Radish Sprouts

JIM COLLINS ON BUSINESS GROWTH -- IS GROWTH ALWAYS THE KEY TO SUCCESS?

"To be a great company, you must have an upper bound on growth and have the discipline to leave some growth on the table," says Jim Collins, best-selling author of Good to Great and How the Mighty Fall. This may seem like a strange recommendation given that so many companies today are struggling to grow.

To make his point, Jim Collins posed a growth quiz to the hundreds of CEOs of Gazelles (those firms growing more than 20% per year for 4 years or more) at the recent Fortune Small Business Growth Summit in Dallas. You have the option of investing in either Firm A or Firm B. They are both in the same technology driven growth industry as early-stage entrepreneurial ventures having equivalent products and markets with good long-term potential. Firm A has an average net income growth rate of 25%; B's is 48%. Should you invest in A or B?

GROWTH CONSTRAINTS? Does your firm have limitations on growth? Jim Collins recommends that you set a minimum performance expectation to hit no matter what. What's the performance hurdle that you'll always hold even if it requires you to limit growth? In terms of performance, you may choose to maintain core values, ensure quality, not risk more than you can manage to lose in the worst of times, have a certain profit per year, sustain your culture, or not lose control of the company and how you manage it.

IS GROWTH THE MOST IMPORTANT SUCCESS FACTOR? In the example of firms A and B, firm A has a standard deviation (s.d.) on its average growth rate of +/- 7 and B has a s.d. of +/- 323. Additionally the range of A's growth rate is 20 to 44, while B's range is -397 to 1288. Eventually firm A was trading at $290 and B at $14. Furthermore, B had lost control of its destiny. This real example, with the identities hidden, shows that growth is not the most crucial factor.

Jim Collins further remarks on taking advantage of tough situations, "If your firm goes into turbulent times strong, you have the chance to shine. The difficulties will expose your strengths relative to others. If you go into challenging times weak, it will show your weaknesses. It is more important what you do BEFORE the storm comes, than WHEN the storm comes. A storm holds great opportunities and it is something you do not want to waste."

DETERMINE WHAT TYPE OF COMPANY YOU HAVE NOW: Level I - a strong company (such as Intel), Level II - not as strong, or Level III - already weak (such as General Motors). Ask what you can and must do so as not to waste the opportunities from the storm. Take this as an assignment: establish two or three things you must do differently so that you'll never go into a storm other than as a Level I strong firm.

ESTABLISH SHOCK ABSORBERS. Another Jim Collins' suggestion is to build in shock absorbers to protect your firm. For example, reach a point where you could run your company for an entire year even if you would not receive one penny of revenue.

REVISE YOUR STRATEGY AND THEN ACT. Gather together your executive team, business coach, and advisors for a strategy session. This is the perfect time to revise your plan for the next year. Consider the following:

	Determine your constraints on growth. What is the performance hurdle that you'll always maintain even if it limits growth?
	Establish two or three things to do differently so that you'll never go into a storm other than as a Level I strong firm.
	Identify and install shock absorbers to protect your firm.

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

copyright 2009.

BECOME THE MARKET LEADER: LESSONS FROM HIDDEN MARKET CHAMPIONS

Few business people realize that the number one exporter in the world in 2008 was not China, USA, or Japan.  The number one exporter was Germany.  Why you ask: because of the many small and medium-sized German businesses which are ranked in the Top 3 in the world in their industry.  These are the “Hidden Business Champions of the 21^st Century,” as reported by Hermann Simon in his newest book by that name, and include firms such as Delo which provides special electronics for smart phones, Baader the leader in fish dissection systems, and Lantal experts in airplane interior design. 

 

Hermann Simon shared during the recent Fortune Small Business Growth Summit, “The champion firms include 1200 market leaders with an annual growth rate of approximately 10% which have generated over 1 million jobs and waves of innovation.”  These firms share the following characteristics.

