From the Profit-Tips channel

Check out my new 5-minute video: Mix & Balance: How to Get Big Profit Gains.

From Jamie Notter

I was talking the other day to a leader in an organization whose culture was fairly traditionally “hierarchical.” There was a clear hierarchy there, and people had it on their radar that you shouldn’t do things or say things unless someone above you in the chain either knew about it or had approved it. This also left the culture somewhat “guarded,” as people were often unsure what they could say, so they simply chose not to say much. READ MORE

Earnest Machine will celebrate its 70th anniversary by sponsoring the inaugural Fastener Fair USA, which will take place April 11 and 12, 2018, at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, OH.

Fastener Fair USA is the premier industry event that brings together manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and end users in this fastener and joining technology exhibition. The show offers a first-hand look at the latest solutions and technology available in the marketplace, as well as networking and top-notch educational programs developed and delivered by industry experts.

From Fast Company

Because “let’s grab a coffee” isn’t the most creative–or scalable–tactic out there. READ MORE

From Inc.com

If you want the fame, big paychecks and respect, cut these mistakes from your repertoire. READ MORE

From Entrepreneur

Hook them, engage them and tell them what you want them to do. READ MORE

From Jamie Notter

I’m not in the digital transformation business, though I know many consultants and client organizations who are in the middle of it. And Maddie, of course, is a digital strategist, so I’ve got an inside track to someone who knows the business and has done the work. Maybe that gives me just enough information to be dangerous, but I have to say, I get the feeling that the people who are deeply immersed in digital transformation seem to be missing something hugely important READ MORE

From Jamie Notter

I see a lot written these days about this mysterious new generation that follows the Millennials, often called Generation Z. Yes, just when you thought you had figured out the “kids these days,” now you have to start all over again with a whole new generation! READ MORE

A Message From Elm Sustainability Partners

With regard to the calendar year 2017 conflict minerals filings, there is still no change from the previous year.  All issuers subject to the disclosure should continue their RCOI, due diligence and Form CD/Conflict Minerals Report processes as in the past.  For more information, tune into TheCorporateCounsel.net for a webinar on February 7.

A Message From Sherex

Are you experiencing problems with tolerance stack? Having trouble with misalignment during joint servicing? Riv-Float Rivet Nuts are the answer! Using a patented floating inner nut design, Riv-Float provides fast and easy attachment points in off-center applications, reducing the risk of cross threading and spin out.

Riv-Float rivet nuts are an ideal replacement for riveted nut plates and cage nuts as they reduce installation time by requiring only one hole and can be installed blind. Riv-Float can also replace weld nuts, offering quicker, easier installation, and eliminating the possibility of weld spatter affecting threads and the need for costly ventilation systems.   

For applications with restricted backside clearance, Riv-Float Short provides the same solution to tolerance stack as Riv-Float with a reduced profile, allowing for blind installation in tight spaces. 

Riv-Float and Riv-Float Short can be installed with the Sherex Flex-5 installation tool with the use of a Riv-Float anvil.

From Jamie Notter

I had two remarkably similar conversations last week with two organizations that could not be more different from each other. One was a large, global corporation, and the other was a small nonprofit, but they were both struggling with the same issue: not enough time. READ MORE

A Message From Sherex

Sherex Fastening Solutions, a global leader in engineered fasteners, tooling, and automation, is pleased to announce Pacific Warehouse Sales (PWS) as the Western Region Master Distributor for its TEC Series wedge locking washer product line.

A Message From NAW

As you know, NAW has long been involved in the fight for comprehensive tax reform, with particular focus on leveling the playing field between industries – including wholesale distribution – that have historically paid high effective tax rates and those industries that have enjoyed single digit effective rates – or even secured tax refunds.

From Harvard Business Review

Collaboration all too often feels inefficient (search and coordination costs eat up time), risky (can I trust others to deliver for my client?), low value (our own area of expertise always seems most critical), and political (a sneaky way of self-promoting to other areas of one’s firm). Lurking behind these reservations may be concerns about losing relevance, becoming one of those “charismatic” leaders so often criticized as “all form, no substance.” Clarifying what collaboration is (and what it isn’t) and gaining firsthand experience with one or more collaborative projects is the only way to combat these common apprehensions. Only once you’ve seen collaboration’s value for yourself will you put in the effort required to seek out cross-disciplinary projects and hone the skills necessary to collaborate effectively. READ MORE

From Entrepreneur

These days, customer relationships have the life span of a Hollywood marriage, or, worse, a series of one-night stands. Here's how to learn from the breakup. READ MORE

From MultiBriefs Exclusive

"There are no rules here — we're trying to accomplish something." — Thomas A. Edison READ MORE

From the Harvard Business Review

Patty McCord, Netflix’s former Chief Talent Officer, sees hiring as constant matchmaking. Building a team of people that gets amazing work done, she says, requires managers to really know what they need, and for HR to actually understand the workings of the business. She says money should not be the reason someone leaves and that we should stop using words like “poaching” and “firing.” READ MORE

From Inc.com

2018 will see our workspaces becoming ever more innovative, comfortable, and hospitable. READ MORE

From the Wall Street Journal

Even from some who should know better, Corporate America is hearing that, to validate the new tax law, companies must do particular things with particular dollars, and not do other things. READ MORE