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Learn About Money (Money and You)
by Mary ReinaCoins. Dollars. Euros. Yen. People use money to buy the things they want and need. But just what is money and why do we use it? Simple, yet engaging text and colorful images introduce young readers to money, how we use it, and different types of currency around the world.
Learn Azure Administration: Solve your cloud administration issues relating to networking, storage, and identity management speedily and efficiently
by Kamil MrzyglodEnhance your Azure administration and Azure DevOps skills and get up and running with networking, security, automation, and effective cost managementKey FeaturesExplore a variety of administration patterns used for different cloud architecturesDiscover best practices for administering various IT systems hosted in AzureAdminister, automate, and manage your Azure cloud environment effectivelyBook DescriptionMicrosoft Azure is one of the upcoming cloud platforms that provide cost-effective solutions and services to help businesses overcome complex infrastructure-related challenges. This book will help you scale your cloud administration skills with Microsoft Azure.Learn Azure Administration starts with an introduction to the management of Azure subscriptions, and then takes you through Azure resource management. Next, you'll configure and manage virtual networks and find out how to integrate them with a set of Azure services. You'll then handle the identity and security for users with the help of Azure Active Directory, and manage access from a single place using policies and defined roles. As you advance, you'll get to grips with receipts to manage a virtual machine. The next set of chapters will teach you how to solve advanced problems such as DDoS protection, load balancing, and networking for containers. You'll also learn how to set up file servers, along with managing and storing backups. Later, you'll review monitoring solutions and backup plans for a host of services. The last set of chapters will help you to integrate different services with Azure Event Grid, Azure Automation, and Azure Logic Apps, and teach you how to manage Azure DevOps.By the end of this Azure book, you'll be proficient enough to easily administer your Azure-based cloud environment.What you will learnExplore different Azure services and understand the correlation between themSecure and integrate different Azure componentsWork with a variety of identity and access management (IAM) modelsFind out how to set up monitoring and logging solutionsBuild a complete skill set of Azure administration activities with Azure DevOpsDiscover efficient scaling patterns for small and large workloadsWho this book is forThis book is for cloud administrators, system administrators, and IT professionals who want to scale up their skillset and enter the world of cloud computing. IT professionals and engineers who are already familiar with the basics of the Azure services and are looking for a step-by-step guide to solving the most common Azure problems will also find this book useful. Basic understanding of cloud concepts such as IaaS, PaaS, virtualization, networking, and common Azure services is required.
Learn Blockchain by Building One: A Concise Path to Understanding Cryptocurrencies
by Daniel van FlymenAs crytpocurrencies and their underlying data structure, blockchains, become further intertwined in our daily lives, a full understanding of them is essential to anyone who wants to keep up and remain informed of the future of finance. There is no better learning method than a hands-on one, and Learn Blockchain by Building One offers just that.Develop your own blockchain using Python with step-by-step instructions from author Daniel van Flyman, an expert in the field. You will come away with a confident working knowledge of popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum and which foundations make them work. Through helpful exercises and real-world examples, you will understand the core concepts of peer-to-peer networking, Proof of Work, hashing, encryption, and digital signatures.Learn Blockchain by Building One gives you timely, real-world lessons in blockchain and cryptocurrencies that you will need as our modern society becomes increasingly digitally sophisticated. The lasting implications of such technology, such as the security of personal transactions and the role of government regulation, are not to be underestimated. Stay ahead of the curve and become a confident blockchain builder now!What You Will LearnDevelop a fully-fledged blockchain in PythonObtain a ground-up understanding of of Proof of WorkGrasp core cryptographic concepts, such as hashing, encryption, and digital signaturesUnderstand how gossip protocols and peer-to-peer networking works by implementing a TCP client-serverRealize the differences and trade-offs between popular blockchains such as Bitcoin and Ethereum Who This Book Is For This book is aimed at intermediate programmers in any area from finance to academia. Readers should be comfortable reading and writing basic Python.
