INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2074,2,'2009-10-10 14:51:19','2009-10-10 14:51:19','<a href=\"http://koerberwalker.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/az-ent-logo.jpg\"></a><a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c0120a5d50dd9970b-pi\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c0120a5d50ddc970b-pi\" border=\"0\" alt=\"AZ Ent logo\" width=\"212\" height=\"244\" align=\"right\" /></a>A business owner asked me the other day, what was the best marketing strategy ever?  I did not have to think very long.  To me, the answer is <a href=\"http://www.southwest.com/about_swa/airborne.html\">Southwest Airlines in its early days.</a>   In a day when Southwest was competing with industry giants to launch a new airline, they broke through and succeeded by demonstrating that they were the airline you wanted to fly by doing the following things.\n<ol>\n	<li>They offered an affordable and valuable service.</li>\n	<li>They put their employees first and let them know it.  The Employees became their marketing ambassadors on EVERY flight and at every gate.</li>\n	<li>They empowered their employees to do what ever it took to make the customer experience both safe and enjoyable.  The employees felt good about being part of Southwest and that spirit was contagious.</li>\n	<li>They got people fired up about the service they were offering and encouraged them to tell a friend.  They mastered the art of the testimonial!</li>\n</ol>\nCombining silly slogans by peppy flight attendants with little things like birthday cards or free drink coupons, and ads that made you smile, Southwest integrated the customer experience into every step of what they did and how they marketed.  The rest, as they say, was entrepreneurial history. One friend told another - and they told someone else.  People chose to fly the fledgling airline to see what all the buzz was about.  They liked the experience, kept on flying, and kept on telling their friends.\n\nI\'ve been thinking about this - the creating of an experience  - a lot lately for two reasons. \n\nOne is a company that I am hoping to become much more involved with.  They have an offering that will revolutionize their category in a way similar to what Southwest did to the airline industry.  As I look at what would be needed to do just that, I start to get really excited.  (You\'ll have to stay tuned to learn more about this project....it\'s a developing story.)\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/azec09_logo-2.jpg\"></a><a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c0120a62b9de4970c-pi\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c0120a62b9de7970c-pi\" border=\"0\" alt=\"AZEC09_Logo-(2)\" width=\"192\" height=\"76\" align=\"left\" /></a>But the other project, is one that I can tell you all about.  It\'s the Fourth Annual Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference or <a href=\"http://www.azec09.com\">AZEC09</a>.  For the last 4 years, I have worked with the team at <a href=\"http://www.otef.org\">OTEF</a> (The Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation) to provide entrepreneurial training, support, and inspiration to at risk populations here in Arizona.  Programs have included helping women, who have faced huge challenges, start over and launch a new business.   Teens got a fresh start in their own entrepreneurial venture and now, through <a href=\"http://www.scribd.com/doc/13641187/Blueprint-for-Survival-Executive-Summary-March-2009-v51\">Blue Print for Survival</a>, displaced workers are finding a new purpose through their own businesses.  The funding raised each year at AZEC09 makes this possible!\n\nSo, how could I apply what I have learned through the  years from studying Southwest make AZEC09 better?\n\n<a href=\"http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/B-check.svg/600px-B-check.svg.png\"><img style=\"margin:5px;\" src=\"http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:k8wtKAYP3O5lBM:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/B-check.svg/600px-B-check.svg.png\" alt=\"See full size image\" width=\"45\" height=\"45\" align=\"left\" /></a>Valuable and Affordable -  at $99 for early registration and $150 for the regular conference rate, it is probably one of the best full day conference values you can find.  And the learning you can gain is invaluable from both the speakers and the people you meet.\n\n<a href=\"http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/B-check.svg/600px-B-check.svg.png\"><img style=\"margin:5px;\" src=\"http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:k8wtKAYP3O5lBM:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/B-check.svg/600px-B-check.svg.png\" alt=\"See full size image\" width=\"45\" height=\"45\" align=\"left\" /></a>Our team is first rate from our sponsors and community partners to our volunteers.  It is important that we make the experience as good for them as possible so that they will make the conference great for our guests.\n\n<a href=\"http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/B-check.svg/600px-B-check.svg.png\"><img style=\"margin:5px;\" src=\"http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:k8wtKAYP3O5lBM:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/B-check.svg/600px-B-check.svg.png\" alt=\"See full size image\" width=\"45\" height=\"45\" align=\"left\" /></a>We need to make sure that all of our team understands, this is not just another conference.  It is an opportunity to make a difference in our businesses AND our community all at the same time.\n\n<a href=\"http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/B-check.svg/600px-B-check.svg.png\"><img style=\"margin:5px;\" src=\"http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:k8wtKAYP3O5lBM:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/B-check.svg/600px-B-check.svg.png\" alt=\"See full size image\" width=\"45\" height=\"45\" align=\"left\" /></a>And it\'s time to get folks fired up and to do something different to make things more fun.  So I asked out great partners at the Phoenix Business Journal for help and they came through with  the perfect gift  to give away at different times throughout the day - I love presents!  Another friend has gotten into the spirit of this and is also helping to bring other surprises.  So now, on top of great speakers, the opportunity to connect with thought leaders, and some of the top exciting entrepreneurs around we have presents to.  How cool is that!\n\nSo all I needed was a few testimonials.  I went through the conference file and asked friends for permission to share their words with you.  Here are a few...\n<blockquote>\"Dollar for dollar the 2008 Arizona Entrepreneur\'s Conference was the best money and time spent on any conference.  Period!  I\'m expecting even more on Nov 12th 2009!\"\n\n   Eric Keosky-Smith  CEO, Co-Founder, Shwaag (tm)\n\n\"... this is the best educational and networking opportunity in the state.... It’s an opportunity to network with and learn from people who have achieved entrepreneurial successes in health care, digital media, sustainability and cloud computing PLUS lots of ideas shared by CEOs on the front lines who are making things work!. \"\n\n   Pat Elliott, Western Marketing Group</blockquote>\nSee, the thing that makes testimonials from delighted customers the best marketing strategy ever is that what THEY say matters most.\n\nSo, I have a favor to ask.  If you have attended one of the last three Arizona Entrepreneurship Conferences, leave me a comment and share your experience. And if you are coming this year, tell me why so we can work on making sure you have the best experience ever!\n\nI\'ll be watching for your ideas!\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned...\n<blockquote><span style=\"font-family:Verdana;color:#545454;\">Joan Koerber-Walker</span></blockquote>\nP.S. Remember those great Sponsors and  Community Partners I mentioned.  Here is who they are:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.bizjournals.com/\">The Business Journal Phoenix</a> and <a href=\"http://www.infusionsoft.com/\">Infusionsoft</a> – who have generously stepped up EVERY year, as well as <a href=\"http://www.mashable.com/\">Mashable</a>, <a href=\"http://www.microsoft.com/\">Microsoft</a>, <a href=\"http://www.affordableimage.com/\">Affordable Image</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/\">The Town of Gilbert</a>, <a href=\"http://www.metro-studios.com/\">Metro Studios</a>, <a href=\"http://www.pourmasters.com/pm_default.asp\">Pour Masters</a>, <a href=\"http://www.gangplankhq.com/\">Gangplank</a>, <a href=\"http://www.stealthmode.com/\">Stealthmode</a> Partners, <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com/\">CorePurpose</a>, <a href=\"http://brentspore.com\">Brent Spore</a>, <a href=\"http://chuckreynolds.us\">Chuck Reynolds</a>, <a href=\"http://www.phoenixperformancemagazine.com/\">The Performance Magazine</a>, and  <a href=\"http://www.thesocialmediabible.com/\">The Social Media Bible.com</a>, PLUS our great friends and community partners at <a href=\"http://www.startupmedia.org/\">The Knight Center for Digital Media</a>, <a href=\"http://www.eoaz.org/\">EO</a>, <a href=\"http://arizona.tie.org/\">TiE-Arizona</a>, and <a href=\"http://www.aztechcouncil.org/\">The Arizona Technology Council</a>, <a href=\"http://www.smcphx.com/\">Social Media Club Phoenix</a>, <a href=\"http://innovatephoenix.org/\">The Phoenix Innovation Foundation</a>, <a href=\"http://podcampaz.org/\">PodCampAZ</a>.\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:d8deae40-f5bb-4490-bb94-7aebcc4c40a5\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizona%20Entrepreneurship%20Conference\">Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZEC09\">AZEC09</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Southwest%20Arilines\">Southwest Arilines</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreners\">Entrepreners</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurship\">Entrepreneurship</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20tips\">business tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/marketing%20tips\">marketing tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/testimonials\">testimonials</a></div>','The Best Marketing Strategy Ever','','inherit','open','open','','1486-revision','','','2009-10-10 14:51:19','2009-10-10 14:51:19','',1486,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1486-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2075,2,'2009-10-06 16:00:48','2009-10-06 16:00:48','<p>Do you want to boost your business?&nbsp; Is connecting with new customers on of your goals?&nbsp; Are you wondering if your marketing message is falling on deaf ears?&nbsp; Do you sometimes feel like just another <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/vividbreeze/480057824/\">face in the crowd</a>?&nbsp; If you are in business, to one extent or another, the answer to these questions is probably YES.</p> <p><img style=\"margin:5px;\" title=\"\" alt=\"Face in a crowd by vividBreeze.\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://farm1.static.flickr.com/221/480057824_c16d767b4d.jpg\" width=\"294\" height=\"195\"></p> <p>The real question is WHAT are you going to do about it.&nbsp; Well, the person with the answer is probably somewhere around you in the same crowd asking questions of their own.&nbsp; </p> <p>Questions YOU might have the answer to.&nbsp; </p> <p>Now you just need to find a way to meet up.</p> <p>In today\'s business world there are lots of opportunities, via networking events, seminars, symposiums, and even through new media tools like Twitter, Facebook,&nbsp; and Linked In to find people who are asking questions and looking for partners to source answers in the crowd.&nbsp; The trick is in finding them.&nbsp; And it starts with a MeetUp.</p> <p>It\'s easy to say, \"I\'m too busy\", \"we\'re short handed\", \"I just don\'t have time.\"&nbsp; But don\'t fall into that trap.&nbsp; You need to get out of your office and connect with others to find the answers you seek.&nbsp; </p> <p>Here are a few examples of ways to connect with others - AND if you are in the greater Phoenix area - actual activities you can plan to attend:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Turn a Twitter , Facebook, or LinkedIn contact into a real connection</strong>.&nbsp; Just this week, I finally got to talk with Patti Dragland&nbsp; - <a href=\"http://twitter.com/strategicsense\">@StrategicSense</a> - from Calgary.&nbsp; While we had been tweeting to each other for over 9 months, we had never spoken.&nbsp; Patti took the initiative with a simple DM - \"Time for a Skype\" and soon we were chatting away, exchanging ideas and best of all - Patti will now be with us in Phoenix come November 12th at the <a href=\"http://www.azec09.com\">4th Annual Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference</a>.&nbsp; Now that\'s taking a meet up to a new level.&nbsp; <li><strong>Reconnect with Thought Leaders in your own home town</strong>. A great example of this is with Kathy Kolbe - <a href=\"http://twitter.com/kathyKolbe\">@KathyKolbe</a> - creator of <a href=\"http://www.kolbe.com/\">Kolbe Index</a> that IDs instinct, M.O. or natural strengths relative to&nbsp; work, learning, and actions. I\'ve used Kathy\'s company for years.&nbsp; We\'ve sat across the room from each other in meetings, but we\'ve just never had a chance to get together and really chat.&nbsp; That\'s ending today - we\'re meeting for lunch at Olive and Ivy.&nbsp; We both decided it was time to meet up.  <li><strong>Kick off you morning at an educational networking event</strong>.&nbsp; Locally, one to try is the monthly AZ Entrepreneurs gathering.&nbsp; This month the topic is \"<a href=\"http://s284888372.onlinehome.us/5.html\">Marketing and Sales Strategies for Your Business\"</a> where seasoned sales and marketing veterans Randy Gustafson, Michael D\'Hoostelaere, and Jeff Hanlon are setting aside the normal&nbsp; panel format and opening it up to questions from the crowd from the very beginning - the format is simple - ASK your key questions - let\'s find a solution.&nbsp; They even invited ME to be part of the answer team - so if you want to \'meet up\' you will find me there early in the morning on October 13th.&nbsp; <li><strong>Make a Day of it at </strong><a href=\"http://www.azec09.com\"><strong>AZEC09</strong></a><strong>!&nbsp; </strong>Sometimes you need to dive deep and invest a whole day in gathering new ideas and making new connections.&nbsp; Set your MeetUp engine into overdrive November 12th for the 4th Annual Arizona Entrepreneurship conference where hundreds of local entrepreneurs will gather to learn from and with each other, to connect and re-connect, and most of all to shine a light on what\'s working for business - even in this economy.</li></ul> <p>So, want to boost your business?&nbsp; Get that Meet Up on your calendar.&nbsp; </p> <p>You\'ll be glad you did.</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned...</p> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:70226ada-4b8f-4d0f-9f1b-99e9a4679bd3\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZEC09\" rel=\"tag\">AZEC09</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZ%20Entrepreneurship%20Conference%20Az%20Entrepreneurship\" rel=\"tag\">AZ Entrepreneurship Conference Az Entrepreneurship</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZ%20Entrepreneurs\" rel=\"tag\">AZ Entrepreneurs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Meet%20Up\" rel=\"tag\">Meet Up</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Networking\" rel=\"tag\">Networking</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business\" rel=\"tag\">Business</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Sales\" rel=\"tag\">Sales</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Marketing%20Growth\" rel=\"tag\">Marketing Growth</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Business Tips</a></div>','Boosting Your Business Starts with a MeetUp','','inherit','open','open','','1485-revision','','','2009-10-06 16:00:48','2009-10-06 16:00:48','',1485,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1485-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2076,2,'2009-10-02 04:24:40','2009-10-02 04:24:40','<p>If you have been listening in on what is going on in our nation\'s capital, you know that the healthcare battle continues to wage.&nbsp; <a href=\"http://www.jiltin.com/download/media/images/thumbnail/us_health_insurance_thumb.jpg\"><img style=\"margin:5px;\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://www.jiltin.com/download/media/images/thumbnail/us_health_insurance_thumb.jpg\" width=\"281\" height=\"211\"></a></p> <p>But did you know that if you are a small business based in the state of&nbsp; Arizona, there is - and has been for some time - a healthcare option that&nbsp; is reasonably affordable, fully accessible, guaranteed issue and is available for companies of ANY size - even groups of one.&nbsp; AND if you have employees out of state - or they have dependents out of state, it works for them too!</p> <p>As a large group plan it does not base your acceptance or your company\'s rates on your health condition or the condition of your employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All of the association members are in one big pool and it is on the performance of the pool that the rates are set.</p> <p>How do I know this - BECAUSE I HAVE IT.&nbsp; And if your company was in Arizona, you could too.&nbsp; As a member of the Arizona Small Business Association - ASBA - you are eligible to join the <a href=\"http://www.asba.com/benefits/healthcare-phoenix.aspx\">ASBA plan</a> at the following times:</p> <p>1.&nbsp; If you are a new member - after being in the Association for 90 days and then the first of the month.</p> <p>2. During open enrollment each November</p> <p>3.&nbsp; If you already have a group plan, you can switch to the ASBA plan on your plan renewal date.</p> <h4>Now, before you get mad at me for selling on this blog.&nbsp; I am not. </h4> <p>I\'m trying to make a point.&nbsp; </p> <p>If you look at the details of the <a href=\"http://www.asba.com/Common/Files/09%20EE%20Summary%20HDHP.pdf\">ASBA HSA Qualified plan</a>, it has about the same level of benefits as what President Obama is fighting for:</p> <p>1. Guaranteed Issue - you can not be turned down</p> <p>2. Reasonable Rates - Based on this <a href=\"http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/Health_Insurance_Premium_Report.pdf\">White House report</a> the ASBA plan is right about in the middle of the pack.&nbsp; </p> <p>3.&nbsp; Out of pocket limits similar to those suggested by the President.</p> <p>4.&nbsp; The President is calling for one improvement ASBA does not have - eliminating the life time maximum - and the ASBA plan on the HSA side does have a $1M cap.&nbsp; </p> <p>But here is a big difference - while on average, in the western states, family insurance <a href=\"http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/Health_Insurance_Premium_Report.pdf\">rates have gone up 5%</a> each year (15% net from 2006 - 2009 if you do the math ) - the ASBA plan has gone up a net 3% TOTAL from 2006 to 2009.&nbsp; Thus this plan, from a little business association in Arizona, did 12 points better than the regional average!</p> <h4>It did not take an act of Congress to do this...</h4> <p>What it took was a group of small business owners coming together to form a larger group that looks like a bigger business.&nbsp; Association based healthcare plans work for Small Business.&nbsp; Just as Small Business is the primary driver that puts this country to work.&nbsp; Yes, Congress has a role in continuing to work on the factors that are driving aggregate healthcare costs up, but if they had spent more time looking at ways to control costs and create and support more programs like the ASBA plan than bickering over a Public Option that, as we saw this week - they could not pass - we might be further along right now.</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned...</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <p><em>Authors note:&nbsp; While I had the honor to serve as the CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association from December 2006 - December 2008, I no longer have ANY affiliation with the organization other that as an active member and as a business that participates in the plan.&nbsp; This post was not reviewed or endorsed by the Arizona Small Business Association prior to publication.</em></p></blockquote> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:e0ea74dc-25ee-47d1-aef6-c0bf6fe18c4c\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Healthcare\" rel=\"tag\">Healthcare</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Small%20Business%20Health%20Insurance\" rel=\"tag\">Small Business Health Insurance</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizzona%20Small%20Business\" rel=\"tag\">Arizzona Small Business</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Association%20Healthcare%20Plans\" rel=\"tag\">Association Healthcare Plans</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Public%20Option\" rel=\"tag\">Public Option</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Congress\" rel=\"tag\">Congress</a></div>','Small Business Health Care that did not need an Act of Congress','','inherit','open','open','','1484-revision','','','2009-10-02 04:24:40','2009-10-02 04:24:40','',1484,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1484-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2077,2,'2009-09-29 01:16:29','2009-09-29 01:16:29','<a href=\"http://www.whatsoniphone.com/screen_dumps/Magic_Wand.jpg\"><img style=\"margin:5px;\" src=\"http://www.whatsoniphone.com/screen_dumps/Magic_Wand.jpg\" alt=\"Poof!  Where did everybody go?\" width=\"207\" height=\"310\" align=\"right\" /></a>Have you ever had a dream where you were surrounded by people and then in an instant you were all alone? As if a wizard waved a magic wand and all of your friends disappeared? \n\nHopefully in the waking world, there are no powerful wizards to wave a magic wand and make your true friends evaporate, but in today\'s wonderful world of technology, it can seem like everything is fine and then... Poof - your Twitter account is gone, or you have lost your email and phone contact list, or worse you have lost EVERYTHING on your computer! \n\nSuddenly you are looking around saying \"Hey - Where did everybody go?!\"\n\nIt would be great if this too only happened in fairy tales; but, I have heard too many real life stories from friends who have it happen to them.\n\nPerhaps the information was on a work computer and they lost their job.  Or, their Twitter account got taken away for a reason only Twitter knows - and good luck getting someone to tell you why any time soon.  And even if they do the damage is already done.  Oh no,  those little green meanies attacked - a computer virus infects your computer and your phone all at the same time and a lifetime worth of contacts disappear in a puff of smoke.  Now this is the stuff that any business person\'s nightmares are made of.\n\nIt can happen to anybody and happen it does - frequently.  Every one of these scenarios happened to friends of mine in the last few weeks.  So it helps to add a little redundancy to your life.  Here are a few tips...\n<h4>For Twitter</h4>\n1.  If you are on Twitter and your Twitter ID is linked to your job, start a personal Twitter account that is not work related and ask you real friends on Twitter to follow you there too.  That way, if you change jobs, you have not lost all your friends across the twitterverse,  You know, the ones you spent all that time developing relationships with.\n\n2.  Use a free service like <a href=\"http://tweetake.com/\">TweetTake</a> to down load a CSV file in Excel once each month.  I do this regularly after my monthly clean up process.  Another free service, <a href=\"http://tweetbackup.com/\">Tweet Back</a> will soon have this process automated so you can do  it every day.  That way if you do have a problem you have list to try and restore your friends list from.\n<h4>For your personal and business contacts</h4>\n1.  Connect with friends on multiple platforms like Facebook, Plaxo and LinkedIn.  That way if your personal computer systems fail or your job goes away, you have not lost all your key contacts. An added plus to these systems is that as your friends move around - you get the updated information too.\n\n2.  GMAIL is a great free back up plan, even if you do not use it as your main email address or client.  Simply export your address book from MS Outlook or other program to a CSV file and upload it to GMAIL.  Now you have a free back up on the Google network of servers.\n<h4>Like it or not - your life is linked to your computer</h4>\n1.  Have multiple computer back ups!  Back up your computer regularly and have more than one back up file so that if one gets corrupted the other one works.  (This is also critically important if you also keep key personal or financial information on your home or laptop computer not to mention all your pictures and other priceless digital keepsakes.)\n\n2.  Remote Back Ups are like Fire and Casualty Insurance - just common sense.  For your home or for your office and especially if your home IS your office, having everything in one location can be a problem.  Fires, floods and break ins can and do happen.  A remote back up system can be a life saver.  There are a number of systems out there, one that is very reasonably priced (&lt;$5/month) is <a href=\"http://mozy.com/home\">Mozy by Decho</a>, for larger systems, like an office, I have had also had great results with <a href=\"http://datapreserve.com/\">Data Preserve</a>.  There are lots of services out there, but which ever one you ultimately choose, having a remote backup is not something to WISH you had the day AFTER you have a problem.\n\n<strong>Yes, your digital life can change like that - Poof!  It never hurts to be prepared with a little magic of your own.</strong>\n\n<strong>Thanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned...</strong>\n\n<strong>Joan Koerber-Walker</strong>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:ce71fb09-d9ee-4c09-aac0-c20535d20ff9\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Twitter\">Twitter</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/GMAIL\">GMAIL</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/computer%20back%20ups\">computer back ups</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/remote%20computer%20back%20ups\">remote computer back ups</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Twitter%20back%20ups\">Twitter back ups</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20tips\">business tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/home%20business%20tips\">home business tips</a></div>','What would you do if your friends all disappeared?','','inherit','open','open','','1483-revision','','','2009-09-29 01:16:29','2009-09-29 01:16:29','',1483,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1483-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2078,2,'2009-09-25 03:51:19','2009-09-25 03:51:19','When you are talking about economic impact, small business is a BIG deal.  For two years I had the opportunity to serve as the CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association and and on the Board of Trustees of the National Small Business Association.  During that time.  I sat and talked with many small business owners, toured their offices and factories, listened to their stories,  and then traveled to the Arizona Capitol and to Washington D.C. to share those stories with Senators and Representatives. \n\nRetreats at the <a href=\"http://www.lowe.org\">Edward Lowe Foundation</a> in Cassopolis, Michigan and visits to the <a href=\"http://www.kauffman.org/\">Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation</a> in Kansas City where times to exchange ideas with economic developers from around the country on how to make a difference in our local communities as well as at the national level.\n\nWhat I learned, I shared in the pages of BizAZ Magazine, on our blog, and with ANY audience that would listen.  To paraphrase Bob Dylan, the times, they were a changing.  Here are some clips from one of those talks from October of 2007...\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:fb85e10f-b0e6-496e-a501-c6c4986b4e03\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-LrYUrF71g]</div>\nJoan Koerber-Walker on Small Busness and Economic Recovery\n\n</div>\n<h4>Let\'s look at the facts from the most recent</h4>\n<h4>SBA Office of Advocacy Report</h4>\n<blockquote>In the United States, small firms with less that 500 employees:\n<ul>\n	<li>Represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms.</li>\n	<li>Employ just over half of all private sector employees.</li>\n	<li>Pay 44 percent of total U.S. private payroll.</li>\n	<li>Have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years. </li>\n	<li>Create more than half of the nonfarm private gross domestic\nproduct (GDP). </li>\n	<li>Hire 40 percent of high tech workers (such as scientists, engineers, and computer programmers). </li>\n	<li>Are 52 percent home-based and 2 percent franchises. </li>\n	<li>Made up 97.3 percent of all identified exporters and produced  30.2 percent of the known export value in FY 2007.</li>\n	<li>Produce 13 times more patents per employee than large patenting firms; these patents are twice as likely as large firm patents to be among the one percent most cited.</li>\n</ul>\nSource: <a href=\"http://www.sba.gov/advo/aug-sep09.pdf\">SBA office of Advocacy</a>,  U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of the Census and International Trade Admin.; <a href=\"http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/rs299tot.pdf\">Advocacy-funded research by Kathryn Kobe, 2007</a>  and <a href=\"http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/rs225tot.pdf\">CHI Research, 2003</a> ; U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.</blockquote>\n<h4>Where will recovery REALLY come from?</h4>\nToday, economists and business experts are saying that \"the recession is over and we are beginning our gradual climb out.\"  Assuming that Wall Street and the financial markets don\'t implode again, they are probably right.  But if we want to speed up the recovery process, we need  to shift our thinking and economic support more to what can we do DIRECTLY to give small businesses the resources that they need to grow.  That is where the real net job growth will come from.  Until  we get our unemployment problem solved, we don\'t get our consumer confidence problem resolved.  If no one is buying - there is no recovery.   It\'s that simple.\n\nWe need jobs to get the economy growing again and that means we need to supply the resources SMALL Businesses need to create jobs.  Current programs to provide training and loans for \'bankable\' businesses are being provided at a variety of levels.  But the sad truth is that many high growth potential small businesses are not not bankable by today\'s standards.  The economic conditions of the last year have hit their balance sheets too hard. \n\nThe graph below shows where job growth actually came from in the period from 2005 to 2007.  Stage One firms are those with less than 10 employees.  Stage Two is 10- 99 employees, Stage Three is 100 - 499, and Stage Four is BIG Business 500+ employees.  What you are looking at is a national snapshot, but you can look at your state, country or MSA also at <a href=\"http://www.youreconomy.org/\">YourEconomy.org.</a>\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image411.png\"><img style=\"border-bottom:0;border-left:0;border-top:0;border-right:0;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb411.png\" border=\"0\" alt=\"image\" width=\"422\" height=\"244\" /></a>\n<h4>It\'s time for something new</h4>\nIf we want to jump start the economy and get on the road to real recovery, maybe its time for a new type of economic stimulus.  Instead of investing in programs to train small business on how to grow - lets create new programs to allow them the access to capital they need to actually do it.  The old ways are not working very well - and in the words of the last election - IT\'S TIME FOR CHANGE. \n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned...\n\nJoan Koerber-Walker\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b06650e0-ecea-4194-b3f1-9d8e280b2cbe\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Economy\">Economy</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Recovery\">Recovery</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Economic%20Stimulus\">Economic Stimulus</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Small%20Business%20Lending\">Small Business Lending</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs\">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Access%20to%20capital\">Access to capital</a></div>','Small Business...BIG Impact','','inherit','open','open','','482-revision','','','2009-09-25 03:51:19','2009-09-25 03:51:19','',482,'http://new.corepurpose.com/482-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2079,2,'2009-09-23 02:17:52','2009-09-23 02:17:52','<a href=\"http://www.kidiamondback.com/public/latest/gallery/index.cfm?gallery_directory=renderings\"><img style=\"margin:0 5px 5px;\" src=\"http://www.kidiamondback.com/_upload/photo_gallery/renderings/render_Horizon_1.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Diamondback Roller Coaster, Kings Island, Mason Ohio\" width=\"294\" height=\"221\" align=\"right\" /></a>Have you ever wondered about our fascination with roller coasters ? People from all over the world have been flocking to ride these engineering  marvels since as far back as the 17th century, although the earliest \'thrill\' ride did not have rollers or wheels at all but rather flew on tracks of ice. \n\nRoller coasters, as we know them today, have come a long way from the \'ice mountains\' in the time of the Russian Czars, but some things still hold true.  They fascinate us, they can make us nauseous, and often have us screaming as we fly up to the peak and rush headlong down into the valley.  Step right up to the roller coaster.  It is guaranteed to provide a rush of adrenaline and a wild ride. (<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_coaster\">History of the Roller Coaster - Wikipedia</a>)\n\nAs I sat working on business plans and reviewing financing packages today, I suddenly struck me how much in common the roller coaster and the entrepreneurial journey really do have in common.\n\nThink about it, entrepreneurs fascinate us, we watch successful ones like they are rock stars, and look away with a gulp at the poor guy who is losing his lunch - or his business - as he staggers away.  Any entrepreneur will tell you,  THAT can happen to anybody.\n\nLike roller coasters, most entrepreneurial ventures labor rung by rung up that first great grade to reach that first big win, opportunity, or investor.   And  then reality hits, and there is so much WORK to do, and you are sliding down, before you begin the next great climb.  It\'s a wonder more of us are not throwing up our arms and screaming!  If you stay the entrepreneurial circuit long enough, you are sure to hit its highs and lows. Even the legendary entrepreneurial success stories like Microsoft and Cisco have had their fair share of peaks and valleys along the way.\n\nLike roller coasters, that struggled financially and almost disappeared completely during the Great Depression, entrepreneurs have faced times when economic conditions where almost too much to take.  But then a spark of innovation, or a new idea gets them fired up all over again.\n\nThat\'s the thing about veteran entrepreneurs, just like veteran roller coaster riders, as soon as the ride is over, they often get right back in line to take the journey again. \n\nI wonder if a study has ever been done on what percent of entrepreneurs LIKE to ride roller coasters.   Or, if serial entrepreneurs are especially addicted?  It might make for interesting reading.\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned...\n\nJoan Koerber-Walker\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:aaf0c510-3c1f-4144-94e4-b08bcfa7831e\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Roller%20Coaster\">Roller Coaster</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs\">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurship\">Entrepreneurship</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Success\">Success</a></div>','Riding the Entrepreneurial Roller Coaster','','inherit','open','open','','1482-revision','','','2009-09-23 02:17:52','2009-09-23 02:17:52','',1482,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1482-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2080,2,'2009-08-22 16:31:15','2009-08-22 16:31:15','<p>Is it the effort or the result that matters most?&nbsp; As adults and business owners, we tend to focus more on results while as parents we tend to place the emphasis on the effort as it relates to the activities of our children.</p> <p>Yesterday,&nbsp; my friend Michele Mathews <a href=\"http://twitter.com/tymlee\">(@Tymlee</a>) sent out this funny video from YouTube. (You might want to mute your computer or turn the sound down, it is a little shrill.) </p> <p></p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:1a8f5fe0-5f22-4dcc-bf6b-977cf6330a29\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4agJTzVsiBE]</div></div> <p></p> <p>It can be argued that the baby is definitely making an effort - but from an adult\'s perspective - we might say the baby failed because the hula hoop is not spinning. </p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp; But wait - maybe we\'re not applying the right metric.</p> <p>Fitness experts recommend hula hoops for children and adults to improve balance (check one - the baby does not fall), for exercise (check two - that\'s some cardio work out on baby\'s part), and for enjoyment (check three for the baby - did you see that smile!)&nbsp; So even though the hoop\'s not spinning, three major goals were achieved.</p> <p>With my children, I have never required straight A\'s or that they be the star player on the team.&nbsp; Instead, all I asked is that they always did their best.&nbsp; When they did,&nbsp; they got lavish praise, just like in the video with the baby. Often the results were mixed, but it was the learning process and the effort that the measurements and praise were based on.&nbsp; In the long run, I could not be more proud of what my boys have achieved so far in their lives.</p> <p>In the workplace as a leader, I have always focused on results.&nbsp; I\'ve even based my own business, <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com\">CorePurpose</a>, on results orientation.&nbsp; It\'s what investors and owners are expected to do.&nbsp; But now, I am wondering if some of the things that we accomplish and learn along the journey may not&nbsp; be as important if not more important than the arbitrary and often short term metrics we set as adults and business people to measure success.&nbsp; </p> <p>Hmm, maybe, just maybe, it\'s time I start thinking more like a parent - all the time.</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned...</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:6acdc2b5-f2c4-485c-9e93-9ebe0fb1aec9\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/parenting\" rel=\"tag\">parenting</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business\" rel=\"tag\">business</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/results\" rel=\"tag\">results</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/measuring%20effort\" rel=\"tag\">measuring effort</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/metrics\" rel=\"tag\">metrics</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/success.\" rel=\"tag\">success.</a></div></blockquote>','What\'s more important, effort or results?','','inherit','open','open','','1466-revision','','','2009-08-22 16:31:15','2009-08-22 16:31:15','',1466,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1466-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2081,2,'2009-08-21 04:29:37','2009-08-21 04:29:37','I remember my grandmother quoting the poem “For the Want of a Nail...” to me as a child. Her message to me - all things great and small can have tremendous impact on the success or failure of what we are trying to achieve\"\n<blockquote>For want of a nail,\n\n<img src=\"http://www.farrierproducts.com/images/VTrack5C_001.jpg\" alt=\"V-Trak Nails 5 City\" width=\"196\" height=\"188\" align=\"right\" />the shoe was lost.\n\nFor want of the shoe,\n\nthe horse was lost.\n\nFor want of the horse,\n\nthe rider was lost.\n\nFor want of the rider,\n\nthe battle was lost.\n\nFor want of the battle,\n\nthe kingdom was lost.\n\n<strong>And all for the want of a horseshoe nail!\"</strong>\n\n<strong> </strong>\n\nAnonymous</blockquote>\nGrandma looked at life as a series of chapters, each full of choices, opportunities, goals and challenges. When one chapter ended, another commenced. You might not have control of all the twists and turns of the plot, but you could make a huge impact on how the story turned out.\n\nSo, why write an article about business - and that\'s what this is – with old proverbs and messages learned at Grandma’s knee? Because we often make business and business decisions much more complicated than they need to be!\n\nMany of the lessons we learned early on in our lives – when things were simple – can have a significant impact on business success. Simple lessons like –\n<ul>\n	<li>Look both ways...</li>\n	<li>Listen to your teacher</li>\n	<li>Look out for your brother</li>\n	<li>Don’t cry over spilt milk</li>\n	<li>You’ never know until you try</li>\n	<li>If you fall down – get up</li>\n	<li>You\'ll never finish if you don\'t get started.</li>\n</ul>\nOur lives and our businesses are made of a continuous series of little things – some that may seem important at the time but have little impact in the grand scheme and others that seem insignificant but can have a long and lasting affect. The trouble is that we lack perfect intuition or the crystal ball to determine what the important things are right now.\n\nThere may be some pretty big questions that you are be facing in your life or business in today\'s economy.  It pays to keep in mind that the simplest answers are often the right ones and, as in the case of the nail, one small thing can make a big difference. \n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned...\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:7bd1ef38-eef8-42ae-b39d-ff229ff03b90\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Tips\">Business Tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Strategy\">Strategy</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Overcoming%20Challenges\">Overcoming Challenges</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leadership\">leadership</a></div></blockquote>','How big of an impact can one thing make?','','inherit','open','open','','1465-revision','','','2009-08-21 04:29:37','2009-08-21 04:29:37','',1465,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1465-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2082,2,'2009-08-19 02:26:04','2009-08-19 02:26:04','<p>For those of you that have been following my <a href=\"http://littlelifestories.wordpress.com/category/driving-cross-country/\">Little Life Stories blog</a> over the past week, you know that I have had quite a bit of windshield time as my son and I drove the 2500 miles from Phoenix, Arizona to Brookfield, Connecticut.&nbsp; Over 40 hours in the car equated to that much time off-line.&nbsp; You should try it some time.&nbsp; Disengaging and taking the time to think without the constant demands of meetings, phone, or computer.</p> <p><a href=\"http://www.btco.net/ghosts/signals/direcsigns/directionalsigns.html\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"One Way\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/one-way.jpg\" width=\"286\" height=\"216\"></a>Now traveling down highways is the ultimate One Way Street.&nbsp; If someone decides to travel in the wrong direction - it\'s a recipe for disaster.&nbsp; </p> <p>But for most other areas of our life and business - traveling down the one way street is a very short sighted solution.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>A very wise friend of mine taught me long ago that by extending yourself, engaging, and helping others there is a karmic affect.&nbsp; What you give comes back to you.&nbsp; This video tells the story...&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <div style=\"width:426px;display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:7a320163-9a8f-427d-9677-1062cbddd9ba\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BVhWIetBH0]</div></div> <p></p> <p>A recent <a href=\"http://www.gloriafeldt.com/leadership/2009/8/18/is-social-media-your-best-leadership-toolkit.html\">blog post and developing exchange</a> with <a href=\"http://www.gloriafeldt.com/about/\">Gloria Feldt</a> on her blog \"Speaking Up\" under the category of Courageous Leadership really helped me bring my thoughts into focus in terms of social media interactions and my social media tool kit as a leader.</p> <p><strong>How does social media fit in my leadership tool kit?</strong>  <p>I loved that Gloria started off by recognizing that social media is a tool for leaders and not a strategy. Social Media - interactive websites, blogs, Linked In, Twitter, Facebook, and more are each separate tools that can be used separately and on concert to 1) deliver information and 2) interact with your audience, employees, customers, and community in general.&nbsp;&nbsp; These actions are the components of our strategy.&nbsp; The tools simply enable us to act more effectively.  <p><strong>The days of one-way communication are coming to a close.</strong>  <p>With the development of new social media platforms, we have entered into a new era of two-way communication that will allow us, as leaders, to develop stronger relationships, enhance communications, share ideas, and collaborate.  <p>I am just learning to use these new tools to facilitate these interactions. The more I learn, the better a communicator and ultimately a leader I can become.  <p><strong>Here is a short story to illustrate what effectively using social media tools can do.</strong>  <p>Gloria and I met at an ASU Women in Philanthropy event in 2002. Since then we exchanged holiday cards, read an occasional newsletter or email, and were loosely connected. As we both began to use the newer social media tools, we began to more actively interact, follow each others projects, and introduce each other to friends with shared goals.&nbsp; Ultimately these conversations can lead to collaborations in the future. Basically, our communication has become a two-way street.  <p><strong>Are you still stuck on the one way street?</strong></p> <p>Not everyone is taking advantage of this opportunity.&nbsp; Often I continue to&nbsp; come across others in the social media and business worlds who are still stuck on that \"one-way street\" mode of communicating.&nbsp; They continue to PUSH information out while failing to take advantage of the opportunity to PULL information in by engaging with their social media communities.&nbsp; Until they do, they will run the risk of missing out on great new ideas, critical information, or opportunities to collaborate, and make a difference in their businesses, their personal interactions, and their communities - where ever they may be.</p> <p>It\'s kind of sad - I hate to see anyone miss opportunities - but in the end, that is their choice.&nbsp; Their decision just creates more available opportunities for those of us choosing to travel down \"two way streets\".</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned.</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:0cbbd8c1-0b92-4d82-a27a-7e57689ae616\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Technorati%20Tags:%20Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Technorati Tags: Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Social%20Media\" rel=\"tag\">Social Media</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Twitter\" rel=\"tag\">Twitter</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Facebook\" rel=\"tag\">Facebook</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Blogs\" rel=\"tag\">Blogs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/one%20way%20communication\" rel=\"tag\">one way communication</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/two%20way%20communication\" rel=\"tag\">two way communication</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leadership\" rel=\"tag\">leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/strategy\" rel=\"tag\">strategy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business\" rel=\"tag\">business</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20tips\" rel=\"tag\">business tips</a></div>','The End of the One Way Street','','inherit','open','open','','1464-revision','','','2009-08-19 02:26:04','2009-08-19 02:26:04','',1464,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1464-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2083,2,'2009-08-15 20:40:13','2009-08-15 20:40:13','<p>Looking inside our organization and accurately assessing where and what we are isn’t always easy.</p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04388011.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"j0438801[1]\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04388011_thumb.jpg\" width=\"244\" height=\"138\"></a> Because we live where we are every day, we often do not see the little things all around us. </p> <p>Many changes, for good or bad, are gradual. If we are living them every day, we may not notice the change. It\'s like a pearl growing in an oyster or the grass growing in your yard. You do not notice how much the grass grows each day, but go away on vacation for two weeks and you immediately notice the difference on your return.</p> <p>OK, so we need to take stock inside our organization, but what are we looking for?  <p>The first key area to examine is <u>who you say you are</u>. A good place to start is with your core purpose and value statements.  <p><u><strong>What’s your core purpose?</strong></u>  <p>Your core purpose is what you are and what you work to be. Unlike mission statements that should be time bound, your core purpose is a continual quest and directing force. It is the first component in who you are as a company.  <p>The second component is the set of values that you adopt as an organization to realize that core purpose. Your values point your people towards HOW they will realize the organization’s core purpose. How they will deal with each other and how they will deal with customers and partners. These values drive your organizational behaviors – what you do day in and day out.  <h5><strong>Let’s look at an example</strong>.</h5> <p>My own company, CorePurpose, Inc., (<a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com/\">www.corepurpose.com</a>) is a distributor of value added services and outsourced solutions. We work with companies ranging from start ups to the <i>Fortune 500<sup>®</sup></i> to establish where they are, where the want to be and how to get there. We then build solutions from our portfolio of specialty service providers in the area of human resources, sales &amp; marketing, operations, finance and information technology.  <p><u></u> <p>At CorePurpose®, our core purpose is <strong><i>To Provide Services and Solutions that Build Businesses</i>.</strong> Everything we do in the company is focused on building businesses – our own – our partners – our customers.  <p>From that core purpose, we then determined our corporate values: People, Acceleration, Promises Excellence, and Results. If you look at the first letter of these words you will note that put together they form PAPER. This was done with specific intent since values are noting but words on paper without sustaining behaviors demonstrated every day.  <p>Looking at our corporate values, we can break them down into specific behaviors:  <p><u><strong>People</strong></u> – are the most important - no business exists without people – they are our employees, our partners, and our customers.  <ul> <li>We treat people with respect.  <li>We seek out diversity and partner with people who compliment our skill sets.  <li>We create services and solutions that are designed to make people successful in what THEY want to achieve</li></ul> <p><strong><u>Acceleration</u> </strong>– our customers and partners look to us to help get them where they want to be faster.  <ul> <li>We set aggressive but achievable milestones.  <li>We offer resources that allow things to happen faster.  <li>We do not wait and wonder. We are decisive and help our customers be decisive also.</li></ul> <p><strong><u>Promises</u> </strong>– to succeed we must be trusted. That means we must keep our promises.  <ul> <li>Be clear in the promises you make – gain shared understanding.  <li>Don’t EVER make promises you can not keep. Don’t over commit.  <li>Ask for help when you need it.</li></ul> <p><u><strong>Excellence</strong></u> – people choose to work with us because of the quality of what we deliver.  <ul> <li>As experts we stay at the top of our field.  <li>We know our facts and do not guess.  <li>If we don’t know – we say so - we find out – and communicate back.</li></ul> <p><u><strong>Results</strong></u> – it’s what we are looking for and what our clients and partners expect.  <ul> <li>We measure what matters.  <li>We do the job right the first time.  <li>When we achieve our result, we set the bar higher and start again.  <li>We deliver.</li></ul> <p><strong>If you worked at CorePurpose<sup>®</sup>, would you know what was expected of you? </strong> <p><strong>If you were the customer or partner, would you know what to expect? </strong> <p>Hopefully so. But as we all know, seeing is believing.  <p>Our employees, partners, investors,&nbsp; and customers watch what we do, and make their own assessment of the strength of our commitment to our core purpose and corporate values.  <p><strong>What we say is fine... but what we do is what really counts.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong>&nbsp; <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned...  <blockquote> <p><font color=\"#545454\" face=\"Verdana\">Joan Koerber-Walker</font></p></blockquote> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b23c9f19-4f3b-4307-997d-9a7010ad8d49\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Core%20Purpose\" rel=\"tag\">Core Purpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20strategy\" rel=\"tag\">business strategy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20tips\" rel=\"tag\">business tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/core%20values\" rel=\"tag\">core values</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/entrepreneurs\" rel=\"tag\">entrepreneurs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/growth\" rel=\"tag\">growth</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leadership\" rel=\"tag\">leadership</a></div> <p>&nbsp; <p>CorePurpose<sup>®</sup> is a registered service mark of CorePurpose, Inc.</p>','Looking Inward - What is your CorePurpose','','inherit','open','open','','1463-revision','','','2009-08-15 20:40:13','2009-08-15 20:40:13','',1463,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1463-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2084,2,'2009-08-14 04:07:08','2009-08-14 04:07:08','<p>One of the earliest lessons we learn as we make our way into the world is to “look both ways before we cross the street.” We heard it as children and have said it to our own. From a business perspective,– looking both ways translates more broadly to knowing that before you head out in a new direction, you must pay attention to the world around you.</p> <p><b><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04027801.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"j0402780[1]\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04027801_thumb.jpg\" width=\"244\" height=\"183\"></a>Understanding Environment</b>  <p><b></b> <p>“Looking both ways” reminds us of the importance of taking a look at our environment. As we prepare to cross our first street, we are leaving the comfort of what we know with a goal of moving to a new location - the other side of the street.  <p>As business people and businesses – to be successful and achieve our goal safely – we need to know:  <blockquote> <p><b>Where we are...</b>  <p><b>Where our customers are...</b>  <p><b>Where our competition is...</b>  <p><b>Where our competition is going...</b>  <p><b>Where WE are going...</b>  <p><b>What resources we need to get there...</b>  <p><b>&amp;</b>  <p><b>Where do we get them?</b></p></blockquote> <p><b></b> <p>Why say we need to know <u>where we are</u>? It’s obvious, right?  <p>Not always. Often we are so busy trying to achieve the next objective or goal that we forget to step back and assess where we are today. If we do not take the time to really look at where we are today, we may miss those important “little things” that can have a major impact on to where we want to go.  <p>As we look at where we are, there are some important questions to ask. Some are based on what the organization looks like inside while others are external, how others see you. Both are critically important.</p> <p>So take the time to look both ways, it can make all the difference in your journey.</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned...</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b1075f68-3083-47c1-a9e8-c23fc1160240\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20tips\" rel=\"tag\">business tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/strategy\" rel=\"tag\">strategy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leadership\" rel=\"tag\">leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/growth\" rel=\"tag\">growth</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/entrepreneurship\" rel=\"tag\">entrepreneurship</a></div>','Looking Both Ways','','inherit','open','open','','334-revision','','','2009-08-14 04:07:08','2009-08-14 04:07:08','',334,'http://new.corepurpose.com/334-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2085,2,'2009-08-13 02:31:32','2009-08-13 02:31:32','One of the great secrets to getting better results in your business is the difference between knowing something and doing something.\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j03987451.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j03987451_thumb.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"j0398745[1]\" width=\"175\" height=\"244\" align=\"right\" /></a>Very often when you read a business book, blog or article, you may say to yourself, “I know that already.” And, you probably do.\n\nThe question is not if you know it – but rather, are you doing it? Are you using the knowledge?\n\nAs we build our strategy for better business results we must USE all we know and apply it to where our business is and where we want to take it to.\n\nNext time you read about a business strategy or process improvement and recognize it as conventional wisdom, take the next step and try to list the ways that you and your company are actually demonstrating it.  You might be surprised what you find.\n\nAsk Yourself...\n<blockquote>Are we doing this?\n\nAre we consistent?\n\nHow can we do this better?</blockquote>\nThe key here is the “WE”. Very often we assume that since we know what to do, others in our organization also know – and it is not always true. The key is to share what you know with your team and to act on it – together.\n\n  Thanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned.\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b6c01fc7-d427-47a3-b537-0f6878526b3b\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Tips\">Business Tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Strategy\">Business Strategy</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Conventional%20Wisdom\">Conventional Wisdom</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership\">Leadership</a></div></blockquote>','The Difference Between Knowing and Doing','','inherit','open','open','','1462-revision','','','2009-08-13 02:31:32','2009-08-13 02:31:32','',1462,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1462-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2086,2,'2009-08-10 16:28:35','2009-08-10 16:28:35','<p><b>The Impact of Services Mapping </b><b>on Employee and Customer Enthusiasm</b>  <p>In today’s challenging business environment, creating and maintaining <i>customer enthusiasm</i> can make the difference between business success and business extinction.  <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04027761.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"j0402776[1]\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04027761_thumb.jpg\" width=\"244\" height=\"198\"></a>Customers have more choices than ever before and expect higher and higher service levels relative to  <p>· product and service information&nbsp; <p>· choice between service offerings  <p>· tailored or custom services  <p>· quality of delivery  <p>· the quality of the buying experience  <p>Across industries, companies are discovering that of these 5 customer demands, the greatest is that of the buying experience.  <p>While a customer will forgive a service failure that is corrected promptly by a company’s enthusiastic employee ambassador, customers will migrate quickly from companies whose employees feel disenfranchised, even if the service is performed as promised.  <p><strong>But what is an employee ambassador, and where do you find one?</strong>  <p>The answer is simple, employee ambassadors are all around you. They are each member of your organization who touches a customer – directly or indirectly. To create enthusiastic employee ambassadors, organizations must provide a support system to foster enthusiasm that includes:  <p>· A consistent culture that reaffirms that each employee is key to the company’s success  <p>· A commitment to process, structure and continuous improvement that allows the employee to make promises to customers and gives the employee faith that their promises will be kept.  <p>As companies aggressively pursue the development and growth of services offerings and services revenue, it has become increasingly important, in fact, imperative for these firms to provide a consistent level of process, support and flexibility to support employees in their quest of keeping promises to customers resulting in the growth of high levels of customer and employee enthusiasm and the resultant customer loyalty and profitability.  <p>All of us want our employees and customers to be enthusiastic about the products and services we provide. <u>Employees can not be enthusiastic if they feel that they can not deliver what is promised, and customers will loose enthusiasm and go elsewhere if promises are not kept</u>. The question is how do we create that enthusiasm and keep it? One tool, created at Arizona State University, is the process of <b><u>Services Mapping</u></b>.  <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/customer-enthusiasm-scc.jpg\"><img style=\"border-bottom:0;border-left:0;border-top:0;border-right:0;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Customer Enthusiasm SCC\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/customer-enthusiasm-scc_thumb.jpg\" width=\"416\" height=\"313\"></a>  <p>Cross functional teams across the spectrum of a product or service delivery create a “map” of the product and service delivery systems. The map is broken down into five levels:  <blockquote> <p><strong>Customer View &amp; Evidence:</strong>&nbsp; What does the customer see in the way of marketing materials, articles, and information about the product or service that brings them to your door?  <p><strong>Customer Contact:</strong> What does the customer experience when they first make contact with your Organization?  <p><strong>On Stage Employee:</strong> What are the tools, attitudes, and systems in place to support a positive employee/customer interaction and the employees confidence in making promises to customers?  <p><strong>Back Stage Employees:</strong>&nbsp; What are the tools, attitudes, and systems in place to support a positive interaction between the front line employee and those they must rely on behind the scenes.  <p><strong>Resources:</strong>&nbsp; What are the physical, financial, and technology resources on stage and back stage employees need to keep promises to each other and ultimately to customers. </p></blockquote> <p><strong>The Services Mapping process:</strong>  <p>· Provides an Overview so employees know “What to Do” when things go right and when they don’t.  <p>· Identifies weak links in the chain, so promises are kept more often!  <p>· Defines the Lines of Customer Interaction between customers and employees so the employee recognizes where they can have the most impact to the customer experience and the company’s goals.  <p>· Defines Lines of Internal Interaction defined between departments  <p>· Provides a basis for identifying and assessing cost, revenue, and capital invested  <p>· Creates a baseline for use in customer satisfaction and quality improvement efforts  <p>When service delivery processes work, promises are kept, employee enthusiasm increases and it spreads to customers. The result is greater profits as customers stay, and more importantly, through their enthusiasm, bring more customers via the strongest marketing tool in the arsenal, customer referrals!</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned...</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:7a9df9df-26f9-4a79-bcba-4ffe164e6708\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Customer%20Service\" rel=\"tag\">Customer Service</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Customer%20Enthusiasm\" rel=\"tag\">Customer Enthusiasm</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Employee%20Enyhusiasm\" rel=\"tag\">Employee Enyhusiasm</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Services%20Mapping\" rel=\"tag\">Services Mapping</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Growth\" rel=\"tag\">Growth</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Process%20improvement\" rel=\"tag\">Process improvement</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Services%20Design\" rel=\"tag\">Services Design</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/BPI\" rel=\"tag\">BPI</a></div>','Want more business - Get a Map!','','inherit','open','open','','1461-revision','','','2009-08-10 16:28:35','2009-08-10 16:28:35','',1461,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1461-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2087,2,'2009-08-06 12:57:04','2009-08-06 12:57:04','<p>What was your New Year\'s resolution?&nbsp; Mine was to talk to at least two different people every day about what\'s happening in our economy and to explore opportunities.&nbsp; <p><img border=\"0\" alt=\"\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://www.bloggersbase.com/images/uploaded/original/a97cbe18973b0a26d838a1c73827860777bfbec5.jpeg\" height=\"232\">It had gotten to the point where I was afraid to turn on the radio, TV, or open the paper.&nbsp; The news was just too depressing.&nbsp; So I resolved to reach out into my community and observe things first hand.  <p>Since January 1st,&nbsp; I have met with and spoken to a lot of people in Arizona, across the US, and even abroad.&nbsp; And what I am hearing is encouraging.&nbsp; Yes, times are tough, but people are moving forward, innovations are happening, businesses are making changes to speed their recoveries, and investors are looking to invest in solid business plans.&nbsp; As I meet with friends and business colleagues, they in turn have introduced me to their friends...and I have returned the favor.  <p>Here are just a few of the wonderful things I have uncovered in my search for opportunities...  <ul> <li>One of my friends was working with a company with a great new product and service concept.&nbsp; They were getting ready to reach out to investors and showed me their developing plan.&nbsp; I even got to make some suggestions.&nbsp; Hopefully, they will help this company raise their next round of funding.&nbsp; They have a great concept.&nbsp; <li>I spent time with two executives in Detroit.&nbsp; One from GM and one from Ford.&nbsp; Some of the stories they shared were sad, but there were glimmers of hope as they talked about new developments and what those companies were doing to turn things around.  <li>A biotech researcher in San Diego was bubbling over with excitement when she shared news about a new development in the lab that could improve an long-standing medical process and ultimately save thousands of lives when it is brought to market.&nbsp; I told anther friend about it and he introduced me to the person I needed to meet to move the process along.  <li>A manufacturer in Arizona has created a new system to help restaurants be more competitive, improve processes, and save energy.&nbsp; Their business is growing by leaps and bounds.  <li>An architectural&nbsp; glass distributor in Michigan has taken their business global and not only grown substantially but has won high honors and awards along the way.  <li>Over the last weeks I have met with people looking to buy businesses and re-capitalize them, not just saving jobs, but with future growth... creating them.&nbsp; Oh, and they are finding the money for it too!  <li>Meetings have brought me in contact with incredibly talented CEO\'s and executives who are looking for their next big project.&nbsp; They were not sitting at home or hitting the links.&nbsp; They were out there just like me, sharing their expertise, serving on boards of directors, mentoring others, and helping to get things moving forward again.</li></ul> <p>With all of these encouraging stories bolstering my courage, I was brave enough to open the newspaper again. And what did I find?&nbsp; Well yes, there was news of layoffs and filings for Chapter 11 BUT there were also NINE full pages dedicated to positive stories just like mine.&nbsp; Stories of business owners and individuals sharing how they too are staying ahead of the downturn.&nbsp; </p> <p><br>I\'ve made it though seven months of keeping my New Year\'s resolution.&nbsp; I think I\'ll stick with it.&nbsp; Wouldn\'t you? </p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay&nbsp; Tuned.</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <p>Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Phoenix%20Business%20Journal\">Phoenix Business Journal</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/economy\">economy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Phoenix\">Phoenix</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizona\">Arizona</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/biotech\">biotech</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/capital\">capital</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/funding\">funding</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/positive%20media\">positive media</a>,<a href=\"http://redirectingat.com/?id=118X181&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Ftechnorati.com%2Ftags%2Fnetworking\">networking</a></p>','Turning Things Around in 2009','','inherit','open','open','','1460-revision','','','2009-08-06 12:57:04','2009-08-06 12:57:04','',1460,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1460-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2088,2,'2009-08-04 22:02:28','2009-08-04 22:02:28','<p>Just as plants need water to grow - growing companies need cash.&nbsp;&nbsp; Why do you think they call it liquidity.  <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04341311.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"j0434131[1]\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04341311_thumb.jpg\" width=\"244\" height=\"163\"></a>So many times small business owners have trouble raising the cash they need to grow - not because it is not available but because they did not follow some basic steps to make their company bankable.  <p>We know that as individuals, we need to develop a credit history, pay our bills on time, and start small with our personal credit and build it up as we go.&nbsp; Why do we expect our business to be any different.  <p>Here are some tips you might want to consider if you want to improve your bankability:  <p>1.&nbsp; <strong>Your tax advisor may be saving you money on taxes and destroying you future ability to get a loan.</strong>&nbsp; Banks look at historical documents like your P&amp;L, Balance Sheet and TAX RETURNS as part of the data they use to decide if you are credit worthy.&nbsp; They need to have confidence that you will be able to repay what you borrowed.&nbsp; Year after year of tax returns showing little to no profits is NOT a way to inspire confidence in your banker.  <p>2. <strong>Get a personal business banker.&nbsp; It’s free!</strong>&nbsp; Of all my professional services providers - accountants, auditors, lawyers, etc.&nbsp; Only my personal banker spends the time to counsel me without handing me a bill for his services at the end.&nbsp; Plus - the more they know about my business, the more likely they are to introduce me to other businesses that might help my business grow or go to bat for me when I need it.&nbsp; When we grow - they grow as more money goes into my accounts and their bank.&nbsp; Its a win-win situation.  <p>3.&nbsp; <strong>Start small and work your way up.</strong>&nbsp; Open a line of credit for a reasonable amount to begin.&nbsp; Use it - pay it off.&nbsp; Use it - Pay it off.&nbsp; Show the bank that you know who to manage your credit relationship wisely and they will often reward you with higher lines of credit.  <p>4.&nbsp; <strong>Understand the different types of credit and diversify your portfolio.</strong>&nbsp; Many banks have great resources on line to help you calculate&nbsp; the type of credit that is right for you.&nbsp; A good example is Comerica Bank - one of the top small business lenders in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp; Go to <a href=\"http://www.comericabank.com/\">www.ComericaBank.com</a>&nbsp; and click the Small Business or Corporate tabs based on your company size.&nbsp; It is full of great information PLUS calculators to help you determine the right type of credit for what you might need.  <p>5. <strong>Monitor your progress.</strong>&nbsp; Talk to your personal business banker.&nbsp; Know what your Dunn and Bradstreet profile says about you.&nbsp; Create a credit portfolio and manage it like you do your stocks and other investments.&nbsp; <p>So you might want to work on your business credit - you never know when you might need it!  <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned...  <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:7360055c-b207-4bb3-adb4-6d422800fdba\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Small%20Business%20Lending\" rel=\"tag\">Small Business Lending</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs\" rel=\"tag\">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Start%20Ups\" rel=\"tag\">Start Ups</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Banking\" rel=\"tag\">Banking</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/loans\" rel=\"tag\">loans</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/credit\" rel=\"tag\">credit</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/capital\" rel=\"tag\">capital</a></div></blockquote>','Want to Grow your Small Business? Be Bankable.','','inherit','open','open','','1459-revision','','','2009-08-04 22:02:28','2009-08-04 22:02:28','',1459,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1459-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2089,2,'2009-08-03 12:51:25','2009-08-03 12:51:25','<p>Recently, I had an opportunity to share ideas with a group of legislators, educators, and business leaders on the role of the entrepreneur – now and in the future. Any time you get a group together, getting agreement can be a real challenge. But on one area we had unanimous agreement - Entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial activity in both the private and public sectors will be a significant driver out of our current situation and for long term economic growth in the years to come.  <p>&nbsp;<b>More and more Americans are starting or running their own businesses –</b>  <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04393281.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"j0439328[1]\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04393281_thumb.jpg\" width=\"244\" height=\"244\"></a>There are a number of factors driving a change in how many of us view work today. In the last five years, during both the up cycle and our current down cycle, many workers left traditional jobs in corporations and explored new alternatives. </p> <p>In some cases, what they found was more rewarding than their former jobs and they will not be going back to the corporate world again. They have opened consulting practices, restaurants, retail establishments and on-line businesses to name a few.&nbsp; </p> <p>Others will return to more tradition employment as the current job cycle corrects itself.</p> <p>Additionally, population demographics are changing. In 2010, over one half of the world population will be over 50 years old and the average life expectance in the U.S. will be approaching 100! People will be healthier, more active, and less likely to retire, but will want the flexibility of non traditional jobs. A new entrepreneurial or self employed life style is very attractive to many of the people embarking on their ‘second 50 years’. In many cases, ”Boomers” have or have access to the resources and key factors for starting or growing a business - education, talent, experience, and the drive to create something new and different. .  <p><b>Are you a </b><b>“-preneur”?</b>  <p><b></b> <p>An entrepreneur is someone who organizes, operates, and assumes the risk for turning an idea into a business venture while an intrapreneur is a person who does the same thing within a large corporation. In both cases, you take direct responsibility for turning an idea into a profitable organization or finished product through assertive risk-taking and innovation. The prefix before the “-preneur” simply shows where you are in the organization when you are driving change and growth. When at the helm of my own company – I am an entrepreneur. When working with clients – they have the ultimate responsibility and my job is to help them as the entrepreneur or intrapreneur. I like to think that as a “-preneur” you can make things happen – no matter what the structure of the organization you are in.  <p><b>Is being entrepreneurial enough?</b>  <p><b></b> <p>Not if you want your business prosper over time! The purpose and values of an organization are the next KEY to growth.  <p>Defining the core purpose of an organization is actually the process of centering in on what you really care about – what you are really good at – and in the area where these activities come together - what you can do that creates a degree of value that people will pay you for. This is your core purpose or the primary reason that you are in business. If all of your strategy, goals and activities are focused only on what satisfies each of these three criteria, there is a much higher probability for success. Conversely, activities that do not fall in these areas are opportunities for outsourcing or partnerships.  <p>The basic premise is to do what you do best and for the rest – partner with whoever is best at it. This defines WHAT you do as a company. The next key factor is HOW you will accomplish it. This is where values come into play. An organization’s values define how they do things. We always talk about how a company does something but the reality is that it’s the people inside that make things happen.  <p>People’s values determine how they do things. How they act. How hard they work. How creative they will be. If you can match the values of your organization to the values of the people who are in it (or come into it), you’ve got a winner. When people share the same values, they don’t have to be motivated. They already are motivated. They find new ways of doing things. They focus on the customers. They make things happen because they believe in what they are doing.  <p><b>Are you ready to grow…</b>  <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04393181.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"j0439318[1]\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04393181_thumb.jpg\" width=\"244\" height=\"244\"></a>Be sure that growth fits in with your core purpose and values. Very often we see an opportunity to grow and we jump into it before we take the time to fully evaluate what it means to our business in the long term. Growth for growth’s sake can be very dangerous. Companies that grow too fast can lose their focus, confuse their employees or adversely affect the quality their customers have come to expect. In the most extreme cases they can even run out of cash and without cash everything stops. Here are a couple of questions every company should ask themselves as they move towards growth:  <ol> <li>Does the new product, location or service fit into what we have defined as our core purpose?  <li>Do we have the operational and financial resources to support the levels of quality and service our customers have come to expect from us?  <li>What should we be measuring each step of the way through the growth process to ensure we are continuing to move in the right direction?  <li>Who are the partners we work with who can help us with this growth and how can they help us? What are they best at? </li></ol> <p><b>The best advice…</b>  <p>Find something you can get really excited about. Starting any new business - or growing an existing one - is hard work and few pay off right away. You need to really care about what you are doing. It keeps you energized and enthusiastic when things get tough.  <p>Once your business is established, use your passion, your purpose, and your values as a guide. Find employees and partners that share your passions and values. Together you can’t help but grow!</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by...</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:06fa207a-8483-4488-b45a-df8eb1978a66\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneur\" rel=\"tag\">Entrepreneur</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Intrpreneur\" rel=\"tag\">Intrpreneur</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/growth\" rel=\"tag\">growth</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/economy\" rel=\"tag\">economy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/purpose\" rel=\"tag\">purpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/values\" rel=\"tag\">values</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/partnerships\" rel=\"tag\">partnerships</a></div>','A Time for Growth – the era of the entrepreneur','','inherit','open','open','','1458-revision','','','2009-08-03 12:51:25','2009-08-03 12:51:25','',1458,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1458-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2090,2,'2009-07-25 21:56:19','2009-07-25 21:56:19','<p>It seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating high school graduations, ramping up for fun in the sun, and celebrating not having to make an early morning run to the bank or Safeway at the crack of dawn for the weekly lunch money! But before too long, it will be time to head back to school.  <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/back-to-school.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"back to school\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/back-to-school_thumb.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"232\"></a>Whether you are sending your first grader off to his first big adventure, sending out a senior with dreams of diplomas dancing in her head, or making the journey yourself, the first day of school is a big deal. Heading back to school brings changes - new experiences and friends, new challenges and successes. How you achieve success is up to you – a little planning can make all the difference. Are you ready?  <p>So as you prepare for the 2009/2010 school year, here are 7 tips to help you through whether you are a parent coaching a first grader, a seasoned veteran of the homework wars, or a returning life long learner:  <p><b>1. </b><b>Set a goal</b>  <p><b></b> <p>Ask yourself or your student – “What do you want to get out of school this year?” This gives you a ruler you can use to measure your success. A friend of mine likes to say that “<i>What gets measured gets done</i>.” Good grades of course are a common goal, but that is not all you might shoot for. Get creative with your goals – something like – “learn something new every day” – keep it in a journal so you can look back at it at the end of the year. Another goal might be to get involved in a club, a sport, or a study group so that you add a little spice to your regular learning diet. .  <p><b>2. </b><b>Create a system</b>  <p><b></b> <p>The next step in making the most of your back to school adventure is to create a system to help you achieve your goals. It would be nice if all we had to do was dream it and it was so, but usually it takes a little more than that. Even Itzhak Perlman, one of the greatest violinists of our time still has to practice – carefully – everyday. Being great takes more than just luck or talent, it takes planning and hard work. <b>Ask yourself…</b>  <p><b>3. </b><b>“Who do I want to be at the end of this journey and who can help me get there?</b>”  <p>Will you be a scholar – embracing knowledge for the love of it - or perhaps, you wish to be a teacher or tutor, sharing your knowledge with other students.- or maybe your goal is just to get through – gaining enough knowledge to meet the requirements for moving on to the next level while you focus your energies in other areas. It could be all of the above, or none of the above, the choice is up to you. The trick is – make it part of your goal and your plan to choose.  <p><b>4. </b><b>“What tools can I use to achieve my goals?”</b>  <p>There are many tools you can use to help you achieve your learning goals. Some are simple – a notebook, a pencil, a compass, or perhaps an eraser. (Nobody’s perfect.) Perhaps your phone can be a tool. Use a smart phone like the Motorola Q<sup>®</sup> or a Blackberry<sup> </sup>or PDA to manage your schedule of assignments or even use your camera phone to capture a blackboard full of notes. Phones today have everything from the cameras to calendars, and calculators to the Internet.  <p>Fill a backpack with the tools you need, from snacks to keep up your energy, to reference books, or a planner if you choose a lower tech solution to keep things organized. But beware the <i>bottomless back pack</i>. It’s the nemesis of every helpful parent and erstwhile student. Bottomless backpacks eat notes and assignments. Backpacks are useful for carrying things, but if it all goes in – to never again see the light of day – they can be more hindrance than help! Use your tools wisely along your journey.  <p><b></b> <p><b>5. </b><b>“Where will I go to focus?”</b>  <p><b></b> <p>Get the lay of the land. Find your learning place. When I went back to get my MBA after 20 years, I knew that my study skills and lifestyle had changed. Now I had so many distractions – work, family, dumb things I needed to do. I needed a place where I could focus without any distractions. I tried setting up a place at home, but that did not work and even if I went into the office early – the day to day distractions followed me there. Finally I found a Burger King<sup>®</sup> around the corner from my office. They opened at 5 AM and were more than happy to let me study at a corner table. I had my breakfast and did my school work until 7AM before packing up and heading to work. The staff all thought it was funny and even became part of the plan – bringing me refills as I worked through my text books and even flowers when I finally graduated! Where will your learning place be? Find a quiet corner in your home, at the library, or anyplace where you can set yourself up, stay quiet and focus on what you need to do to learn. If you are a parent working with a young student – help them set aside their special place. Let them know that it is their little corner of the world. You are just around the corner if they need you, but it is their place!  <p><b></b> <p><b>6. </b><b>“How will I focus in on achieving my goals?”</b>  <p><b></b> <p>How we get in focus works differently for everyone<b>. </b>Some of us may use music to tune out the rest of the world’s distractions, others may need perfect quiet. If you are a fan of <i><u>The Secret</u></i><b> </b>set up a Vision Board to help keep the positive thoughts around your learning goals in focus. A vision board is a simple tool. It can be a framed collage of the positive things you want to achieve – a picture of a report card will high marks, a diploma, or the college you want to go... Perhaps on your vision board you also have a picture of what you will do after school is through – a dream job or a get away location. If your learning place is outside of your home, use the front of your notebook or binder to make a portable Vision Board you can carry with you. Look at your Vision Board every day – see yourself achieving your goals, then buckle down and do what you need to do to get there.  <p><b>7. </b><b>“Whose job is my success?”</b>  <p><b></b> <p>The answer is you. Each student must accept responsibility for achieving their goals. It is not the teacher’s job or a parent’s role force study or get necessary assignments in on time. YOU must make the commitment to your learning and to your goals. If you are coaching your children through the learning process, help them understand why what they are doing is important for them – not for you. “Do it because I said so” is not a learning motivator. Help them understand how what they are learning will help them get what THEY want. The job of a parent as learning coach then gets 100 times easier! Never nag a child about homework – it turns learning into a chore and defeats the purpose. You get frustrated, they get frustrated and you head into the homework death spiral. Instead – create a No Nag Contract with your student (or yourself). Come to an agreement where if “A”, “B” and “C” get done correctly and on time – then NO Nagging! This gives your student a chance to control their destiny and makes your home life a whole lot more pleasant!  <p><b>Celebrate Success</b>  <p><b></b> <p>Last but not least – as you are learning and achieving you goals – take time out to celebrate your little successes along the way. What is the point if you are not having some fun as part of the process? Reward yourself or your student with a movie, a walk in the mountains, or even a hot fudge sundae (my personal favorite!) Interim goals and the small successes that you celebrate generate the energy you need to succeed in making your long term learning goals a reality. So take a minute – chill out – look at your vision board – or just imagine what it will be like next May – when summer vacation rolls around again.  <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned...  <blockquote> <p><font color=\"#545454\" face=\"Verdana\">Joan Koerber-Walker</font></p> <p></p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:0d23365b-23e6-40fb-bd43-20fddb8a97f7\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Goal%20Setting\" rel=\"tag\">Goal Setting</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Achievement\" rel=\"tag\">Achievement</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Back%20to%20school\" rel=\"tag\">Back to school</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Success\" rel=\"tag\">Success</a></div></blockquote>','Heading Back to School','','inherit','open','open','','1457-revision','','','2009-07-25 21:56:19','2009-07-25 21:56:19','',1457,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1457-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2091,2,'2009-07-24 02:48:13','2009-07-24 02:48:13','<p>As President Obama continues to lobby the American people and Congress on Healthcare Reform, talk of change and what it means to average Americans travels from the board rooms of global corporations to the kitchen tables of homes across the country.</p> <p>In quite a number of discussions, this quote sums up the feelings of many people I have talked to.&nbsp; \"Spare me the details - I just want to know what Healthcare Reform will mean to me.\"&nbsp; If this is how you feel, than this short video from CNN Money might help answer the question.&nbsp; <a href=\"http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2009/07/22/n_brkdn_0722_health_reform.cnnmoney\" target=\"_blank\">CNN Money video</a></p> <p>One of the major components of the President\'s plan is to require almost everyone to have some form of health insurance - tackling the current social and economic&nbsp; burden of a population of approximately 47 million Americans who are uninsured.&nbsp; This will add approximately 47 million Americans into the existing insurance pools of either government provided insurance, employer provided insurance or private insurance.&nbsp; You can find the current breakdown by coverage class in my <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/07/healthcare-a-perfect-problem-with-no-perfect-solution.html\" target=\"_blank\">related post earlier this week</a>.</p> <p>That being they case, I thought it might be helpful to look at where our insurance dollars go.&nbsp; To do&nbsp; that, I referenced the bi- annual report on that information from the same industry report that was referenced by the Senate.&nbsp; In January of 2008, Price Waterhouse Coopers published research on health insurance costs as commissioned by <a href=\"http://www.ahip.org\">America\'s Health Insurance Plans.</a>&nbsp; This link takes you to the full report. <a href=\"http://www.ahip.org/content/default.aspx?docid=25123\">The Factors Fueling Rising Healthcare Costs 2008</a></p> <p><img src=\"http://www.ahip.org/images/uploaded/About/HealthCareDollar2008.jpg\" width=\"464\" height=\"348\"></p> <p>The graphic above shows the break out of the pool of dollars that make up the&nbsp; employer and private health insurance spend. Looking at the graphic, 13cents of each dollar goes to corporate profits, administration and sales and marketing support.&nbsp; The other 87 cents goes towards the basics of helping us stay healthy, diagnosing illness or other medical conditions, and treatment.</p> <p>So if we are going to lower healthcare cost, realistically, the focus will fall predominately in the area shaded in aqua - that 87%.&nbsp; It is in these areas where we have the greatest opportunity to use American innovation to improve the healthcare process.&nbsp; Information technology enhancements in the area of medical records management can help us reduce duplicate tests and better manage patient care.&nbsp; New biotech diagnostics currently in development will allow us to detect and diagnose diseases earlier - thus greatly reducing the total cost of treatment by addressing small problems before they become big ones.&nbsp;&nbsp; But technology and process improvement alone will never be the answer.&nbsp; </p> <p>We, the people, will also need to make some changes in our behaviors if we are ever to really get things under control.&nbsp; Here are a few things each of us can do to put the health back into healthcare:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Get a check up.</strong>&nbsp; 85% of Americans, who have health insurance, do not get an annual check up.&nbsp; Yet studies by Medicare and Medicaid have shown that if we detect and diagnose chronic disease early we can avoid as much as 90% of the costs of treatment. And, chronic disease represents almost 70 percent of the medical services spend.&nbsp; <li><strong>Take a walk.</strong>&nbsp; It is estimated that approximately 31% of Americans are either clinically overweight or obese.&nbsp; This condition has been directly correlated to a wide range of chronic conditions including Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke, Hypertension, <a href=\"http://www.obesity.org/information/cancer_obesity.asp\">some types of Cancer</a>, Sleep Apnea, Osteoarthritis, and Gallbladder Disease.  <li>Ask questions and talk to your doctor.