 

1.  Set ambitious goals and aspire to be nothing less than world-class.  Their will, or passion to be the best, is the most important characteristic. 

2.  Fully focus and concentrate on what must be mastered.  The key is to avoid distraction.  Successful firms Uhlman and Flexi, for example, state:  “We only do one thing.”  They go deep, not broad, by refraining from outsourcing any core competencies, outsourcing non-core activities, conducting very secretive R&D, and avoiding strategic alliances.

3.  Expand regionally and internationally using product know-how.  Rather than going into unknown business areas, they go global with what they know well.  They follow their customers everywhere.

4.  Innovate continuously and in small steps:  it is the only way to sustainable market leadership.  The hidden champions spend at least twice as much on R&D than the typical average and many times much more.  Over 65% of these firms say both the market and technology are important factors of innovation.  They average five times the number of patents per 1000 employees while cutting the cost per patent to one fifth the average.  Brains are more important than a certain budget.  They have continuous improvement, rather than breakthrough innovation.  They are speedy in bringing new innovations to market.

5.  Stay really close to your customers.  These firms average five times as many employees having regular customer contacts.  They stay very close to demanding customers who drive performance and innovation. This factor is the number one strength even over technology and quality.

6.  Pay attention to clear competitive advantages.  Quality still counts. Their strategies are value-driven not price-driven.  They typically price at a 10 to 15% premium.  The most important competitive advantage is quality, innovation, and service, not price.  For example, advice and system integration can not be imitated and reside in the quality of employees. 

7.  Hire quality people and retain them.  Avoid high employee turnover.  These firms have more work than people.  They have a high performance qualification standard.  The hidden champions average 2.7% turnover per year, while the USA averages over 30% turnover. When employees leave, they take know-how with them.

8.  Lead authoritarian in the principle and flexible in the details.  These firms do not compromise on their values.  They are predominantly self-financed with only 8% having private equity and 66% family owned.  Many CEOs come into power young, have high continuity, and many more on average are female.

 

These simple guidelines have led many small and medium-size firms to market leadership.  It takes a long term perspective.  Make sure you passionately pursue your purpose with never-ending perseverance.

 

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

Copyright © 2009 Theresa M. Szczurek. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

BUILD A HIGH-TECH WORKFORCE WITH MESA

When David Davenport was in high school, he discovered something that changed his life—he was good at math and science and enjoyed solving real-world problems with these tools.  This insight came as a result of participating in Colorado MESA.  Now an IBM engineer, David also became chairperson for the Denver chapter of National Society of Black Engineers. 

 

The Need.

If Colorado is to maintain its high-tech edge, it needs a properly trained and motivated work force prepared to pursue the passionate purpose of innovation creation. What people, employers, and the state need are MESAs—programs which encourage students to reach their potential in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  Education and support are the answers.

 

What is MESA?

Colorado MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement) is a state-wide pre-college program that provides after school math- and science-based learning activities to over 3,600 preK-12 students(in 2009), over 78% of whom are from ethnic and gender groups that are under represented in engineering career fields.  Founded in 1980 as a part of the non-profit Colorado Minorities Engineering Association (CMEA), MESA's mission is to increase the numbers of economically disadvantaged and at risk students who graduate from high school fully prepared for post secondary education in math- and science-based fields. 

 

MESA model works!

MESA after-school programs engage students in hands-on inquiry based projects such as designing mousetrap-powered vehicles, wind turbines, and robots.  MESA advisors, usually math/science teachers along with university student mentors and practicing engineers, help students discover relevant math/science principles necessary to achieve success with their project.  Local, state, and national engineering-based competitions provide additional motivation to keep students involved.

 

The state MESA office at the University of Colorado Denver provides advisor training, program materials, and academic resources.  MESA Centers at CU and CSU in provide stimulating project-based curriculum, career speakers, and roles models.  Field trips to business sites, colleges, science fairs, and engineering-based competitions excite students about career opportunities.  Parents are critical supporters.