Learn Bookkeeping in 7 Days
by Rod CaldwellDo you struggle with keeping your books?Do you dread facing your finances?Do you constantly fear that the tax man will come knocking?Learn Bookkeeping in 7 Days is your step-by-step guide to taking the stress out of keeping your books!This small business guide covers all of the basics, from setting up a general ledger through to confidently conquering your BAS, and all that's in between. In 7 quick and easy steps this book arms you with the knowledge you need to move to more advanced systems and will free up your time to focus on your business.Packed full of taxation tips, tricks and traps, this is essential reading for all small business owners and anyone wanting to easily and quickly learn bookkeeping.*Bonus resources can be downloaded from the author's website at www.tpabusiness.com.au.
Learn Data Analysis with Python: Lessons In Coding
by A. J. Henley Dave WolfGet started using Python in data analysis with this compact practical guide. This book includes three exercises and a case study on getting data in and out of Python code in the right format. Learn Data Analysis with Python also helps you discover meaning in the data using analysis and shows you how to visualize it. Each lesson is, as much as possible, self-contained to allow you to dip in and out of the examples as your needs dictate. If you are already using Python for data analysis, you will find a number of things that you wish you knew how to do in Python. You can then take these techniques and apply them directly to your own projects.If you aren’t using Python for data analysis, this book takes you through the basics at the beginning to give you a solid foundation in the topic. As you work your way through the book you will have a better of idea of how to use Python for data analysis when you are finished.What You Will LearnGet data into and out of Python codePrepare the data and its formatFind the meaning of the dataVisualize the data using iPythonWho This Book Is For Those who want to learn data analysis using Python. Some experience with Python is recommended but not required, as is some prior experience with data analysis or data science.
Learn Helm: Improve productivity, reduce complexity, and speed up cloud-native adoption with Helm for Kubernetes
by Andrew Block Austin DeweyA comprehensive introduction to automated application deployment on Kubernetes for beginners Key Features Effectively manage applications deployed in Kubernetes using Helm Learn to install, upgrade, share, and manage applications deployed in Kubernetes Get up and running with a package manager for Kubernetes Book Description Containerization is currently known to be one of the best ways to implement DevOps. While Docker introduced containers and changed the DevOps era, Google developed an extensive container orchestration system, Kubernetes, which is now considered the frontrunner in container orchestration. With the help of this book, you'll explore the efficiency of managing applications running on Kubernetes using Helm. Starting with a short introduction to Helm and how it can benefit the entire container environment, you'll then delve into the architectural aspects, in addition to learning about Helm charts and its use cases. You'll understand how to write Helm charts in order to automate application deployment on Kubernetes. Focused on providing enterprise-ready patterns relating to Helm and automation, the book covers best practices for application development, delivery, and lifecycle management with Helm. By the end of this Kubernetes book, you will have learned how to leverage Helm to develop an enterprise pattern for application delivery. What you will learn Develop an enterprise automation strategy on Kubernetes using Helm Create easily consumable and configurable Helm charts Use Helm in orchestration tooling and Kubernetes operators Explore best practices for application delivery and life cycle management Leverage Helm in a secure and stable manner that is fit for your enterprise Discover the ins and outs of automation with Helm Who this book is for This book is for Kubernetes developers or administrators who are interested in learning Helm to provide automation for application development on Kubernetes. Although no prior knowledge of Helm is required, basic knowledge of Kubernetes application development will be useful.
