday in a firefight with U.S. forces.

Hundreds of jubilant New Yorkers gathered at Ground Zero,
the site where the twin towers of the World Trade Center stood before bin Laden’s terrorist group flew two planes into the building, and reveled through the night, chanting “USA! USA!”

While there’s much to celebrate about, there is also much to be learnt from this undoubtedly historic moment. Read more

Let’s begin this article with some thought-provoking humor, shall we?

A wealthy businessman was opening the door of his new BMW when a truck came along and hit the door, ripping it off completely. When the police arrived at the scene, the businessman cried out, “Look what they’ve done to my expensive car!”

“You businesspeople are so materialistic,” retorted the officer. “You’re so worried about your silly car, you didn’t even notice that your left arm was ripped off.”

“Oh, my goodness!” screamed the frantic businessman, finally noticing that his left arm was gone.

“Where’s my Rolex?!

As a businessman, I can relate to this joke – and it’s not a laughing matter. Read more

The turmoil in Libya is brutal, horrific, and unfortunate. But there is something we can learn from Muhammad Gadhafi, the dictator whose ruling inspired this violent rebellion: Steadfast commitment to a goal. Gadhafi’s mission is perfectly clear: “This is my seat, my reign, my country- and you can’t have it. I will fight for it, ’till the death.” Whether this aim is a wise or realistic one, only time will tell. But Gadhafi knows what he wants and he’s going after it. Gadhafi’s culled international outrage and yet he soldiers on. ‘Cause he’s got a goal and he’s sticking to it. To the death.

This focus, eye on the ball, clear target in hand, is a wonderful tool in business. Many companies fail at their attempts to attract new customers simply due to their lack of clear, specific goals. You know you want more customers. But do you know how many more? How much more money you want to make this year? How many leads you’ll need to follow to get solid clients? Read more

Remember when you were a child and it was time to go to sleep? Chances are you did everything possible to avoid that dreaded moment called bedtime.

You’d take an extra long time putting on those fuzzy pajamas, spend 10 minutes brushing your teeth, then suddenly remember that you were thirsty and needed a glass of water. If all else failed and you were out of stalling tactics, there was always that last resort to delay the inevitable: run away and hide. Read more