&nbsp; Whether in your annual exam or during treatment, take an active part in the healthcare discussion.&nbsp; Ask your doctor what you can do to be proactive about managing your health and your healthcare spend.&nbsp; Very often a few extra minutes can leave you with good information, ideas, and in the case of treatment sometimes more cost effective alternatives.  <li>Understand what your healthcare plan has to offer.&nbsp; If you have a bad health habit you want to break, many plans offer free services to help you.&nbsp; Pull out that booklet they send you once a year and look.&nbsp; You might be surprised at the resources you are paying for that you have never used.</li></ol> <p>President Obama may or may not get everything he wants out of Congress this year in the way of health care reform.&nbsp; And even if he does, the some of the changes will take years.&nbsp; But we can each start our own healthcare recovery plan today - if we choose to.</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by. Stay Tuned...</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:ae502c70-b384-40aa-bc5e-aef25f5b66c2\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Healthcare\" rel=\"tag\">Healthcare</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/healthcare%20reform\" rel=\"tag\">healthcare reform</a></div></blockquote>','Making Cents of Your Health Insurance Dollar','','inherit','open','open','','1456-revision','','','2009-07-24 02:48:13','2009-07-24 02:48:13','',1456,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1456-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2092,2,'2009-07-22 03:27:34','2009-07-22 03:27:34','In the United States, we have two \"perfect problems\": our Healthcare system and our Taxation system. What makes these problems perfect is their absolute complexity and an almost universal agreement that a problem exists.\n\nThe focus of this article is on healthcare.  I\'ll leave taxation for another day - even though eventually our country will not be able to truly address one without the other.\n\n[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKOfXlB_3Wo]\n\nUp until December of 2006, I did not think a lot about healthcare.  It was something I had, something I paid for, and with the exception of annual check ups for my family, something that I rarely had to use.  I knew it was a problem, but it was not necessarily mine. That changed December 21, 2006 when I became the CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association, and had to answer to and speak on behalf of our 3,000 business members and through them over 200,000 employees. \n\nThe more I researched, surveyed, and listened; the bigger the problem became.  And I was just looking at one state, and within that, only one subset of the population, small business owners and their employees.  Yet both in our state and on a nationwide basis estimates from both the Federal government and independent agencies estimated that of the 45 million people plus who lacked health insurance, approximately 60% of them either owned or worked in a small business.   The constantly rising cost of health care was a burden these businesses were struggling to battle.  Others were starting to give up hope that anything could be done.\n\nLOOKING AT THE NUMBERS:  HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE IN THE UNITED STATES\n\nSource: <a href=\"http://www.census.gov/prod/2008pubs/p60-235.pdf\">Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2007</a>, p.69\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/hc-numbers-cht.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/hc-numbers-cht_thumb.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"hc-numbers-cht\" width=\"281\" height=\"263\" align=\"right\" /></a>The chart at right shows the estimated U.S. population (as of 2007) and the breakdown of the insured/uninsured and where the insurance comes from.\n\nBut as we all know, there have been some pretty significant economic factors since 2007 that probably shift these numbers upward in the areas of both government provided program and the uninsured due to the <a href=\"http://www.google.com/publicdata?ds=usunemployment&amp;met=unemployment_rate&amp;tdim=true&amp;q=unemployment+rate\">significant change in the unemployment rate</a> (4.7% in June of 2007 vs. 9.7% in June 2009) and the continuing economic pressures on businesses of every size.\n\nWith a problem this large, it\'s hard to have any impact.  Especially when it\'s also highly complex and politically charged.  At the state level we had various mandates, imposed and proposed, that were continually driving the costs up.  A state provided program for small business had serious limitations and flaws not to to mention a serious deficit that threatened its sustainability.  The whole thing was a mess. \n\nI had learned a long time ago that it is almost impossible to tackle a really big complex problem - but that if you break it into little ones and tackle them one at a time, you can make headway.  So that is what we did.\n\nFirst we framed the problem with a set of goals.  Our conditions for success were the following:\n<ol>\n	<li>It had to be available to any business of any size (even groups of 1) without limitation.</li>\n	<li>It had to cover the entire state AND provide coverage for employees out of state.</li>\n	<li>It had to provide the same level of quality care and service that was available to employees in a Fortune 500 company.</li>\n	<li>Coverage had to be guaranteed issue with no pre-existing conditions limitations as long as there had been prior qualified coverage and pricing and eligibility would NOT be determined by health status of the employees.</li>\n	<li>It had to be reasonably affordable and competitive.</li>\n</ol>\nThe next step was to look at what resources we had to work with and to identify potential partners.  We reached out to corporate partners, legislators, the Governor\'s office, and national organizations to see what was available, what we could work with or what we could change.  Through a combination of negotiations, partnerships, and collaborations, we were able to design a plan that met all five of our defined goals and launched it 10 months after we started the process.  To see the full details of the program, visit the <a href=\"http://www.asba.com/benefits/health_insurance.aspx\">ASBA website</a>. \n\nNow, this program did not solve the national problem, but it did provide a solution/option for the community we served across the state of Arizona. <strong>AND, it did so without a single taxpayer dollar.</strong>  Best of all,  from 2007 to 2009 the gross increase in premium was a total of THREE percent while at the same time the program benefits were enhanced - not reduced.\n\nSo my question is this.  Perhaps, while they battle in Washington tackle the perfect problem of Healthcare Reform - and fight over every sacred cow.  Maybe, just maybe, individuals like you and me, in our little corners of the country can build viable solutions by breaking the problem down to smaller more manageable chunks and tackling them one at a time.  That way WE can solve the problem and THEY can keep on talking.\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned...\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker\n\nP.S. While I no longer serve as the CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association, my time there taught me something very important.  There is very little that can not be accomplished by American small business with a little hard work. collaboration, and ingenuity.  If we focus on the challenge, frame it properly and get down to work the results can be pretty incredible. \n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:7a483b66-255d-4f4a-b765-7f348b25f8f5\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Healthcare\">Healthcare</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Small%20Business\">Small Business</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Uninsured\">Uninsured</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Tips\">Business Tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Community%20based%20healthcare%20solutions\">Community based healthcare solutions</a></div></blockquote>','Healthcare: A Perfect Problem with No Perfect Solution','','inherit','open','open','','1454-revision','','','2009-07-22 03:27:34','2009-07-22 03:27:34','',1454,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1454-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2093,2,'2009-07-14 04:17:49','2009-07-14 04:17:49','<p>I feel a rant coming on - bear with me please.&nbsp; I don\'t do it often.&nbsp; Indulge me and perhaps by then end I can even find something positive to add.&nbsp; <p>To start off - I really, really, really dislike the word \'entrepreneur\'.  <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/entrepreneur.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"entrepreneur\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/entrepreneur_thumb.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"214\"></a>\"Why?\" you might ask.&nbsp; \"Aren\'t you one? \"</p> <p>The answer is probably yes by some peoples\' definition and then by others\' it would be no.&nbsp; </p> <p>There are few words in our business lexicon that are more misused, argued over, or modified than the word entrepreneur.</p> <p>With all the talk about entrepreneurship these days, you would think our generation invented it.&nbsp; We did not.</p> <p>The word entrepreneur was first coined in the eighteenth century by <a href=\"http://homepage.newschool.edu/het//profiles/cantillon.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Richard Cantillon</a> and later expanded upon by <a href=\"http://homepage.newschool.edu/het//profiles/schump.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Joseph Schumpeter</a> in his writing the <i>Theory of Economic Development</i>&nbsp; in 1911 .&nbsp; It first appeared in Webster\'s dictionary in 1852 and it\'s definition is actually very simple according to today\'s Merriam-Webster\'s online dictionary - </p> <p><a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrepreneur\" target=\"_blank\"><em>en·tre·pre·neur</em></a><em>&nbsp; (noun) </em></p> <p><em>Date: 1852&nbsp; Etymology: French, from Old French, from entreprendre to undertake </em></p> <p><em><strong>:</strong> one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise</em></p> <p><em>In today\'s business literature, we now find a plethora of _____preneurs.</em></p> <ul> <ul> <li><em><strong>Intrapreneurs</strong> - entrepreneurial people inside an&nbsp; enterprise</em>  <li><em><strong>Co-preneurs</strong> - husband and wife entrepreneurial teams</em>  <li><em><strong>Solo-preneurs</strong> - the me- myself- and I crowd</em>  <li><em><strong>Mommy-preneurs</strong> - does being a Mommy make your business different?</em>  <li><em><strong>Home-based-preneurs</strong> - does it matter where your office is?</em>  <li><em><strong>Serial-preneurs</strong> - these folks just can\'t seem to get enough...</em>  <li><em><em><strong>Green-preneurs</strong> - these are the save the planet, eco-friendly folks</em></em>  <li><em><strong>Social Venture-prenuers</strong> - the make a difference folks</em>  <li><em><strong>Micro-prenuers</strong> - smaller scale ventures</em>  <li><strong>Macro-preneurs</strong> - get out of my way I\'m gonna be big!</li></ul></ul> <p>et cetera, et cetera, et cetera!</p> <p>And then we have my personal favorite - the <strong>snob-preneur</strong> - those entrepreneurs who look at other classes of -preneurs and confidently state that the other group really is not an entrepreneur at all.&nbsp; They do not count.&nbsp; They are just a life-style business, or a non-profit, or a franchise, or a .....</p> <p>You can find snob-preneurs everywhere.&nbsp; I\'ve had this debate with some of the top authors of best selling books on entrepreneurship (and no, I am not naming names) as well as with entrepreneurial advocates across every level of the continuum.&nbsp; It is like entrepreneurship is some exclusive club and only certain people have the right to belong.</p> <p>But going back to our simple definition, an entrepreneur is a person: one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise.</p> <p>It should not matter whether... </p> <blockquote> <p>you own the company or work in it.&nbsp; </p> <p>you go it alone, partner with family, or grow your team to be a cast of thousands. </p> <p>your office is in a corporate complex, your garage, your basement or your car. </p> <p>your enterprise is structured to create wealth for shareholders, for yourself, to create greater value to society as a whole,&nbsp; or any combination thereof.</p></blockquote> <p>Instead, let\'s celebrate the \"one\" in the definition.&nbsp; The person who see an opportunity, has the courage to pursue it despite the risks, and who through their passion and persistence creates something great - by their definition - not ours.</p> <p>Perhaps, it\'s time for a new word to encompass that.&nbsp; Preferably one that is easier to spell.&nbsp; <p>Got any ideas?  <p>&nbsp; Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned...  <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:1fe4e1bd-24b5-441a-9b76-59a0fc9b92db\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/entrepreneur\" rel=\"tag\">entrepreneur</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/entrepreneurship\" rel=\"tag\">entrepreneurship</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business\" rel=\"tag\">business</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/economics\" rel=\"tag\">economics</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/definitions\" rel=\"tag\">definitions</a></div></p>','Just call me a \'Preneur','','inherit','open','open','','1451-revision','','','2009-07-14 04:17:49','2009-07-14 04:17:49','',1451,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1451-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2094,2,'2009-07-08 18:17:59','2009-07-08 18:17:59','<p>Who doesn\'t want more opportunity? Here\'s a simple idea for more and better opportunities - create a personal strategic plan for your business, career or job search and start with a Personal SWOT analysis.&nbsp; <p><a href=\"http://office.microsoft.com/clipart/preview.aspx?AssetID=MPj0433152&amp;Query=ladder&amp;Scope=20&amp;CTT=1&amp;Origin=EC790000121033&amp;QueryID=TQkFGTsi00&amp;AssetCol=MCj0441290,MPj0438843,MPj0438395,MPj0438451,MPj0438566,MPj0433152,MPj0411717,MPj0426527,MCj0412600,MCj0425918,MPj0422425,MPj0426548\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Image converted using ifftoany\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04331521.jpg\" width=\"244\" height=\"244\"></a>What\'s SWOT? The letters stand for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.  <p>Businesses have used this tool for years.&nbsp; Why not put it to work for you at a personal level to manage YOUR own growth?  <p>Take out a piece of paper and draw lines so you have 4 equal quadrants. Label the top two: Strengths and Opportunities. Then mark the bottom two Weaknesses and Threats.  <p>Start with your strengths - list as many as you can think of. Then move down the page and list all the things you wish you were better at.  <p>Now look at what you have written as Strengths and in the Opportunity column list one potential opportunity that can come to you from each strength.  <p>Now look at your Weaknesses. What could keep you from realizing these opportunities. Write it down and think about what you might do to keep your weaknesses from becoming threats to the opportunities you have listed. Write them down and take action.  <p>Whether you are running a business, managing your career, or looking for a job, this simple strategy works.&nbsp; Just give it a try. (Oh and don\'t forget to look at your resume and make sure that all of your strengths show up in what your resume says about you!)  <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned...  <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:8d9d9db4-c076-40f5-b6a1-fae19760c89d\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/success\" rel=\"tag\">success</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/opportunity\" rel=\"tag\">opportunity</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business\" rel=\"tag\">business</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20tips\" rel=\"tag\">business tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/careers\" rel=\"tag\">careers</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/job%20search\" rel=\"tag\">job search</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/SWOT\" rel=\"tag\">SWOT</a></div></blockquote>','Want More Opportunity? Be Strategic.','','inherit','open','open','','287-revision','','','2009-07-08 18:17:59','2009-07-08 18:17:59','',287,'http://new.corepurpose.com/287-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2095,2,'2009-07-05 23:24:09','2009-07-05 23:24:09','<blockquote> <p>“If the company with the best partners wins, how do you create great partnerships that last?”</p></blockquote> <p><a href=\"http://office.microsoft.com/clipart/preview.aspx?AssetID=MPj0439356&amp;Query=teamwork&amp;Scope=22&amp;CTT=1&amp;Origin=EC790000121033&amp;QueryID=NRjFW7iz00&amp;AssetCol=MPj0439356,MPj0439359,MPj0433005,MPj0433027,MPj0432764,MPj0434156,MPj0437267,MPj0437323,MPj0437234,MPj0437251,MPj0438411,MPj0438451\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"j0439356[1]\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04393561.jpg\" width=\"175\" height=\"175\"></a> <br>Having a great product or service is not enough. In today’s world of competing technologies and services – the company with the best partners wins. But how do you create great partnerships that last? Partnerships that take your product or service and build it into solutions that make customers want to buy and investors want to invest?</p> <h4>Our partners are all around us.</h4> <p>They are the people and organizations that help us get from where we are – to where we want to be. Partners include our employees, our customers, our investors and the outside suppliers of goods and services we work with to make things happen.&nbsp; Having spent two decades in the electronic distribution industry, I saw a lot of great products come and go. Some were wildly successful while others faded away. The companies that succeeded long-term understood that making their product accessible took partnerships with a broader network like distribution. At the same time, distributors with staying power understood that to build a lasting partnership, they had to add value to what the manufacturer had to offer. Pure transactional relationships don’t work in this world. The levels of investment and time horizons for payback are too long. For both parties to receive the maximum benefit – they have to commit for the long haul.</p> <h4>Are our perceptions of partnerships changing?</h4> <p>As I look around, I am amazed at how transactional we have become in our partnering relationships. A great example is the change in how we look at our employees. In my father’s generation – the partnership between employer and employee was often a lifetime commitment. Through good times and bad, you worked towards a common goal. You grew together. You helped each other. You were partners. You did not talk about it. You just did it. That’s the way it was. Today, we talk about employee satisfaction. We talk about growth and empowerment. We talk about strategy, teams, and commitment to a common goal. But when things get tough, do we stick together or part company. I don’t need to answer the question. The answer is all around us. </p> <p>And the scariest part of this partnering shift is what it is teaching our next generation. </p> <blockquote> <p>\"There is no partnership. There is no commitment. Look out for yourself.\"</p></blockquote> <p>If this is what we are teaching our future workforce through our example – we’ d all better watch out!</p> <h4>Successful partnerships are a lot like successful marriages.</h4> <p>My father worked for General Motors for over 40 years. He and my Mom will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on August 1st. It started me thinking. There is a connection here.&nbsp; </p> <p>Whether we’ re looking for a date or scanning the field for a business partner, we look around for the most attractive person we can find. The one that sparks our interest – answers a need – has what we want. In the beginning, it’s not hearts and flowers – just the basic laws of attraction. There is no commitment at this phase, just a lot of checking each other out. It’s superficial like an advertisement, a website, or a resume. We see what they want us to see. And, if we like what we see, we reach out to learn more.</p> <p>The next step is the courting phase. Here we check each other out to determine the right fit. Courting is like dating. We’re getting to know each other as individuals. What we really want and what we really do. In the beginning everyone is on their best behavior. But as you start to spend time together away from the day to day<br>distractions, you start to get more comfortable and relax. That’s when you start to see the real person you are looking to partner with. In business we call this due diligence. We test the water comparing long term goals and how we like to do things. We match our values. We explore how we can help each other. We listen to what the other person says and we pay attention to what they aren’t saying. Just like when you’re dating, each side wants to look their best for the other person. Sometimes you need to look a little deeper to see the real partner underneath. When you like what you see - when your values match - then you are ready to commit.</p> <p>Next you get engaged. It’s more than just setting a date. You are setting expectations, making promises, setting goals. As you get ready to take the plunge, you are mapping out the future of the partnership. What you will do. How you will do it. You learn to handle details and who does what best. You start to come together as a team. By the time you get to making it legal, the deal is done. The contract – whether a marriage license, a contract or a purchase order is simply confirmation of what you will set out to do together. Over the life of your relationship, you learn to work with each other, to compromise, and to adjust so that each person is getting what they need. </p> <p> Like a marriage, lasting business partnerships are personal. They take thought, effort and personal attention to make them work. But most of all they require and open mind and a willingness to negotiate.</p> <h4>We negotiate with people, not companies.</h4> <p>Partnerships that last are built through a continuing series of negotiations. The relationships in the partnership are not based on the life of a contract – they last generations. This key is so simple we often miss it. Each new objective starts with a negotiation. As the partnership grows, we learn more about each other. We take that knowledge and use it to set new plans and higher goals based on each other’s strengths.&nbsp; </p> <p>Companies don’t negotiate – people do. Traditional styles of win-lose or win-win negotiations focus on the tally sheet between the contracting parties. Keeping score of ‘who got what’ does not make for a lasting marriage and it doesn’t work in lasting business partnerships either. To keep things working, we must develop a new form of relationship based negotiations. Each party looks at a longer horizon, acknowledging that there will always be conflict and compromise but always placing the health of the overall relationship as the highest priority. When we do this, we anticipate our partner’s needs and care enough to help them fill them. Each time we do so, the bond grows stronger, the partnership better, and we benefit. Not just today, but long into the future.</p> <h5>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned...</h5> <blockquote> <h5>Joan Koerber-Walker</h5> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:f1fd0c93-8a1a-4ba6-8c4c-aac94879965f\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20tips\" rel=\"tag\">business tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpose\" rel=\"tag\">corepurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/negotiations\" rel=\"tag\">negotiations</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/partnerships\" rel=\"tag\">partnerships</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Working\" rel=\"tag\">Working</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20books\" rel=\"tag\">business books</a></div></blockquote>','Partnering – You Can’t Succeed Alone','','inherit','open','open','','1449-revision','','','2009-07-05 23:24:09','2009-07-05 23:24:09','',1449,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1449-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2096,2,'2012-08-19 21:49:45','2012-08-19 21:49:45','<blockquote> <p>“If the company with the best partners wins, how do you create great partnerships that last?”</p></blockquote> <p><a href=\"http://office.microsoft.com/clipart/preview.aspx?AssetID=MPj0439356&amp;Query=teamwork&amp;Scope=22&amp;CTT=1&amp;Origin=EC790000121033&amp;QueryID=NRjFW7iz00&amp;AssetCol=MPj0439356,MPj0439359,MPj0433005,MPj0433027,MPj0432764,MPj0434156,MPj0437267,MPj0437323,MPj0437234,MPj0437251,MPj0438411,MPj0438451\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"j0439356[1]\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04393561.jpg\" width=\"175\" height=\"175\"></a> <br>Having a great product or service is not enough. In today’s world of competing technologies and services – the company with the best partners wins. But how do you create great partnerships that last? Partnerships that take your product or service and build it into solutions that make customers want to buy and investors want to invest?</p> <h4>Our partners are all around us.</h4> <p>They are the people and organizations that help us get from where we are – to where we want to be. Partners include our employees, our customers, our investors and the outside suppliers of goods and services we work with to make things happen.&nbsp; Having spent two decades in the electronic distribution industry, I saw a lot of great products come and go. Some were wildly successful while others faded away. The companies that succeeded long-term understood that making their product accessible took partnerships with a broader network like distribution. At the same time, distributors with staying power understood that to build a lasting partnership, they had to add value to what the manufacturer had to offer. Pure transactional relationships don’t work in this world. The levels of investment and time horizons for payback are too long. For both parties to receive the maximum benefit – they have to commit for the long haul.</p> <h4>Are our perceptions of partnerships changing?</h4> <p>As I look around, I am amazed at how transactional we have become in our partnering relationships. A great example is the change in how we look at our employees. In my father’s generation – the partnership between employer and employee was often a lifetime commitment. Through good times and bad, you worked towards a common goal. You grew together. You helped each other. You were partners. You did not talk about it. You just did it. That’s the way it was. Today, we talk about employee satisfaction. We talk about growth and empowerment. We talk about strategy, teams, and commitment to a common goal. But when things get tough, do we stick together or part company. I don’t need to answer the question. The answer is all around us. </p> <p>And the scariest part of this partnering shift is what it is teaching our next generation. </p> <blockquote> <p>\"There is no partnership. There is no commitment. Look out for yourself.\"</p></blockquote> <p>If this is what we are teaching our future workforce through our example – we’ d all better watch out!</p> <h4>Successful partnerships are a lot like successful marriages.</h4> <p>My father worked for General Motors for over 40 years. He and my Mom will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on August 1st. It started me thinking. There is a connection here.&nbsp; </p> <p>Whether we’ re looking for a date or scanning the field for a business partner, we look around for the most attractive person we can find. The one that sparks our interest – answers a need – has what we want. In the beginning, it’s not hearts and flowers – just the basic laws of attraction. There is no commitment at this phase, just a lot of checking each other out. It’s superficial like an advertisement, a website, or a resume. We see what they want us to see. And, if we like what we see, we reach out to learn more.</p> <p>The next step is the courting phase. Here we check each other out to determine the right fit. Courting is like dating. We’re getting to know each other as individuals. What we really want and what we really do. In the beginning everyone is on their best behavior. But as you start to spend time together away from the day to day<br>distractions, you start to get more comfortable and relax. That’s when you start to see the real person you are looking to partner with. In business we call this due diligence. We test the water comparing long term goals and how we like to do things. We match our values. We explore how we can help each other. We listen to what the other person says and we pay attention to what they aren’t saying. Just like when you’re dating, each side wants to look their best for the other person. Sometimes you need to look a little deeper to see the real partner underneath. When you like what you see - when your values match - then you are ready to commit.</p> <p>Next you get engaged. It’s more than just setting a date. You are setting expectations, making promises, setting goals. As you get ready to take the plunge, you are mapping out the future of the partnership. What you will do. How you will do it. You learn to handle details and who does what best. You start to come together as a team. By the time you get to making it legal, the deal is done. The contract – whether a marriage license, a contract or a purchase order is simply confirmation of what you will set out to do together. Over the life of your relationship, you learn to work with each other, to compromise, and to adjust so that each person is getting what they need. </p> <p> Like a marriage, lasting business partnerships are personal. They take thought, effort and personal attention to make them work. But most of all they require and open mind and a willingness to negotiate.</p> <h4>We negotiate with people, not companies.</h4> <p>Partnerships that last are built through a continuing series of negotiations. The relationships in the partnership are not based on the life of a contract – they last generations. This key is so simple we often miss it. Each new objective starts with a negotiation. As the partnership grows, we learn more about each other. We take that knowledge and use it to set new plans and higher goals based on each other’s strengths.&nbsp; </p> <p>Companies don’t negotiate – people do. Traditional styles of win-lose or win-win negotiations focus on the tally sheet between the contracting parties. Keeping score of ‘who got what’ does not make for a lasting marriage and it doesn’t work in lasting business partnerships either. To keep things working, we must develop a new form of relationship based negotiations. Each party looks at a longer horizon, acknowledging that there will always be conflict and compromise but always placing the health of the overall relationship as the highest priority. When we do this, we anticipate our partner’s needs and care enough to help them fill them. Each time we do so, the bond grows stronger, the partnership better, and we benefit. Not just today, but long into the future.</p> <h5>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned...</h5> <blockquote> <h5>Joan Koerber-Walker</h5> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:f1fd0c93-8a1a-4ba6-8c4c-aac94879965f\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20tips\" rel=\"tag\">business tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpose\" rel=\"tag\">corepurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/negotiations\" rel=\"tag\">negotiations</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/partnerships\" rel=\"tag\">partnerships</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Working\" rel=\"tag\">Working</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20books\" rel=\"tag\">business books</a></div></blockquote>','Partnering – You Can’t Succeed Alone','','inherit','open','open','','1449-revision-2','','','2012-08-19 21:49:45','2012-08-19 21:49:45','',1449,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1449-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2097,2,'2009-06-26 05:23:12','2009-06-26 05:23:12','<p>Right, wrong, and somewhere in between.&nbsp; How do we know sometimes what is right?&nbsp; Over the last few days, all of us have been barraged with words and images of what is happening on the other side of the world.&nbsp; Some of the images have been heart breaking. Others have been uplifting.&nbsp; Many have been disturbing. Some have simply been sad.&nbsp; </p> <p><img style=\"margin:5px;\" title=\"Anne Frank\'s House in Amsterdam\" alt=\" believe in the goodness of people\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://www.undercovertourist.com/netherlands/amsterdam/attractions/img/l/anne-frank-s-house.jpg\">I\'m not gong to fill this page with the images and words that have been moving across the airwaves, the blogs, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.&nbsp;&nbsp; You know where you can find them if you choose to search.&nbsp; </p> <p>Even before June 12th, I had been reading about the Iranian elections.&nbsp; When violence erupted, I got the first news, like many others through my Twitter stream. The news was frightening.&nbsp; That first night I stayed up&nbsp; until the wee hours of the morning re-tweeting information on basic first aid, what embassies were open for the wounded, and other information.&nbsp;&nbsp; As the days went on, the stories grew more disturbing and the tweets more frequent.&nbsp; I definitely was not alone in my efforts.&nbsp; Many others were doing the same.&nbsp; </p> <p>At first I rotated through my <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/my-profiles-on-twitter.html\">multiple Twitter</a> accounts, but soon the number of tweets were still too much.&nbsp; On Monday, I set up a new account <a href=\"http://twitter.com/jkwphx\">(@JKWphx)</a> dedicated to only sending #IranElection, #gr88 or later #Neda oriented messages.&nbsp; </p> <p>At times the information was so sad or disturbing that I needed a break or a pick me up.&nbsp; Some of my friends, who knew what I was was doing, would tweet me with happy thoughts, inspiring quotes, or silly sayings.&nbsp; At other times, I would turn and pull out a book for a short reading break.&nbsp; </p> <p>On Monday, I pulled out a dog eared copy of <em>The Diary of a Young Girl</em> by Anne Frank and began to read the words of someone who lived and died decades ago.&nbsp; She was living in hiding during times of fear and oppression and telling her story through a her notebook journals.<img alt=\"Anne Frank\'s Journals\" src=\"http://www.annefrank.org/upload/Dagboek/P8_compositie_dagboeken.jpg\" width=\"480\"></p> <p>Here are some of her words:</p> <blockquote> <p>\"<i>It\'s really a wonder that I haven\'t dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can\'t build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery, and death. I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness, I hear the ever approaching thunder, which will destroy us too, I can feel the sufferings of millions and yet if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty too will end, and that peace and tranquility will return again.</i>\" Saturday, 15 July, 1944, pg. 237</p></blockquote> <p>As I write this Thursday evening in Arizona, the sun has already risen on the people in Iran.&nbsp; I have no idea if any of the people I was trying to help ever saw the words I sent to them.&nbsp; <p>I know the Iranian government agents did -- THEY sent some lovely notes. I wonder if it would frustrate them to know the satisfaction I got each time I went in and BLOCKED them?  <p>But either way, I did what I could to help because I thought it was right.&nbsp; At the end of&nbsp; the day, that\'s all any of us can do.  <p>Thanks for stopping by, and if you get a chance today, say a little prayer for the people in Iran.  <p>Stay Tuned...  <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker  <p>Photo and other information from <a href=\"http://www.annefrank.org\">www.annefrank.org</a> and the Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdam.  <p>Quote, from <em>The Diary of a Young Girl</em> by Anne Frank</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:88cc7418-b7e8-4dc1-85d8-6b92ac6abf20\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/IranElection\" rel=\"tag\">IranElection</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Iran2009\" rel=\"tag\">Iran2009</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/The%20Diary%20of%20a%20Young%20Girl\" rel=\"tag\">The Diary of a Young Girl</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Anne%20Frank\" rel=\"tag\">Anne Frank</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Twitter\" rel=\"tag\">Twitter</a></div></blockquote>','What\'s Right?','','inherit','open','open','','1446-revision','','','2009-06-26 05:23:12','2009-06-26 05:23:12','',1446,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1446-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2098,2,'2012-08-19 21:30:28','2012-08-19 21:30:28','<p>We are moving into the the peak days of the Summer.&nbsp; While there\'s lots of talk of \'green shoots\' appearing on the economic horizon, as business people we know that often things slow down in the Summer heat.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <p>So what better time to focus in on some tips and tricks to keep your business growing even during the lazy days of Summer.&nbsp; <p><a href=\"http://www.clker.com/clipart-25743.html\"><img title=\"Grass Clip Art\" height=\"83\" alt=\"Grass Clipart\" src=\"http://www.clker.com/cliparts/9/d/c/a/1234405664842624179rg1024_grass.svg.med.png\" width=\"634\"></a>  <p><b>Growth Strategy #1 - Call a customer today</b>  <p>Call a customer you have not talked to for a while and ask how things are going.&nbsp; Find out what can you and your company do to support them in achieving their goals. It is a great way to get MORE business. </p> <p>They already know you and trust you. Having done business with you before, they may need what you have again.&nbsp; Even if they don’t have a requirement today, they’ll remember that you checked in and offered to help them. </p> <p><b>Growth Strategy #2 - Look at your Company from Your Customer\'s Perspective.</b></p> <p>So often we talk about all the great things our company can do rather that focus on what our customer wants or needs. Empathy is a great tool for building business. </p> <p>Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. What are your challenges?&nbsp; What would help you achieve your goals? What do you need? Then - put your marketing hat on and communicate with current and potential customers. Demonstrate that you understand what THEY need and show them how your products and services can help THEM satisfy their needs and meet their goals. </p> <p><b>Growth Strategy #3 - Share information or opportunity</b></p> <p>A great way to exceed your goals is to do something to help your customer exceed theirs.&nbsp; Send them a great article you have read. Nominate them for an award.&nbsp; Share a business tip that has worked for you.&nbsp; Refer a customer to them.&nbsp; When you do, they just might return the favor and you both win! </p> <p><b>Growth Strategy #4 - Get up from your desk. Get out of your office!</b><b></b> </p> <p>To stimulate your business, make time to get up, get out, and move around.&nbsp; If you are managing a team - go over to where they are working. Join in conversations - ask for their ideas. They are closest to the work and the customers and have information you need.&nbsp; If you are the person responsible for creating sales - go out to one of the many networking opportunities that abound in your community. Talk to others - ask them what they are doing to stimulate their business - share good ideas that are working for you. </p> <p>Yes, I know - gas is expensive and time is money - but choosing to stay back closed in at the office can be the decision that makes you miss out on great opportunities.<br>So get up from your desk - get out of the office - and go find one. </p> <p><b>Growth Strategy #5 - Work Smarter</b><b></b>  <p>We’ve all heard the saying \"Work smarter not harder\".&nbsp;&nbsp; In tough times as well as good ones, how you do things is as important as what you do.&nbsp; To give yourself and your company and extra advantage, ask yourself these questions:  <blockquote> <p>Am I making the most of the resources I have already invested in?  <p>Is there a different way to do what I am doing that is more efficient or could get better results?&nbsp;&nbsp; <p>Is Ease of Doing Business a mantra in my company.&nbsp; Do our processes make it easier for our customers to work with us and for our team to get the job done?</p></blockquote> <p>Being proactive and focusing on growth can keep your business from falling into the Summer slump.&nbsp; These are some of the things that I\'m doing in our business.&nbsp; Try them.&nbsp; You can put these ideas to work in yours too.&nbsp; So come on, let\'s get growing.&nbsp; <p>Thanks for stopping by - Stay Tuned...  <blockquote> <p>- Joan Koerber-Walker&nbsp; </p></blockquote> <p><a href=\"http://www.clker.com/clipart-25743.html\"><img title=\"Grass Clip Art\" height=\"83\" alt=\"Grass Clipart\" src=\"http://www.clker.com/cliparts/9/d/c/a/1234405664842624179rg1024_grass.svg.med.png\" width=\"634\"></a> </p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:4d75eadf-e494-4afa-9d02-b99e117fb395\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePupose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePupose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Growth\" rel=\"tag\">Business Growth</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Summer%20Slowdown\" rel=\"tag\">Summer Slowdown</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Business Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Strategy\" rel=\"tag\">Business Strategy</a></div> <p>&nbsp; <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/clip_image003.gif\"></a></p>','Five Strategies to Grow Your Business','','inherit','open','open','','1441-revision-2','','','2012-08-19 21:30:28','2012-08-19 21:30:28','',1441,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1441-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2099,2,'2009-06-04 20:33:07','2009-06-04 20:33:07','<p>We live in times of change.&nbsp; In good times and in bad, change is the one true constant.&nbsp; But in any era and any economy, there are some&nbsp; human characteristics that, when we hold true to them, form a solid foundation that we can build on.&nbsp; </p> <p>Business challenges fill the Twitter streams, the papers and the airwaves today along with the fears these changes bring to the people living through them.&nbsp; </p> <p>As I read about and experience the changes of our times, I draw on the lessons my grandparents taught me in times long past.</p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/grandma-gleason-003.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"171\" alt=\"John Carmichael, c.1965\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/grandma-gleason-003_thumb.jpg\" width=\"244\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\"></a>The first lesson was learned from my Grandpa Carmichael when I was probably about five years old.&nbsp; We were looking at a picture book and I asked him what a word&nbsp; meant.&nbsp; He took me by the hand, walked me down to his home office, and pulled a Webster\'s dictionary from the shelf.&nbsp; Opening the book, he said \"let\'s look it up and then we can talk about it.\"&nbsp; And so we did.&nbsp; The word that day was dromedary.&nbsp; A bit easier to define than complex issues like ethics, integrity, and leadership.&nbsp; But the lesson still holds.</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethics\" target=\"_blank\">Ethics: definitions</a> from Merriam-Webster Online</p> <ol> <li>the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation  <li>a set of moral principles <strong>:</strong> a theory or system of moral values&nbsp; <li>the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group  <li>a guiding philosophy  <li>a consciousness of moral importance  <li>a set of moral issues or aspects (as rightness) </li></ol> <p><a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integrity\" target=\"_blank\">Integrity: definitions</a> From Merriam-Webster Online</p> <ol> <li>firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values  <li>an unimpaired condition  <li>the quality or state of being complete or undivided </li></ol> <p><a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leadership\" target=\"_blank\">Leadership: definitions</a>&nbsp; from Merriam-Webster Online</p> <ol> <li>the office or position of a <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/leader\">leader</a>  <li>capacity to lead  <li>the act or an instance of leading</li></ol> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/william-g-koerber.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"244\" alt=\"William G. Koerber and Ida Mae Koerber Massnick\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/william-g-koerber_thumb.jpg\" width=\"174\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\"></a>Later that evening, we visited my other grandparents at their home on Port Drive in Detroit.&nbsp;&nbsp; Sitting in Grandpa Koerber\'s lap,&nbsp; I held out my favoite picture book.&nbsp; Pointing to the picture, I asked.&nbsp; \"Grandpa - what\'s this?\" \"A camel\" he told me.&nbsp; \"No Grandpa, it\'s a dromedary - see only one hump.\"&nbsp; \"Why you are right, Miss Smarty Pants, it is a dromedary after all.\" </p> <p>Grandma told me, a few years later when we went back for his funeral, that Grandpa told that story to all his friends.&nbsp; He would laugh and brag about how amazed he was to be learning lessons about dromedaries from a five year old girl.&nbsp; But what stuck with me from that long ago night was what both Grandma and Grandpa had explained to me.&nbsp; \"It\'s not just what you know that is important.&nbsp; It\'s what you do&nbsp; with it.\"</p> <p>So as we look at the definitions above, we know what the words mean.&nbsp; The question is not what we know - but what we do with it.</p> <p>As I look at the definitions above and think about my own experiences and what\'s changing in the world around me, I still draw on the skills my grandparents taught me.&nbsp; </p> <p>Studying the the words, as defined by Merriam-Webster, a definite and interrelated pattern emerges that allows me to synthesize my own understanding and beliefs.</p> <p>Ethics becomes simply knowing what is right.&nbsp; Integrity is the act of then doing what is right - even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable.&nbsp;&nbsp; Thus, leadership is taking the personal responsibility to step out in front while basing your decisions on your own ethics and integrity as you move forward.&nbsp; </p> <p>My grandparents must have also known this.&nbsp; For during their lives, each was a living example.&nbsp; They taught these values to their children and their grandchildren. Just as I am trying to pass them on to mine.&nbsp;&nbsp; I guess some things don\'t change that much after all.</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned...</p> <blockquote> <p>- Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:78f171f8-18ef-4b2a-b0ac-df2fb46b2c0b\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Ethics\" rel=\"tag\">Ethics</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Integrity\" rel=\"tag\">Integrity</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Change\" rel=\"tag\">Change</a></div></blockquote>','Ethics, Integrity, Leadership, and Change','','inherit','open','open','','1438-revision','','','2009-06-04 20:33:07','2009-06-04 20:33:07','',1438,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1438-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2100,2,'2009-04-25 23:04:24','2009-04-25 23:04:24','<p>A TV commercial came out when I was in elementary school that I remember to this day. We lived in a different time.