Learn Kubernetes Security: Securely orchestrate, scale, and manage your microservices in Kubernetes deployments
by Kaizhe Huang Pranjal Jumde Loris DegioanniSecure your container environment against cyberattacks and deliver robust deployments with this practical guide Key Features Explore a variety of Kubernetes components that help you to prevent cyberattacks Perform effective resource management and monitoring with Prometheus and built-in Kubernetes tools Learn techniques to prevent attackers from compromising applications and accessing resources for crypto-coin mining Book Description Kubernetes is an open source orchestration platform for managing containerized applications. Despite widespread adoption of the technology, DevOps engineers might be unaware of the pitfalls of containerized environments. With this comprehensive book, you'll learn how to use the different security integrations available on the Kubernetes platform to safeguard your deployments in a variety of scenarios. Learn Kubernetes Security starts by taking you through the Kubernetes architecture and the networking model. You'll then learn about the Kubernetes threat model and get to grips with securing clusters. Throughout the book, you'll cover various security aspects such as authentication, authorization, image scanning, and resource monitoring. As you advance, you'll learn about securing cluster components (the kube-apiserver, CoreDNS, and kubelet) and pods (hardening image, security context, and PodSecurityPolicy). With the help of hands-on examples, you'll also learn how to use open source tools such as Anchore, Prometheus, OPA, and Falco to protect your deployments. By the end of this Kubernetes book, you'll have gained a solid understanding of container security and be able to protect your clusters from cyberattacks and mitigate cybersecurity threats. What you will learn Understand the basics of Kubernetes architecture and networking Gain insights into different security integrations provided by the Kubernetes platform Delve into Kubernetes' threat modeling and security domains Explore different security configurations from a variety of practical examples Get to grips with using and deploying open source tools to protect your deployments Discover techniques to mitigate or prevent known Kubernetes hacks Who this book is for This book is for security consultants, cloud administrators, system administrators, and DevOps engineers interested in securing their container deployments. If you're looking to secure your Kubernetes clusters and cloud-based deployments, you'll find this book useful. A basic understanding of cloud computing and containerization is necessary to make the most of this book.
Learn Like a Leader: Today's Top Leaders Share Their Learning Journeys
by Marshall Goldsmith Beverly Kaye Ken SheltonWhy are some people able to grow in their careers while others never fully reach their potential? Learn Like a Leader explores this question by examining defining moments of leadership. The authors share personal stories gathered from great leaders such as James Collins, Warren Bennis, and Dave Ulrich, portraying the power of storytelling in training and mentoring.
Learn Like a Leader: Today's Top Leaders Share Their Learning Journeys
by Marshall Goldsmith Beverly Kaye Ken SheltonMore than a decade ago, a group of bestselling authors, thought leaders and management experts—among them Marshall Goldsmith, Beverly Kaye and Ken Shelton—met to share their defining moments on leadership with one another. So taken were they with each other’s stories that an annual tradition of trading leadership secrets was established. A recurring truth emerged: great leaders seize the opportunity to learn, again and again. Learn Like a Leader brings together these remarkable stories of learning and provides a close look at how top leaders—including Jim Collins, Warren Bennis and Dave Ulrich—were able to grow their careers, overcome setbacks and soar to the top. Offering profound lessons from key learning moments in the lives and careers of the contributors, Learn Like a Leader conveys the power of storytelling in teaching, training and mentoring.
Learn Marketing With Social Media in 7 Days: Master Twitter, LinkedIn & Facebook For Business
by Linda ColesDiscover how to use social media to give your business an unbeatable competitive edge in no time! Written by an internationally renowned social media guru, Learn Marketing with Social Media in 7 Days supplies you with the knowledge and tools needed to use Twitter, LindkenIn, Facebook, YouTube and other popular social media platforms to grow your business. Geared towards small business owners and entrepreneurs, it provides step-by-step guidance on creating low-cost, high-impact online marketing strategies that really work. You'll learn how to create an effective social media presence for your business, measure the fruits of your efforts, and maintain your social media sites in just thirty minutes a day. Supported by practical information, templates and case studies, this book is for savvy business owners and managers who want to understand their customers better, improve their business networks, and gain an unbeatable competitive edge online. Packed with valuable tips, tricks, and time-saving shortcuts, this is essential reading for anyone looking to quickly and easily build a business presence online Build and maintain effective relationships online in thirty minutes per day Harness your Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages to gain the edge on your competitors Learn how other companies are using the sites and gaining success
Learn Microsoft PowerApps: Build customized business applications without writing any code
by Matthew WestonThis book is for Developers, non-developers and any IT professional who wants to learn Microsoft PowerApps to either start developing or want to expand their knowledge of development in PowerApps.
Learn MYOB in 7 Days
by Heather SmithThe step-by-step guide that takes the stress out of keeping your books with MYOB This small business guide covers all the essentials, from setting up an account through to confidently producing financial reports, and all that's in between. In 7 quick and easy steps this book arms you with the knowledge you need to navigate your way through MYOB and will free up your time to focus on your business. Packed full of tips, tricks and traps to avoid, this is essential reading for small business owners and bookkeepers wanting to quickly and easily learn MYOB.