 

MESA in Colorado.

MESA works with 156 schools in 24 school districts throughout the state in collaboration with eight universities/colleges.  Michele Towers, MESA Center Director at CU-Boulder (michele.towers@cudenver.edu), supports Boulder, Jefferson, Denver and Arapahoe counties.  The CSU Center in Fort Collins oversees northern Colorado including Larimer, Weld, and Adams counties.

 

While MESA has taken root in Longmont and other Weld County communities, more schools can participate. For example, programs exist at Angevine Middle in Boulder, Centaurus High in Lafayette, and Broomfield High.  Boulder County needs champions to start more programs.

 

How Businesses Benefit and Are Involved.

Companies are looking to hire a qualified high-tech workforce. Matthew Smith, an executive from United Launch Alliance (www.ulalaunch.com) a MESA sponsor, said, "The average age of the United Launch Alliance workforce today is 47. As more of our workers retire over the next 10 years, we need qualified graduates.  That is why we sponsor MESA."

 

Colorado MESA currently receives no state funding.  Support comes from community and corporate organizations such as The Denver Foundation, Lockheed Martin, The Daniels Fund, Xcel Energy, Ball Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, and others. 

 

MESA Delivers Results. 

At a time when Colorado needs a highly-skilled, technical workforce, MESA allows qualified students to enter the workforce pipeline and it does it for under $125 per student per year.

 

100% of MESA seniors graduate from high school and historically, more than 90% have enrolled in college with over 80% enrolling in a math/science related major.  Approximately 85% of MESA students are from families in the low-to-moderate income bracket.  Approximately 50% are from ethnic groups underrepresented in math-based careers. 

 

“Every experience and memory I got from the MESA club will always live with me.  I owe a lot to the MESA club, because without it, I would never had these incredible experiences,” says Ernesto Chairez, graduate from Career Education Center in Longmont, attending CU- Boulder in the Fall 2009 majoring in Aerospace Engineering. 

 

How You Can Get Involved?

·     Help the kids in your life learn to love mathematics and science.

·     Ask your schools to sponsor a MESA program. 

·     Volunteer, make a donation, become a sponsor, create an internship or scholarship. 

·     Become a sponsor or volunteer for the October 15-16 MESA Fall Fling at CSU-Fort Collins.  Around 250 MESA high school students will taste university life, gain valuable academic, financial aid, and career information, and participate in Boat Building and Wind Energy engineering competitions. Learn more at www.cMESA.org.

 

Do you have MESA in your business or life?  Like David Davenport, who continues to champion multicultural engineering programs, support MESA and help build a stronger high-tech workforce.

 

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

 

Copyright © 2009 Theresa M. Szczurek. All Rights Reserved.

WHAT CAN YOU ANDYOUR TEAM LEARN FROM A BEE?

At the end of the last school year, my daughter came home with a summer reading list for young adults.  It has valuable information for all of us.  It is especially helpful for me since once of my goals this year is to read at least one fiction book per month – yes, fiction, not only non-fiction business books. 

 

What a fun journey this has become – reading The DaVinci Code, Chocolat, Secret Life of Bees, and many more.  And, it has been a way to connect with my 13-year-old on a different level and learn valuable lessons about life.  Each of us reads the book and then when available we watch the movie. Then I like to analyze and talk about the message and experience, although Annie, unfortunately, is less interested in that part.

 

Last night we watched Secret Life of Bees.  Bees hold valuable wisdom useful in work and life.  No, it is not only that they are headed by a Queen.  They work as a team toward a common goal each innately knowing his/her part in pursuing the passionate purpose—the end result from their superb performance is sweet.  August, the matriarch beekeeper, shares with 14-year-old Lily, who is on a quest to get to know herself and her mother, “Send the bees love.” 