&nbsp; The 1960\'s had ended and we were at the start of a new decade.&nbsp; It was 1971.&nbsp; People were protesting the war (in Vietnam this time).&nbsp; Richard Nixon was President, Chairman Mao had declared the Cultural Revolution was ended (1969) and the door to China was slowly opening to the West. New technologies in semiconductor science and computing were evolving and a new environmental movement via Greenpeace was born.</p> <p></p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ad7f86f1-9290-4c4b-9d15-ddb8a7a4ae82\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;width:290px;margin:0;padding:5px;\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mOEU87SBTU]</div></div> <p></p> <p>A commercial came out in the fall of 1971 that captured the people\'s mood and helped embed a brand - Coca-Cola - in the hearts and minds of a generation. (See video from YouTube above.)&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href=\"http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/ccmphtml/colaadv.html\" target=\"_blank\">The story</a> of the how the now famous \"Hilltop\" ad came to be is a good one and a legend in the ad industry.&nbsp; Two top 20 Hits came out after the commercial, one by The Hillside Singers and the other later by the New Seekers.&nbsp; You can hear and see <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jr9hPbYmBo\" target=\"_blank\">their version here</a>.</p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/great-wall-coke.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"244\" alt=\"At the Great Wall copyright Joan Koerber-Walker 2001\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/great-wall-coke-thumb.jpg\" width=\"165\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\"></a>Fast forward 30 years - and my husband Chris and I were in China seeing the sights.&nbsp; It was just weeks after 9-11 and the world was still reeling in shock.&nbsp; It was not a time of global love and trust.&nbsp; <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/03/climbing-mountains-one-step-at-a-time.html\" target=\"_blank\">One sunny morning, we made a visit to the Great Wall of China</a>.&nbsp; As we made our way up the wall, I watched a man helping a little girl climb step by step.&nbsp; We stopped, as they did, along the way to take a break.&nbsp; I took a Coke out of my backpack and caught the Dad\'s eye and pointed at his little girl.&nbsp; After he nodded yes, I turned to offer it to her.&nbsp; She did not speak English, but her eyes lit up as she giggled and sang out \"Coca-Cola!\"&nbsp; Perhaps they did teach the world to sing after all.</p> <h3>How will you build your brand?</h3> <p>Most of us can not afford the $250K Coca-Cola spent just to create the famous ad in 1971. (<a href=\"http://www.dollartimes.com/calculators/inflation.htm\" target=\"_blank\">That\'s $1.3M+ in 2009 dollars and without airtime!)</a>&nbsp; But, that\'s OK.&nbsp; You see, they learned the most important secret of business growth and branding.&nbsp; </p> <p>It\'s not what you say about your company that matters.&nbsp; What matters is what others say about you.&nbsp; Especially in times like these - times of challenge and change -actions speak louder than words.&nbsp; </p> <p>It does not matter how big or small your company is.&nbsp; Your decisions can make or break your brand.&nbsp;&nbsp; The next time you have a business decision to make - ask yourself, \"How will others see this - and what will THEY remember?\"&nbsp; </p> <p>People have long memories, and you never know who might be writing about YOU thirty days or thirty years from now.</p> <p>Stay Tuned...</p> <blockquote> <p>-Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:57042d9a-33b0-4c23-a89d-4f3801249a7e\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Branding\" rel=\"tag\">Branding</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Innovation\" rel=\"tag\">Innovation</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Decision%20Making\" rel=\"tag\">Decision Making</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Coca-Cola\" rel=\"tag\">Coca-Cola</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/China\" rel=\"tag\">China</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/great%20wall\" rel=\"tag\">great wall</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/advertising\" rel=\"tag\">advertising</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/I%e2%80%99d%20Like%20to%20teach%20the%20world%20to%20sing\" rel=\"tag\">I’d Like to teach the world to sing</a></div></blockquote>','It\'s the real thing...How will you deliver your message?','','inherit','open','open','','1429-revision','','','2009-04-25 23:04:24','2009-04-25 23:04:24','',1429,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1429-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2101,2,'2009-04-23 07:32:07','2009-04-23 07:32:07','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2grandma.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2grandma-thumb.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"2Grandma\" width=\"192\" height=\"240\" align=\"right\" /></a>\n\nFrom the time I was a little girl, one of my favorite questions has always been \"what\'s next?\"  I want a new challenge, a new opportunity, a new friend.  I\'m always looking around the corner for the What\'s Next.   I\'ve never been satisfied with the status quo, with sitting quietly, or staying where I\'m put.  This probably drove my parents a bit crazy at times.  My Mom would lament that I was the busiest child of her five - the one who was into everything.  (Those of you who know me well are probably thinking - some things never change.) Lord knows what they had to bribe me with to get me to sit still long enough to get my picture taken with <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/01/the-gift-of-100-christmases.html\" target=\"_blank\">Grandma Marie</a>.  (Yes, she\'s the one in the hat.  I\'m the one whose feet don\'t touch the floor.)\n\nWhen <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/joan-is-moving-on-from-asba-read-the-release.html\" target=\"_blank\">I left ASBA last December</a>, many of my friends called and emailed, asking \"What\'s Next?\"  They\'d seen the press release or the news articles stating my intention to \"focus on new opportunities in 2009 including \"a more active role at <a href=\"http://www.ribomed.com\" target=\"_blank\">RiboMed Biotechnologies</a>, Inc. where she has served on the board of directors since 2007.\"  (BTW - when we talk about W<strong>hat\'s Next</strong> - there is not a better example with all the break through that are happening there as they are developing new tests and tools for early cancer detection!)\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/cmark.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/cmark-thumb.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"cmark\" width=\"192\" height=\"176\" align=\"right\" /></a>\n\nSo, I have spent the last few months doing just that - focusing on <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/03/opportunities-are-out-there-are-you-ready.html\" target=\"_blank\">new opportunities</a> and I am glad to report they are all around us.  The trick is to recognize them when they occur and to make the most of them. \n\nTo do this, I am trying to practice what we preach at CorePurpose, Inc.   So many times, I have stood in front of an audience and gone through the focusing drill.  Helping them to find their CorePurpose® by linking what they are passionate about - to what they are great at - identifying the linkages people will actually pay them for - and then tying it all back to the values they will employ as they pursue their goals.  Now it was my turn to do just that.\n\n<strong>Step One</strong> required some introspection, some observation, and some questioning of those around me.  Great coaches like <a href=\"http://www.lilliancoury.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Lillian Coury</a> are helping me answer the question while talented friends like <a href=\"http://revenuehuntersintl.com/content/00/01/60/05/53/userimages/MDALLMEIER%20REVENUEHUNTING%20BIO.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mark Dallmeier</a> have shared insights and instruments to help me recognize the right growth opportunities to match my skills, talents, and aspirations.\n\n<strong>Step Two</strong> was answering the questions:\n<ol>\n	<li><strong>What am I passionate about?</strong>    Helping companies and people Grow and making a difference in my professional and private life. </li>\n	<li><strong>What am I really good at?</strong>  Motivating people.  Building high potential, innovative solutions with existing resources.  Finding new resources when needed.  Connecting with people, developing them, and building teams. </li>\n	<li><strong>What will people pay me for?</strong>  (Sometimes I hate this one, but if you can not monetize it in some way it\'s a hobby, not a business.)   Speaking, Consulting, Leadership inside their company or organization.</li>\n	<li><strong>What are my values</strong>:  <strong>P</strong>eople matter, <strong>A</strong>cceleration - nothing happens when you are standing still, <strong>P</strong>romises - keep them, Excellence - If you are not the best - find out who is and get them on board, Results - you can\'t succeed without them.</li>\n</ol>\nSo tying them all together.  <strong>What\'s next?</strong> \n\nFor me, the perfect <strong>What\'s Next</strong> is to acquire or join a company that\'s poised to grow.  A leadership position where my skills and talents will take the team where they want to go - or better yet beyond it.  I\'m still looking.  But in between, I\'m having a blast exploring all the exciting opportunities that are around us.  Speaking to audiences, growing my company, helping others realize their goals, and sharing ideas about how we can innovate, seize opportunities, and turn things around. \n\nIf you are still reading at this point - I have a challenge for you.  Go through the same exercise yourself.  Answer the four questions then tie them together to determine \"What\'s next?\" for you.  And if you would - post a comment and let me know.\n\nThat\'s all for now,\n\nStay Tuned...\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:f25a1620-433f-4a8e-a7af-3dc37fc6c602\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Corepurpose\">Corepurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/RiboMed\">RiboMed</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Early%20Cancer%20Detection\">Early Cancer Detection</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Opportunities\">Opportunities</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Goals\">Goals</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Lillian%20Coury\">Lillian Coury</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Mark%20Dallmeier\">Mark Dallmeier</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Revenue%20Hunters%20International\">Revenue Hunters International</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Professional%20Speaker\">Professional Speaker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/International%20Speaker\">International Speaker</a></div>\nCorePurpose® is a registered trademark of CorePurpose, Inc.','What\'s next? Where will you go from here?','Have you ever wondered What\'s Next?  Work through the exercise and find where your greatest opportunities lie.','inherit','open','open','','148-revision','','','2009-04-23 07:32:07','2009-04-23 07:32:07','',148,'http://new.corepurpose.com/148-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2102,2,'2009-04-17 17:53:58','2009-04-17 17:53:58','Have you fallen lately?  Been knocked off your feet?  Are you facing a challenge through no fault of your own?  Is it tempting to feel sorry for yourself, to think that times are too hard, to just give up? \n\nMy old friend and mentor Don Sweet sent me this video last week.  It really struck a chord and got me thinking.\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:752fca74-da91-4ed1-ace6-206f880cd714\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;width:298px;margin:0;padding:5px;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqantZJ6WwM]</div>\n</div>\nAfter you\'ve watched this video - its hard to be negative or give up.  Few face challenges on a daily basis that are anything like this.  If <a href=\"http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Nick Vujicic</a> can get back up and finish strong - how can we ever stop trying with the challenges we face.\n\nWe\'ve seen this week that dreams can come true.  Just look at how the world has embraced Susan Boyle, a woman who lives in a little Scottish village, definitely does not look like the typical \'superstar\' and unlike Madonna - Susan\'s never even been kissed.  But she pursued her dream of being a singer.  Her dream took her to Britain\'s Got Talent...that took her to <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY\" target=\"_blank\">You Tube</a> where close to 20 MILLION people have watched her WOW the judges and touch our hearts with her incredible voice, and now she takes the next steps and gets ready to take her place on a larger stage.  See the newest videos on <a href=\"http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30261383#30261383\" target=\"_blank\">Today</a> for more. \n\nAs a make my way around the community, I meet with lots of Arizonans.  People who are looking for new jobs, who are struggling to meet payroll, or are facing other challenges in their lives or in their businesses.    But what gives me hope is the resilience and determination I hear when we sit down and talk.  Whether it\'s over the phone for in a local coffee shop, I hear stories of people working together to make a difference, sharing ideas, asking questions, and finding answers and solutions to challenges.  Here are just a few examples:\n<ul>\n	<li>Allan Starr started a new discussion forum on Linked In called Marketing Partners Memos.  An established business leader and marketing expert, Allan asked his friends questions about things like SEO and reaching customers - you\'ll find of tips and advice from a number of folks in the Valley -  great ideas.</li>\n	<li>I am NOT a Social Media expert.  But I have friends that are.  They have helped me understand how to effectively use social Media as a tool for starting conversations.  When I put out a post on it this week, it spread like wild fire.  If you missed it and need some tips - see the ones I got from the experts and examples you can use as models at <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/04/a-busy-persons-toolkit-for-social-media.html\" target=\"_blank\">A Busy Person\'s Tool Kit for Social Media</a>.</li>\n	<li>For fun, I shared a quote from Albert Einstein on Facebook - \"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. \"   This quote sparked such a great discussion about the power or asking questions and the importance of collaboration and partnering that I moved it to the blog so that people can keep the conversation going in an open forum.  You can join the conversation too at <a href=\"http://koerberwalker.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/question-of-the-dayhow-can-i-help-you/\">Question of the Day - How can I  help you?</a></li>\n	<li>Tax Day - A crowd gathered at the Capitol to share their feelings on the state of the economy, government and taxation.  I chose to skip that particular gathering.  :-)  But if you want a flavor for the issues and answers around the question at the state level see the posts  <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/04/opportunity-springs-up.html\">Opportunity Springs Up</a> and <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/03/doing-the-right-things-in-az.html\">Doing the Right Things in Arizona.</a></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>Jeremiah Trnka\'s new Arizona Edition of <a href=\"http://www.theperformancemagazine.com/\">The Performance Magazine</a> launches next week.  Wednesday night he introduced me to some of his friends at CEO Space and we got a sneak peak.  Keep an eye out for this new publication full of great business ideas from leaders from around the country and Valley experts too.</li>\n	<li>Francine Hardaway of Stealthmode Partners sent me a note with and introduction to Jo Ellen McNamara, Executive Director of the West Mesa Community Development Corporation.  We met for breakfast at Chompie\'s yesterday to share ideas.  What a great addition to our Economic Development community.  Jo Ellen is very experienced and is doing exciting things in the East Valley.  We could have exchanged ideas all morning!  I look forward to working with her in the future.</li>\n</ul>\nSo, the next time life knock you down, pick yourself up.  Think of the inspiration of a Nick Vujicic or a Susan Boyle.  Find a dream - and some friends and colleagues to partner with - and go for it!\n\nStay Tuned...\n<blockquote>- Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:7694d6c5-23af-4ffa-a4d0-eb563cfb013b\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Inspiration\">Inspiration</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Nick%20Vujicic\">Nick Vujicic</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Susan%20Boyle\">Susan Boyle</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Social%20Media\">Social Media</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/The%20Performance%20Magazine\">The Performance Magazine</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Tax%20Day\">Tax Day</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Getting%20back%20up\">Getting back up</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Jo%20Ellen%20McNamara\">Jo Ellen McNamara</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Francine%20Hardaway\">Francine Hardaway</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Jeremiah%20Trnka\">Jeremiah Trnka</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/West%20Mesa%20Community%20Development%20Corporation\">West Mesa Community Development Corporation</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/collaboration\">collaboration</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Allan%20Starr\">Allan Starr</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Economy\">Economy</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Hope\">Hope</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Recovery%202009\">Recovery 2009</a></div>','Overcoming Challenges...Getting back Up','Have you fallen lately?  Been knocked off your feet?  Are you facing a challenge through no fault of your own?  Is it tempting to feel sorry for yourself, to think that times are too hard, to just give up?  This weeks wrap up post shares inspiration from around the world plus example of people right here at home who are helping themselves and others make Recovery 2009 a reality.\n\n','inherit','open','open','','1427-revision','','','2009-04-17 17:53:58','2009-04-17 17:53:58','',1427,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1427-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2103,2,'2009-04-15 20:59:06','2009-04-15 20:59:06','<p>An important conversation started when I shared a quote from Albert Einstein on Twitter and Facebook today.</p> <p>\"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. \"&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>This video is a great example of the types of collaborations that began at ASU when people started seriously asking questions.</p> <p></p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:36d1a0f9-cc8e-41b7-ba99-ec5d4373f7d4\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;width:320px;margin:0;padding:5px 5px 5px 10px;\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uCZSc2jrJQ]</div></div> <p></p> <p>When the tweet hit, a conversation started on Facebook - but since everyone can\'t get to it there, I am moving it to the blog so that anyone can chime in.&nbsp; It started like this:</p> <h5><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=726725235&amp;ref=mf\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a> \"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. \" Albert Einstein.&nbsp; </h5> <p>And then a conversation started...</p> <p><img style=\"margin:0 5px 0 0;\" alt=\"Carl Lundblad\" src=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/v225/413/32/q566597324_5536.jpg\" align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=566597324\">Carl Lundblad</a> at 9:28am April 15  <p>I have a question...  <p><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=726725235\"><img style=\"margin:0 5px 0 0;\" alt=\"Joan Koerber-Walker\" src=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/v226/80/106/q726725235_4102.jpg\" align=\"left\"></a>  <p><a></a><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=726725235\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a> at 9:33am April 15  <p>And it is...  <p><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=566597324\"><img style=\"margin:0 5px 0 0;\" alt=\"Carl Lundblad\" src=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/v225/413/32/q566597324_5536.jpg\" align=\"left\"></a>  <p><a></a><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=566597324\">Carl Lundblad</a> at 9:38am April 15  <p>Just responding to Einstein\'s counsel that we never stop questioning...guess it wasn\'t very funny...grin.  <p><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=726725235\"><img style=\"margin:0 5px 0 0;\" alt=\"Joan Koerber-Walker\" src=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/v226/80/106/q726725235_4102.jpg\" align=\"left\"></a>  <p><a></a><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=726725235\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a> at 9:43am April 15  <p>:-) Ah but that\'s the point - if we figure out the right questions - we may just find an answer. So let\'s have some fun. Pose a question. :-)  <p><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=566597324\"><img style=\"margin:0 20px 0 0;\" alt=\"Carl Lundblad\" src=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/v225/413/32/q566597324_5536.jpg\" align=\"left\"></a>  <p><a></a><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=566597324\">Carl Lundblad</a> at 9:48am April 15  <p>OK...are the average citizens of this country - folks like you and me - really committed and empathetic enough to help our brethren through these turbulent economic times and confirm the greatness and mettle of this nation? (You and I have both seen folks preach collaboration, but not all practice it well.)  <p><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=726725235\"><img style=\"margin:0 5px 0 0;\" alt=\"Joan Koerber-Walker\" src=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/v226/80/106/q726725235_4102.jpg\" align=\"left\"></a>  <p><a></a><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=726725235\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a> at 10:18am April 15  <p>Well, let\'s see. My guess is there have always been those who try to help and those that don\'t. Some who want to work together and others with no desire to.&nbsp;&nbsp; Maybe we ask the question - How can we find partners who want to work together with us and are committed to making a difference?&nbsp; That answer may actually get us what we are looking for. (I\'ve seen Francine Hardaway build collaborations like this over and over again when something needs to get done.)</p> <p>And as to the \'average American\' part of the question - I believe that any solution has to come from us - the good things - the ones that really work in this country - <br>all come from \"average Americans.\"&nbsp; So let\'s narrow the question. \"Who do we specifically what to help, and how. Then we can put out the call and ask \" who wants to help in that way.\"</p> <p><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1328408212\"><img style=\"margin:0 5px 0 0;\" alt=\"Lisa J. Ellis\" src=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/v223/1933/21/q1328408212_4371.jpg\" align=\"left\"></a>  <p><a></a><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1328408212\">Lisa J. Ellis</a> at 10:44am April 15  <p>I want to help in this way and make a difference! I enjoy collaborating and growing business through partnerships. The one for all, all for one mentality can work when we not only recognize our opportunities when they arise, but deliver opportunities to others - our partners. We can do this together...keep yourself open to the possibilities.  <p><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=726725235\"><img style=\"margin:0 5px 0 0;\" alt=\"Joan Koerber-Walker\" src=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/v226/80/106/q726725235_4102.jpg\" align=\"left\"></a>  <p><a></a><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=726725235\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a> at 10:50am April 15  <p>OK Carl and Lisa - we\'re up to 3 people who want to work together - and make a difference. Anyone out there care to make it 4?  <p><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=726725235\"><img style=\"margin:0 5px 0 0;\" alt=\"Joan Koerber-Walker\" src=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/v226/80/106/q726725235_4102.jpg\" align=\"left\"></a>  <p><a></a><a></a><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=566597324\">Carl Lundblad</a> at 11:28am April 15  <p>Hi Lisa! Great reply...most of my biz dev effort for ASC and my other client, FDI is to find collaborative partners. Especially now! Cheers.  <p><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1300606940\"><img style=\"margin:0 5px 0 0;\" alt=\"Eden Sunshine\" src=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/profile6/1287/80/q1300606940_2676.jpg\" align=\"left\"></a>  <p><a></a><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1300606940\">Eden Sunshine</a> at 12:02pm April 15  <p>I want to help... Has anyone read the book \"The Go-Giver\"? It\'s a very brief story about a guy who learns some very powerful lessons about letting go of his agenda and goals to support others. You all know the end of the story right? He goes broke. Just kidding. It comes back 100 fold.&nbsp; I believe the operative question worth asking and listening to is \"How can I help your business.\" If we intend to collaborate that must be our focus. But frankly people are afraid to ask and FOLLOW-THROUGH.<br>So let\'s see how much courage I have, \"How can I help your businesses?\"  <p><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=566597324\"><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=566597324\"><img style=\"margin:0 5px 0 0;\" alt=\"Carl Lundblad\" src=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/v225/413/32/q566597324_5536.jpg\" align=\"left\"></a>Carl Lundblad</a> at 12:09pm April 15  <p>Eden - check my email reply from yesterday, 4.14...let\'s book that lunch and keep the dialogue going re collaboration in both directions...  <p><img style=\"margin:0 5px 0 0;\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/v226/80/106/q726725235_4102.jpg\" align=\"left\">  <p><u><strong>And then there were 4 people in the conversation</strong>.</u>&nbsp; We need to keep asking questions, help each other find answers, and build solutions together.&nbsp; Who knows what might happen?&nbsp; You see, powerful things can happen when you ask questions.&nbsp; That\'s why I decided to move the conversation here so that everyone can join in.&nbsp; <em>(Thanks to Carl, Lisa, and Eden for giving me permission to share their thoughts.)</em>  <p>You may be viewing this from Facebook, Linked In, TypePad, or WordPress.&nbsp; To keep all the comments together, let\'s all put our comments on WordPress - you will find the string here: <a title=\"http://ow.ly/2XU7  \" href=\"http://ow.ly/2XU7\">http://ow.ly/2XU7&nbsp; </a> <p>PLEASE, join in the conversation. <strong>Leave a comment on my </strong><a href=\"http://koerberwalker.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/question-of-the-dayhow-can-i-help-you/\" target=\"_blank\">WordPress Blog.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; I believe that there are lots us.&nbsp; Just Average Americans, with lots of questions.&nbsp; Together we can find answers and better yet collaborate to make a difference.&nbsp; If you are looking for help with a question you are already working on - ask for it.&nbsp; If you are struggling with a new question, put it out there and see who might have an answer or want to lend a hand.  <p>Some people may believe that asking questions and expecting people to&nbsp; answer the call is a bit naive.&nbsp; A bit like looking for the Holy Grail.&nbsp; So I\'ll end this for now with a clip from a movie that came out back in my high school days.&nbsp; I think you\'ll recognize the characters.&nbsp; Think about the importance of asking questions - and think like a King! <p></p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:c9354ac9-dc53-43cd-bb53-cd61aa155521\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;width:290px;margin:0;padding:5px 5px 5px 10px;\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMxWLuOFyZM]</div></div> <p>I\'ll be watching for your comments.</p> <p>Stay Tuned...</p> <blockquote> <p>- Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:4b90b04d-1d07-464c-a44d-ee91bd6d1f68\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizona%20State%20University\" rel=\"tag\">Arizona State University</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/New%20American%20University\" rel=\"tag\">New American University</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Albert%20Einstein\" rel=\"tag\">Albert Einstein</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Asking%20Questions\" rel=\"tag\">Asking Questions</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/making%20a%20difference\" rel=\"tag\">making a difference</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/finding%20answers\" rel=\"tag\">finding answers</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Carl%20Lundblad\" rel=\"tag\">Carl Lundblad</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Lisa%20Ellis\" rel=\"tag\">Lisa Ellis</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Advanced%20Strategy%20Center%20at%20Pinnacle%20Peak\" rel=\"tag\">Advanced Strategy Center at Pinnacle Peak</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Metro%20Studios\" rel=\"tag\">Metro Studios</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Eden%20Sunshine\" rel=\"tag\">Eden Sunshine</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Seven%20Level%20Systems\" rel=\"tag\">Seven Level Systems</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Monty%20Python\" rel=\"tag\">Monty Python</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Holy%20Grail\" rel=\"tag\">Holy Grail</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/collaboration\" rel=\"tag\">collaboration</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/recovery%202009\" rel=\"tag\">recovery 2009</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/twitter\" rel=\"tag\">twitter</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/facebook\" rel=\"tag\">facebook</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/wordpress\" rel=\"tag\">wordpress</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/typepad\" rel=\"tag\">typepad</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Francine%20Hardaway\" rel=\"tag\">Francine Hardaway</a></div></blockquote>','Question of the Day...How can I help you?','','inherit','open','open','','1426-revision','','','2009-04-15 20:59:06','2009-04-15 20:59:06','',1426,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1426-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2104,2,'2009-04-14 18:33:20','2009-04-14 18:33:20','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/social-media-bible.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/social-media-bible-thumb.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"social media bible\" width=\"244\" height=\"244\" align=\"right\" /></a>\n\nAre all the choices and options for social media making you dizzy? As a business person are you wondering if social media is a useful tool or a productivity disaster as employees or you personally \'waste\' time on line? As a job seeker, are you looking at social media as an answer to all of you problems.  As a parent are you concerned about who your kids are connecting with and why?\n\nWith all of the choices, opinions, strategies, and continuous change - who wouldn\'t be dizzy!\n\nOK, here comes the BIG disclaimer.  I am NOT a social media expert.  I do not claim to be, do not want to be, and probably never will be.  What I am is a business owner and executive who never has enough time.  So I use technology for what is is, a tool.\n\nEvery tool must have a purpose, and in the case of social media, its purpose is to start and continue conversations.  Conversations are what I <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">am</span> good at. Conversations identify issues, uncover strategies for change, bring us up to date information, and keep us connected. \n\nSo lucky for me, I have friends and associates who ARE experts.  I started a conversation with them and they helped me put together a toolkit that accomplishes what I need to do and then looked over my shoulder to make sure I did not mess it up.\n\nIn my case, my tool kit looks like this:\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"2\" width=\"456\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"345\" valign=\"top\"><strong>Purpose</strong></td>\n<td width=\"109\" valign=\"top\"><strong>Tool/Profile</strong></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"341\" valign=\"top\">Connect with Business Contacts and Showcase Qualifications</td>\n<td width=\"109\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http://www.linkedin.com/in/joankoerberwalker\" target=\"_blank\">Linked In</a></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"339\" valign=\"top\">Online Resume so Search Firms and Companies can Hire Me</td>\n<td width=\"109\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http://www.linkedin.com/in/joankoerberwalker\" target=\"_blank\">Linked In</a>  and <a href=\"http://www.brightfuse.com/joan-koerber-walker\" target=\"_blank\">Bright Fuse</a></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"337\" valign=\"top\">Sharing information and making updates to multiple profiles by cross linking accounts*.  One for business info, one for friends.  Note - never sell to friends if you want to keep them connected.</td>\n<td width=\"109\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\" target=\"_blank\">Personal</a> Twitter\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/CorePurpose\" target=\"_blank\">Company</a> Twitter</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"336\" valign=\"top\">Online address book and place to share and receive updates from business associates on business interests and activity</td>\n<td width=\"109\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http://www.plaxo.com/directory/profile/206159530461/47d2a626/Joan/Koerber-Walker\" target=\"_blank\">Plaxo</a></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"335\" valign=\"top\">Stay connected with Friends - share info, ideas, updates, and fun stuff. </td>\n<td width=\"109\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/people/Joan-Koerber-Walker/726725235\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"334\" valign=\"top\">Share more detailed thoughts and ideas, build your brand, have longer conversations, publish articles on line, comment on other peoples \'conversations\'.</td>\n<td width=\"109\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blog</a> TypePad\n<a href=\"http://koerberwalker.wordpress.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Blog</a> WordPress</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"333\" valign=\"top\">Share Videos of yourself or others making a difference</td>\n<td width=\"109\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/user/joankw\" target=\"_blank\">You Tube</a></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"333\" valign=\"top\">*  Time Saving Tip - Set up a Business Twitter account and a Personal Twitter Account.  Connect your Linked In, Plaxo, Facebook, etc. to the appropriate RSS feed.  Then from HootSuite you can access both accounts - post updates - scan for news, replies, etc. and do it all quickly from one dashboard. You can even schedule your Tweets so it looks like you are always engaged even when your busy elsewhere. :-)</td>\n<td width=\"109\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http://www.hootsuite.com/\" target=\"_blank\">HootSuite.com</a></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"333\" valign=\"top\">*  Time Saving Tip - News Sites Consolidate information and so do some powerful Tweeters, newspapers, and magazines.  AllTop let\'s you pick the blog sites and publishers that you want to watch and puts them all on one page.  Examples of Major Tweeters also provided.</td>\n<td width=\"109\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http://my.alltop.com/joankw\" target=\"_blank\">AllTop</a> and tweeters: @GuyKawasaki, @Time, @WSJ, @NYTimes, @PhxPublisher, @AZBizReporter</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody></table>\nSo now that you have had a peek inside my Social Media Tool Kit, think about what you want to have in yours.  Here are some great resources to help you decide what tools are right for you...\n\n<strong>Want a manual?</strong>  The <a href=\"http://www.thesocialmediabible.com\" target=\"_blank\">Social Media Bible</a> by Lon Safko and David K. Brake.  (John Wiley and Sons) releases May 4, 2009 and is the most complete guide on the subject ever published.  It\'s a complete reference with 840 pages!   Don\'t worry, it\'s well indexed so you can find what you need.  I just ordered my copy on line for early delivery on <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Social-Media-Bible-Strategies-Business/dp/0470411554\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon.com</a> (&lt;$20) and saved myself a trip to the book store...\n\nWant a Symposium:  Check out the  <a href=\"http://wpcarey.asu.edu/seid/cabit/symposium_overview.cfm\" target=\"_blank\">CABIT</a> Symposium (coming up April 23 and April 24th at ASU for the all the latest in Collaboration from Social Media to Cloud Computing.\n\n<strong>Want a Class?</strong>  <a href=\"http://www.mcmaz.com\" target=\"_blank\">Jennifer Maggiore</a> owns a firm specializing in development and management of Social Media campaigns.  Her experience includes both the private and non-profit sectors for small businesses and national organizations.  Jenn is offering <a href=\"http://www.asba.com/events/events.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">hands-on</a> classes to help you get started in the ASBA Computer Lab this month.\n\n<strong>Want a Club?</strong>  Check out the <a href=\"http://www.smcphoenix.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Media Club</a> Phoenix  founded by local social media icon <a href=\"http://www.stealthmode.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Francine Hardaway</a> of Stealthmode Partners  \n\n<strong>Want a tutor?</strong> Local Experts like <a href=\"http://www.stevengroves.com\" target=\"_blank\">Steven Groves</a> at Steven Groves.com and <a href=\"http://www.businessbloggingpros.com\" target=\"_blank\">Dave Barnhart</a> of Business Blogging Pros might be just what you need.\n\n<strong>Want a complete end to end corporate social media solution?</strong>  No Worries.  Reach out to Lisa Ellis at <a href=\"http://www.metro-studios.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Metro Studios</a> or Ben Smith at <a href=\"http://www.lavidge.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Lavidge Company</a> and they\'ll fix you right up.\n\nOk - one last gasp on the subject.  <strong>How long does all this stuff take?  </strong>Well,  learning the ropes and the initial set up takes some doing, but like a tool chest you can add pieces one at a time.  Once you have your tool kit, just slot some social media time in your schedule.  An hour in the morning (to read what\'s happening in world and post a few comments) and a half hour at night to check back in does the trick for me.  I wish I could get through my emails half as fast.  :-)\n\nStay Tuned...\n<blockquote>- Joan Koerber-Walker\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:759edcdd-2a69-4af2-a4c8-85cc243c7ebb\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/joan%20koerber-walker\">joan koerber-walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpose\">corepurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Social%20Media%20Bible\">Social Media Bible</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Lon%20Safko\">Lon Safko</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/David%20K.%20Brake\">David K. Brake</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Steven%20Groves\">Steven Groves</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Francine%20Hardaway\">Francine Hardaway</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Guy%20Kawasaki\">Guy Kawasaki</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Jennifer%20Maggiore\">Jennifer Maggiore</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/The%20Lavidge%20Company\">The Lavidge Company</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Social%20Media%20Club%20Phoenix\">Social Media Club Phoenix</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/ASBA\">ASBA</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dave%20Barnhart\">Dave Barnhart</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Metro%20Studios\">Metro Studios</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AllTop.com\">AllTop.com</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Hootsuite.com\">Hootsuite.com</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Twitter\">Twitter</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Facebook\">Facebook</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Plaxo\">Plaxo</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Blogs\">Blogs</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/LinkedIn\">LinkedIn</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/YouTube\">YouTube</a></div></blockquote>','A Busy Person\'s Toolkit for Social Media',' Are all the choices and options for social media making you dizzy? As a business person are you wondering if social media is a useful tool or a productivity disaster as employees or you personally \'waste\' time on line? As a job seeker, are you looking at social media as an answer to all of you problems.  As a parent are you concerned about who your kids are connecting with and why?\n\nWith all of the choices, opinions, strategies, and continuous change - who wouldn\'t be dizzy!  Read on for tips on the world of Social Media\n\n','inherit','open','open','','1425-revision','','','2009-04-14 18:33:20','2009-04-14 18:33:20','',1425,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1425-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2105,2,'2009-04-11 03:29:33','2009-04-11 03:29:33','It\'s Easter weekend already.  It\'s a time of growth, a time of new beginnings, and time of opportunity.  As I have been making my way around our community, I\'ve seen new starts, new business, new partnerships, and new information all examples showing positive change is not so far away or out of reach.  Enjoy the attached song by Pete Murray and performed with John Mayer while I share what I have seen and heard this week. \n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:c2e4fc3f-41e1-465c-a527-40814bf5bc4d\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;width:354px;margin:0;padding:5px;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZcxOla-Y-s]</div>\n</div>\nTuesday, at ASU I found a great new FREE tool.  It\'s called <a href=\"http://wpcarey.asu.edu/bluechip/\">Economy@W.P.Carey</a> and contains up-to-date economic insights including the Blue Chip Economic reports, articles from thought leaders in the AZ economy like Dr. Lee McPheters, and much more.  As soon as I got home, I loaded it into my RSS feed reader on iGoogle so that as new developments appear I see them right away. Oh and what are the economists saying?  Well, not surprisingly - 2009 for AZ looks pretty tough - but <a href=\"http://wpcarey.asu.edu/bluechip/western/Arizona.cfm\">the consensus of all the different economists reporting</a> was that we would see upward movement at the end of 2009 with sustained positive momentum in 2010.  That\'s very good news and economists rarely agree.  :-)\n\nA visit to the DW Sports Group yielded great conversations with Dane Platt and William Carey...not to mention a tour of their facility and the chance to pick up their newest innovation \'Green\' Golf Balls from Dixon Golf.  Look for William to be sharing his experiences as a Serial Entrepreneur at the <a href=\"http://www.azentrepreneurship.com/\">4th Annual Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference</a> on November 12, 2009!\n\n<a href=\"http://www.linkedin.com/in/swartzandassociates\">Bill Swartz</a> and I got together at Kierland Commons to exchange ideas and get caught up on the exciting growth industries we both see emerging in the valley. \n\nLisa Ellis of <a href=\"http://www.metro-studios.com\">Metro Studios</a> got me caught up on all the latest innovations in the world of Digital Marketing and Media - and helped me critique my newest YouTube videos on <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaybmA_pQ30\">Economic Gardening</a>, <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIlZHjHcj28\">Small Business</a>, and <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzYXS5gJnDs\">Healthcare</a>.\n\nThursday, <a href=\"http://www.gpec.org\">GPEC</a> held an event at the Tempe Center for the Arts called <a href=\"http://www.gpec.org/Convening_the_Community.aspx\">Convening the Community.</a>  (To see all the presentations and video from the event - click on the Convening the Community link.)  On one stage, in one morning, we got the news and proposed solutions from both <a href=\"http://www.governor.state.az.us/BetterAZ.asp\">Governor Jan Brewer</a>, with her finance team (Tom Manos and Eileen Klein) , along with the Arizona Legislature\'s take and budget solution from Kirk Adams(AZ Speaker of the House) and Bob Burns (AZ Senate President).  An education panel of Dr. Michael Crow (President of ASU), Dr. Debra Duval (Superintendent, Mesa Schools) and Dr. Rufus Glasper (Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges) shared their insights on the impact cuts are having on K-20.   Not all of the speakers agreed on all of the topics, tactics, and solutions.  (Not a big surprise.) But over 800 members of our community attended, listened, and learned.  More importantly, after the event there were many conversations springing up with between organizations - discussions of partnerships existing or forming - appointments being set - opportunities for solutions being discussed. \n\nAlso on Thursday - a Grand Opening for the new offices of <a href=\"http://www.perfectpowernetwork.com/\">Perfect Power</a>.  Congratulations to Lynn Paige and John Balfour - not just for opening a new expanded facility, but more importantly for being a key component in Arizona\'s push towards a vibrant solar power industry AND  North America\'s Most Award Winning Solar Company!\n\nFriday - Good Friday - I headed over to meet a group of executives at the <a href=\"http://www.sheagroup.org/\">Shea Group</a> for a great exchange of ideas on navigating the Healthcare Maze and what\'s happening in our community and our economy.  Talk about a brain trust all in one room!  Special thanks to Tom Freeze for allowing me to sit in.  :-)\n\nSaturday, I\'m off to <a href=\"http://www.nsa-arizona.org/\">NSA Arizona</a> top see my friends in the Speaking Community and share more ideas.  