Learn or Die: Using Science to Build a Leading-Edge Learning Organization (Columbia Business School Publishing)
by Edward HessTo compete with today's increasing globalization and rapidly evolving technologies, individuals and organizations must take their ability to learn—the foundation for continuous improvement, operational excellence, and innovation—to a much higher level. In Learn or Die, Edward D. Hess combines recent advances in neuroscience, psychology, behavioral economics, and education with key research on high-performance businesses to create an actionable blueprint for becoming a leading-edge learning organization. Learn or Die examines the process of learning from an individual and an organizational standpoint. From an individual perspective, the book discusses the cognitive, emotional, motivational, attitudinal, and behavioral factors that promote better learning. Organizationally, Learn or Die focuses on the kinds of structures, culture, leadership, employee learning behaviors, and human resource policies that are necessary to create an environment that enables critical and innovative thinking, learning conversations, and collaboration. The volume also provides strategies to mitigate the reality that humans can be reflexive, lazy thinkers who seek confirmation of what they believe to be true and affirmation of their self-image. Exemplar learning organizations discussed include the secretive Bridgewater Associates, LP; Intuit, Inc.; United Parcel Service (UPS); W. L. Gore & Associates; and IDEO.
Learn or Die
by Edward D. HessA cutting-edge synthesis of behavioral psychology, cognitive science, and educational theory that teaches businesses how to learn better and faster.
Learn Power BI: A beginner's guide to developing interactive business intelligence solutions using Microsoft Power BI
by Greg DecklerSolve business challenges with Microsoft Power BI's advanced visualization and data analysis techniques Key Features Create effective storytelling reports by implementing simple-to-intermediate Power BI features Develop powerful analytical models to extract key insights for changing business needs Build, publish, and share impressive dashboards for your organization Book Description To succeed in today's transforming business world, organizations need business intelligence capabilities to make smarter decisions faster than ever before. This Power BI book is an entry-level guide that will get you up and running with data modeling, visualization, and analytical techniques from scratch. You'll find this book handy if you want to get well-versed with the extensive Power BI ecosystem. You'll start by covering the basics of business intelligence and installing Power BI. You'll then learn the wide range of Power BI features to unlock business insights. As you progress, the book will take you through how to use Power Query to ingest, cleanse, and shape your data, and use Power BI DAX to create simple to complex calculations. You'll also be able to add a variety of interactive visualizations to your reports to bring your data to life. Finally, you'll gain hands-on experience in creating visually stunning reports that speak to business decision makers, and see how you can securely share these reports and collaborate with others. By the end of this book, you'll be ready to create simple, yet effective, BI reports and dashboards using the latest features of Power BI. What you will learn Explore the different features of Power BI to create interactive dashboards Use the Query Editor to import and transform data Perform simple and complex DAX calculations to enhance analysis Discover business insights and tell a story with your data using Power BI Explore data and learn to manage datasets, dataflows, and data gateways Use workspaces to collaborate with others and publish your reports Who this book is for If you're an IT manager, data analyst, or BI user new to using Power BI for solving business intelligence problems, this book is for you. You'll also find this book useful if you want to migrate from other BI tools to create powerful and interactive dashboards. No experience of working with Power BI is expected.