 

What would the impact on our business and family be if we send each other love while we look out for a greater good?  It would produce real rewards.  Too often, rather than pursue a noble purpose, we individually get lost in doing, achieving, or protecting our own turf while putting others down.  Instead, as August recommends, let’s try to “Lift each other to a higher level with love.”  Consider all the energy, currently wasted in friction and conflict, which could be redirected toward real results. 

 

In life, there is a symbiotic relationship between the bees and the flowers.  Again, we can learn a lot from Mother Nature.  Passionate Pursuers, those people who successfully find and pursue meaningful intentions, are like sunflowers who possess the SUNFLOWER traits (see Ch. 3 of Pursuit of Passionate Purpose).    

 

Practical Pointers:

• Act like a bee.  Work as a team toward a common goal with love.  Find better performance.
• Get clear on what real purpose you are pursuing.
• Lift each other to a higher level.

 

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

 

 

 

T & A: THE NEW WORK ATTIRE STANDARD? NO THANKS!

Remember the catchy, albeit raunchy, song about "Ti_s and As_" from the musical Chorus Line.  It seems to have helped set a new standard in unprofessional attire for some workers.

Recently I was interviewing a college student for a possible internship with my consulting firm.  She arrived in a revealing low-cut tank top with bra straps and much more hanging out, tight shorts, and flip flops.  This was shocking and distracting.  Needless to say, she did not get the position. 

Unfortunately this situation is not uncommon. Last night I picked up will-call tickets for a concert.  The young woman working in the ticket box office wore a strapless top without a bra which she repeatedly had to pull up so it did not fall down.   On stage, the male orchestra performers wore a relaxed summer attire without ties or jackets.  They looked professional with long-sleeve white shirts that were buttoned up and tucked in their slacks.  A few of the female performers however did not uphold this standard -- for example, every time one female violinist leaned forward to turn the music, her entire back end hung out.  Here was the 'plumber's butt' syndrome on stage -- ugh! It was clearly distracting her and the audience. Other parts of that same organization had set a reasonable standard -- ushers regardless of gender, for example, were dressed quite appropriately with non-revealing white blouses/shirts and black pants. These ushers appeared to be more mature and perhaps had learned from experience. Why is there such inconsistency?

Men are not immune to this syndrome of unprofessional attire and should be equally aware of the importance of portraying a professional image.

Organizations had not set, communicated, or upheld a consistent and professional standard for work attire. Such businesses are doing a disservice to their customers, employees, and their own image.  Employees are not as productive in such >settings.  Customers get a poor impression of your business.

It begs the question -- What are parents, schools, businesses, and the fashion industry teaching people about professional appearance.  What kind of judgment (or lack thereof) do employees and employers have?  It appears that the offenders don't even realize they are doing something inappropriate.

Practical Pointers for Employees.

• Choose modesty over revealing clothes, not only for an interview but also for work.

• Become aware.  Look at what people in positions you aspire to attain are wearing -- what is appropriate and what is not? Identify a role model after which you can model your attire.

• When in doubt on the appropriate nature of some outfit, get an opinion from a teacher, parent, or another respected person in the community.

• Take a course.  Alice Swanson offers a workshop called "Learn to Earn" which is designed to help students make the transition from college to career (www.learntoearnworkshops.com). Alice states, "I DRILL professional attire into my students. I dress professionally every day that I teach so they can see what is appropriate."

Practical Pointers for Employers.

• Set a written standard for professional attire in your work environment.  Be specific so that it is very clear.  Ensure there is no double standard -- insist that both women and men dress professionally.

• Communicate your standard on an ongoing basis.  Share it during orientation sessions.  Have your managers be role models. 

• Uphold your standard.  Send people home and dock their pay, if they do not meet the standard.  Include professional image in performance reviews. Do not accept less.

Together we can move beyond T&A as accepted work attire. Take on the pursuit of professional image as part of your passionate purpose.   The result will be better business and career performance.