Thank goodness Sunday is a day for Family, Rest and Easter Eggs!\n\nSo think back on <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">your</span> week.  Who did you see?  What ideas did you share that could lead to new opportunities?  How can you partner with someone to overcome a challenge?    And while you are thinking it through, click the link to <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMtDX4ewdXQ\">watch the official \"Opportunity\" music video</a> and look for the writing on the wall.  ;-)\n\nHappy Easter Everyone.\n\nStay Tuned...\n<blockquote>- Joan Koerber-Walker\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:13107513-2fb1-4012-8239-b596eef4d1e0\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/William%20Carey\">William Carey</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/DW%20Sports%20Group\">DW Sports Group</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dixon%20Golf\">Dixon Golf</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Convening%20the%20Community\">Convening the Community</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/GPEC\">GPEC</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/ASU\">ASU</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Maricopa%20Community%20Colleges\">Maricopa Community Colleges</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Bill%20Swartz\">Bill Swartz</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Lynn%20Paige\">Lynn Paige</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Perfect%20Power\">Perfect Power</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Solar\">Solar</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Green\">Green</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Shea%20Group\">Shea Group</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Tom%20Freeze\">Tom Freeze</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/John%20Mayer\">John Mayer</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Pete%20Murray\">Pete Murray</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Opportunity\">Opportunity</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Economy\">Economy</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Jan%20Brewer\">Jan Brewer</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Kirk%20Adams\">Kirk Adams</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Bob%20Burns\">Bob Burns</a></div></blockquote>','Opportunity Springs Up','It\'s Easter weekend already.  It\'s a time of growth, a time of new beginnings, and time of opportunity.  As I have been making my way around our community, I\'ve seen new starts, new business, new partnerships, and new information all examples showing positive change is not so far away or out of reach.  Enjoy the attached song by Pete Murray and performed with John Mayer while I share what I have seen and heard this week.  \n\n','inherit','open','open','','1424-revision','','','2009-04-11 03:29:33','2009-04-11 03:29:33','',1424,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1424-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2106,2,'2009-04-04 17:24:51','2009-04-04 17:24:51','<p> <p></p> <p>It\'s been said that \'country music is the voice of the country.\'&nbsp; We have seen it in times of national crisis from John Rich\'s <em>Shutting Detroit Down</em> (2009) </p> <p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:7f2458ff-e34f-42c6-a4b7-9f5c874f42fc\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;width:306px;margin:0;padding:5px;\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI1TPJ4xURI]</div></div></p> <p>to&nbsp; Alan Jackson\'s 9/11 tribute <em><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvj6zdWLUuk\" target=\"_blank\">Where Were You When the World </p> <p></p> <p>Stopped Turning</a></em><em>&nbsp;</em>(video - 2001), and Lee Greenwood\'s <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RssIN3ustUw\" target=\"_blank\"><em>God Bless the USA </em>(video -1984)</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>Cross over artists like John Mellencamp tell America\'s story. Songs like&nbsp; <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXQ-cpiPYAE\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Little Pink Houses</em></a> celebrated the dream of a home for everyone.&nbsp; The link takes you to a video of his performance at the Obama Inauguration on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial while other songs bring the constant plight of the small farmer back in view with <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwf3S0B5LFQ\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Blood on the Scarecrow</em></a><em>.</em>&nbsp; </p> <p>Our country\'s music has reflected the voices of its people since its inception - from Yankee Doodle, to the spirituals of slaves, the rallying calls on both sides of the Civil War, <a href=\"http://www.woodyguthrie.org/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Woody Guthrie\'s</a> tales of America during the Great Depression&nbsp; or another popular hit of the day, <a href=\"http://www.authentichistory.com/1930s/music/1932-Brother_Can_You_Spare_a_Dime.html\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Brother Can You Spare a Dime</em></a>&nbsp; (audio-1932). The music of the 60\'s brought us Joan Baez and Bob Dylan\'s rallying cries for Peace and Equality as they searched for an answer <em><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f01UehWq3v8\" target=\"_blank\">Blowing in the Wind</a></em> (video-1971.)</p> <p>If music is the voice of the country, I sometimes wonder who is listening.&nbsp; </p> <p>Each day I try to keep up with what is happening as we struggle through our current time of crisis.&nbsp; Reading the NY Times, the Financial Times, &amp; the Washington Post.&nbsp; Scanning from MSNBC to CNN to Fox and reading through the Republic and the Business Journal, I look for signs of progress.&nbsp; When I find them, sometimes I will send them out on <a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a> or Face Book - or blog them out through Plaxo or LinkedIn.&nbsp; The Challenges are out there for certain - but good stuff is happening too.&nbsp; It\'s important to <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/02/two-sides---same-story.html\" target=\"_blank\">show both sides of the story</a>.</p> <p>Don\'t worry - I have no intention of penning songs, re-stringing my guitar, and serenading you with my own songs of the times.&nbsp; There are others who can do it so much better and my family has begged me not to.&nbsp; ;-)&nbsp; </p> <p>So please, turn up the volume and listen to the voices of America around you.&nbsp; Use your voice.&nbsp; Sing out if you have that talent.&nbsp; Speak out about what you believe in.&nbsp; Volunteer to help others - and while you&nbsp; are there - listen to their stories.&nbsp; Share a story of hope.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Every voice makes a difference - especially as it blends with the voices of others around the country.</p> <p>Thanks for listening&nbsp; - Stay Tuned...</p> <blockquote> <p>- Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:0e908ad4-c2e2-4f29-8639-ea2568e127a8\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/voices%20of%20america\" rel=\"tag\">voices of america</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/obama\" rel=\"tag\">obama</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/john%20mellencamp\" rel=\"tag\">john mellencamp</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/shutting%20down%20detroit\" rel=\"tag\">shutting down detroit</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/songs%20of%20the%20great%20depression\" rel=\"tag\">songs of the great depression</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/joan%20baez\" rel=\"tag\">joan baez</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/bob%20dylan\" rel=\"tag\">bob dylan</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/social%20media\" rel=\"tag\">social media</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/finding%20your%20voice\" rel=\"tag\">finding your voice</a></div></blockquote>','Is Anyone Listening?','','inherit','open','open','','1423-revision','','','2009-04-04 17:24:51','2009-04-04 17:24:51','',1423,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1423-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2107,2,'2009-04-03 03:23:00','2009-04-03 03:23:00','<a title=\"Photo - http://techie-buzz.com\" rel=\"Photo - http://techie-buzz.com\" href=\"http://techie-buzz.com/tips-and-tricks/spammers-get-innovative-use-top-media-names-to-fool-users.html\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/spam.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Image Credit - http://techie-buzz.com\" width=\"244\" height=\"184\" align=\"right\" /></a>\n\nWe live in an information age.  Google, Twitter, MSNBC, Face Book, TV, Radio, and Newspapers are all online.  Blogs are creating global conversations and with Skype, I now have to actually wash my face and brush my hair before sitting down before my computer at 5AM.  It only takes one video call while in your bathrobe and curlers to wipe our your smooth and savvy image.  (;-)\n\nI  can find out almost anything through my computer.  All it takes is some search creativity and a bit of persistence. The challenge is getting the information you need and filtering out all the noise.\n\nIt\'s getting louder. Can you hear it? \n\nWhether it\'s the volume of spam attacking your email folders, the tweet of a friend who has just found Twitter and has to share their EVERY action all day long, or the three-year-old, bogus email warning or \'favorite blessing\' that is again making the chain letter circuit.  Sometimes the noise is so loud you can\'t hear or find the important stuff.\n\nThe point of all these information and communications tools is to share information...and at times - spark a conversation.   But at times, it feels more like whoever makes the most noise is winning.\n\nA good example  is the annual Time100 Most Influential People List.  For decades this has been the true A list of people shaping our world.  Now Time has posted the ballots on-line.  If you can <a href=\"http://twurl.nl/zrhwtx\">wade though the over 200 profiles</a> to vote on, you probably have too much time on your hands.  I visited the site this morning and after a few minutes realized that it could take hours to go through them all.  Later today from Twitter, I got the news of how the voting was going and that Moot was in the lead.  Huh?  Who or what is a Moot?  I guess I was not the only one so out of touch.  They created a <a href=\"http://twurl.nl/w1vukv\">video</a> to explain it. \n\nToday was my day to do my part in updating <a href=\"http://www.ribomed.com\">RiboMed</a>\'s business plan so that it was ready to present to potential investors after we exhibit at <a href=\"http://www.aacr.org/home/scientists/meetings--workshops/aacr-100th-annual-meeting-2009.aspx\">AACR\'s 100th Annual Meeting</a> next week.  (The team\'s work in the lab is taking us closer to a breakthrough in early cancer detection daily.  We need to raise more capital to take it to the marketplace.) Unfortunately, I can only spend so much time running financial models, analyzing future markets and writing about epigenetic theory, bio-markers, and all that stuff before I start to go cross eyed.  I guess I\'m getting old.\n\nSo I took a break to check in on my social media pages at <a href=\"http://my.alltop.com/joankw\">AllTop</a> and <a href=\"http://www.hootsuite.com/\">HootSuite</a> to see what was up in the world.  And then braved my email to see if the note I was waiting for from New York had come in.  After sifting though my inbox and not finding it, I checked my junk box  scanning through 500+ spam messages just in case it was there .  Did not find it - but there were two emails from my parents.  Hoping for some happy family news, I opened them.  My folks sent me important emails they people send to them.   One was on the horrific dangers of Aspartame (the sweetener found in Diet Coke) and the other was quoting the LA Times on 10 disturbing \'facts\' about illegal immigration.   Dashed off a couple of quick emails to Mom and Dad explaining that neither of these emails were accurate or even recent - the LA Times hoax started in 2006.  Attached a couple of <a href=\"http://www.tinyurl.com\">tinyurls</a> with links to the actual facts, added an \"I love You\" and got back to work.\n\nWe\'ll wipe out cancer in my lifetime..I\'m not so sure about spam.\n\nStay tuned...\n<blockquote>- Joan Koerber-Walker\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:9bd019bf-ef15-42d8-b1f2-ad5dd2388a11\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/joan%20koerber-walker\">joan koerber-walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpose\">corepurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/ribomed\">ribomed</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/cancer%20research\">cancer research</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/spam\">spam</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AACR\">AACR</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Time%20Magazine\">Time Magazine</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Moot\">Moot</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/epigenetics\">epigenetics</a></div></blockquote>','Too Much Information?','We live in an information age.  We may wipe out cancer in my lifetime, but will we ever stop the spread of SPAM?','inherit','open','open','','1422-revision','','','2009-04-03 03:23:00','2009-04-03 03:23:00','',1422,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1422-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2108,2,'2009-03-29 02:22:04','2009-03-29 02:22:04','<a title=\"Arizona Governor Jan Brewer - Official State Portrait\" href=\"http://azgovernor.gov\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/governor-jan-brewer.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Governor_Jan_Brewer\" width=\"214\" height=\"244\" align=\"right\" /></a>On Friday March 27th, I had the opportunity to attend Phoenix Rotary 100 where the speaker was <a href=\"http://azgovernor.gov/BioJB.asp\" target=\"_blank\">Arizona Governor Jan Brewer</a>.  \n\nI was impressed.  Not because she is a stunning and charismatic orator - she\'s not.  What she is is a leader whose integrity shines through.  She\'s inherited a huge mess (Arizona has the highest budget deficit per capita in the US) and she is doing something about it NOW.  She\'s surrounded herself with \'some of the Top Experts in the state\", is carefully looking at all the facts and options, and making hard decisions.  Some that even she says \"I never thought I would ever support\" - like raising taxes - at least temporarily.\n\nShe\'s taking action to fix the immediate problems as well as working on solutions that will make for a better Arizona in the future.  It was very clear that she has no intention of letting this state be bankrupted or passing this mess on to the next Governor or the future generation of Arizonans.\n\nThere are times when doing the right thing can make you very unpopular in certain circles.  No one is ever happy when you take things away from them.  What the Governor demonstrated when fielding questions from the audience is that she is not making decisions based on popularity ratings.  She is using every resource at her disposal to fix the problem because it is the right thing to do.   That takes a lot of guts - especially for a politician.  Kudos to you Governor!\n\nGovernor Brewer laid out her Five Point Plan for getting our state out of the current mess and for building a better Arizona.  To read the whole text, click the link above the bullets.\n\n<a title=\"http://azgovernor.gov/documents/2009_BuildingABetterAZ-Outline.pdf\" href=\"http://azgovernor.gov/documents/2009_BuildingABetterAZ-Outline.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Five Points for Building a Better Arizona</a>\n<ol>\n	<li>Reform budget process with focus on longer-term needs and resources</li>\n	<li>Improve Prop. 105 – The Voter Protection Act</li>\n	<li>Further spending cuts, reduce general fund by $1 billion</li>\n	<li>Provide tax reform to attract business and more jobs</li>\n	<li>Temporary tax increase - $1 billion revenue to bridge the gap in our budget shortfall</li>\n</ol>\nWe\'re going to keep hearing lots of complaints and reading letters to the editor about programs being cut, budgets being squeezed, and how short sighted we are being.  But look at the chart and form your own opinion.  Its pretty simple.  The BLUE line is what we were spending and the PURPLE line shows what money the state projects to come in.  When you look at the widening gap, you start to understand why the Governor is taking a stand not just for today but for the future.  \n\n<a href=\"http://www.azgovernor.gov/documents/2009_Arizona\'sFiscalCrisis.pdf\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2009-arizonasfiscalcrisis.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"2009_Arizona\'sFiscalCrisis\" width=\"485\" height=\"377\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.azgovernor.gov/documents/2009_Arizona\'sFiscalCrisis.pdf\"></a>\n\nAs a business owner, I understand that you can\'t keep writing checks if you don\'t have the resources to back them up.  You make the best allocation of resources you can based on the business environment and your own ability to generate revenues.  When cash is tight, you cut back.  When times are good, you may spend more - but you always you put money into reserves for the days when cash get\'s tight again.  Because those days always come. \n\nI certainly don\'t envy Governor Brewer\'s position as a leader at this time in our state\'s history. But I truly respect what she is working to do, and I hope that when it comes my time to lead - in what ever way it comes - that I will do it with the integrity, guts, and good old fashioned common sense that she is showing now.\n\nStay Tuned...\n<blockquote>-Joan Koerber-Walker\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:557e3650-5ac8-4134-8b6f-d8fe138a41fb\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizona\">Arizona</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/State%20Deficit\">State Deficit</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Five%20Point%20Plan\">Five Point Plan</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Governor%20Jan%20Brewer\">Governor Jan Brewer</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Integrity\">Integrity</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Tough%20Decisons\">Tough Decisons</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Prop%20105\">Prop 105</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Taxes\">Taxes</a></div></blockquote>\n<a href=\"http://www.azgovernor.gov/documents/2009_Arizona\'sFiscalCrisis.pdf\"></a>','Doing the Right Things in AZ','Governor Jan Brewer is on a crusade to fix the fix the mess she inherited and Build a Better Arizona.  See what she is doing and ask yourself - are we Doing the Right Things?','inherit','open','open','','1420-revision','','','2009-03-29 02:22:04','2009-03-29 02:22:04','',1420,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1420-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2109,2,'2009-03-26 16:46:39','2009-03-26 16:46:39','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/ph02802j.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px 5px 0;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/ph02802j-thumb.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"PH02802J\" width=\"190\" height=\"244\" align=\"right\" /></a>It\'s been an interesting week so far.   A week of stepping back and looking at why things happen, how things happen, and how we fix them. \n\nAs an economist, we were trained to look at value based on scarcity.  There is only so much to go around and value is based on how rare or unique something is and how badly people want it.\n\nAs an innovator, we look at creating plenty.  Not \'how to get our piece of the pie\' but rather how to use what we have to \'make the pie bigger or create new types of pies\'.\n\nLately, I fear that too many of us have been thinking more like economists and less like innovators.\n\nAs I write this, I am listening as Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner testifies to the House Finance Committee.  He laid out six key ingredients for his recipe for stabilizing future financial markets, protecting key assets, creating market balance globally, and forming public/private partnerships to deal with the plethora of distressed assets that are choking the system.  It\'s a discussion on managing scarcity and creating security- but long term perhaps we may also be inhibiting growth.\n\nBut here is what else I have heard and experienced:\n\nMy friend <a href=\"http://www.stealthmode.com\">Francine Hardaway</a> has often cautioned me about the perils of stepping out as a leader and an innovator.  She never discourages me, simply warns me to be prepared for the challenges that come with that path.  She should know, she\'s faced them for over 30 years!  Sometimes I listen.  Sometimes I don\'t.  (Unfortunately she has an uncanny knack for being right - especially when I don\'t listen.)\n\nA Skype conversation with <a href=\"http://annieloyd.com/\">Annie Loyd</a> yesterday opened my eyes to what innovators can do and what innovators need.  Annie too has been leading for decades.  With a passion for equality, justice,  and opportunity, Annie has been working behind the scenes and on the front lines for years.  Her vision for her next big adventure is brilliant. \n\n<a href=\"http://www.gloriafeldt.com/\">Gloria Feldt</a> dropped me a note on FaceBook and asked a question about why so many feminists choose not to lead but rather stay in a circle or team to move change forward collectively.  My answer to Gloria was simple.  We need both.  \"I\'ve never thought of myself as a feminist - but leading can be a joy if you have a wide circle of support both male and female to move the mission forward. The trick is knowing when to step out and when to step back into the circle for support.\"\n\nA collection of friends from coast to coast have been helping me understand what\'s happening on the private equity and venture capital fronts.  Yes there are challenges right now, but I am inspired by all of the creative ideas and strategies that are being developed and deployed to overcome those challenges.\n\nAnd to top it all off, my new friend Sheri Tate sent me an incredibly edible treat, a sampling of her newest  <a href=\"http://www.silvermoondesserts.com/\">Silver Moon Desserts</a>. Imagine ice creams and sorbets infused with a tantalizing hint of liqueur - melting in your mouth.  Someone is going to make a fortune with Sheri and her team.  I just sent a note to a few friends I know who might want to take a look - and a taste.\n\nYou see life, innovation, and growth do not have to be played as a Zero Sum Game.  We all have opportunities to make the pie bigger, or create a series of unique and different pies of all shapes and sizes.  We just need to keep building that strong circle of support, finding new ingredients, adjusting our recipe by trial and error, and then reaching down for the courage to take a big step out of the circle and take the lead.\n\nStay Tuned...\n<blockquote>- Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:1644978f-3d04-4e7d-8de7-0fa8bae01d9a\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpose\">corepurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/innovation\">innovation</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leadership\">leadership</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/economy\">economy</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/recovery\">recovery</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/ice%20cream\">ice cream</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Gloria%20Feldt\">Gloria Feldt</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Francine%20Hardaway\">Francine Hardaway</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Annie%20Loyd\">Annie Loyd</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Sheri%20Tate\">Sheri Tate</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/SilverMoon%20Desserts\">SilverMoon Desserts</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/making%20the%20pie%20bigger\">making the pie bigger</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/zero%20sum%20game\">zero sum game</a></div>','It does not have to be a Zero Sum Game','','inherit','open','open','','1419-revision','','','2009-03-26 16:46:39','2009-03-26 16:46:39','',1419,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1419-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2110,2,'2009-03-24 00:26:01','2009-03-24 00:26:01','Today was a very good day on Wall Street.  <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/business/24markets.html?8au&amp;emc=au\">Dow Leaps 497 Points as U.S. Lays Out Bank Rescue Plan (NY Times)</a>   Some say we may have seen the bottom.  Some say not. This week will be an important one as we watch each day how the markets respond to the actions of both the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury.\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:67928877-dc7c-4c7d-9eaf-91f353efff26\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;width:285px;margin:0;padding:5px;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecTgxT3DK3Y&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1]</div>\n</div>\nThe actions of these two organizations, one independent of Congress and the other tied to it, are working together to stabilize our economy and to bring liquidly back to the market.  As we have all heard, this is not just a Wall Street issue.  It\'s hit Main Street hard.  Large Businesses, Small Businesses, Student Loans, Mortgages, and Consumer Credit have all been affected.  I\'ve yet to meet anyone who has not felt the pinch in one way or another.\n\nThe big questions for now are  \"What\'s Being Done?\"  and \"What does it all mean?  There are reams of articles that try to answer these questions, written by folk\'s much closer to the issue and lots smarter than me.  Instead of trying to analyze it again, I have pulled together 4 videos that together help put \"What\'s Being Done\" into perspective. In the first video (INSERTED ABOVE) Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke explains how we can keep history from repeating itself.  In the second video (see links below) he talks about what the Fed has done and is continuing to do.  In the third and fourth videos, Treasury Secretary Geithner explains his plan and Treasury\'s actions to get things back on track. \n\nThree More Videos to Watch:\n\n<a href=\"http://video.nytimes.com/video/playlist/business/cnbc/1194811622261/index.html#1194838788065\">Fed Chairman Bernanke on Financial Crisis</a>   \n\n<a href=\"http://video.nytimes.com/video/playlist/business/cnbc/1194811622261/index.html#1194838788065\">Part one of Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner discusses his plan to help clear bank balance sheets of their toxic assets.</a>\n\n<a href=\"http://video.nytimes.com/video/playlist/business/cnbc/1194811622261/index.html#1194838788065\">Geithner Pushes Bank Rescue Plan, Part 2</a>\n\nIt\'s the fact that , finally, there are detailed plans and that both the Treasury and the Fed are tacking action, that is driving  market confidence - and prices up.\n\nSo,  you may be wondering - is this the answer.  Truthfully, no one knows.  But for the first time, in a long time, we are starting to see a turn in market confidence - and THAT  is a very good thing.\n\nStay tuned...\n<blockquote>- Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:e74cd1ae-9f8e-4530-8cf9-023ec73a0ab1\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/joan%20koerber-walker\">joan koerber-walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpose\">corepurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/wall%20street\">wall street</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/economy\">economy</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/bernanke\">bernanke</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/geithner\">geithner</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/video\">video</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/New%20York%20Times\">New York Times</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Banks\">Banks</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/recovery\">recovery</a></div>','What\'s Being Done? The Fed and Treasury Together','Today was a very good day on Wall Street.  Dow Leaps 497 Points as U.S. Lays Out Bank Rescue Plan (NY Times)   Some say we may have seen the bottom.  Some say not. This week will be an important one as we watch each day how the markets respond to the actions of both the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury.  Read on to learn what\'s being done and view 4 videos that help answer the question.\n\n','inherit','open','open','','90-revision','','','2009-03-24 00:26:01','2009-03-24 00:26:01','',90,'http://new.corepurpose.com/90-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2111,2,'2009-03-22 22:48:18','2009-03-22 22:48:18','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/innovation-2.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/innovation-2-thumb.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"innovation 2\" width=\"244\" height=\"244\" align=\"right\" /></a>It\'s a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Arizona.  The sky is blue and cloudless , the breezes are still balmy - not like the hairdryer blast they will turn to come July. Parked by the pool with my laptop, it\'s a perfect  time and a perfect place to review what I saw last week and plan for the week ahead.\n\n<strong>The Week in Review</strong>\n\n<em><strong>Monday</strong></em> was an exciting day as Joe Carangelo and I presented the <a href=\"http://www.ribomed.com\" target=\"_blank\">RiboMed</a> opportunity to potential investors from Germany, Florida, and New York.  Not only did we get to spend time with investors but we made contacts with some really cool companies.  <em><strong>Tuesday </strong></em>- Catch up time - sending  follow up emails to the investors and innovators I had met the day before and then a real treat - a tour of <a href=\"http://www.autismcenter.org\">SARRC</a> guided by the one and only Denise Resnik. <em><strong>Wednesday</strong></em> - a day of brainstorming ideas with old friends and new. <em><strong>Thursday</strong> </em>- time to buckle down to work -  drafting plans, running numbers, and making phone calls.  <em><strong>Friday</strong></em> - two separate introductions brought great new connections and a great exchange of ideas and resources.\n\n<strong>The Week to Come</strong>\n\nThe week ahead is equally exciting - more conversations in New York and Florida, helping some friends in California arrange financing for an exciting project, speaking to the Tempe Kiwanis Club on Tuesday, putting together this years sponsors for the <a href=\"http://azentrepreneurship.com/\">4th Annual Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference</a> (mark your calendars for November 12, 2009 for the state\'s best entrepreneurial gathering yet) and the list goes on...\n\n<strong>Getting Ready</strong>\n\nKeeping things exciting means being ready to react to and capitalize on new opportunities as they appear.  Here are a few strategies that work for me:\n\n1.  <strong>You are what you read.</strong>  Things are happening and changing faster than ever before,  I found a great tool that puts all the latest happenings at my fingertips.  This link takes you to my <a href=\"http://www.alltop.com/\">AllTop</a> page.  <a title=\"http://my.alltop.com/joankw\" href=\"http://my.alltop.com/joankw\">http://my.alltop.com/joankw</a>  My list may not be your favorite reading, but the cool thing is that when you sign in you can configure your page for the stuff you want to read and stay up to date on. And best of all its free!\n\n2. <strong>Clean up your email</strong>.  Look through your In Box and your Sent Items.  Flag as follow ups things you need to touch back on or reply to, File important messages  in folders for future reference, and delete the rest.  Nothing is more depressing than trying to figure out what to do with thousands of emails that have been accumulating for weeks.\n\n3.  <strong>Do your homework</strong> - You know what you have planned for the week ahead.  Take some time to do a little research - check out the newest developments on line.  If it\'s a company or an organization you are visiting - check out their News or Media page.  If you are meeting a new contact, look them up on Google or Linked In.  Your meetings will be more productive for it.\n\n4.  <strong>Plan your trips</strong> - Whether you are heading across town or across the country - think about who you know who is close to where you will be.  Call them and set up a quick coffee or time to drop in and see them.  That way you leverage your travel time and can get much more accomplished with every trip.\n\n<strong>5.  Set aside time for new developments</strong> - There\'s nothing worse than discovering a new opportunity but being too busy or booked up to seize it.  Keep some time available to pursue something new when it pops up.  Because if you are open to discovering new opportunities - they are out there - and they will find you!\n<blockquote>- Joan Koerber-Walker\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:78b8337e-cf82-4c0e-976f-9dd920a79adf\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/joan%20koerber-walker\">joan koerber-walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpose\">corepurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZ%20Entrepreneruship%20Conference\">AZ Entrepreneruship Conference</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/RiboMed\">RiboMed</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AllTop.com\">AllTop.com</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizona\">Arizona</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/opportunities\">opportunities</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/time%20management\">time management</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/preparation\">preparation</a></div></blockquote>','Opportunities are out there. Are You Ready?','Opportunities are out there.  Are you ready?  Check out how to review the week past - plan for the week ahead and most of all - Get Ready.','inherit','open','open','','1418-revision','','','2009-03-22 22:48:18','2009-03-22 22:48:18','',1418,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1418-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2112,2,'2009-03-12 04:50:00','2009-03-12 04:50:00','<a title=\"Oasis in the Desert courtesy of Environmental Graffiti.com\" href=\"http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/desert-oasis/2257tp://\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px 5px 5px 10px;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/oasis.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Oasis in the Desert courtesy of Environmental Graffiti.com\" width=\"292\" height=\"220\" align=\"right\" /></a>Today, a friend asked me how my quest for capital was progressing? \n\nMy answer - <em>Like finding water in the desert</em>. \n\nBut the more I thought about it, the more apt the analogy became.  You see there is water in the desert, it\'s just hidden under the sand.  That\'s how oases are formed in nature.  The winds of change shift the sands until the water table is closer to the surface.  Then, even in a desert, things begin to grow.\n\nLately for some, it may feel as if the winds of change are blowing sand right in your face.  The trick is to look for the opportunities that may be lying underneath the surface as you see the sands shifting.\n\nThere are oases out there.  Here are some examples:\n<ul>\n	<li>A friend of mine sent me an email tonight.  She owns a great and growing company.  She asked for a favor...can you help me find a key employee for my company.  I called a few friends who might be a fit.</li>\n	<li>Another friend in La Quinta, CA  has a new book out and started a radio show to help people look at their careers.<a href=\"http://careersecretsauce.wordpress.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Career Secret Sauce and the Career Mechanic.</a> </li>\n	<li>Over coffee, I got to meet with the guys who run AZ Weekly. They have a great concept and are growing circulation like crazy.  We brainstormed how they could grow more AND save money.  Hopefully it helped.</li>\n	<li>My social media expert friend, <a href=\"http://www.stevengroves.com/2009/03/03/payola-in-the-blog-sphere-readwritewebs-proclamation/\" target=\"_blank\">Steven Groves</a> ,is coaching me on how to navigate the social media desert and use it to build a brand.  If he can teach me - he can teach anyone!  If you need help, ask Steve!</li>\n	<li>I found a really cool deal, but I need to access capital to make it work.  Friends from across the valley have offered to help me.  We just might make it too.</li>\n	<li>And as I talk to others about my really cool deal, I get to learn about their opportunities...and help them connect to others who can help them.</li>\n	<li>And so it continues...</li>\n</ul>\n\"Opportunities out there, just below the surface...like finding water in the desert.\"\n<blockquote>-  Joan Koerber-Walker\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:08677b42-de43-49d3-963e-4dab9970d287\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/joan%20koerber-walker\">joan koerber-walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpsoe\">corepurpsoe</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/opportuny\">opportuny</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/entrepreneurs\">entrepreneurs</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/social%20media\">social media</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Steven%20Groves\">Steven Groves</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Career%20Secret%20Sauce\">Career Secret Sauce</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Career%20Mechanic\">Career Mechanic</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/capital\">capital</a></div></blockquote>','Like Finding Water in the Desert...','Today, a friend asked me how my quest for capital was progressing?  \n\nMy answer - Like finding water in the desert.  \n\n','inherit','open','open','','69-revision','','','2009-03-12 04:50:00','2009-03-12 04:50:00','',69,'http://new.corepurpose.com/69-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2113,2,'2009-03-10 15:22:11','2009-03-10 15:22:11','I watched an interview with <a href=\"http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29593426/\">Warren Buffett on CNBC early Monday morning</a>.  Few would argue that Mr. Buffett is one of the most savvy and successful investors and businessmen of our time.  You can see some of his comments on the video, but the three main points are this:\n<ol>\n	<li>The American Consumer has lost confidence, and our markets and our economy are paying the price.</li>\n	<li>That American business works - it may not always be perfect, but it can and will recover.</li>\n	<li>That the team in Washington needs to work together, not against each other, to solve the problem. </li>\n</ol>\n<div><strong></strong></div>\n<strong>\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:5f6126ba-2f1b-4812-9c48-cff5dd3b85d7\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;width:303px;margin:0;padding:5px 5px 5px 10px;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PsZylvZD6U&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1]</div>\nWarren Buffett on CNBC on MSN March 9, 2009</div>\nRegaining Confidence:\n\n</strong>\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE5290MV20090310?feedType=RSS&amp;feedName=topNews\">A light at the end of the tunnel?</a>  While Q2 is expected to see a continued decline, a recent survey of 51 economists see a modest upturn starting in Q3.</li>\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2009/200903/20090310/article_393659.htm\">China\'s Q1 GDP Growth is estimated to be 6.5%</a> while not something they are happy about, since its <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_the_People\'s_Republic_of_China\">average GDP growth</a> over the last 25 years of 10%.  But we learned in business school that 3% is the responsible and sustainable growth level over time for any economy.  Perhaps what we are seeing is a return to realism not the <a href=\"http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article8892.html\">end of the world economy.</a></li>\n	<li><em>When the cupboard is empty it\'s time to start buying.</em>  We\'ve all held back and conserved as we saw things tighten up.  Companies cut back on inventories, consumers stopped buying and used what they had on hand.  But especially in the cases of consumables- you eventually run out and need to start buying again.  There are some fabulous deals out there.  I\'ve seen it first hand.  When my job ended in December, I started to conserve.  We used the stuff in the freezer or cupboard instead of buying more.  But as the cupboard runs bare, its time for a buying trip to Costco and Safeway.<em>The economic winds that are </em><a href=\"http://www.dictionary.net/buffet\"><em>buffeting</em></a><em> business will change.  They always do.</em>\n\n<strong>American Business Works</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&amp;sid=aWDxrfci549c&amp;refer=home\">IBM</a> is on the offensive - forging forward and taking proactive measures to lead in their markets.  It must be working.  The aggregate drop in their stock since the beginning of the year is only about 1% compared to the <a href=\"http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123625477682739223.html\">DOW that is down 25%</a></li>\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29603916/\">Even in a recession - some companies are hiring.</a>  Even banks, one of the hardest hit industries by the downturn, are hiring.  When the weak ones fail, the stronger, more conservative ones are picking up the slack and growing.</li>\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2009-02-23-laidoff-ceos-recovery_N.htm\">In every meltdown, new businesses emerge.</a>  Read this story on how people who lost their jobs created new businesses and jobs for lots of people.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>We ALL need to work together to solve these problems.</strong>\n\nInstead of bemoaning the challenges, or letting the economic winds buffet you from side to side - DO something about it.  Be part of the solution.  Here are a few ideas...\n<ol>\n	<li><strong>Buy something today!</strong>  (It does not have to be huge or a grossly irresponsible debt causing event.  Buy something in proportion to what you have to spend.)  If each one of us bought something each day, spending will rise.  Stop hoarding your cash.  When we stop spending we cycle down - when we start spending we cycle up.</li>\n	<li><strong>Call Three People</strong> you know.  Ask how things are going.  Offer ideas or offer  to help.   Be positive!</li>\n	<li><strong>If you are not working - VOLUNTEER somewhere</strong>.  Non profits are getting hit especially hard right now.  Instead of sitting home and watching TV, call an organization that is making a difference and ask them if they have something you can do for them.  You\'ll feel better about yourself and perhaps help someone else who needs it even more.</li>\n	<li><strong>If you are working, pay attention to what you do and how you do it</strong>.  When times are good, we all tend to get a little sloppy.  Now is the time to look at each program or process and find ways to improve, optimize, and in some cases let go of things that are not productive.</li>\n	<li><strong>Pay Attention to what\'s happening in Washington</strong>.  Go on <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/\">Twitter</a> and follow John McCain and Barack Obama.  They are sharing what they are doing -  follow along.  And if you see something you like or something you don\'t -  call your Congressman.  What they are doing will affect you.</li>\n	<li><strong>Never lose hope</strong>.  Whether it is a business problem, a personal challenge, or the economy at large the only thing that can truly defeat us is our attitude.  Never give up. </li>\n</ol>\nYes the current winds are Buffeting Business and those of us in it.  But eventually every wind calms.  Smoother seas follow and we move ahead.\n\n- <a href=\"http://www.linkedin.com/ppl/webprofile?action=vmi&amp;id=8615&amp;authToken=6-yY&amp;authType=name&amp;trk=ppro_viewmore&amp;lnk=vw_pprofile\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:df25c0e4-8118-4d2e-acbc-64eeef2c5468\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/joan%20koerber-walker\">joan koerber-walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpose\">corepurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/economy\">economy</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20growth\">business growth</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/small%20business\">small business</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/jobs\">jobs</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/networking\">networking</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/hope\">hope</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/consumer%20spending\">consumer spending</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/warren%20buffett\">warren buffett</a></div></li>','Buffeting Business','I watched an interview with Warren Buffett on CNBC early Monday morning.  Few would argue that Mr. Buffett is one of the most savvy and successful investors and businessmen of our time.  You can see some of his comments on the video, but the three main points are this:\n\n','inherit','open','open','','1412-revision','','','2009-03-10 15:22:11','2009-03-10 15:22:11','',1412,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1412-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2114,2,'2009-03-08 15:01:34','2009-03-08 15:01:34','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/knocked-off-feet.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/knocked-off-feet-thumb.png\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Knocked off feet\" width=\"175\" height=\"244\" align=\"right\" /></a>\n\nGet the feeling sometimes that folks are trying to knock you off your feet?  That challenges surround you.  That you might just land on your ...\n\nWell that\'s exactly what happened in the picture.  Unfortunately, I don\'t have the video of what happened next, when he picked himself up, dusted the ice off his backside, and SCORED.  But that\'s what happened.\n\nEach time we get knocked off our feet we have a choice to either give up OR regain our confidence and move forward towards a goal.  It just depends on how we look at it. \n\nIf you\'ve been following this blog, you know that I have been on a quest for capital.  I have a \'really cool deal\', that could create a new market, revive an established industry, bring jobs to AZ and the US, and oh yeah - make money for the people involved.\n\nIt\'s been a journey of moving forward and circling back -  over and over - but with each circle I get a little closer to the goal.  And the best part of all is that I have a great team behind me - my network - my friends and their friends.  Each time I have had to circle  back - another person steps forward with a new idea or an offer to help.\n\nEvery step along the way, with each person I meet, I have learned something new about the deal and about myself.  Every conversation leads to something of value - a new connection - a great question that helps me look at the project in a new way - a new idea - a new opportunity.\n\nThis week will tell the tale.  We\'re going into the third period.  When the buzzer sounds we\'ll know if we won or lost the game.  I\'ve got a great team behind me, a cheering crowd in the stands, and the puck.  I\'m ready to take the shot...stay tuned...