Learn Power BI: A comprehensive, step-by-step guide for beginners to learn real-world business intelligence, 2nd Edition
by Greg DecklerLearn how to use Power BI to deliver the insights needed to help your enterprise survive and thriveKey FeaturesLearn simple through to advanced Power BI features in a clear, concise way using real-world examplesDevelop powerful analytical models and reports that extract key business insightsPublish, share and collaborate on impressive reports, dashboards, apps, and goalsBook DescriptionTo succeed in today's transforming business world, organizations need business intelligence capabilities to make smarter decisions faster than ever before. This updated second edition of Learn Power BI takes you on a journey of data exploration and discovery, using Microsoft Power BI to ingest, cleanse, and organize data in order to unlock key business insights that can then be shared with others. This newly revised and expanded edition of Learn Power BI covers all of the latest features and interface changes and takes you through the fundamentals of business intelligence projects, how to deploy, adopt, and govern Power BI within your organization, and how to leverage your knowledge in the marketplace and broader ecosystem that is Power BI. As you progress, you will learn how to ingest, cleanse, and transform your data into stunning visualizations, reports, and dashboards that speak to business decision-makers. By the end of this Power BI book, you will be fully prepared to be the data analysis hero of your organization – or even start a new career as a business intelligence professional.What you will learnGet up and running quickly with Power BIUnderstand and plan your business intelligence projectsConnect to and transform data using Power QueryCreate data models optimized for analysis and reportingPerform simple and complex DAX calculations to enhance analysisDiscover business insights and create professional reportsCollaborate via Power BI dashboards, apps, goals, and scorecardsDeploy and govern Power BI, including using deployment pipelinesWho this book is forIf you're an IT manager, data analyst, or BI user new to using Power BI for solving business intelligence problems, this book is for you. You'll also find this book helpful if you want to migrate from other BI tools to create powerful and interactive dashboards. No experience of working with Power BI is expected.
Learn Power Query: A low-code approach to connect and transform data from multiple sources for Power BI and Excel
by Linda Foulkes Warren SparrowDiscover how you can combine data from various sources to create data models to suit your business requirements with the help of this clear and concise guide Key Features Understand how Power Query overcomes the shortcomings of Excel Power Pivot in handling complex data Create customized dashboards and multi-dimensional reports using Power Query and Power BI Learn the Power Query M language and write advanced queries using custom functions Book Description Power Query is a data connection technology that allows you to connect, combine, and refine data from multiple sources to meet your business analysis requirements. With this Power Query book, you'll be empowered to work with a variety of data sources to create interactive reports and dashboards using Excel and Power BI. You'll start by learning how to access Power Query across different versions of Excel and install the Power BI engine. After you've explored Power Pivot, you'll see why Excel users find it challenging to clean data in Power Pivot and learn how Power Query can help to tackle the problem. The book will show you how to transform data using the Query Editor and write functions in Power Query. A dedicated section will focus on functions such as IF, Index, and Modulo, and creating parameters to alter query paths in a table. You'll also work with dashboards, get to grips with multi-dimensional reporting, and create automated reports. As you advance, you'll cover the M formula language in Power Query, delve into the basic M syntax, and write the M query language with the help of examples such as loading all library functions offline in Excel and Power BI. Finally, the book will demonstrate the difference between M and DAX and show how results are produced in M. By the end of this book, you'll be ready to create impressive dashboards and multi-dimensional reports in Power Query and turn data into valuable insights. What you will learn Convert worksheet data into a table format ready for query output Create a dynamic connection between an Access database and Excel workbook Reshape tabular data by altering rows, columns, and tables using various Power Query tools Create new columns automatically from filenames and sheet tabs, along with multiple Excel data files Streamline and automate reports from multiple sources Explore different customization options to get the most out of your dashboards Understand the difference between the DAX language and Power Query's M language Who this book is for This Power Query book is for business analysts, data analysts, BI professionals, and Excel users looking to take their skills to the next level by learning how to collect, combine, and transform data into insights using Power Query. Working knowledge of Excel and experience in constructing and troubleshooting Excel formulas and functions is expected.
Learn Small Business Accounting In 7 Days
by CaldwellLearn Small Business Accounting in 7 Days is your step-by-step guide to managing the accounts for your business. This small business guide moves beyond this basics covered in Learn Bookkeeping in 7 Days, exploring the trial balance stage, end-of-period adjustments, final reports, payroll and all that's in between. In 7 quick and easy steps this book arms you with the knowledge you need to successfully manage the financials of your business. Packed full of tips, tricks and traps, this is essential reading for all small business owners and anyone wanting to quickly and easily learn accounting.