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

WHERE IS YOUR MESA?

WOW!  Today while participating in the MESA awards breakfast in Denver, I saw encouragement for "Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement" among middle schoolers and high schoolers from across the country. MESA, www.cMESA.org, brought these kids, mostly minority and female teens, together with a meaningful purpose. This is what our country needs -- a young generation prepared to pursue a passionate purpose of innovation creation. Education is the answer. Here's how and why you can support this effort. 

I think back on my own experience in high school -- what a program like MESA would have done for me and many other students.  Even though I loved math and science there was no practical forum to put these skills to use to solve real world problems and to learn about career options. There was no one to encourage me to pursue a career in engineering. Not knowing exactly what I would do with it, I did pursue a degree in Mathematics.  Good fortune and a connection through a friend brought me to my first job out of college as a Member of Technical Staff with Bell Telephone Laboratories. This changed my life.  What more people need are MESAs -- programs which encourage you to reach your potential.

Companies are looking to hire qualified engineers. Matthew Smith, an executive from United Launch Alliance (www.ulalaunch.com) one of MESA's sponsors said, "The average age of the United Launch Alliance workforce today is 47. As more of our workers retire over the next 10 years, we need more qualified graduates.  That is why we sponsor MESA."

The program is designed to encourage minority and female students to prepare themselves for a college education and to major in mathematics, engineering or science.  MESA's mission is to increase the numbers of economically disadvantaged and at risk students who graduate from high school fully prepared for post secondary education in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, business, and other math- and science-based fields.

What are you doing to help others to get educated in math, engineering and science?  Here are some PRACTICAL POINTERS on you can do:

• Help the kids in your life learn to love mathematics. Encourage them. Show them that math and science are fun.
• Ask your middle and high schools to sponsor a MESA program.  If your state does not have MESA, ask why not?
• Volunteer, make a donation, become a sponsor, or create an internship.  Learn more at www.cMESA.org.

Did you or do you have MESA in your life?  Help create one today so you and others can successfully pursue passionate purpose.

Theresa Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

WHERE ARE THOSE BIG STIMULUS BUCKS?

Everyone is talking about it.  Supposedly, there is $787B in funds available to stimulate the economy by creating jobs and investing in infrastructure projects and growth industries.  The big question is:  How does your business tap into them now before those funds are gone?

Here are few tips shared at the “Where’s The Money? Navigating Opportunities from the Stimulus Package and Other Contracts” conference on May 15, 2009. Preston Gibson, President of the Jefferson Economic Council shared, “We are running this event to help existing companies and new businesses in this economy.  Over 450 businesses from Colorado and beyond are at this session.” Check out www.jeffco.org for more insights from the dozen of speakers and to see their presentations.

Of the total amount of stimulus funds of $787B, the http://www.recovery.gov/ website reports that as of 5/8/09 $102.9B is available for distribution and $36.8B has been paid out.  Some of the funds are allocated to the states.  Go to http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/state-recovery-page and learn more about the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (known as ARRA) in all 50 states.  You can find a link to a website describing how your state is spending funds allocated by the Recovery Act. In Colorado that website is: http://www.colorado.gov/recovery/ where you can see a summary report of what ARRA means to Colorado.

The state of Colorado expects to receive more than $7B in the next three years and to distribute those to:  education, health care, human services, employment and workforce training, business and economic development, transportation, energy efficiency and conservation, environment and natural resources, housing, public safety, and telecommunications.

There are 28 federal agencies listed on www.recovery.gov with recovery plans.  Jim Spaeth, Assistant Manager for Commercialization and Project Management with the U.S. Department of Energy, gave these specific instructions to apply for a grant or a loan guarantee from DOE:

Track funding opportunity announcements through:

- All types and loan guarantees -- energy.gov/recovery/funding.htm

- Grants -- grants.gov

- Contracts -– fbo.gov

For first-time applicants, register before submitting application:

- Register early to be ready when opportunities are announced.  The process can take a minimum of 30 days.  Realize you need DUNS, ccr, orca, and other numbers to register.

