4 Essential Tips

1. - Move Big Data Out of the IT Silo - This mistaken belief that big data is primarily an IT driven activity and it’s just the IT teams that are responsible for collating and evaluating digital transactional data should be done away with.
2. - Focus on Separating Dirty and Clean Data - Businesses need to start separating the wheat from the chaff and understand that not all data is useful. It’s important to understand that actionable business intelligence doesn’t automatically follow big data; it’s the extraction and analysis of the right data that helps you capture real business value with big data.

Forgoing Your Own Needs Is A Mistake

It can be tough to press for your own interests in an important relationship – especially if you’re dealing with an important customer. Here are three ways to negotiate without awkwardness:

Ten Tips for Negotiating in 2014

The ability to negotiate successfully in today's turbulent business climate can make the difference between success and failure:

1. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Successful negotiators are assertive and challenge everything – they know that everything is negotiable.
2. Shut up and listen. You can become an effective listener by allowing the other person to do most of the talking. Follow the 70/30 Rule – listen 70 percent of the time, and talk only 30 percent of the time.
3. Do your homework. This is what detectives do. Gather as much pertinent information prior to your negotiation.

Putting Women Entrepreneurs on the Path to Growth

1. Retail Giants– Turn this competition into a partnership
Working hard to drive business to your own store or website is important but small business owners have to pay attention to opportunities and understand what it takes to become a player in the global supply chain. Bottom line, to compete in the marketplace you need to produce something that is new, better and different.

7 Networking Tips for Women Owners

1. - Pick your venue.
2. - Know your elevator pitch.
3. - Ask questions.

6 Tips to Create The Best Possible Work Environment

1. - Find out what makes them tick: Finding out what makes your employees work hard can in turn help you and the bottom line.
2. - Give promotions where they are deserved: Giving a promotion is not simply a matter of paying more because you feel generous; it’s a way to keep your most talented and efficient employees at your company.