\n\nJoan Koerber-Walker - entrepreneur and dedicated <em>Hockey Mom</em>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:ff6e1074-d414-4eae-972a-2c811bd061bc\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpose\">corepurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/entrepreneur\">entrepreneur</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/shop24\">shop24</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/access%20to%20capital\">access to capital</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/economy\">economy</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/hockey%20mom\">hockey mom</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/hockey\">hockey</a></div>','Re-Gaining Confidence','','inherit','open','open','','1410-revision','','','2009-03-08 15:01:34','2009-03-08 15:01:34','',1410,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1410-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2115,2,'2009-03-06 14:47:45','2009-03-06 14:47:45','As I have been sharing through this blog over the last few weeks, WE are the recovery solution.  So who is WE?  It\'s every American with a Bold Idea, a Passion, and the persistence to see it through.\n\nHere are some of the great things I have seen this week.  Examples of how WE are driving things forward.\n<ul>\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.leaderdynamics.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Joan Gustafson</a> and her husband Cliff came down and showed me a great new program Joan has developed in Minneapolis and would like to bring to the valley.  It helps displaced workers find their place again!</li>\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.stealthmode.com\" target=\"_blank\">Francine Hardaway</a> took me on a tour of a great new incubator - <a href=\"http://www.gangplankhq.com\" target=\"_blank\">Gangplank</a>.  Check out a great new program: <a href=\"http://blueprintforsurvival.eventbrite.com/\" target=\"_blank\">BluePrint for Survival</a></li>\n	<li>Four different Private Equity gurus (no names - they like to fly under the radar) shared their time with me to review my \'Really Cool Deal\' at <a href=\"http://www.shop24usa.com\" target=\"_blank\">Shop24</a>.  They not only shared their time, they walked me through it, gave me feedback, and helped me make connections!</li>\n	<li>A new <a href=\"http://www.markwoodcapital.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Investment Banker</a> friend invited me to lunch with some old friends and great new contacts.  I learned about great new programs like <a href=\"http://www.tekcelerate.com/\" target=\"_blank\">TEKcelerate</a>, got to meet the Founder and CEO of <a href=\"http://www.medelis.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Medelis</a>, a great local biotech firm, talked to a fund manager who is working with a local small business icon to save the company (sorry no names here), and lots of other great people.  The 12 of us talked for over 2 hours.  Now that\'s a POWER LUNCH.</li>\n	<li>Mike Campion, my favorite <a href=\"http://www.guiltymillionaire.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Guilty Millionaire</a> held an event at the Ritz to help others experience the success that he has.  My Friend <a href=\"http://www.guiltymillionaire.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Neil Dempster</a> did the keynote.  Sorry to have missed this - my con call ran late and I could not get across town.</li>\n	<li>Checking in on the Washington Beat, I followed <a href=\"http://twitter.com/SenJohnMcCain\" target=\"_blank\">John McCain on Twitter</a> and got to read his list each day of the top ten Porkiest Deals - but I also learned that John McCain and Olivia Snow brought forward new legislation this week to allow importation of drugs from outside the US.  This will increase competition and bring down healthcare costs - a huge burden on all of us.</li>\n	<li>My friend and hero Shay Pausa shared a fabulous video that gave me increased hope for the future.  Here it is.\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:99f4124f-d9d8-4ae8-a898-14051f7f477c\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA]</div>\n</div></li>\n</ul>\nSo what\'s on tap for me today...\n\n4:30 AM and 5:30 AM - Calls to friends in Milan and London to get feedback on my current project.  They shared great inputs, had actually used the product and told me what they liked about it.\n\n6:30 AM - sharing the weeks positive business news through the blog\n\n7:30 AM - back to work on the business plan\n\n8:30 AM - Off to tour the new offices of <a href=\"http://www.metro-studios.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Metro Studios</a> and to explore creation of an on-line TV program to keep driving our Recovery Mission forward.  Lisa and Clay are fabulous!\n\n11:30 - Lunch with one of my favorite bank exec\'s\n\n2:00 - 4:00 - calls with Private Equity and Investment Banking friends in the continuing quest for capital\n\n6:45 PM - You\'ll find me in full Hockey Mom mode - Cheering the Phoenix Polar Bears on to an EIGHTH straight berth at the USA Hockey National Championship Tournament.  This weekend will determine USA hockey history.  Want to come?  Get the details at <a href=\"http://www.PhoenixPolarBears.com\">www.PhoenixPolarBears.com</a>.\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b1b872f2-443c-4ec6-bf1e-935d331aadca\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/joan%20koerber-walker\">joan koerber-walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpose\">corepurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/gangplank\">gangplank</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/stealthmode%20partners\">stealthmode partners</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/markwood%20capital\">markwood capital</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/medelis\">medelis</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/phoenix%20polar%20bears\">phoenix polar bears</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Recovery\">Recovery</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/John%20McCain\">John McCain</a></div>','The WE Recovery...','','inherit','open','open','','1409-revision','','','2009-03-06 14:47:45','2009-03-06 14:47:45','',1409,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1409-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2116,2,'2009-03-05 15:29:01','2009-03-05 15:29:01','<p>For the last few weeks, I have been working on a \'really cool\' deal.&nbsp; It\'s not done yet, and the next week will tell the tale of whether it happens or was not meant to be.&nbsp; </p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/rsg-cut-out.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"165\" alt=\"Ready Set Grow, created by Paul Svancara, copyright CorePurpose Inc. 2003-2009\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/rsg-cut-out-thumb.jpg\" width=\"244\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\"></a>I hope we can pull it off, if we do, it brings a new industry to Arizona, will create a few jobs now and more&nbsp; in the long term, and will send a strong message, ANYONE CAN.&nbsp; </p> <p>It\'s good old fashioned business.&nbsp; We make a product, deliver great service, offer a better solution to serve our customer\'s need (at home and around the world), and create value for our customers, employees and investors.&nbsp; Those are the basics that I learned in <a href=\"http://wpcarey.asu.edu/mba/exe/\" target=\"_blank\">business school</a>, in <a href=\"http://www.linkedin.com/in/joankoerberwalker\" target=\"_blank\">my career</a>, and in observations of life.&nbsp; </p> <p>Like most mornings, I was up before sunrise.&nbsp; Scanning my Wall Street Journal and Financial Times online, checking out what happened overnight on MSNBC, scanning emails, <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/people/Joan-Koerber-Walker/726725235\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a>, and LinkedIn.&nbsp; Getting ready...</p> <p>These days, a lot that I read links back to our economy, what\'s happening at home, how it affects access to capital, what Washington is up to, and what\'s happening around the globe.&nbsp; Here\'s what I was reading this morning....</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29524363/\" target=\"_blank\">A Global Retreat as Economies Dry Up</a></p> <p><a href=\"http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123380102867150621.html\" target=\"_blank\">The darker side of Buy American</a></p> <p><a href=\"http://www.thomaslfriedman.com/bookshelf/the-world-is-flat\" target=\"_blank\">Thomas Friedman\'s best selling book The World is Flat</a></p> <p>...and here\'s what I think.&nbsp; Everything we do is connected.</p> <p>Like the circles above, all our actions, our projects, and networks connect, interact, and come together to create the whole.&nbsp; For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction (<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton\'s_laws_of_motion\" target=\"_blank\">Sir Isaac Newton</a>).&nbsp; Failure to keep things in motion (<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inertia\" target=\"_blank\">inertia</a>)can lead to collapse.&nbsp; We\'ve seen it in our financial markets as the flow money dried up, in our stores as spending dropped, and in our job market as the companies, who make the goods and deliver the services cut back.</p> <p>We\'ve lost momentum, but together we can get it back.&nbsp; So go find your \'really cool deal\'.&nbsp; Put something in motion.&nbsp; Get connected and help a friend move things forward.&nbsp; Recovery is up to us and we can make it happen.</p> <p>-Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:a9330919-41dc-4e13-b0c6-5077ae260512\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/joan%20koerber-walker\" rel=\"tag\">joan koerber-walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpose\" rel=\"tag\">corepurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/economy\" rel=\"tag\">economy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/small%20business\" rel=\"tag\">small business</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/innovation\" rel=\"tag\">innovation</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/hope\" rel=\"tag\">hope</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/global%20trade\" rel=\"tag\">global trade</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/global%20economy\" rel=\"tag\">global economy</a></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href=\"http://www.thomaslfriedman.com/bookshelf/the-world-is-flat\" target=\"_blank\"></a>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href=\"http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29524363/\" target=\"_blank\"></a></p>','A Global Balancing Act...','','inherit','open','open','','1408-revision','','','2009-03-05 15:29:01','2009-03-05 15:29:01','',1408,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1408-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2117,2,'2009-03-05 03:58:00','2009-03-05 03:58:00','<p>What keeps you up at night?&nbsp; What are the challenges you face in growing your business?</p> <p>For the last year, <a href=\"http://www.oneilresearch.com/publicdomain/aeim/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\">O\'Neil and Associates</a> in partnership with the Arizona Small Business Association has been asking thousands of Arizona Small Business owners this question and others like it.&nbsp; The study, the only one of its kind, gives great insights into what entrepreneurs need, especially in this challenging economy.&nbsp; Even better, it has tracked the results over time, giving us a picture of the world evolving around us.</p> <p>Mike is a brilliant researcher, and the data these reports - as well as others I have received over time have been an invaluable tool.&nbsp; A tool that I used in my ASBA days to help shape policy, and today as a small business owner, use to shape the decisions I face each day.</p> <p>Provided below is some of the great data released today. I\'m not the expert on reading this data, Mike is.&nbsp; So from this point on, the words are his...</p> <p>O\'Neil Associates/ASBA Economic Indicators Monitor</p><strong></strong> <p>\"Healthcare, Bank Lending Dominate Critical Issues for Arizona Businesses.</p> <p>Housing Market, Government Regulation, Interest Rates, Skilled Workforce Follow in Importance\"</p> <h5>- Mike O\'Neil ( <a href=\"http://www.ONeilResearch.com\">http://www.ONeilResearch.com</a>.)</h5> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/www.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" height=\"314\" alt=\"www\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/www-thumb.jpg\" width=\"473\" border=\"0\"></a> </p> <p>Healthcare costs (37%) and reduced lending by banks (35%) are most likely to be rated as critical issues by Arizona small businesses.&nbsp; These are the dominant findings this quarter for the O’Neil Associates / ASBA Arizona Economic Indicators Monitor, a survey of the 3,000 members of the Arizona Small Businesses Association. We asked Arizona small<br>businesses to indicate how important each of ten separate issues were for their business. Each was rated as being either “critical,” “important,” “somewhat important,” or “not very important.” There is ample reason for focusing predominantly on issues which are considered to be absolutely critical. Only slightly less likely to be rated as critical are the housing market, excessive government regulation, interest rates, and skilled workforce. </p> <p>When we add in those responses which considered items important, the rank ordering of responses tends to be similar; although, the relative importance given to interest rates, skilled workforce, and inflation is higher.</p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2-oneilresearch.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" height=\"325\" alt=\"2 oneilresearch\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2-oneilresearch-thumb.jpg\" width=\"491\" border=\"0\"></a> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:297d31db-e9fa-49e5-a030-9a241a52f2a0\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Mike%20O\'Neil\" rel=\"tag\">Mike O\'Neil</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/O\'Neil%20Associates\" rel=\"tag\">O\'Neil Associates</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizona%20Economy\" rel=\"tag\">Arizona Economy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Small%20Business\" rel=\"tag\">Small Business</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurship\" rel=\"tag\">Entrepreneurship</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Healthcare\" rel=\"tag\">Healthcare</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Small%20Business%20Lending\" rel=\"tag\">Small Business Lending</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Housing%20Market\" rel=\"tag\">Housing Market</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Interest%20Rates\" rel=\"tag\">Interest Rates</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Skilled%20Workforce\" rel=\"tag\">Skilled Workforce</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Stock%20Market\" rel=\"tag\">Stock Market</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Federal%20Budget%20Deficit\" rel=\"tag\">Federal Budget Deficit</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Energy%20Costs\" rel=\"tag\">Energy Costs</a></div>','And AZ Small Businesses Said...','','inherit','open','open','','50-revision','','','2009-03-05 03:58:00','2009-03-05 03:58:00','',50,'http://new.corepurpose.com/50-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2118,2,'2009-03-03 22:04:14','2009-03-03 22:04:14','Over the last few weeks I have been on what some say is an impossible quest.  Raising capital in today\'s economy.  The journey is not a new one and the road has many twists and turns.  It\'s taken me from the coffee shops of Phoenix, to the islands north of Vancouver and the mountains of Winnipeg.  From Singapore to Europe and back to Arizona again.\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:63660dfb-d295-4104-a3db-945f7cc84b22\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;width:281px;margin:0;padding:5px;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJS_zTnUiBc&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1]</div>\n</div>\nThe two projects could not be more different. \n\nOne - a <a href=\"http://www.ribomed.com/\" target=\"_blank\">biotech company</a> is pre-revenue with a vision of detecting dread diseases, including cancers, before the disease can spread and harm the ones we love.  SBIR funding and early stage capital has taken them far in the lab, but now to commercialize takes funding from the equity markets or strategic partners if we are to make vision  reality.\n\nThe second - a manufacturing company - has product, inventory, a proven system, an experienced sales and management team, AND, best of all, customers. \n\nIn multiple conversations, across multiple continents, in the quest for money, the secret is to find the RIGHT partner and show them the value.  Only then will they \'show me the money.\'\n\nI have not reached the end of the quest yet, but I am learning along the way.  Here are a few of the lessons I have learned:\n\n1.  Be creative - funding streams can come in all forms from traditional lending and equity, to more creative funding streams like loan guarantees and debt conversions.\n\n2.  Be passionate - if you can\'t get excited about what your opportunity- how can you get an investor excited?\n\n3.  Be flexible - they have what you need.  You can\'t call all the shots.  Know what points you can flex on and those you can\'t without jeopardizing the success of the business plan.\n\n4.  Do your homework - not just on the company you are working to build but on the needs of a potential investor.  What do you need and when.  What do they need and when.  Look for strong matches.\n\n5.  Reach out to your network and listen.  You\'d be surprised who knows who or who\'s done what in the past.  Your network can connect you to the perfect partner if you take the time to listen.\n\nSo wish me luck along the journey and stay tuned...\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:1332cd64-d885-435e-af82-cdb0ee977228\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/funding\">funding</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/private%20equity\">private equity</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/deals\">deals</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/small%20business\">small business</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/lending\">lending</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/biotechnology\">biotechnology</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/manufacturing\">manufacturing</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/entreprenuership\">entreprenuership</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/entrepreneurs\">entrepreneurs</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/angel%20capital\">angel capital</a></div>','Show me the money...','','inherit','open','open','','38-revision','','','2009-03-03 22:04:14','2009-03-03 22:04:14','',38,'http://new.corepurpose.com/38-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2119,2,'2009-03-03 03:02:36','2009-03-03 03:02:36','When you view the world news on The Economy, its pretty dismal as recounted in the attached report from the Associated Press. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rib6oprOsuo]\n\nThe important thing to remember is that WE are the economy. And while the Federal Government, Wall Street, and the Big Banks clean up their act, it will be up to all of us, the entrepreneurs and small business owners to innovate, expand, create jobs, and save jobs.\n\nAs I make my way around the valley and talk to companies across the country and around the world. I am seeing some incredible things. Small businesses and entrepreneurs are creating innovative products and services - the kinds that can pull us out of this economy the old fashioned way - with American spirit and entrepreneurial ingenuity.\n\nHere are just a few:\n\n[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDNW7GzWNXA]\n<ul>\n	<li>Imagine a Convenience Store open 24-7 that has when you need but is totally automated. This video shows the first one in the US. Now there are three and soon to be more. Check out <a href=\"http://www.shop24usa.com\" target=\"_blank\">Shop24 </a>and be sure to view the video press releases. This cool technology may be coming to a corner near you some time soon!</li>\n	<li>How about having a guardian angel looking over your company or property with video surveillance and live reporting. That\'s what <a href=\"http://www.ivedasolutions.com\" target=\"_blank\">Iveda Solutions</a> is doing. Click their link and see what this cool Arizona company is up to.</li>\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.gangplankhq.com\">GangPlank</a> in Chandler in Chandler has created an incredible environment where entrepreneurs can gather for learning, support, and even locate their new business.</li>\n</ul>\nSo don\'t let all the doomsday news from The Economy keep you from being innovative, reaching out, working with others, and continuing to build up Your Economy. The opportunities are out there!','The Economy and Your Economy','When you look at the economy, its pretty scary, but take a peak at some cool technologies that are great examples of how entrepreneurs may just be the solution to turning things around.','inherit','open','open','','1407-revision','','','2009-03-03 03:02:36','2009-03-03 03:02:36','',1407,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1407-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2120,2,'2009-02-24 22:08:12','2009-02-24 22:08:12','<p><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Hope\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"200\" alt=\"250px-Bob_Hope_in_The_Ghost_Breakers_trailer\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/250px-bob-hope-in-the-ghost-breakers-trailer.jpg\" width=\"260\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\"></a>One of my favorite quotes is from entertainment icon Bob Hope. </p> <p>The quote is simple:&nbsp; </p> <p><em><strong>\"I\'ve always been in the right place at the right time..of course I steered myself there.\"</strong></em></p> <p>Whether you are looking for a new job, building a business, or looking for financing for the business you own, being in the right place can make all the difference.&nbsp; The right place can be a frame of mind, a networking event, or a new business opportunity.&nbsp; <em>Steering yourself there</em> starts when you open yourself up to new things, take sage advice when it is offered, leverage your personal relationships, and always extend a helping hand to others.</p> <p>It has been so rewarding to be out in our community and see so many examples of Arizonans <em>\'steering themselves there</em>\'.&nbsp; Friends, old and new, making introductions - offering advice - making time for others - and most of all creating new opportunities.&nbsp; </p> <p>The photo in this blog (courtesy of <a href=\"http://www.wikipedia.org\">www.wikipedia.org</a>) shows a young Bob Hope in 1940.&nbsp; That\'s right Hope in the <a href=\"http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression\">Great Depression</a>.&nbsp; Recently I have heard so many (from the President on down) compare our current economic times to that period in history.&nbsp; Yes, there are some similarities, but there are also many differences.&nbsp; In many ways we have contributed to steering ourselves into this mess. And we can steer our way out of it again.&nbsp;&nbsp; American ingenuity, innovation, our determination to overcome adversity, and our willingness to lend a hand have served us well in pulling through each historical downturn.&nbsp; There have been a number of booms and busts. Remember the S&amp;L debacle and the Internet bubble bursting.&nbsp; I sure do!&nbsp; We recovered then, and we\'ll recover now.&nbsp; So start <em>steering yourself there</em>.&nbsp; All it takes is a little Hope.</p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:def4b991-f897-4177-9d76-67c1b1049be3\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Being%20in%20the%20Right%20Place\" rel=\"tag\">Being in the Right Place</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpose\" rel=\"tag\">corepurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/joan%20koerber-walker\" rel=\"tag\">joan koerber-walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/economy\" rel=\"tag\">economy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/great%20depression\" rel=\"tag\">great depression</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/direction\" rel=\"tag\">direction</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/hope\" rel=\"tag\">hope</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/bob%20hope\" rel=\"tag\">bob hope</a></div>','Being in the right place...','','inherit','open','open','','41-revision','','','2009-02-24 22:08:12','2009-02-24 22:08:12','',41,'http://new.corepurpose.com/41-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2121,2,'2009-02-20 22:14:17','2009-02-20 22:14:17','<div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:6d30aba1-0f43-46a0-9141-d07b20c657ed\" style=\"display:inline;float:right;width:272px;margin:0;padding:0 0 0 5px;\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoGYx35ypus]</div>Louis CK on why we\'re amazing...courtesy of YouTube.</div> <p>I\'ve heard a lot of talk lately about what\'s wrong with this country.&nbsp; </p> <ul> <li>Our banks are in a mess.  <li>We\'ve created faulty and misleading financial instruments on Wall Street.  <li>We\'ve put too much faith in technology and it won\'t \'bail us out\' this time.  <li>The Government let this happen - let the government fix it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <li>America\'s lost the will to compete, the ability to lead in manufacturing, the fire to innovate.&nbsp; </li></ul> <p>Are you totally depressed yet?&nbsp; <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoGYx35ypus\" target=\"_blank\">Click here</a> to watch a video for a different perspective on American innovation before&nbsp; you read on.&nbsp; </p> <div class=\"external_stage has_image\"> <div class=\"thumbnail_viewer \" id=\"thumbnail_viewer912677\"> <div class=\"thumbnail_stage\">Hopefully you feel a little better now.&nbsp; It may be a bit irreverent, but then perhaps we have been taking ourselves too seriously.</div></div></div> <p>Last night I had the opportunity to listen to a talk by Lynn Tilton at the AeA meeting in Arizona.&nbsp; </p> <p><a href=\"http://www.patriarchpartners.com/team.html\" target=\"_blank\">LYNN TILTON</a> is the CEO of Patriarch Partners, LLC, a firm she founded in 2000 to manage and monetize the distressed portfolios of financial institutions.&nbsp; Patriarch has since evolved to focus on direct investments in distressed American businesses, managing funds with over <a href=\"http://www.patriarchpartners.com/platforms.html\" target=\"_blank\">$6 billion of equity and secured loan assets</a>. </p> <p>I did not agree with everything Lynn had to say, but she made some points that I definitively do agree with.&nbsp; Here are a few views we have in common:</p> <ul> <li>Government alone will not be able to spend us out of the current economic situation.&nbsp; Changes are needed in how we manage markets, how we do business AND how we value it.  <li>Small and mid-sized businesses are and will continue to be a key factor in turning things around, putting people to work, and restoring our economic base and through it or tax base. See <a href=\"http://www.youreconomy.org\" target=\"_blank\">YourEconomy.org</a> for a better picture of the sizes of businesses that create jobs in your community.  <li>It is up to all of us to use our own strengths and talents to affect change and move things forward.&nbsp; We\'ll have to be creative AND flexible.&nbsp;&nbsp; <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:0adc26f4-aebb-4d2a-b8e3-1c4208a5e7bc\" style=\"display:inline;float:right;width:267px;margin:0;padding:10px 0 0 5px;\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkwSloggR-g&amp;feature=email]</div></div></li></ul> <p>Lynn has a few more resources than I do.&nbsp; OK, a few billion more.&nbsp; She used her position to get the word out in a <a href=\"http://patriarchpartners.com/Lynn_Tilton_WashPost_NYT.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Clarion Call</a> that was published in the NY Times and the Washington Post. Sent a <a href=\"http://www.patriarchpartners.com/open_letter_Geithner.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">letter to Treasury Secretary Geitner</a> proposing solutions.&nbsp; She\'s speaking out on national media, to small groups and large.&nbsp; And, agree with&nbsp; her or not, she is not sitting back and just letting things unfold as they may. </p><br> <p>So ask yourself.&nbsp; What can I do.&nbsp; Share ideas on this blog?&nbsp; Start a business?&nbsp; Support a business that is struggling and help them make it through this - while saving a few jobs in the process? Help someone who needs it to find a job? There are answers all around us.&nbsp; The trick is finding that one thing we overlooked before and putting it back to work for us in a new way.&nbsp; We need to use our networks and our contacts.&nbsp; And most of all, stop listening to the nay say-ers and just get on with it.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:ac168f01-4c6d-41ec-8e2e-20abd32bef88\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/joan%20koerber-walker\" rel=\"tag\">joan koerber-walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpose\" rel=\"tag\">corepurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Louis%20CK\" rel=\"tag\">Louis CK</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Lynn%20Tilton\" rel=\"tag\">Lynn Tilton</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/economy\" rel=\"tag\">economy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/innovation\" rel=\"tag\">innovation</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/technology\" rel=\"tag\">technology</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/turn%20around\" rel=\"tag\">turn around</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/small%20business\" rel=\"tag\">small business</a></div>','Two Sides - Same Story','','inherit','open','open','','42-revision','','','2009-02-20 22:14:17','2009-02-20 22:14:17','',42,'http://new.corepurpose.com/42-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2122,2,'2009-02-13 22:16:44','2009-02-13 22:16:44','<div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:38eee8b0-a2b6-439d-94ee-4efd9efe5ee6\" style=\"display:inline;float:right;width:225px;margin:0;padding:10px 5px 5px;\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IXa2pNGVj8&amp;feature=email]</div>Is this impossible? Watch the video .</div> <p>Over the last few weeks, I have been meeting with CEOs in and around Arizona.&nbsp; We talk about what we\'ve done, what we are planning to do, opportunities we\'ve seen, and people we\'ve met.&nbsp; We share contacts, resources, and ideas.&nbsp; We\'ve looked at what worked and shared lessons on what did not.</p> <p>At the same time I have watched the media focusing on everything that is NOT working.&nbsp; It makes growing businesses in this economic sound like <em>Mission Impossible</em>.</p> <p>Here is a list of some of the impossibilities we are barraged with every day:</p> <ul> <li>It\'s impossible to raise money in this economy.  <li>It\'s impossible to be a CEO and not become a scapegoat.  <li>It\'s impossible to find a great job, grow a great company, take back our leadership position on the world stage.  <li>It\'s impossible to balance a budget.  <li>Everything -&nbsp; it\'s just impossible.</li></ul> <p>Well entrepreneurs have a long history of making the impossible - possible.&nbsp; We raise money, take responsibility, create jobs, grow companies, and make our country the world leader that it is.&nbsp; We balance&nbsp; our budgets because we have to. (Unlike some, it\'s illegal for us to print money.)&nbsp; And we know better than most - nothing is impossible if you pursue it with passion, work smarter, and put all of your resources and connections to work to make things happen.</p> <p>So is the mission possible - you bet!</p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:3fa16fa3-58cd-4837-a67c-3038c8b2b188\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Mission%20Impossible\" rel=\"tag\">Mission Impossible</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/entrepreneurship\" rel=\"tag\">entrepreneurship</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/economy\" rel=\"tag\">economy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/small%20business\" rel=\"tag\">small business</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/inspiration\" rel=\"tag\">inspiration</a></div>','Mission Possible','','inherit','open','open','','43-revision','','','2009-02-13 22:16:44','2009-02-13 22:16:44','',43,'http://new.corepurpose.com/43-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2123,2,'2008-12-04 23:00:55','2008-12-04 23:00:55','Are you ready for Change?  2009 will be full of it.  From politicians, to business owners...  from consumers to sellers - January 2009 brings a who new year filled with opportunities.\n\nNow is the time to take stock of what you have to work with, lay some plans, and get energized for the change you will make in 2009.  Don\'t let all the negative media steal your energy.  Make your changes positive - act on your plans - find new resources - make a difference in your business, your community, your life.\n\nWorking together anything is possible and opportunites will be what we make them.','Change is what we make it.','Are you ready for Change?  2009 will be full of it.  From politicians, to business owners...  from consumers to sellers - January 2009 brings a who new year filled with opportunities.\n\n','inherit','open','open','','1405-revision','','','2008-12-04 23:00:55','2008-12-04 23:00:55','',1405,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1405-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2124,2,'2011-01-07 04:43:09','2011-01-07 04:43:09','<p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/chris-walker-011-020.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:right;padding-top:0;border-width:0;margin:0 3px 0 10px;\" title=\"There is something sexy about a leader\" border=\"0\" alt=\"A young leader on his way up\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/chris-walker-011-020_thumb.jpg\" width=\"227\" height=\"284\"></a><font size=\"4\"><strong>L</strong></font>eaders.&nbsp; We admire them, look up to them, wonder what it is to be them, take classes so that we can emulate them, at times we even envy them.&nbsp; After all, leadership is sexy, right.&nbsp; The power, the money, the prestige, the glamor, the lifestyle.&nbsp; They strut in, serious and focused, each morning and end each day with a smile of success, jacket slung over their shoulder and a spring in their step.&nbsp; They have the life!</p> <p><strong>Or maybe it just seems that way.</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p>I remember a meeting years ago that a group of us had with one of President Clinton’s top advisors.&nbsp; It was not the discussion on the economy and world affairs that made the lasting impact with me. It was a comment made as an aside describing the President’s day or specifically his evening. For at 10 PM each night, President Clinton was presented with a big thick briefing book outlining the key information that had been prepared for him so that he would be ready for the meetings scheduled the next day.&nbsp; Before he turned in for the night, he would read it through cover to cover.&nbsp; Presidents have long days and lots of homework. It’s not all applause, handshakes and Hail to the Chief.</p> <p>Whether you are President of the United States, or a team leader at a fast food restaurant, leaders have responsibilities and good leaders understand that the day is not ever over until the priorities are handled and responsibilities are met. It’s when leaders forget this that their leadership falters or is subject to question.&nbsp; </p> <h3>A leader’s priorities and responsibilities</h3> <p><strong><font size=\"4\">L</font>eaders live by their word.</strong></p> <p>If you want to be chosen to lead, be ready to show that you can be trusted.&nbsp; Leaders don’t lie, “forget” to tell the truth, let untrue assumptions stand or otherwise intentionally mislead. Leadership is not granted, it is earned by not only saying the right words, but by doing the right thing.&nbsp; Your word is your promise and keeping your promises is a hallmark of leadership.&nbsp; Broken promises lead to broken teams and opportunities missed by all.</p> <p><strong><font size=\"4\">L</font>eaders finish what they start, even when it is inconvenient.</strong></p> <p>There’s a reason that the captain is the last one to leave a troubled ship.&nbsp; Simply stated, the captain is responsible for the ship and every member of the crew.&nbsp; Leaders who bail are not leaders and sooner or later they meet the censure of their peers.&nbsp; Whether you are on the high seas, or walking the shop floor, a leader understands that taking care of the team and the people they serve is an obligation, not a slogan on a motivational poster you plaster on the lunch room wall to build up morale.</p> <p><strong><font size=\"4\">L</font>eaders don’t ask of others what they will not do personally.</strong></p> <p>True leaders don’t have hatchet men, clean up crews, fall guys, or someone to delegate damage control to.&nbsp; Dealing with, and taking responsibility for, failure is as much the leader’s role as are the accolades of success.&nbsp; Throwing someone under the bus or letting a teammate take the hit is not leadership, it’s cowardice.&nbsp; And that is a trait you are unlikely to find on anyone’s list of leadership character traits, LinkedIn profile, or a CEO’s resume.</p> <p><strong><font size=\"4\">L</font>eaders make it look easy.&nbsp; </strong></p> <p>Great leaders make it look effortless when the reality is anything but.&nbsp; We don’t want to listen to our leaders telling us how hard it is.&nbsp; Leaders don’t whine. We look to them to inspire us, to guide us, and to foster the belief that together “we can” do what we have set out to do.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong><font size=\"4\">L</font>eaders are admired for who they are as much as for what they do.</strong></p> <p>In the end,&nbsp; leaders stand out for what they have inside of them and how they let it out.&nbsp; The trappings of success may look great from afar, but the pinnacle of leadership is reached one step at a time and it is always an up hill climb to get there… and stay there.</p> <p><strong>Maybe leadership is not so sexy in real life after all.</strong>&nbsp; </p> <p>As a matter of fact, it’s a wonder that leaders have any energy left at all by the end of the day.&nbsp; But somehow they do.&nbsp; You see, for real leaders, the privilege of leadership itself is energizing…not just for the leader, but for everyone around them.</p> <p>So, are YOU ready to make the climb?</p> <h3><strong>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned....</strong></h3> <p><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em></p> <p><em></em>&nbsp;</p> <p>Oh, and if you are curious about the young man in the picture, he is already making the climb.&nbsp; As an athlete, he led his teams to championships, and now as an entrepreneur he is putting the skills he practiced on the ice to play in his business, putting his team mates first, watching their back, fighting for his team, pouring the passion and dedication that once drove him down the ice into achieving new goals.&nbsp; I’d definitely call him a leader – but I’ll pass on calling him sexy, after all, I’m his Mom and that would just be weird.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <blockquote><strong>About the Joan: </strong></blockquote> <p><a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c-pi\"><img style=\"margin:0 10px 0 0;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Koerber-Walker-056\" align=\"left\" src=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143e3970c-pi\" width=\"83\" height=\"103\"></a> An entrepreneur, author, speaker and corporate advisor, <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/www.linkedin.com/in/joankoerberwalker\">Joan Koerber-Walker\'s</a> journey has spanned from corporate America to entrepreneurship and non-profits, as well as to community leadership and into the halls of Washington D.C.&nbsp;&nbsp; To learn more about how CorePurpose and the CoreAlliance can help you grow your business in 2011, you can contact her by clicking <a href=\"http://corepurpose.com/contact.html\">here</a>.  <h6>CorePurpose&nbsp; is a registered trademark of CorePurpose, Inc.&nbsp; CoreAlliance is a&nbsp; service mark of CorePurpose Inc.&nbsp; All rights reserved</h6> <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:98a39345-0511-49fb-8139-11d5dfc0ded4\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leaders\" rel=\"tag\">Leaders</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership+Responsbilities\" rel=\"tag\">Leadership Responsbilities</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership+Qualities\" rel=\"tag\">Leadership Qualities</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan+Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a></div>','Why is Leadership Sooo Sexy?','','inherit','open','open','','1569-revision','','','2011-01-07 04:43:09','2011-01-07 04:43:09','',1569,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1569-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2125,2,'2009-12-18 05:04:02','2009-12-18 05:04:02','It was 30 years ago, that Summer between my Junior and Senior years of college.  I was living with my parents in Danbury, Connecticut and had started dating the boy across the cul-de-sac.  One Sunday afternoon,  we went out on our boat - Me and my Dad - and that boy and his Dad.  We were cruising around <a href=\"http://bryant3.bryant.edu/~kbonacci/Candlewood%20Lake.htm\">Candlewood Lake</a> and anchored across from  \"Chicken Rock\".  \n<blockquote>\"So, who\'s ready to risk it?\" - my Dad joked. </blockquote>\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/swan-dive.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/swan-dive_thumb.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Swan Dive\" width=\"292\" height=\"231\" align=\"right\" /></a>Everyone was laughing but I was game.  I dove off the bow, swam to shore and started to climb.  I was game - but not crazy. I climbed to the mid point - about 15 feet up - and jumped into the lake.  As I was swimming back to the boat, my Dad started yelling and pointing at the rock.  I looked back just in time to see that boy.  He had climbed to the highest point - and dove in head first.  Dad even caught it with his camera.\n\nYa gotta love a guy that\'s willing to risk it all.\n\nI did. Five years later, I married him.\n\nWhat, you may be asking, does this have to do with entrepreneurship?  Well, it\'s not that different.  Many will tell you, at one point or another - you have to calculate the risk and take that leap.\n\nEntrepreneurs are a rare breed.  We...\n<ul>\n	<li>assess risk</li>\n	<li>weigh outcomes</li>\n	<li>institute a plan</li>\n	<li>execute it</li>\n</ul>\nAnd when we do it well - we reap the reward.\n\nSometimes when you take that risk - you end up building a really great business...\n<blockquote>and sometimes when you take the leap - you get the girl.  :0)</blockquote>\nThanks for stopping by. Stay Tuned...\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:f8ace61c-7bd5-4490-a3d1-02c44d6ca508\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs\">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/risk%20and%20reward\">risk and reward</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/taking%20the%20leap\">taking the leap</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/candlewood%20lake\">candlewood lake</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Chicken%20Rock\">Chicken Rock</a></div>','Entrepreneurs, What Would YOU Risk?','','inherit','open','open','','1498-revision','','','2009-12-18 05:04:02','2009-12-18 05:04:02','',1498,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1498-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2126,2,'2009-06-21 06:19:29','2009-06-21 06:19:29','<p></p>I\'ve heard it said that leaders are born and I\'ve heard it said that leadership is learned. It\'s probably a little of both.&nbsp; <p>But whether it comes from your genetic make up or your environment, I owe whatever leadership qualities I have to my Dad.</p> <p> <div style=\"width:326px;display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:5px 5px 5px 10px;\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ca118521-c601-4f35-b2d6-c8ed3ece07c9\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtCjq1ZuLsI&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1]</div></div></p> <p>Great leaders lead by example and here are a few things he\'s showed me.</p> <h3>Great leaders...</h3> <h3>Listen and Learn</h3> <p>Leadership starts with conversations.&nbsp; If you listen to the other person, and really hear what they are telling you - you can learn something about them and about yourself.&nbsp; The more you know about each other - the more you can accomplish together. I\'ve listened as he talks with people many times.&nbsp; And he really talks WITH them.&nbsp; Never at them. He listens to what they have to say and shares his ideas.</p> <h3>Embrace Challenges Calmly</h3> <p>Challenge your thinking and challenge yourself.&nbsp; Be open to new ideas while staying true to your principles.&nbsp; No life is always easy.&nbsp; And I\'m sure raising five kids who were six years apart in age was not always a piece of cake.&nbsp; (I can not imagine a house with FIVE teenagers.&nbsp; I have all I can handle with two.) But what ever challenges he faced, my Dad kept his cool and did what had to be done. And he still does to this day.</p> <h3>Live their principles</h3> <p>Talking about something is easy.&nbsp; Doing something about it can be an entirely different story.&nbsp; True leaders don\'t just talk about something.&nbsp; They get involved and take action.&nbsp; My Dad does not stay on the sidelines.&nbsp; Even though he is retired, he\'s busier than ever.&nbsp; Whether it is creating a neighborhood park, getting a road repaired, volunteering at church, or helping a neighbor, he walks his talk.</p> <h3>Sing Out</h3> <p>Dad\'s not afraid to raise his voice and say what needs to be said,&nbsp; He shares with his children and grandchildren the stories of the past and talks with them about the events of our day.&nbsp; By his example he has taught us to be aware, be informed, and express our opinions... even when we don\'t agree with him.&nbsp; :-)</p> <h3>Don\'t have to be famous to be effective.</h3> <p>My Dad didn\'t have to be the President of the United States, the Chairman of the Board (OK, GM might have done better of he was) or a celebrity to make a lasting impact as a leader. He just needed to be who he is, do what he believes is right, and set a great example for his children.</p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/000_00431.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"000_0043\" align=\"left\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/000_0043_thumb1.jpg\" width=\"181\" height=\"122\"></a> </p> <h3>But most of all, truly great leaders are loved. </h3> <h3>And he is. </h3> <p>Happy Father\'s Day Daddy!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>And as my Daddy always says...</p> <h4>\"<strong>Make it</strong> a Great Day.\"</h4> <p>Thanks for stopping by...Stay Tuned.</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:6965f449-18a1-4f73-82b7-0da155f4d056\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Richard%20A.