- Read registration instructions carefully and comply completely.

Apply for grants administered by states or local governments:

- Apply directly to state energy office or local government entity

- Go to energy.gov/recovery/ and find link to your state energy office

For help, call DOE’s Recovery Act Clearinghouse at 1-888-DOE-RCVY (1-888-363-7289).

The General Services Administration (GSA), a federal agency, helps all federal agencies better serve the public by offering, at best, value, superior workplaces, expert solutions, acquisition services and management service.  Pennie Estrada, Director of Small Business Utilization Center, of the Rocky Mountain GSA regional office in Denver (Pennie.estrada@gsa.gov) shared some things to do:

- Register for the federal acquisition service at www.fedbizopps.gov , click on vendors.

- Find your appropriate schedule at www.elibrary.gsa.gov.  Do a keyword search by service or product.

- The standard application process can take 120 days.  An accelerated process call MAS Express can take 30 days.  You will need ccr, orca, sba, and naics numbers /certifications and a past performance review by www.openratings.com.

- Take the required online “Pathways to Success” education seminar to learn how to apply for MAS Express at the Vendor Support Centerat http://vsc.gsa.gov//

There are dozens of other federal agencies with recovery plans and funds, as well as state and local government entities distributing funds.  The most important sources of information mentioned are: www.fedbizopps.gov, www.recovery.gov, www.gsa.gov/recovery.

Overall, finding the funds and applying for them is complex.  It takes patience and persistence. You may want to find some expert advice on how to navigate these waters. Is it worth it?  YES!

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com and www.TMSworld.com)

RECESSION-PROOF YOUR BUSINESS

How is your company doing in these uncertain times? When I talk with many business leaders, I hear about revenues that are down, sales closing cycles that are longer, and prospects who are unwilling to make decisions. Why? Because people and the organizations they make up are fearful. They are expecting to lose in this recession.

 

What can you do about it? Successful people and organizations do not despair, they “Believe and Act.” That is the recommended mantra this year. But what actions should you take?

 

Here's a snapshot of what you must do.

 

Victor Cheng, author of The Recession Proof Business, spoke recently at the Fortune Small Business Sales and Marketing Summit. His perspectives support all of my research findings. Consistent with my “Believe and Act” message, Cheng recommends adopting a “play to win” mindset. "Get your head screwed on straight and play to win,” he says. “Fortunes will be made in this economy. History has shown future Fortune 500 companies get started in times of extreme economic change. There are opportunities if you're looking for them."

 

Now is not the time to hunker down and attempt to ride it out. There is money out there. Go and find it. Determine where the money is, find the problems, and solve them. The money will follow your solutions. As preteen superheroes Sharkboy and Lavagirl say, "Dream a better dream, and do the work to make it come true."

 

What is Your Secret Weapon?

 

These times stimulate fear. What happens when you are fearful, afraid, scared, and overwhelmed? Your intuition — your heart — closes down. Yet that sixth sense is likely to be one of the most important tools to help you steer a course to success in challenging times.

 

The most successful people and organizations follow a four-step “Pursuit of Passionate Purpose” process and utilize six success strategies. The “Connections Strategy” starts with listening to yourself. Many of us recognize this as intuition, instinct, or sixth sense. This perception capability is defined as directly knowing, independent of rational thought and inference. Do not neglect to exercise this secret weapon and incorporate it as part of your ongoing strategic planning!

 

PRACTICAL POINTERS

  

• Tap your intuition. Respect and honor this source of wisdom and guidance. Take actions to make it more available to you. How do you tap into your intuition? Try breathing, meditation, exercise, journaling, and other ways to hear your inner voice.

•   Unpack fear. Fear is often irrational. Be aware of the negative impact of fear. See my earlier blog post on this topic. 

