http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ Veteran reporter Robb Mandelbaum writes about the big issues that affect entrepreneurs, especially as they relate to the 2008 presidential campaign. Read full bio en-us 2008-10-07T14:52:02-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/2008/10/ten_myths_about_roi.html The term ROI is probably used more in business these days than ever before, particularly in areas where it has not been discussed previously. Originally, the concept of return on investment was used in the context of showing value from... 3781@http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ 2008-10-07T14:52:02-05:00 http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/2008/08/the_mystery_of_business_alignm_1.html Whenever a project or program is implemented, there is often mystery about the issue of business alignment. Everyone talks about it, management requires it, and we know that alignment must be accomplished with new projects and programs. But how is... 3458@http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ 2008-08-01T15:33:18-05:00 http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/2008/07/using_metrics_to_manage_recess_1.html Economic down turns affect us all. Small businesses often take the greatest hit. Increases in costs, reductions in revenue, and stagnant inventory often result from a slow-down in the economy. Lay-offs, mergers and consolidations, and bankruptcies dominate the news. With... 3362@http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ 2008-07-09T14:13:14-05:00 http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/2008/06/roi_and_the_small_business_own.html When we discuss metrics and ROI with the managers, executives, and specialists, we are often asked this question: How does this apply to small business? True, large businesses routinely focus on measurements, metrics, and ROI. There are departments, functions, and... 3275@http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ 2008-06-11T13:07:55-05:00 http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/2008/05/the_convergence_of_design_and.html Both of these disciplines must be adopted for success. In my first article for Inc last year, I wrote about "convergence." I'd like to offer another example of convergence that's taking place these days: the convergence of design and innovation.... 3123@http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ 2008-05-01T18:01:19-05:00 http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/2008/04/use_and_abuse_of_roi.html Examine the many ways that the perennial business term is misunderstood. In several of our columns, we have discussed ROI and its use as a measure to show the contribution of a particular project or program. Unfortunately, the term ROI... 3140@http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ 2008-04-20T16:14:25-05:00 http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/2008/04/collaboration.html To COL-LAB-O-RATE. The American Heritage Dictionary defines collaboration as: "to work together, especially in a joint intellectual effort." Through my research over the past few years, I have come to appreciate the power of collaboration in ways I never did... 3122@http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ 2008-04-13T17:57:36-05:00 http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/2008/03/intangible_measures.html If certain data cannot be converted to money, are they still important? Many organizations are realizing the importance of intangible measures. Sometimes labeled soft data, intangibles can be powerful, elusive, and mysterious. Some believe they cannot be measured; others believe... 3139@http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ 2008-03-08T16:06:22-05:00 http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/2008/03/art_or_science.html Business is not an either/or proposition -- a cycle of innovation and analytical operation is needed to succeed. Is it an art or a science? I don't even have to tell you what "it" is for you to identify with... 3120@http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ 2008-03-05T17:54:09-05:00 http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/2008/02/collecting_the_right_data.html Not all data is created equal -- here's how to know what kind to gather and how to use to make the most of the data process. We live in a world where data is literally everywhere. And if it... 3138@http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ 2008-02-23T16:01:07-05:00 http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/2008/01/taking_credit_when_credit_is_d.html Many factors determine the success of a new strategy. But which one is responsible for real results? Here's how to find out. One of the most challenging issues in reporting the value of a particular project or program is isolating... 3137@http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ 2008-01-11T15:56:30-05:00 http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/2008/01/beware_of_the_idea_killers.html New ideas are what will help your business remain competitive. Be sure you aren't killing them before you consider bringing them to fruition. In 1962, after listening to four young, unknown musicians named Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and... 3119@http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ 2008-01-10T17:24:55-05:00 http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/2007/12/think_roi_at_the_beginning_of.html Walking into a project with ROI in mind will ensure the project delivers. In previous columns, we discussed how ROI has been used in nontraditional settings to show the financial payoff of a project or program. Let's examine a case... 3136@http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ 2007-12-17T14:55:16-05:00 http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/2007/11/whats_the_problem.html It's one of the most important questions you'll ever ask yourself while running your business. "What's the problem?" Sounds like what a parent says to a child in distress. Turns out, though, that this might be one of the most... 2283@http://blog.inc.com/office-and-operations/ 2007-11-27T16:52:47-05:00