%20Koerber\" rel=\"tag\">Richard A. Koerber</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leaders\" rel=\"tag\">Leaders</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Father\'s%20Day\" rel=\"tag\">Father\'s Day</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Fathers%20and%20Daughters\" rel=\"tag\">Fathers and Daughters</a></div>','Learned Leadership','','inherit','open','open','','1445-revision','','','2009-06-21 06:19:29','2009-06-21 06:19:29','',1445,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1445-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2127,2,'2009-03-09 19:33:20','2009-03-09 19:33:20','<p><b>Phoenix Polar Bears Make USA Hockey History&nbsp; - Locking 8<sup>th</sup> Straight National Championship Berth – Announce National Tournament Roster</b>  <p>March 8, 2009 – Phoenix, Arizona  <p>The <a href=\"http://www.phoenixpolarbears.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Polar Bears</a>, Arizona’s Junior A Hockey organization clinched Western Division Championships of the <a href=\"http://www.wshl.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Western States Hockey League</a> (WSHL)&nbsp; in an 8- 1 win over the Valencia Flyers Sunday at <a href=\"http://www.polaricegilbert.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Polar Ice in Gilbert</a>.&nbsp; <p>They meet the El Paso Rhinos next weekend in El Paso, Texas for the 2009 Thorne Cup (WSHL championship) as they drive towards a sixth Thorne Cup victory in eight years and another shot at the USA Hockey Tier III Junior A National Championships.  <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/clip-image001.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" height=\"184\" alt=\"clip_image001\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/clip-image001-thumb.jpg\" width=\"244\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\"></a>  <p>The win over Valencia clinches the Polar Bears invitation to the USA Hockey National Championship making them the only team in USA Hockey history to go to the national tournament for eight straight years.&nbsp;&nbsp; With home ice at the <a href=\"http://www.polaricechandler.com\" target=\"_blank\">Desert Schools Coyote Center (Polar Ice, Chandler, Arizona</a>), the Phoenix Polar Bears have won the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) Thorne Cup five out of the last six years, were the silver medalist in 2002, won the Junior B National Championship in 2003, and won the&nbsp; Tier III Junior A National 2008 National Bronze Medal. With a regular season record of 42 wins and 6 losses, the team is a crowd favorite again for 2009.&nbsp;&nbsp; <p>“If the <a href=\"http://www.phoenixcoyotes.com\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Coyotes</a> had a record like this one, Jobing.com would be standing room only”&nbsp; shared a Polar Bear fan after Sunday’s 8-1 win over Valencia. “Too bad the Coyotes aren’t recruiting here!”&nbsp; <p>“It’s been a goal of ours since the beginning of the season to play for a division, league and National Championship,” commented Head Coach Harry Mahood. “I expect nothing but a hard fought series with El Paso next weekend.&nbsp; With the addition of Chris Walker, Curtis Kelner and Rusty Roe at the trading deadline we were able to significantly strengthen our team in all areas. We are ready for Thorne Cup play and to compete at the national level. I look to our captain, Troy Crowley, to have a big series.”  <p>Unlike many USA Hockey teams, the Polar Bears have 18 local players on its roster, young men who have been groomed in local hockey programs to a level of National excellence.&nbsp; The other half of the roster brings players from around the US and Canada.&nbsp;&nbsp; “It’s rewarding to see players who have developed through our programs rise to this level of play” shared Brad Berman, president of Polar Ice Ventures and Defensive Coach for the Polar Bears.&nbsp; “It’s what this program is all about – helping young players develop the skills and a love of the game.”&nbsp; Amateur Hockey has become a thriving business in the Desert since the Phoenix Coyotes made their home here in the 90’s.&nbsp; Leagues begin with Mini Mites and move up through the age brackets to the highest level of amateur play – Juniors.&nbsp; They next step for some of these players will be NCAA Hockey play and for a select few – dreams of future NHL contracts.&nbsp; Rinks across the valley groom the young players in Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Peoria and Phoenix.  <p>The Polar Bears are led by team captain Troy Crowley&nbsp; and assistant captains Curtis Kelner, Scott Skrudland, and Rocky DeAngelo.&nbsp; The full National Tournament Roster is provided in the insert at the end of this release.  <p>“We are proud to be surrounded by such a great group of dedicated young men.&nbsp; Each committed to reaching and attaining the National Championship with pride and purpose” stated Phoenix Polar Bears Head Coach and General Manager Harry Mahood.&nbsp; <p>&nbsp; <p>Posted by Proud \'Momma Bear\' Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:7a380102-21b5-44db-b5f3-bde714ad4781\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/USA%20Hockey\" rel=\"tag\">USA Hockey</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Phoenix%20Polar%20Bears\" rel=\"tag\">Phoenix Polar Bears</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Polar%20Ice%20Chandler\" rel=\"tag\">Polar Ice Chandler</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/WSHL\" rel=\"tag\">WSHL</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/National%20Championships\" rel=\"tag\">National Championships</a></div>','Eight Straight!','','inherit','open','open','','1411-revision','','','2009-03-09 19:33:20','2009-03-09 19:33:20','',1411,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1411-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2128,2,'2011-04-03 16:28:06','2011-04-03 16:28:06','<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">We’ve all been there. Those times when we have so much to do that we’re just not sure how it will all get done.  Emails are pouring in.  Reports are due.  The phone won’t stop ringing.  New social media communication tools are pinging you from all sides.  A new crisis has just popped up and you have not finished dealing with the old one! Each forms a link in a chain that has you attached to your desk.   <!--more--></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">When overload hits, it’s easy to get sucked into it.  That just makes things worse.  As it sucks you down, it slows you down… just when you need to speed up.</span>\n<div style=\"width:340px;\"><a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoon/5311/\"><img src=\"http://www.andertoons.com/img/cartoons/5311.jpg\" alt=\"Cartoon #5311 - \'On the other hand, it\'s great job security.\'\" />\n</a><a style=\"text-align:right;padding-right:5px;display:block;\" href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/\">An Andertoons Cartoon</a></div>\n<span style=\"font-size:small;\"><strong>At times like this, your attitude and the actions you take make all the difference.  </strong></span>\n\n<a href=\"http://andertoons.com/cartoon/5311/\" target=\"_blank\">Mark Anderson’s cartoon</a> has the right idea.  Find the positive in the situation.  You may be overloaded because THEY need YOU.  The question is… how will you meet all those demands.  Here are a few tips that work for me.\n<ol>\n	<li><strong>Don’t be a super hero – </strong>Let others know that you need help.  There are always tasks that can be shared so that you can focus on those high priority ones that will make the most difference.</li>\n	<li><strong>Take yourself out of the game </strong>– Let people know that you are on deadline and that for the next 24 hours you will not be available but that you will get back to them.  This will give you the time and space to get stuff done and let them know why you are not responding immediately.  Our communication tools can actually help here.  Set your voicemail message, email responders and other tools  to share that you are “away” and when you will be back in touch along with an emergency contact who can be reached if it is REALLY time critical.  Folks will understand.  After all, we’ve ALL been there.</li>\n	<li><strong>Make the most of seclusion</strong>- Now that you have that precious quiet time, get organized. Turn EVERYTHING off so that you have no distractions. Make a list of all your high priority items (the ones you did not share) and then rank them in order of importance.</li>\n	<li><strong>Start with #1 and get it done.</strong>  Cross it off and tackle #2, then #3, then #4 and so on. With each one you will find your sense of accomplishment and your energy coming back to you.</li>\n	<li><strong>Tell them you’re back</strong> -  Once you are back in the game – let people know.  Respond to those new messages, send out an email to teammates sharing what you accomplished while you were away and re-engage.  As you are responding, don’t forget to thank them for their patience and for stepping up and watching your back while you were away.</li>\n</ol>\nThere will always be times when we feel like we are chained to our desk.  By keeping the right attitude, taking the right action and getting the job done, we break those chains.  Soon we are free and have left a string of accomplishments behind us.  THAT is is the best way to create job security.\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned…\n\nJoan Koerber-Walker\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\"><img style=\"margin:5px;\" title=\"Joan Koerber-Walker_Thumbnail \" src=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" align=\"left\" /></a>Joan Koerber-Walker</strong> is President and CEO of <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\">AZBio</a>, the Arizona BioIndustry Association.  A two time Stevie Award National Finalist and former Fortune 500 executive, she is also the  Chairman of the Board of <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com/\">CorePurpose, Inc</a>. and the <a href=\"http://www.otef.org/\">Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a> and serves as Executive in Residence for <a href=\"http://www.callamanventures.com\">Callaman Ventures</a>.  As the former CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association and a past member of the Board of Trustees of the National Small Business Association in Washington, D.C. she has worked with hundreds of small businesses and on behalf of thousands.  Chat with her on Twitter as <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/joankw\">@joankw</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwgrowth\">@JKWgrowth</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwinnovation\">@JKWinnovation</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwleadership\">@JKWleadership</a> and <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/corepurpose\">@CorePurpose</a> or at her blog at <a href=\"http://www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com\">www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com</a>.\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:37db5eee-34ce-406f-854c-0d8c7f8b02e2\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan+Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZBio\" rel=\"tag\">AZBio</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Business Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Career+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Career Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Time+Management\" rel=\"tag\">Time Management</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Setting+Priorities\" rel=\"tag\">Setting Priorities</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Chained+to+your+desk\" rel=\"tag\">Chained to your desk</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Mark+Anderson\" rel=\"tag\">Mark Anderson</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Andertoons\" rel=\"tag\">Andertoons</a></div>','Help! I’m chained to my desk!','','inherit','open','open','','1585-revision','','','2011-04-03 16:28:06','2011-04-03 16:28:06','',1585,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1585-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2129,2,'2011-03-06 21:27:30','2011-03-06 21:27:30','If you are like most entrepreneurs, you have BIG plans.  The success journey can be a long one and you are eager to take that first step.  The question is…which one should it be?  Like a toddler who is taking those first tentative steps, some will be met with words of encouragement and applause and others many have you landing on your backside with a thud.  Either way, if you don’t pull yourself up and step forward, you will never get anywhere.<!--more-->\n<div style=\"width:340px;\"><a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoon/5117/\"><img src=\"http://www.andertoons.com/img/cartoons/5117.jpg\" alt=\"\'We\'re going to be taking baby steps for a while, so I\'ve taken the liberty of ordering booties for all of us.\' - An Andertoons Cartoon\" />\n</a><a style=\"text-align:left;padding-right:5px;display:block;\" href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoons/office/\">Andertoons Office Cartoons</a></div>\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><strong>Taking those first steps can be scary.</strong></span>\n\nNo one wants to land with a thud.  As entrepreneurs there are things we can do to baby-proof our business process so that our steps are sure and even if we stumble that the landing is not too hard.\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:small;\">Set your sights on a reachable goal.</span></strong>\n\nOne of the most common mistakes we often make as entrepreneurs is to set long term vision or goals instead of focusing on achievable short term objectives.   Having a long term vision is great, but most successful businesses look different over time as they grow and evolve.  If you set your sights too far in the distance, it’s easy to fall short.  When this happens you, your team, and your investors can get discouraged and may eventually give up.\n\nSetting achievable short term goals that build upon each other allows for a higher probability of success.  With each win, you encourage your team to reach for a more aggressive goal the next time and the next time and the next.\n\n<span style=\"font-size:small;\"><strong>“Why” first.  “What” second.</strong></span>\n\nThe second secret to safeguarding your first steps is to understand the “why” before you get all wrapped up in a never ending series if “what” and “how.”  Too often we jump right in by recruiting partners, lining up suppliers or designing systems BEFORE we have clear agreement on the reasons behind these steps.  Take the time in the beginning to truly understand WHY you want to achieve WHAT you want to achieve and then communicate it to your team so that everyone has a shared direction and motivation.\n\n<span style=\"font-size:small;\"><strong>Lay out your plan</strong></span>\n\nOnce you have those achievable objectives in sight and you and your team know  why you want to achieve them, you are ready to lay out your plan.  Map out what you want to do and how you want to do it. Identify the resources you need and your sources of supply.  Clearly define who will do what and when then get to it.\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:small;\">Grab a camera</span></strong>\n\nNow you are ready to to start your business off on the right foot.   Be sure to grab your camera to capture those important first steps and gather the team to celebrate each success.  After all you don’t want to miss out on the excitement…\n\n<span style=\"font-size:small;\"><strong>You’ll be up and running before you can say “baby booties” ten times fast.</strong></span>\n\n<strong></strong>\n\n<strong>Thanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned…</strong>\n\n<strong><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em></strong>\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\"><img style=\"margin:5px;\" title=\"Joan Koerber-Walker_Thumbnail \" src=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" align=\"left\" /></a>Joan Koerber-Walker</strong> is a two time Stevie Award National Finalist and Chairman of the Board of <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com/\">CorePurpose, Inc</a>. and the <a href=\"http://www.otef.org/\">Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a>.  She also serves as Executive in Residence for Callaman Ventures and on the boards of for profit and nonprofit organizations.  As the former CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association and a past member of the Board of Trustees of the National Small Business Association she has worked with hundreds of small businesses and on behalf of thousands.  Chat with her on Twitter as <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/joankw\">@joankw</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwgrowth\">@JKWgrowth</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwinnovation\">@JKWinnovation</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwleadership\">@JKWleadership</a> and <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/corepurpose\">@CorePurpose</a> or at her blog at <a href=\"http://www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com\">www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com</a>.','Success Tip: Taking the First Step','','inherit','open','open','','1581-revision','','','2011-03-06 21:27:30','2011-03-06 21:27:30','',1581,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1581-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2130,2,'2010-12-03 03:51:27','2010-12-03 03:51:27','<p><img style=\"margin:0 0 0 10px;\" alt=\"Microsoft Clip Art: automobiles,autos,cars,dashboards,driving,landscapes,mirrors,motor vehicles,photographs,rearview mirror,rearview mirrors,roads,steering wheels,transportation,travels,vehicles\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900399722.jpg\"></p> <p>As we come to the end of the year, now is a great time to look back in your rear view mirror as you prepare to accelerate into 2011.&nbsp; </p> <p>Whether you are planning your own career or planning for your business, a 360 degree view of where you have been and where you are going ensures a safer and more productive journey.&nbsp; </p> <h4>Get ready and DRIVE.</h4> <p><strong>D = Deliberate Direction</strong></p> <p>Being deliberate about what your desired destination is and the path you plan to take to get there is the first step in the process.&nbsp; Map out your plan, set milestone markers along the way, and set aside time to insure that all the tools and resources you will need are in place.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>R = Review</strong></p> <p>Review the road you have traveled so far.&nbsp; Were there times when you hit a pot hole or got stuck in a long detour?&nbsp; Did others on the road you were traveling zoom by you? Without getting mired down in frustration, take an objective look at why and how these things happened.&nbsp; What could you or your team have done differently to avoid these challenges.&nbsp; Were there warning signs along the way that you might have missed or key turning points that could have been anticipated sooner?&nbsp; By looking back at these experiences, we learn can learn from them.</p> <p><strong>I = Innovate</strong></p> <p>Innovation is the art of doing something in a new way to make it better.&nbsp; When you looked back on your 2010 experiences, what were the things you wished you had done differently?&nbsp; These are your innovation opportunities.&nbsp; They may be new processes, new tools to take advantage of or changes to your business vehicle. Think like a master mechanic.&nbsp; What can you tweak to get your business or your career firing on all cylinders?&nbsp; Is there a supercharger that\'s perfect for your goals?</p> <p><strong>V = Velocity</strong></p> <p>Merriam Webster defines velocity as:</p> <blockquote> <p><em>1&nbsp; a</em> <strong>:</strong> quickness of motion <strong>:</strong> <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/speed\">speed</a> &lt;the <em>velocity</em> of sound&gt;</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p>&nbsp;<em>b</em> <strong>:</strong> rapidity of movement &lt;[my horse\'s] strong suit is grace &amp; personal comeliness, rather than <em>velocity</em> — <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/#\">Mark Twain</a>&gt; </p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p><em>c</em> <strong>:</strong> speed imparted to something &lt;the power pitcher relies on <em>velocity</em> — Tony Scherman&gt;</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p>2 <strong>:</strong> the rate of change of position along a straight line with respect to time <strong>:</strong> the derivative of position with respect to time </p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p>3 <em>a</em> <strong>:</strong> rate of occurrence or action <strong>:</strong> <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/rapidity\">rapidity</a> &lt;the <em>velocity</em> of historical change — R. J. Lifton&gt;</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p>&nbsp;<em>b</em> <strong>:</strong> rate of turnover &lt;the <em>velocity</em> of <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/#\">money</a>&gt;</p></blockquote> <p>Understanding how quickly you will or wish to move forward is key.&nbsp; Did you have what you needed to propel yourself or your company forward this year?&nbsp; Where can you find it? Are you or your business ready to support the growth you have planned for 2011?&nbsp; By measuring our past velocity and the resources that it took to active that rate of change, we can estimate what we will need going forward and plan accordingly.</p> <p><strong>E = Engage</strong></p>OK, here we go.&nbsp; You are ready to engage and get your business or your career in gear.&nbsp; You know where you have been, where you are going, and what you need to get there on time.&nbsp; So strap on your seatbelt, rev your engines and start your journey into 2011.&nbsp; The road gets easier once you master the art of the DRIVE.  <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned....</p> <p>&nbsp; I\'ll be sharing more tips to help you get ready for 2011 throughout the month of December.</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <p>About the Author:</p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/koerber-walker-0564.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:0 10px 0 0;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Koerber-Walker-056\" align=\"left\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/koerber-walker-056_thumb.jpg\" width=\"83\" height=\"103\"></a> An entrepreneur, author, speaker and corporate advisor, <a href=\"www.linkedin.com/in/joankoerberwalker\">Joan Koerber-Walker\'s</a> journey has spanned from corporate America to entrepreneurship and non-profits, as well as into community leadership and through the halls of Washington D.C.&nbsp;&nbsp; To learn more about the art of the DRIVE,&nbsp; you can contact her&nbsp; by clicking <a href=\"http://corepurpose.com/contact.html\">here</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:8f0ab7e6-12b2-41d7-86f1-2964cda08888\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Planning\" rel=\"tag\">Business Planning</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Strategy\" rel=\"tag\">Business Strategy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneruship.%20entrepreneurs\" rel=\"tag\">Entrepreneruship. entrepreneurs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/getting%20ready%20for%202011.%20Business%20Tips\" rel=\"tag\">getting ready for 2011. Business Tips</a></div>','Look Back as you Move Forward','','inherit','open','open','','1560-revision','','','2010-12-03 03:51:27','2010-12-03 03:51:27','',1560,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1560-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2131,2,'2010-04-16 15:12:12','2010-04-16 15:12:12','<p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/circle-of-life_woodall_walk.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Circle-of-Life_Woodall_Walk\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/circle-of-life_woodall_walk_thumb.jpg\" width=\"244\" height=\"244\"></a> </p> <p>Whether I am speaking to a packed ballroom or just exchanging ideas over a Diet Coke with a friend, the question \"Can you have it all? A great career, a family, a sense of purpose?\" is one that comes up a lot.&nbsp; I don\'t have all the answers. I don\'t have MOST of them.&nbsp; But, the the family, friends and mentors I have met along the way are helping me to figure it out.</p> <p>Whether we are looking to get the best in our business or the best in our lives, we all have a series of choices that we have to make and a series of priorities we have to set.</p> <p>Our values as people&nbsp; and as organizations are the points on the compass that help us navigate the journey.&nbsp; Luckily, there are people that we meet along the way that help us determine the points on our personal compass.&nbsp; It may be just for an instant or it may be a partner that comes along on the journey - but either way - they share something with us that helps us set our direction.</p> <p>This video shares to story of one of the people I met along my journey over 25 years ago.&nbsp; What she said stayed with me.&nbsp; It has helped in my business and my life, and her work graces the walls of my home to this very day.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:7d1b40d7-fd04-4a5a-a82a-97483c9057ae\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSArDJ3E28o]</div></div> <p></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>So to answer the question - can you have it all?&nbsp; I think the answer is YES, you can have it all in your business and your life IF you understand WHAT \"having it all\" means to you - AND you are willing to embrace the people, the ideas, and the value choices that are the markers along the path.&nbsp; So pull out your compass, plot your path, and enjoy the journey.</p> <p>Thanks for Stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned...</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:1a8c608b-96e4-4ab5-b4c5-bf1f5a5937f9\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Having%20It%20All\" rel=\"tag\">Having It All</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Success\" rel=\"tag\">Success</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/choices\" rel=\"tag\">choices</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/priorities\" rel=\"tag\">priorities</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business\" rel=\"tag\">business</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/career\" rel=\"tag\">career</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/life%20choices\" rel=\"tag\">life choices</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/mentors\" rel=\"tag\">mentors</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Video\" rel=\"tag\">Video</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Keynote%20Speaker\" rel=\"tag\">Keynote Speaker</a></div></blockquote>','Can we have it all?','','inherit','open','open','','1516-revision','','','2010-04-16 15:12:12','2010-04-16 15:12:12','',1516,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1516-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2132,2,'2010-03-28 23:30:22','2010-03-28 23:30:22','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/money-image.jpg\"><img style=\"border-bottom:0;border-left:0;border-top:0;border-right:0;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Growth Solution image c. CorePurpose All rights reserved\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/money-image_thumb.jpg\" width=\"236\" height=\"264\"></a>  <p>Whether you are talking about a plant, an animal or a business...if you starve it, you stunt its growth.&nbsp; This is not a new concept. Any farmer can tell you that if any organism does not have the food and nutrients it needs, it can not grow.</p> <p>It\'s been said by many, from philosophers papers and economic treatise to Broadway Musicals and through the magic of Hollywood.&nbsp; No matter how it is delivered the message is always the same.</p> <blockquote> <p>\"Money is like manure, of very little use except it be spread.\"  <p>Francis Bacon (1561 – 1626)</p></blockquote> <p>As an entrepreneur, an investor, and an executive throughout my career, I have seen it time and time again.&nbsp; Great ideas, inventions, and opportunities are lost because we cash starve them to the point where we stunt their growth.&nbsp; This results in the business, the opportunity, or the benefit of the potential innovation being lost.</p> <p>This hit home to me Monday of last week when I was speaking with a group of entrepreneurs at <a href=\"http://www.stealthmode.com\">Stealthmode Partners</a> <a href=\"http://www.fasttrac.org/techventure.cfm\">FastTrac® TechVenture™</a> class in Tempe, Arizona.&nbsp; A young entrepreneur shared a great idea.&nbsp; He was explaining what he needed money for and the first words out of his mouth were \"to pay myself\".&nbsp; I held up my hand - \"Don\'t say that,\" I injected. \"you won\'t get funded.\" </p> <p>Mid week, I was at a board meeting.&nbsp; Afterwards we were talking about yet another biotech company that was in danger of closing its doors.&nbsp; It was not a new&nbsp; story.&nbsp; I had been hearing them all year.&nbsp; And each time I did, I wondered if this was the company that would have brought out the drug, the new treatment, or the new solution to a problem that would someday directly affect the way we live.&nbsp; But now, it wouldn\'t.</p> <p>Other conversations throughout the week were with friends in the investment community.&nbsp; Over and over I heard the same thing.&nbsp; \"I\'m parked.\"&nbsp; That\'s investor shorthand for \"I have money, but I\'m not moving it.\"&nbsp; </p> <p>The bloggers and the \'experts\' keep writing posts and articles about bartering, collaborating, and bootstrapping.&nbsp; Heck, <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2010/03/got-a-problem-get-creative.html\">I even wrote one myself</a>.&nbsp; But the harsh reality is that you can not launch or grow a business without cold, hard cash.&nbsp; Look at it like this... </p> <ul> <li>To Grow, you need talented people and they expect and deserve to be paid.&nbsp; If you do not pay them, you do not keep them.  <li>To sell a product you need inventory. And vendors eventually need to be paid.&nbsp; As a matter of fact, try getting a credit line of any material value with a vendor if you don\'t have money first.  <li>Then there is research, product development, marketing, legal services, and sound financial advice.&nbsp; These professionals devoted years of their lives to gain the knowledge and experience that allows them to do what they do.&nbsp; And if you want to move quickly you need the most knowledgeable and the most talented.&nbsp; And they rarely work for free.</li></ul> <p>As I sit here reading the job reports and articles about our new <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge_economy\">Knowledge Based Economy</a> and the coming <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jobless_recovery\">Jobless Recovery</a>, I can\'t help but think that the reason we are not recovering the jobs that are so desperately needed and that more and more entrepreneurs are turning to less capital intensive service based businesses is simple.&nbsp; All of us in the investment community, myself included, have been unwisely rationing the manure - I mean money.&nbsp; There are some notable exceptions.&nbsp; <a href=\"http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008861044_tiltonprofile15.html\">Lynn Tilton</a> puts her money where her mouth is - into product based businesses that create local jobs.&nbsp; And she is vocal about it.&nbsp; But of late she is a definite exception to the rule. </p> <p>In all the hullabaloo about healthcare, we seem to have overlooked that the funds coming out of our government to fund job creating research at places like <a href=\"http://www.nih.gov/\">NIH</a> are slowing to a trickle.&nbsp; <a href=\"http://www.nasa.gov/\">NASA</a>, a long time catalyst for the development of new product technologies, is facing crippling cuts.&nbsp; Oh, and the&nbsp; <a href=\"http://www.sbir.gov/\">SBIR</a> program, the life line for many start up technology based product companies, is again <a href=\"http://www.capwiz.com/nsbaonline/issues/alert/?alertid=14792781\">at risk</a>.</p> <p>And the banks will not be coming to the rescue where small and medium business is concerned based on the latest report from the Department of the Treasury as quoted here in <a href=\"http://www.nsba.biz/content/2979.shtml\">an article by the NSBA</a>. </p> <p>If we want to get our economy on track, the answer always comes back to money.&nbsp; We (not just Uncle Sam but you and me too)&nbsp; need to take the \'manure\' out of the bag and start spreading it around.&nbsp; Not as handouts but as investments in companies that make and sell real products to real people.&nbsp; That creates jobs.&nbsp; People with jobs buy stuff and pay taxes.&nbsp; Taxes fund education and other programs that allow us to maintain a viable work force and a strong economy.&nbsp; Investing in things that were not real got us all into this mess.&nbsp; Investing in things that ARE REAL will get us out of it.&nbsp; I guess it\'s time to pull out of the parking lot.&nbsp; What do you think?</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned...</p> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:83c2f17b-7a12-4220-a89e-251a573f3d53\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Economy\" rel=\"tag\">Economy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Investing\" rel=\"tag\">Investing</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Jobs\" rel=\"tag\">Jobs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Jobless%20Recovery\" rel=\"tag\">Jobless Recovery</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Knowledge%20Economy\" rel=\"tag\">Knowledge Economy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneruship\" rel=\"tag\">Entrepreneruship</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Startups\" rel=\"tag\">Startups</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/StartUps\" rel=\"tag\">StartUps</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/NSBA\" rel=\"tag\">NSBA</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/NASA\" rel=\"tag\">NASA</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Lynn%20Tilton\" rel=\"tag\">Lynn Tilton</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Money%20is%20like%20manure\" rel=\"tag\">Money is like manure</a></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>FTC compliance information:&nbsp; Joan Koerber-Walker serves or has served in a leadership capacity for the ASBA, NSBA, biotech companies that have benefited from SBIR and NIH programs, product based companies, and in entrepreneurial ventures in the for-profit and not-for-profit arena.&nbsp; For more information view her <a href=\"www.linkedin.com/in/joankoerberwalker\">LinkedIn Profile</a>.</p>','The Best Fertilizer of ALL...MONEY!','','inherit','open','open','','1514-revision','','','2010-03-28 23:30:22','2010-03-28 23:30:22','',1514,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1514-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2133,2,'2010-03-21 15:55:31','2010-03-21 15:55:31','<p><img style=\"margin:5px 5px 5px 15px;\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://s338.photobucket.com/albums/n430/spicecomments/creativity/00009.jpg\" width=\"224\" height=\"177\">As entrepreneurs, business owners, employees, or just as people, we all face challenges.&nbsp; And often those challenges involve the BIG M - money.&nbsp; When it comes to growth, you need resources.&nbsp; Money for marketing, for inventories, for systems, and oh yeah, groceries.</p> <p>When I started my business in 2002, I went from the world of leveraging the corporate pocketbook to dipping into my own pocket - and let me tell you - it was NOT anywhere as deep.&nbsp; It was a problem.&nbsp; So I had to get creative.</p> <p>&nbsp; <strong>Here\'s an example I shared with the Society of Women Engineers last month</strong>.</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:7f3dbaed-668a-4804-b961-9dc1588441b8\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOgVdFqN53I]</div></div> <p></p> <p>There are lots of things we can do to find or develop the resources we need to help our businesses grow - even when times are tight.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>Here are a few ideas...</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Talented Friends and Family</strong> may be just the thing you need to help you through a rough spot.&nbsp; Don\'t hit them up for cash.&nbsp; Ask for a little help with something they are good at. (I\'m not sure I would have survived in those early days without access to a talented IT Guy.&nbsp; Lucky for me I was MARRIED to him.&nbsp; :-)&nbsp; Just remember - exchanging favors means that there is an equal balance in the relationship.&nbsp; If you are all take and no give...you might end up with no friends to call on.  <li><strong>Barter</strong> -&nbsp; True <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barter\">bartering</a> is a much more formal exchange of products or services.&nbsp; Sometime they are arranged one-on-one or they my occur through a more formal process using a Barter Exchange.&nbsp; But just so you know, formal barter exchanges do get reported to the IRS via for 1099\'s - so it is important to keep track.&nbsp; You can <a href=\"http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=187920,00.html\">learn more here</a>.  <li><strong>Leverage existing resources in a creative way</strong>.&nbsp; Think of a skill, some excess space,&nbsp; or a&nbsp; resource you might have that is more than what you need.&nbsp; Instead of letting it sit unused, leverage it into something someone else can use in exchange for something that you might need.  <li><strong>Take your show on the road.</strong>&nbsp; Get out there and talk to people.&nbsp; It might be in free presentations to local groups and organizations or like I did on the speakers circuit.&nbsp; Not comfortable speaking in front of a crowd?&nbsp; Join your local <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\">Toastmasters</a> group and tune up your skills.&nbsp; Get to be good at delivering your message - you never know who might be in that audience.  <li><strong>Utilize Social Media</strong> - <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/09/is-twitter-part-of-your-business-strategy-should-it-be.html\">Twitter</a>, <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/CorePurpose\">Facebook</a>, <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/11/sorry-im-not-a-lion.html\">LinkedIn</a>, <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/joankw\">YouTube</a>, and many other tools can help you get your message out to potential&nbsp; customers.&nbsp; Compared to traditional advertising this is a much less expensive way to get the word out and the business in.&nbsp; Most of the tools are free or close to it - but <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2010/01/free---isnt.html\">remember it is NOT free</a> - you are simply choosing to invest your time instead of your dollars.&nbsp; Watch for the return on investment or ROI just as you would if you were investing cash,</li></ul> <p><strong>The Time Money Continuum</strong></p> <p>To be very clear, there is great value in being able to go to the experts to get the products and services that you need and PAY for them.&nbsp; Very often this will move you faster.&nbsp; They do what they do best while you are out doing what YOU do best.&nbsp; There is a time/money continuum.&nbsp; You can invest your dollars to get things done and often get it done FASTER than if you go the Do it Yourself or DIY route.&nbsp; But, if you do not have the money, some creativity, a bit of elbow grease, and a network of talented friends can make a BIG difference.&nbsp; </p> <p>So if you\'ve got a problem, get creative.&nbsp; You just may find you have \"created\" your solution.</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned...</p> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:d28b5e44-6a7a-40af-a132-dd4b7a707678\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs\" rel=\"tag\">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/StartUps\" rel=\"tag\">StartUps</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/BARTER\" rel=\"tag\">BARTER</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Barter%20Exchanges\" rel=\"tag\">Barter Exchanges</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leveraging%20resources\" rel=\"tag\">leveraging resources</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/solving%20problems\" rel=\"tag\">solving problems</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/problem%20solving\" rel=\"tag\">problem solving</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business\" rel=\"tag\">business</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/small%20business\" rel=\"tag\">small business</a></div>','Got a Problem? Get Creative!','','inherit','open','open','','1513-revision','','','2010-03-21 15:55:31','2010-03-21 15:55:31','',1513,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1513-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2134,2,'2010-01-20 15:37:49','2010-01-20 15:37:49','<img style=\"margin:5px;\" src=\"http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1f/Aerial_view_of_the_Capitol_Hill.jpg/250px-Aerial_view_of_the_Capitol_Hill.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"296\" height=\"198\" align=\"right\" />Watching the Massachusetts Senatorial election results yesterday, started me thinking back to the Presidential campaign of not so long ago... \n\nback in the days when BOTH candidates campaigned on themes of CHANGE. \n\nIf we look back on <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/01/17/us/politics/AP-US-Obamas-Year-Timeline.html\" target=\"_blank\">President Obama\'s first year in office</a>, few would argue that it has been a Year of Change.  But most would agree, that in one way or another, it was also a year fraught with disagreements across many sectors.  The election of Scott Brown on January 19, 2010 to the Senate seat long held by Senator Ted Kennedy underscores that. \n\n<strong>A Beltway Scramble</strong>\n\nBeltway Warriors on both sides of the aisle are now scrambling to develop new strategies on key issues, especially the highly publicized Health Care legislation that is so lengthy, so complicated, and so contentious that if you asked anyone - anywhere  if they agreed with ALL of it,  you would be hard pressed to to find anyone who could answer with a resounding YES!  It\'s so full of <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2010/01/promise-and-compromise.html\" target=\"_blank\">Promise and Compromise</a> that what started out to be a race horse now looks like a camel.  Some fear it may never even make it to the finish line when most would agree that change is needed.  Others fear it might.\n\n<strong>It\'s time for Innovation in Washington D.C. not Change.</strong>\n\nInnovation to me has a simple definition.  INNOVATION IS DOING SOMETHING IN A NEW WAY TO MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR THE PEOPLE THAT MATTER. \n\nSo here\'s my suggestion for a true innovation.  Let\'s shift from change we can believe in to Change we can AGREE ON and get it done NOW.\n\n<a href=\"http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/st_healthcareproposals_20090912.html\" target=\"_blank\">This listing</a> from the Wall Street Journal takes a look at the House and Senate Healthcare Proposals side by side.  In it there are some things that most of us can agree on like\n<ul>\n	<li>removing the ability for the insurance industry to place restrictions on pre-exiting conditions</li>\n	<li>restricting insurance companies from dropping coverage when people actually get sick</li>\n	<li>extending the time period that young adults can be covered under their parents insurance policies</li>\n	<li>making healthcare accessible and affordable for a broader section of the population through incentives or subsidies. </li>\n</ul>\n<strong>A REAL change could be HOW we get it done.</strong>\n\nNow is the time when the House and Senate are tasked with bringing the two proposals together in a final form.  This is an opportunity to do something in a NEW WAY.  Instead of more horse trading, side deals, and compromises, SIMPLIFY THE PROCESS. \n\nPull out each of the key items/issues one piece at a time, prioritize them based on the degree of agreement, and put them to a vote as a stand alone issue. \n\nTalk about transparency.  No more thousand page documents with hidden deals.  It\'s all there nice and clear.  You agree or disagree then vote to decide, send  it over to the appropriate agency to implement if it passes, and move on to the next item.\n\nThis would be change the American people could believe in and a change that we could  agree on.  Who knows - we might just make life better for the people - remember us. \n\n<strong>Thanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned.</strong>\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n[Joan Koerber-Walker is a wife, a mother, a small business person, and a voter who lives in Phoenix, Arizona.  Her journey includes executive roles in corporate America, as an entrepreneur, as a community volunteer, and as a non-profit leader.]\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:beb705aa-00aa-4e57-aba2-34624deb4ebd\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Washington%20DC\">Washington DC</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Health%20Care\">Health Care</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Healthcare\">Healthcare</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Innovation\">Innovation</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership\">Leadership</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/President%20Barack%20Obama\">President Barack Obama</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Senator%20John%20McCain\">Senator John McCain</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koeber-Walker\">Joan Koeber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Congress\">Congress</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/House%20of%20Representatives\">House of Representatives</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Senate\">Senate</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Wall%20Street%20Journal%20Healthcare%20Proposal%20Comparison\">Wall Street Journal Healthcare Proposal Comparison</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Change\">Change</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Small%20business\">Small business</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Making%20Decisions\">Making Decisions</a></div>','Health Care Legislation on the Brink. Maybe it\'s time for ... Innovation and Change We Can Agree On','','inherit','open','open','','1507-revision','','','2010-01-20 15:37:49','2010-01-20 15:37:49','',1507,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1507-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2135,2,'2010-01-12 15:27:51','2010-01-12 15:27:51','<a href=\"http://www.kokasexton.com/word/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/free-sign.gif\"><img title=\"free-sign\" src=\"http://www.kokasexton.com/word/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/free-sign.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"232\" align=\"right\" /></a>\n\nThere is a lot of talk about all of the things that you can get for FREE these days.  Not surprising in an era where budgets are stretched and we are all looking to get more for less.\n\nLast week, I had the pleasure of listening to <a href=\"http://www.thesocialmediabible.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/lon-safko-biography.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Lon Safko</a>, co-author of the <a href=\"http://www.thesocialmediabible.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Media Bible</a> speak to a group of counselors from <a href=\"http://www.score.org\">SCORE</a> and the <a href=\"http://www.azsbdc.net/\">SBDC</a> as a prelude to <a href=\"http://www.scorephoenix.org/January-Social-Media-Event.html?SID=x67J38LFHDSURSVAGT66R8&amp;NID=9055375&amp;\">Greater Phoenix SCORE\'s Social Media Event</a> this January 14th and 15th.