Learn Small Business Start-Up in 7 Days
by Heather SmithThe practical guide to learning the essentials of starting your own business in just one week Thinking about starting a business? Then Learn Small Business Startup in 7 Days is the book for you. Guiding you through the key aspects of getting a new business up and running, from a self assessment about whether you are really prepared, through to finance, marketing, and legal issues, highly sought-after small business commentator Heather Smith covers it all. Carefully explaining everything you need to know to efficiently and effectively start a business, the book comprehensively covers the basics in 7 chapters, one for every day it will take you to get ready to leave the rat race and live your small business dream. Covers everything you need to know to start and prosper as a small business owner Helps you gauge whether running a small business is right for you Offers expert advice from a highly-respected small-business specialist While running a small business allows you to turn your passion into your livelihood, it is also often very demanding on your time, your cash reserves, and your sanity. With this book in hand, you have everything you need to lay a solid foundation for small business success.
Learn System Center Configuration Manager in a Month of Lunches: Covers SCCM 1511 and Windows 10
by James BannanSummaryLearn System Center Configuration Manager in a Month of Lunches is a super-practical guide to Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager. In this book, you'll cut to the chase and learn the administrative procedures and techniques that will keep your systems humming smoothly. Purchase of the print book comes with an offer of a free PDF, ePub, and Kindle eBook from Manning. Also available is all code from the book. About the TechnologyBusinesses rely on a complex patchwork of client computers, physical and virtual servers, middleware, mobile devices, and cloud services. Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) sits in the middle of this mix, providing a single administrative control center to deploy and manage Windows servers and applications across your entire infrastructure, including cross-platform management of Mac OS X, Linux, and UNIX. To get up to speed with the day-to-day tasks of managing a system with ConfigMgr, all you need is this book—and a quiet place to eat your lunch.About the BookLearn System Center Configuration Manager in a Month of Lunches is a super-practical guide to Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager. In this book, you’ll cut to the chase and learn the administrative procedures and techniques that will keep your systems humming smoothly. Whether you’re a new sysadmin or you already understand the inner workings of Active Directory and Windows Server, you’ll be productive immediately as you work through the 22 self-contained lessons in this handy tutorial.What's InsideCovers the latest build of Configuration ManagerHow to simplify updates, operating system deployment, and reportingCross-platform and mobile management including Linux, OS X, and WindowsSmart application deliveryAbout the ReaderNo prior experience with System Center Configuration Manager needed.About the AuthorJames Bannan is a Cloud and Datacenter Management MVP based in Australia.Table of ContentsBefore you beginSetting up your lab environment Making ConfigMgr aware of your environment Managing ConfigMgr devices and users Organizing devices and users Configuring ConfigMgr clients Creating and configuring applications with the AppModelDeploying applications and packages to ConfigMgr clientsEnsuring that ConfigMgr clients can access content Keeping ConfigMgr clients patched Preparing to deploy Windows Deploying Windows Advanced deployment of Windows with ConfigMgr and MDTManaging Linux clients Deploying to Linux and Mac clients Managing anti-malware with ConfigMgr Making sure clients are healthy Reporting in ConfigMgr Keeping an eye on your clients What to do when things go wrong Securing ConfigMgr All engines full steam ahead
Learn to Compete Peacefully: Cede Market Share and Rally behind the Banner of Profit
by Frank F. Bilstein Frank Luby Hermann SimonGiven the passion most managers bring to their work, it is easy to forget that business is not warfare. Business and war differ in two critical aspects: first, war always ends, but competition never does; second, there are no customers on a military battlefield. In the absence of breakthrough innovation, peaceful competition in markets makes sense. Peaceful competitors strive to extend the life span and profitability of their established products. They differentiate products to match up with customer preferences and concentrate on profitable customer segments, even if that means ceding market share to competitors in areas where they are not strong enough.