•   Take action. Be proactive. Develop a good plan, and act on it. Now is the best time to define your core and craft your strategic plan. Make sure it leverages your intuition and includes a sales assessment and plan (see www.TMSworld.com/sales.html) . Then execute it. Do not wait.

 

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

Follow Theresa on Twitter @TheresaSzczurek.

 

 

EQUAL PAY IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

According to US Census statistics on average, full-time working women earned 78 cents to every dollar earned by men. That is right - women working earn 22% less than their male counterparts. The figures are even worse for women of color with Black women only earning 66 cents and Latinas 54 cents on the dollar. Over a lifetime of work this loss adds up. On average, women lose out on $9,575 per year and $434,000 in a lifetime due to the wage gap.

Did you know that April 28, 2009 was Equal Pay Day. Equal Pay Day is held annually in April to signify the point into a year that a woman must work to earn what a man made the previous year.

Legislation is needed to close the persistent gap between men’s and women’s wages. The Paycheck Fairness Act (HR 12/S 182) will strengthen the Equal Pay Act closing loopholes and strengthening penalties to guarantee that women workers are not shortchanged solely because of their gender.  Join working women advocates across the country to educate women and men about pay inequity and demand passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act. 

Check out this blog to learn about author JoAnn Smith Ainsworth’s 40 year tale of unequal pay and much more, http://youngwomenmisbehavin.com/category/pay-equity/

In the first 100 days of Obama's term much has been done for working women for which we can be grateful including:

• Thank you for signing the Lilly Ledbetter Act. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act will ensure that women subject to wage discrimination will get their day in court and is an important step towards closing the persistent and sizable wage gap that remains between men and women. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act rights the wrongs done by the Supreme Court in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., reinstating previous rules protecting workers and ensuring people who have been discriminated against can seek vindication in a timely matter.
• Thank you for creating the White House Council for Women and Girls.
• Thank you for making sure women and families were provided for in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
• Thank you for securing working woman Hilda Solis as head of the Department of Labor.
• Thank you for instating workplace flexibility as a key tenant in the White House Task Force on Middle Class Families.

Much more is needed.  Eliminating the wage gap is good for families and for business.  Join me in passionately pursuing the passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act!

Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)

PRACTICAL BUSINESS ACTIONS TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE

Join me at my May 8, 2009 seminar ‘Practical Business Actions to Survive and Thrive in Tough Times” sponsored by the Sustainable Business Group.  I offer suggestions to help you and your company successfully weather this economic debacle.  Registration and coffee begin at 8:30 am, seminar from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at The World Trade Center, 1625 Broadway, Suite 820, Denver. Free of charge. Please RSVP by May 5 to Kathleen Flynn 303 592-4062 or Kathleen@sbizgroup.com

Here is a description of this seminar, which is part of "Toward a Sustainable Future" Business Education Series.

Many Americans are more pessimistic about their situation now than they have been in more than a quarter-century. What can you do about the current economic situation so it does not negatively impact your company any more than it already has? Many of the most successful people and organizations today have a clear approach in their attitudes and actions specifically designed for these difficult times. Sales and marketing play an important role in helping a business thrive in tough times, as does overall leadership of the firm.  Research reveals the key strategic actions which have helped companies succeed during past economic downturns.  Come learn what actions business leaders must take now to promote the best possible results in this downturn.  Case studies of firms that have proactively acted and produced great results will be discussed.  Explore how to apply these actions in your company through an interactive exercise. 

This session will address the following key issues:

• What actions help firms survive and thrive in tough times
• What are the top things you should do now
• How can you justify these actions with a strong ROI 

As a successful entrepreneur, consultant, and Gazelles® business coach, I deliver a set of unique tools, you can immediately apply to your bottom-line advantage. The take-aways include practical ideas on how to apply this to your organization. 

See you on May 8th.

Theresa Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com and www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com)