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| The Big Idea |  |
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- The Fed unleashes unconventional weapons
The Federal Reserve, abandoning all pretense of normal, has announced a three-pronged assault on the recession. It begins by slashing interest rates to nearly zero before affixing bayonets. The Economist explains why this is both "a formidable display of monetary aggression" and less than meets the eye. The Economist
(12/16)      
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| | Feeling the Pinch in Today's Difficult Credit Market?
Increasing credit costs can ripple through your business to affect longer-term plans that are essential to growth. Download the CFO Research Services report produced in collaboration with American Express: No Stone Unturned: Strategies for Cash Management in Hard Times to gain insight on how midsize companies are adapting in order to maintain their competitive positions under tough circumstances. | |
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- Consumers punish interruptions in story time
Intrusive ads in the middle of an engaging story are likely to backfire, a series of experiments on college students reveals. The research may be reason to reconsider certain targeted ads, because it suggests companies may be paying more for media placements that generate less positive feelings. The solution may be as simple as putting the ad at the end of a TV show or magazine article rather than in the middle. Kellogg Insight
(12/2008)
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 | 10 Secrets to Recession-Proof Your Business - Discover ten strategies smart companies deploy to recession-proof their business, including how to curb spending, cut non-payroll costs, and use the downturn to your advantage. |
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| On Leadership | |
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- Apple CEO ditches trade show appearance
Steve Jobs won't give the keynote address next month at the Macworld Conference & Expo, where the company has traditionally unveiled new products. This will surely renew speculation about his health, but Apple's decision is in line with a new trend of reduced corporate presence at industry exhibitions. "Trade shows do not deliver the same return on investment that they did in the past," says Tim Bajarin, an analyst at Creative Strategies. "And Apple is finding that their stores are much better at driving sales than a once-a-year shot at Macworld." Los Angeles Times
(12/17)
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 | Building a Seamless Retail System
In the fast-paced fashion industry, many companies are challenged as they try to balance the business and creative sides of their enterprise. Click here for a free case study to learn how industry leader Perry Ellis achieves 20 percent revenue growth each year by leveraging a best of breed system from Oracle. |
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| Innovation and Creativity |
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- Legal breakthrough: Poke and sue
Facebook, often derided as a shallow medium where a "poke" constitutes meaningful communication, is growing ever more legit. A court in Australia has ruled that lawyers foreclosing on a couple's home can serve them with legal documents through Facebook. Legal experts say U.S. law isn't far behind. "I don't see why in the proper case a judge wouldn't authorize it, as long as it was reasonably calculated to reach the defendant," said Baylor Law professor Rory Ryan. CNET
(12/16)
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 | In tough times, leaders lead. They also read...SmartBrief. More than 62% of SmartBrief subscribers hold Director, VP or C-level positions. Reach senior decision-makers here and get measurable advertising results. Contact a SmartBrief advertising expert today. |
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Most holiday parties survive the cut
More than 1,423 SmartBrief on Leadership readers responded to last week's poll question Will your office have a holiday party this year?
- Yes, it's important to morale, especially given the current economic climate. 947 votes, 66.55%
- No, we feel it would not send the right message about our corporate responsibility in the current economic climate. 476 votes, 33.45%
"In the midst of all the negative news and commentary, we continue to see signs of fortitude. Business has made cuts and will likely make more, taking seriously its responsibility to all stakeholders. But two-thirds of executives are going forward with holiday parties, reflecting the importance of this kind of employee event to maintaining workplace spirits and cohesiveness. " Eva Schmatz, president, Summus Limited
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According to SmartBrief editor Adam Mazmanian, "2008 was the year of social media." How deep is your participation?
 | I Twitter. |
| I have a blog. |
| I have a profile on Linked-In, Facebook, MySpace, etc. |
| I respond to blogs/articles online or write letters to the editor. |
| I'm trying to figure out how to use social media to my advantage. |
| I do nothing that would qualify as social media. |
- "Blagola"
Oops. Now we've blown the punchline of Slate's "Rod Blagojevich scandal-naming contest." But read on for the wisdom of Kellogg professor Adam Galinsky. He says that power, contrary to adage, doesn't corrupt, but it does amplify a person's character and change neuropsychological processes. "To be in power means more eyes are focused on you," he says, "yet people in power psychologically feel invisible." Chicago Tribune
(12/12)
 | With the Web, blogs, company-controlled blogs and podcasts, what is the value of having this centralized thing?"
--Mike McGuire, a Gartner analyst, on the value of trade shows
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Recent SmartBrief on Leadership Issues:
- Tuesday, December 16, 2008
- Monday, December 15, 2008
- Friday, December 12, 2008
- Thursday, December 11, 2008
- Wednesday, December 10, 2008
| | | Lead Editor: Mary Ellen Slayter
Contributing Editor: Liz Ruskin
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Executives who see risk management solely in terms of threats and danger are missing opportunities in value creation, say Deloitte advisers. How you assess the risk of business expansion can be the difference between handsome profit and disaster, they say. A related article provides 