Learn to Earn: A Beginner's Guide to the Basics of Investing and
by Peter Lynch John RothchildMutual-fund superstar Peter Lynch and author John Rothchild explain the basic principles of investing and business in a primer that will enlighten and entertain anyone who is high-school age or older.Many investors, including some with substantial portfolios, have only the sketchiest idea of how the stock market works. The reason, say Lynch and Rothchild, is that the basics of investing -- the fundamentals of our economic system and what they have to do with the stock market -- aren't taught in school. At a time when individuals have to make important decisions about saving for college and 401(k) retirement funds, this failure to provide a basic education in investing can have tragic consequences.For those who know what to look for, investment opportunities are everywhere. The average high-school student is familiar with Nike, Reebok, McDonald's, the Gap, and the Body Shop. Nearly every teenager in America drinks Coke or Pepsi, but only a very few own shares in either company or even understand how to buy them. Every student studies American history, but few realize that our country was settled by European colonists financed by public companies in England and Holland -- and the basic principles behind public companies haven't changed in more than 300 years.In Learn to Earn, Lynch and Rothchild explain in a style accessible to anyone who is high-school age or older how to read a stock table in the daily newspaper, how to understand a company annual report, and why everyone should pay attention to the stock market. They explain not only how to invest, but also how to think like an investor.
Learn to Love the Low End: Look for Innovation Opportunities that Appeal to Value-Conscious Customers in Tough Times
by Scott D. AnthonyIn the dark days of October 2008, consumers flocked to discounters like Wal-Mart and McDonald's. In uncertain times, as this chapter illustrates, companies need to love the low end by embracing low-cost approaches that appeal to increasingly value-conscious customers and serve as a vital defense mechanism against encroaching attackers. Slashing prices isn't enough. Companies must determine what customers in low-end segments value--and deliver it. This chapter was originally published as chapter 7 of "The Silver Lining: An Innovation Playbook for Uncertain Times."
Learn to See the Invisible: How to Unlock Your Potential as a Leader
by Michael BremerMost improvement consultants say improvement efforts must be led by the CEO, and that is certainly ideal. But the actual reality is most CEOs do not actively drive/guide improvement. They want it to happen, but they focus most of their energy on other issues. According to surveys from Gallup and others, the number one reason people say, “I am not engaged” is due to the behaviors of their direct boss! Those leaders (in the middle of an organization) have a tremendous amount of leverage; first- and second-line leaders directly touch 80% of the people in their organization. They have a tremendous amount of influence and more power than they might realize. This book focuses on that demographic.This book describes four key foundations and 25 different actions leaders can practice to become more effective in training their eyes to see things tomorrow that are currently invisible. It helps leaders and managers to become better observers of their current reality by practicing getting better at getting better. The goal is to get better in the way we lead, the way our team performs, and the results we accomplish. If done in the right way, visually posting your improvement targets is the key to driving more personal growth, as well as more cross-functional collaboration and cooperation in your work activities. The most unique aspect of this book is that it suggests leaders use visual tools.Visual Leadership is the fourth foundational element the author encourages people to practice. The primary purpose of visual performance metrics isn’t to make sure things are working well in your department. It’s to create a thinking environment that makes it easier for multiple departments, teams, and groups to work together. It is relatively easy to come up with performance metrics for your team, but what about metrics that help “us” to work more effectively together? Good visual reporting practices create “information democracy.” They eliminate filters that obscure knowledge between layers of management and between departments. They help to create an environment that is much more robust and open, making it easier to be in touch with the “actual reality.” And perhaps the most exciting of all, visual tools can help an individual learn to lead more effectively. The power of using visuals in this way is underutilized in most organizations.Whatever new behaviors a leader is trying to accomplish, visual reporting can facilitate progress and ensure accountability in developing those new habits.
Learn, Work, Lead: Things Your Mentor Won't Tell You
by Terri Tierney ClarkIn today's world, women's career success relies on much more than just taking advice from a mentor, knowing how to network, and being proactive. Young professional women have to learn how to analyze career decisions for themselves and figure out what to do when their decisions don't work out. Learn, Work, Lead: Things Your Mentor Won't Tell You is a cutting-edge career and job search guide that will teach you those skills and give you the tools to navigate successfully in a gender-biased workplace. It will show you how to plan your career now so that you will be chosen to lead in the future. Coaching on how to analyze career decisions and make the best choices even when your solutions differ from your mentors' advice. Guidance on how to succeed even when you're faced with problems that no one could predict. Tools to develop your optimal career plan. Lessons from top business leaders' career war stories.