\n\nDuring his presentation, Lon kept emphasizing the reasons, excellent ones BTW, that businesses need to pay attention to and utilize social media.  And repeatedly he punctuated his message with a continuing theme...Oh Yes!  It\'s FREE!\n\nBut is it?\n\nWhile access to these new social media platforms is free or in the case of some emerging premium products relatively inexpensive, let\'s look at some of the costs.\n\n<strong>FUNDING and Economic costs</strong>\n\nBased on reports from Tech Crunch, the four most prominent platforms in their categories (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google) raised over $1 Billion in equity funding to get to where they are today.\n<ul>\n	<li>Twitter is free - $160M in funding to date according to this <a href=\"http://www.crunchbase.com/company/twitter\">time line from TechCrunch</a></li>\n	<li>Facebook is free - $716M in in funding to date according to this <a href=\"http://www.crunchbase.com/company/facebook\">time line from TechCrunch</a>.  With over <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics\">350 MILLION active users</a> worldwide (if you are a demographer an interesting side note is that if Facebook users were a nation, they would now have exceeded the population of the United States of America making the Facebook Nation the 3rd largest country in the world!) </li>\n	<li>LinkedIn is free (although new premium features carry a price)  - $103M in funding to date according to this <a href=\"http://www.crunchbase.com/company/linkedin\" target=\"_blank\">time line from Tech Crunch</a>. With more than 45 million users representing 150 industries around the world, LinkedIn is a fast-growing professional networking site that allows members to create business contacts, search for jobs, and find potential clients.</li>\n	<li>Google Search and many applications are free.  The search engine activity has been estimated at over 2 Billion searches each day with a related estimate of 300 Million unique users daily.  Google received $25.1M in funding according to this <a href=\"http://www.crunchbase.com/company/google\">time line from TechCrunch</a></li>\n</ul>\nAnd that does not take into account that these are simply mediums across which information is shared.  The platforms have no value without content creation - think people sharing information -  and that takes time.  If we estimate that a combined 1 Billion visitors spent just 1 hour on the platforms entering/sharing their content each year at MINIMUM wage of $7.25/hour - content creation across the platforms would cost $7.25 Billion dollars - and that is for only 1 hour per year at minimum wage!  Now think about what your time is worth?  How many hours have you actually spent?\n\n<strong>There is no such thing as a free lunch.</strong>\n\nWe\'ve all heard it.  Heaven knows who said first.  \"There is no such thing as a free lunch.\"  I\'ll attribute this one to my Grandma, she may not have been the first to say it - but she was the first to say it to me.   Everything has a cost, whether in time, money, or the opportunity cost (what you could have gotten if you used your time and money in a different way.)   Until you truly understand costs, you can never calculate value since cost is a key component of the value equation.\n<blockquote>Value = Benefit - Cost</blockquote>\nThe concept of a wanting a free lunch is pervasive today across our entrepreneurial and business communities - not to mention our society as a whole.  Whether the benefit is accurate information provided by media outlets, advice from thought leaders, time with business advisors, or creative content like books, films and movies - there is a growing perception that in the new information age, knowledge and content is free.  But if we continue along this line of thinking, we may begin to find it is just the opposite.\n\n<strong>No need to buy the cow if you already have the milk.</strong>\n\nThis was another favorite \"Grandma Quote.\"  For those of you who are smirking, no this post is not going down THAT avenue.  This maxim took on an entirely new meaning when I moved from a salaried position in corporate America to the role of an entrepreneur whose livelihood and business was based on providing valuable information for a fee.\n\nIn the early years of my business, I was actively networking and sharing ideas.  Soon my calendar was filled with invitations for FREE coffee, FREE Lunches, FREE dinners where a new business friend wanted to \'pick my brain\' or \'share\' an idea.  But more often than not, all that came out of the exchange was a few more inches around my waistline.  Over those meet ups, I would answer their questions, offer contacts, help create solutions.  And more often that not, my potential new business evaporated.  They had gotten what they needed from me over lunch while all I got was a hamburger and a diet coke!\n\nThen Grandpa, an attorney, came to my rescue with some simple advice.  \"The first exploratory hour is FREE, after that you go on the clock. Your time and knowledge IS your business.  If you do not value it, no one else will either.\"\n\nI\'ve gotten better over the years.  (Although, I have to admit that I still give away \"gallons of milk\" because I often share a lot of ideas in that first hour and enjoy connecting with new people or volunteering within organizations that help entrepreneurs.) But now, when someone asks to come back to the table for second, third or fourth helpings, I am a bit wiser about knowing when to graciously decline those invitations to just get together and \'chat\' over lunch.\n\nFor as Grandpa helped me understand... if you can\'t find a way to run a profitable business, the business won\'t be around to help others profit.\n\nGoogle has figured this out and is making money.  Eventually, the other social media giants will too.  Old media will need to learn to monetize their ventures in new ways and the new cadre of consultants emerging from the rolls of corporate layoffs will learn the same lessons I have.  There is no free lunch - especially when you are the one serving up all the free information.\n\n<strong>Well enough of all this for now.</strong> I need to get to work.  Understanding how to use Google Apps for a new project is the next item on my To Do List today.  To quote my friend Lon... \"and did I mention that - it\'s free?\"  Well except that it will probably take all my \'free\' time for the rest of the week to figure it all out.\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned...\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:4aae6066-2369-476d-bd22-7ae9161ecde9\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs\">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Consultants\">Consultants</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Information%20Age\">Information Age</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Knowledge%20Economy\">Knowledge Economy</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Social%20Media\">Social Media</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Twitter\">Twitter</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Facebook\">Facebook</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Google\">Google</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Google%20Apps\">Google Apps</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/LinkedIn%20for%20Business\">LinkedIn for Business</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/New%20Media\">New Media</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Free%20Lunch\">Free Lunch</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/No%20Free%20Lunch\">No Free Lunch</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Greater%20Phoenix%20SCORE\">Greater Phoenix SCORE</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/SBDC\">SBDC</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/SCORE\">SCORE</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Lon%20Safko\">Lon Safko</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Social%20Media%20Bible\">Social Media Bible</a></div>\n<a href=\"http://www.kokasexton.com/word/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/free-sign.gif\"></a>','Free - Isn\'t','','inherit','open','open','','1506-revision','','','2010-01-12 15:27:51','2010-01-12 15:27:51','',1506,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1506-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2136,2,'2010-01-09 03:32:48','2010-01-09 03:32:48','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04265271.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04265271_thumb.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"j0426527[1]\" width=\"244\" height=\"180\" align=\"right\" /></a>Each year in January, I try to plan my calendar to meet with friends in the first two weeks.  I have a diverse group of friends ranging from entrepreneurs to folks from corporate America, from local community volunteers to national leaders, and from neighbors to old school chums.\n\nBy reaching out, reconnecting, asking questions, and listening, I get a really good cross section of what is happening and what is on people\'s minds.  It also gives me a pretty good feel for what to expect in the year to come.\n\nIt probably comes as no surprise that, when I did this is January of 2009, there were lots of rumblings of rough weather ahead.  People where battening down the hatches and preparing to hold on to investments, jobs, and businesses by sheer will.  Folks that I talked to did not know what to expect - but one thing was pretty consistent... they we not expecting it to be good.\n\nYet, this year, there is a different feeling in the conversations.  I don\'t know  what it is  - the stars in alignment, something in the water, or just the impact of moving into a new decade, but once again a message is emerging from all of these conversations - a common statement and theme that  I am hearing from others...\n<blockquote><span style=\"font-family:Verdana;color:#545454;\">2010 will be MY year!</span></blockquote>\nThe first time I heard it expressed by a friend with such confidence that I felt it too, I thought - \'Wow, good for you.\'  Then I heard it again - this time by a business owner - \"This will be OUR year\".  And then again from an entrepreneur, then a scientist, then a developer, then a non profit leader, and so on.  The words were slightly different each time, but the theme kept repeating over and over again.  2010 was going to be the year when they made a break through, grew their business, did something new, made a difference.\n\n<strong>So, will 2010 be YOUR year?</strong> \n\nWe all have the chance to make 2010 our year.  Here are a few things you might want to put to work for you.\n\n1.  <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Write down your goals and put them somewhere where you see them every day.</span>  A series of small goals that build on one another are better that one great big one.  That way, as you achieve each small goal or milestone, the sense of accomplishment gives you more incentive and energy to tackle the next one.\n\n2.  <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Gather Great People Around You.</span>  Whether you call them a team, a posse, a workgroup or just friends, surround yourself  with people who share your values AND your goals. By working together - things happen faster.  The shared experiences of your team can also help you avoid pitfalls and mistakes that might shift you off course.\n\n3.  <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Focus in on the things that will make the biggest impact</span>.  It is too easy to be distracted by little things that can keep you from doing the important ones.  Take the time to understand how you are most productive and then work with others to delegate or off load non core activities.  Paying someone else to do the time consuming nuisance projects can save BIG money in the long run or free you up for more impactful or productive activities.\n\n4. <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Use Processes and Systems to Your Advantage</span>.  The best businesses, projects, and ideas are those you can replicate over and over again.  Figure out what works best, get it down on paper and integrate it into HOW you get things done.  By creating repeatable systems or processes, you save time, save money and often by analyzing the system - continue to improve it.\n\n<strong>Never forget that \"2010 will be MY year\".</strong> \n\nStay positive and positive things happen.  Don\'t let anyone tell you differently. \n\nMake 2010 your year.\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned.\n<blockquote><span style=\"font-family:Verdana;color:#545454;\">Joan Koerber-Walker</span></blockquote>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:c35ebda3-d1c4-4be4-95df-fab8a72b60fd\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Innovation\">Innovation</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Growth\">Growth</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/2010\">2010</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/planning\">planning</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20tips\">business tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Strategy\">Business Strategy</a></div>','Talk of the Town - 2010 will be MY Year','','inherit','open','open','','1505-revision','','','2010-01-09 03:32:48','2010-01-09 03:32:48','',1505,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1505-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2137,2,'2010-01-05 14:15:25','2010-01-05 14:15:25','<img src=\"http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/willow/camel-info0.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"288\" height=\"252\" align=\"right\" />\n\nYou\'ve probably had the  experience where through the diverse objectives and perspectives of the people on your team, what you set out to create and what you got where not exactly the same.   As concessions are made to reach a point of consensus, a completely different animal begins to takes shape.\n\nIt has been said that <strong>\"a camel is horse designed by a committee.\"</strong>\n\nInterestingly, having researched this much quoted maxim, there is no true consensus on  WHO actually said it first. \n\nAs leaders, be it in our home, in our business, or  in our community, we are often in a position requiring a <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/PROMISE\">promise</a> or commitment.  In many cases, to keep that promise or commitment will require the help of others, and often to get that help, you face a <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/COMPROMISE\">compromise</a>.\n\nWhen you look at the definition of the words as indicated in the links above, I found something interesting. They both come from the same Latin root - <em>promissus</em> which means<em> to send forth and compromissus</em> which means <em>to send forth mutually  or together.</em>\n\nOver the last two years, watching national and world events, I have seen many examples of this, but no better examples than what we have all watched unfold in Washington D.C.\n\nThroughout 2008, we heard a lot of promises from candidates ranging from local offices up to the highest office in the land.  But, then that is to be expected.  We as a people have come to elect people based on what they say they will do as opposed to what they have done or what they can actually do.  Seem confusing? Here is an example...\n\nOn January 11, 2009, <a href=\"http://projects.nytimes.com/44th_president/issue-tracker.html#tax-reform\">the New York Times published a list of Candidate Obama\'s Campaign Promises.</a>  They made a truly impressive list.  Yet for the most part, the list was a list of objectives that acting alone, no U.S. President could keep.  (To be fair, if you go back to the \'promises\' made by the other side, the list was equally impressive and if acting alone, equally unsupported.)   For the reality is, in the United States, we have <a href=\"http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_cnb.html\">a system of checks and balances</a> between the Executive Branch, Congress, and The Judiciary.  The Legislative branch makes the law. The Executive branch executes the law. The Judicial branch interprets the law. Each branch has an effect on the other and for any campaign promise to be kept, all three must be in agreement.<img style=\"margin:5px;\" src=\"http://ladyfi.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/compromise.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"285\" height=\"348\" align=\"right\" />\n\n<strong>To reach that agreement</strong>, there often must be concessions and compromises before we can move forward together.  It can be challenging to get TWO people to agree on a contentious issue.  Imagine how much harder it becomes when you are looking at creating consensus among one President, 100 Senators, 435 Congressional Representatives, and ultimately if needed 9 Supreme Court Justices.  Add to that truly monumental challenges like access to affordable healthcare, a less than popular war, a financial collapse, a national deficit so large that the numbers can not be conceived by the average person, and some of our largest states on the verge of financial insolvency. \n\n<strong>Looking at it from that perspective, does it come as a surprise that concessions and trade offs are being made to get ANYTHING accomplished?  </strong>\n\nOver lunch with a friend last week, we were discussing what it takes to get things done.  Not just in Washington, but in our businesses and in our communities.  Often, no matter what you do, no one is completely happy with the final result.  In life, just as in Washington, there are trade offs and compromises that must often be made to that we can move forward.  In one way or another, progress comes at a price.\n\n<strong>The true challenge</strong>, as individuals and leaders, is to have a clear understanding, BEFORE you make a promise, of what will be needed to gain consensus and to get all the support you need to make it happen.  Otherwise, instead of ending up with a sleek and agile Horse, you just may end up spending your days with a Camel!\n\nThanks for stopping by...Stay Tuned.\n\nJoan Koerber-Walker\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:dcc241a9-7ba6-430b-a70f-b28c3af724d1\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership\">Leadership</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business\">Business</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Tips\">Business Tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Promises\">Promises</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Compromise\">Compromise</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Washington\">Washington</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/National%20Events\">National Events</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Healthcare\">Healthcare</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Economy\">Economy</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/President%20Obama\">President Obama</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/negotiating\">negotiating</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/negotiations\">negotiations</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/strategy\">strategy</a></div>','Promise and Compromise','','inherit','open','open','','1504-revision','','','2010-01-05 14:15:25','2010-01-05 14:15:25','',1504,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1504-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2138,2,'2009-12-24 22:00:49','2009-12-24 22:00:49','Christmas is a special time for many reasons. Is it OK to wish someone a Merry Christmas? I think so and here is why...\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:21b47180-cbf4-4775-b07f-7b3b8792ec51\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjgE3AbyaVE]</div>\n</div>\nThank you for stopping by.  Merry Christmas!\n\nJoan Koerber-Walker\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:f8aa223f-8a5b-4ca3-90ca-6f21c6b01c85\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Is%20it%20ok%20to%20say%20Merry%20Christmas?\">Is it ok to say Merry Christmas?</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/What%20is%20Christmas\">What is Christmas</a></div>','Christmas Thoughts and Wishes','','inherit','open','open','','1500-revision','','','2009-12-24 22:00:49','2009-12-24 22:00:49','',1500,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1500-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2139,2,'2009-12-22 18:05:20','2009-12-22 18:05:20','One of the most important jobs of a leader is a simple one. \n\n<strong>Say \"Thank You\" and recognize the hard work of others.</strong>\n\nThis photo, taken a number of years ago, popped up on in my son\'s  Facebook stream the other day.  It had been posted by his friend Nick Roa and it reminded me of an important lesson that applies to leaders of all  ages.\n\n<img style=\"margin:5px;\" src=\"http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs100.snc3/16747_1298021658860_1479947315_791759_5550192_n.jpg\" alt=\"Saying Thank You - photo by Nicholas Roa\" width=\"284\" height=\"213\" />\n\nAt the age of 13, my son Christopher was having a blast playing on his travel hockey team. His coaches instituted a great practice of having the players take turns saying \"thank you\" to the wait-staff in the restaurants where the team would gather with parents after each game.  One night in Tucson, the boys voted for chicken wings and Hooter\'s for dinner after the game.  So that evening, young Chris had to stand on a chair, surrounded by beautiful women and make a speech thanking his team mates for a game well played and the ladies for their hard work.  He did a great job.  (It\'s not everyday a leader gets to make a speech standing on a chair in a crowded restaurant surrounded by a bevy of beauties.)\n\n<strong>There are a myriad of opportunities to say \"Thank You\" </strong>and even more ways to do so.  Here are just a few:\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Instead of having the mail room pass out paychecks</strong>, have them sent to you and deliver them personally with a handshake, a smile, or a bit of praise on something that that person has done for the team.</li>\n	<li><strong>Pick up the telephone and speak to someone</strong> - a novel concept these days.  Thank them for their business, their friendship, their support - make it meaningful and don\'t expect or ask for anything in return.</li>\n	<li><strong>Double that Gratuity</strong> - the next time you are out to eat and the service is good.  Don\'t just write in the TIP on the slip - tell the waiter or waitress WHY you did it.  This economy has caused restaurants to cut back on staff - so waiters and waitresses are doing more and in many cases getting smaller tips.  It may just be a few dollars and a minute out of your day but it can mean A LOT to them.</li>\n	<li><strong>Carry an envelope of Dollar Bills</strong> and put them in every little red kettle you see.  Then, THANK the Bell Ringer.  Not only are you supporting the charitable efforts of the <a href=\"http://www..salvationarmy.org\">Salvation Army</a> in helping people who need it - but you are recognizing the efforts of volunteers who stand for hours - in all types of weather -  ringing that little brass bell. </li>\n	<li><strong>Thank someone for doing the little things</strong>.  It may inspire them to do something big.  You don\'t have to ration Thank You\'s - you never run out.</li>\n</ul>\nAs 2009 comes to a close, many of us may feel that we have less to be thankful for than in other years.  But, if you start to think about it and look for opportunities and ways to say thanks, you will find that they are all around you and that when you start looking for them - you\'ll feel better about yourself  AND get better results at work, at home, and in your community. Now that is something to be thankful for.\n\nSo, \"<strong>Thank You</strong>\" Reader - for stopping by.  Stay tuned...\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:cf85804b-5800-4488-bfdc-29a66bf13fe4\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Saying%20Thank%20You\">Saying Thank You</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership\">Leadership</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Community\">Community</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Tips\">Business Tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Results\">Results</a></div>\n<span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;color:#a8a8a8;\"> </span>','Leadership - The Importance of saying \"Thank You\"','','inherit','open','open','','1499-revision','','','2009-12-22 18:05:20','2009-12-22 18:05:20','',1499,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1499-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2140,2,'2009-12-09 22:55:32','2009-12-09 22:55:32','<a href=\"http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://customersrock.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/phone.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://customersrock.wordpress.com/2007/04/12/tips-for-putting-customers-on-hold/&amp;usg=__S44PcIB4f-ViiL4sw1wByIFenr4=&amp;h=577&amp;w=832&amp;sz=275&amp;hl=en&amp;start=4&amp;sig2=Ag7diuS5mwEwKTGlfJnFkg&amp;um=1&amp;tbnid=Pfy1vtBj_jCnEM:&amp;tbnh=100&amp;tbnw=144&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Don%2Bhold%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4DKUS_enUS288US288%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1&amp;ei=_SggS_i-G5qMtgOuxsGtCg\"><img style=\"margin:5px;\" src=\"http://customersrock.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/phone.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"187\" align=\"right\" /></a>Few companies will argue that that customer service is important.  We see messages relating to the importance of customers appear in mission statements, value statements, and strategic plans on a regular basis.\n\nYet, when you call these same companies, too often you reach not a customer sensitive employee, but instead an automated voice response unit or VRU.  These marvels of efficiency creating technology are happy to give you a wealth of choices - often without an obvious or expedient option to talk to a real person.  Worse, when you actually discover the secret code, you get a very pleasant voice sharing with you that \'due to high call volume, your call will be answered in ____ minutes.\"  Sometimes the wait time is short, others not so short.  My favorite was the company that shared how important I was as a customer and that the anticipated wait time was FORTY MINUTES.  Then to add insult to injury, their hold message was bragging about their recent prestigious award for customer service!\n\nYes, reducing costs and increasing efficiencies is important.  But, be sure you understand the REAL message you deliver to your customers by your service or lack of it.\n\nAs you can see in this humorous clip from my friend Dave Griffiths  <a href=\"http://twitter.com/bensonix\">(@Bensonix</a> on Twitter) automatons don\'t make the best customer service agents or tech support staff.\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:95cfc95f-7fc4-4694-adcb-ee227db9f8cb\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOJrXlRT-60]</div>\n</div>\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned...\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b47c90d6-cec8-4a4b-8e3c-f324e1aa1b43\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Customer%20Service\">Customer Service</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business\">Business</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Tips\">Business Tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dave%20Griffiths\">Dave Griffiths</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/@Bensonix\">@Bensonix</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/VRU\">VRU</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Voice%20Response%20Units\">Voice Response Units</a></div>','Customer Service - Be Careful What You Automate','','inherit','open','open','','1497-revision','','','2009-12-09 22:55:32','2009-12-09 22:55:32','',1497,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1497-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2141,2,'2009-11-23 17:33:14','2009-11-23 17:33:14','<a href=\"http://www.doversherborn.org/doverelementary/Library/CANADA/images/Organize_jpg_files/Juggler.jpg\"><img src=\"http://www.doversherborn.org/doverelementary/Library/CANADA/images/Organize_jpg_files/Juggler.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"223\" height=\"268\" align=\"right\" /></a>Are you a juggler? Do you always have at least three balls in the air at all times.  For me that is just the way I am made up.  Multiple businesses, family, writing projects, community involvement activities and other stuff are in constant motion.\n\nSome people look at jugglers in awe.  Other\'s shake their heads in dismay.  But for a juggler, it\'s a natural state - there is no other way.\n\nRecently I got to spend three days at <a href=\"http://www.kolbe.com/\">Kolbe Corp</a> with the wonderful <a href=\"http://www.kolbe.com/aboutUs/kathy-kolbe.cfm\">Kathy Kolbe</a> and her team. Together with others being certified to use the <a href=\"http://www.bebetteratwork.com/PRS%20Documents/Understanding%20Kolbe%20Brochure.pdf\">Kolbe Method</a>, I learned about the instinctive talents that we all have and how the combination of those talents help us get things done as individuals and on teams.  I also learned another word for my juggling abilities - it turns out that my particular combination of talents is termed an Innovator. Go figure.\n\nFor me, getting that ball up in the air is as natural as breathing, but keeping it there, circling with all the others takes more.  It takes the discipline to make sure the balls don\'t  drop.\n\nSo, if you are a juggler like me, here are some tips on the things I do to keep things moving in the right direction and avoid that embarrassing drop.\n<ul>\n	<li>Make lists of what needs to be done for each project and check them off as they are completed and by whom.  (Your list may be on a piece of paper, a white board, a planner, or a PDA - but however you do it - record it, schedule it, and check it off when it is done.)</li>\n	<li>Do the annoying little \'must do\' things first.  Get them out of the way and then reward yourself with the more exciting projects.</li>\n	<li>Build a great team and delegate.  Know what you are good at and what you are not.  Find others who compliment your natural abilities to get things moving with other who are great at gathering facts, creating systems, and implementing solutions. Work with them to create a team that can\'t be beat.</li>\n</ul>\nEven though others may believe that you can not possibly handle one more thing - always be on the look out for the next great idea, project or opportunity.  It\'s where your energy comes from.  Don\'t let other people make you believe you can\'t when you know you can. You are a juggler, it\'s what you do.  So, do it well.  The stage is yours.\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned...\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:5593a57a-420e-451a-8708-0f96c56841d0\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Innovators\">Innovators</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Innovation\">Innovation</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Getting%20things%20done\">Getting things done</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Kolbe%20Corp\">Kolbe Corp</a></div>','Are you a juggler? How to keep those balls in the air.','','inherit','open','open','','1495-revision','','','2009-11-23 17:33:14','2009-11-23 17:33:14','',1495,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1495-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2142,2,'2012-08-19 21:22:28','2012-08-19 21:22:28','<img style=\"margin:5px;\" src=\"http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/Okonjima_Lioness.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"288\" height=\"251\" align=\"right\" />No, I\'m not talking about this majestic lady - Queen of the Jungle, I\'m talking about LI-ONs, <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LION\">Linked In Open Networkers</a>.  People who pledge to connect to everyone on <a href=\"http://press.linkedin.com/about\">Linked In</a> who sends them an invitation.\n\nYou can normally tell a LION by a profile that reads LION or by their membership in a LION group.  Some people make the mistake of assuming that someone that has 500+ connections is by default a LION, and that can be a costly mistake.  It can result in a DNK or I Do Not Know this person response.  Get too many of these and your Linked In privileges can be restricted.\n<h4>The Laws of the Social Jungle are Relationship Based</h4>\nSuccessful networking, whether it is face to face, or profile to profile in cyberspace is about creating relationships.  Once the relationship is formed, then you can move on to real conversations whether it is in the business world or the personal realm.  When forming relationships, it is important to understand how the other person chooses to communicate and share information.  It also helps to understand the boundaries or personal space preferences of the other person and adapt your behavior to theirs.\n\nListed below are my personal boundaries.  That does not mean they will be the same for you, but they might give you some ideas when you form your own.\n\n<strong>Linked In</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Inclusive</strong> - CorePurpose, my company, has a linked in page to share information.   I also share ideas occasionally on a number of Linked In groups including Lead Change, MIT Enterprise Forum Phoenix, Continuous Innovation, Corporate Planning &amp; Global Industry Segmentation, Forbes Woman, and Marketing Partners</li>\n	<li><strong>Exclusive -</strong> I limit my Linked In connections to people I actually know and have done business with.  Having been on Linked In from almost the very beginning, I still have quite a few, but every single one is someone I know and can personally recommend to others.  This enables the true power of Linked In - quality introductions.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Facebook</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Inclusive</strong> - CorePurpose, my company, has a Facebook page.  On it you can find blog posts, articles, and links that I choose to share.  Facebook pages are highly inclusive.  Like web pages or blogs, anyone can choose to see them or follow them.</li>\n	<li><strong>Exclusive </strong>- My personal profile by definition is more exclusive.  If Facebook is for friends, then my personal choice is to keep it to friends and not connect to every person who finds my profile and wants to connect.  I want to know what my friends are doing - and to do that, I intentionally keep the group smaller so I can actually find them in the crowd.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Twitter</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Inclusive -</strong> <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/my-profiles-on-twitter.html\">On Twitter</a>, I am at my most inclusive.  I look for like minded people and I auto follow back the people who follow me. But more importantly, when people engage and talk to me with @mentions or non- automated DM\'s, I engage with them and join the conversation. </li>\n	<li><strong>Exclusive -</strong> My exclusivity comes into play when people wear out their welcome.  Spammers, scantily clad avatars, porn, and hateful people are quickly unfollowed or even blocked.  I also go in once each month and clean up my accounts,  You can see how I do it <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/09/one-twitter-users-guide-to-house-cleaning.html\">here</a>,</li>\n</ul>\nIt was an article on CNN.com,  <a href=\"http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/10/30/online.rejection.defriending/index.html\">Defriending Can Bruise Your \'Digital Ego\'</a>, that got me thinking about all this.  You see, I probably was \"this one woman\".  The message is one that I use frequently when contacted by people on Linked In that I do not know.  It is not meant to be unkind, or rude,  Just realistic.  If I do not know you, I can not recommend you, and that is how I use that particular tool.  \'I only connect with people I know, and hopefully our paths will cross one day.\'  I am not that hard to connect with and engage in other areas.  Really - just <a href=\"http://www.google.com/profiles/jkoerberwalker\">Google me</a>.\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned...\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:7ee0fe3f-8c13-432a-bdef-33a56be9622a\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Networking\">Networking</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Social%20Media\">Social Media</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Social%20Networking\">Social Networking</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Linked%20In\">Linked In</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/LIONs\">LIONs</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Facebook%20for%20business.%20facebook%20for%20business\">Facebook for business. facebook for business</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/twitter\">twitter</a></div>','Sorry, I\'m not a LION.','','inherit','open','open','','1493-revision-2','','','2012-08-19 21:22:28','2012-08-19 21:22:28','',1493,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1493-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2143,2,'2009-03-17 19:39:03','2009-03-17 19:39:03','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/thorne-cup-2009.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/thorne-cup-2009-thumb.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Chris, Dad and Chelsea with the Thorne Cup 2009.  Photo by Terri Berman\" width=\"219\" height=\"244\" align=\"right\" /></a>\n\nIf you have been following this blog over the past few months, you know that there have been some big changes since December and there are lots of exciting games in play. \n\nOn a personal note, my son Chris returned from Canada in December where he had been playing in the BCHL.  I wondered for a moment if my days as a hockey mom were over.  The next thing I knew, Chris was <a href=\"http://www.phoenixpolarbears.com/NewsArticle.aspx?aid=68\" target=\"_blank\">rejoining his former team</a>, the Phoenix Polar Bears, as they skated their way to another Western Division Championship, made USA Hockey history when they locked in an <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/03/eight-straight.html\" target=\"_blank\">Eighth Straight</a> National Championship berth, and this weekend won the WSHL Thorne Cup Trophy.  The National Championships are the last weekend in March.  Stay Tuned.\n\nOn a business note, <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/joan-is-moving-on-from-asba-read-the-release.html\" target=\"_blank\">I left ASBA</a> at the end of my contract in December 2008 to <a href=\"http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2008/12/08/daily39.html\" target=\"_blank\">explore new opportunities and devote more time to my duties as a board member</a> and treasurer for <a href=\"http://www.ribomed.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Ribomed</a> Biotechnologies, Inc.  As my journey progressed, I have seen some incredible companies, found some incredible opportunities, pursued a \'really cool deal\', made some great new contacts in the world of business, been actively raising capital, and learned a lot along the way!\n\nMy \'really cool deal\' was an exciting roller coaster ride.\n<ul>\n	<li>Identifying an interesting opportunity on January 12th</li>\n	<li>Analyzing it independently</li>\n	<li>Pitching the deal to investors</li>\n	<li>Getting the money I needed to make an offer and take the company to new heights.  Even though many said it could never be done that fast!</li>\n	<li>Making my offer - and starting the process</li>\n	<li>Losing the Deal to another bidder on March 16th.</li>\n</ul>\nOh, no! you might be thinking, All that work and it did not happen.  Well, of course it was disappointing to lose the deal, but learning what I did alone the way is a BIG Win.\n\nHere is what I learned:\n\n1.  If you have a solid deal with good fundamentals - there is money out there to fund it. AND,  YOU CAN GET IT!\n\n2.  There are lots of people committed to making a positive impact on our economy right now.  Not just politicians and big bankers, but entrepreneurs all over the country and the world, making connections, starting new projects, sharing connections, and making a positive impact - daily!\n\n3. People want and need to hear POSTIVE business messages right now.  That\'s why over 1,000 people like you are reading this blog.  And that\'s why I make the time  to write it.\n\n4.  That I may have lost this \'really cool deal\' but a better opportunity is waiting just around the corner.  You may not win every game, but with each new game and each new play, you have the opportunity for a break-away goal.   Stay tuned...\n\n###\n\n-Joan Koerber-Walker\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:e87d2703-b0be-4a04-a7a0-1b040fc3973e\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/joan%20koerber-walker\">joan koerber-walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corepurpose\">corepurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/economy\">economy</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/entrepreneurs\">entrepreneurs</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizona\">Arizona</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/really%20cool%20deal\">really cool deal</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/raising%20capital\">raising capital</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/ribomed\">ribomed</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Phoenix%20Polar%20Bears\">Phoenix Polar Bears</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Thorne%20Cup\">Thorne Cup</a></div>','Sometimes You Win...','If you have been following this blog over the past few months, you know that there have been some big changes since December and there are lots of exciting games in play.    Read on for the update on what it takes to win the game...','inherit','open','open','','77-revision','','','2009-03-17 19:39:03','2009-03-17 19:39:03','',77,'http://new.corepurpose.com/77-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2144,2,'2009-03-04 03:39:38','2009-03-04 03:39:38','<blockquote></blockquote> <p>We hear a lot about leaders today.&nbsp; Our country\'s leaders, our state\'s leaders, technology leaders,&nbsp; business leaders.&nbsp; </p> <p>It seems that lately, some of our leaders may have let us down, while others are rising up, making promises, trying to get the country and the economy back on track.&nbsp; Some of those promises they will keep and no matter how hard they try, some of them they will not.</p> <p>Today I spend some time <a href=\"http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29480832/\" target=\"_blank\">listening to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testify to Congress</a> about what is needed to support our ailing financial markets and another $30 BILLION investment in AIG.&nbsp; I wondered what it would be like to be \"too big to fail.\"</p> <p>Through his remarks ran a common theme - the U.S. will be better off “moving aggressively” to solve economic problems because the alternative “could be a prolonged episode of economic stagnation.”  <p>You don\'t have to be famous to be a leader.&nbsp; Each of us has that opportunity each day when we talk to someone, share an experience, pass on a lead, or just take the time to listen.&nbsp; Leaders can be your teacher, your neighbor, your friend or the stranger sitting across the room at the coffee shop. Any of us can be a leader if we are willing to take the lead. <p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:fe40ff41-fbb0-4747-b143-f86b3d269b68\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;width:320px;margin:0;padding:10px 5px 10px 10px;\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WJk1jBM15I]</div></div></p> <p>Over the years I have learned a few things about leadership and about taking the lead.&nbsp; </p> <ul> <li>You can’t keep the lead by standing still. Leaders forge forward.  <li>People will not follow you if you don\'t help them see what\'s waiting for them at the end of the road.  <li>You have to keep to your path, have faith in your sense of direction, and be willing to stand in front and take a bullet.  <li>You will know you are out in front when others try to emulate what you do.&nbsp; - Celebrate when what you do is valued it means you\'re on the right track.  <li>To keep your lead — keep innovating — or you can be left behind!<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -Joan Koerber-Walker </li></ul> <p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:813e7435-3427-4b8a-a888-64618451ee4b\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Innovation\" rel=\"tag\">Innovation</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Moving%20Forward\" rel=\"tag\">Moving Forward</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Economy\" rel=\"tag\">Economy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Bernanke\" rel=\"tag\">Bernanke</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/hope\" rel=\"tag\">hope</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/too%20big%20to%20fail\" rel=\"tag\">too big to fail</a></div></p>','Are you Leading?','','inherit','open','open','','44-revision','','','2009-03-04 03:39:38','2009-03-04 03:39:38','',44,'http://new.corepurpose.com/44-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2145,2,'2012-08-19 22:57:48','2012-08-19 22:57:48','','CorePurpose BeOriginal Logo','','inherit','open','open','','ad-cutout-2','','','2012-08-19 22:57:48','2012-08-19 22:57:48','',242,'http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/ad-cutout.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(2146,2,'2012-07-19 14:08:22','2012-07-19 14:08:22','In June of 2009, I had an idea that it would be fun to share original ideas with friends in a place where we could all find them.  I blogged it as <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/06/why-beoriginal.html\">Why #BeOriginal</a> to let my friends know.\r\n\r\nOver time, more and more people have shared great ideas.  But Twitter search does not last forever, so I am capturing some of my personal favorites here. (These are what was still available on search starting 9/5/2009.  There were many more that are now gone from search.)  Some are my own quotes so I won\'t forget them - but many are from my friends and colleagues who have joined in the fun of sharing original ideas.  I hope you enjoy them!\r\n\r\nSince September I have been collecting the \"BeOriginals\" each month, categorizing them, and sharing them with others to give credit to all of my friends who share their original ideas.  You will find them all on the <a href=\"http://beoriginalblog.wordpress.com/\" target=\"_blank\">#BeOriginal Blog</a>.  Be sure to check it out and subscribe to the feed so you get the update each month.\r\n\r\nMaybe you have favorite quotes from searching <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a> too?  Feel free to add them in the comments section at any time. (Special thanks to @<a href=\"http://twitter.com/mikemyatt\">mikemyatt</a> who inspired me to do this with his personal quote list that you can find <a href=\"http://bit.ly/olriT\">here</a>.)\r\n\r\nHere is a short selection of the thousands of #BeOriginal Quotes that have now been shared.\r\n<h4><strong>Originals on Life and Attitude</strong></h4>\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/haforhope\">haforhope</a> \"It\'s Your Life: Live Life with a Mission.” -Ha Tran <a href=\"http://twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/haforhope\">haforhope</a>: \"If you don’t know your abilities and your limits, it’s much harder to make an honest promise and keep it.\"-Ha Tran #BeOriginal\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/amilya\">amilya</a>: \"Don\'t settle for a broken cookie! Your life can be more than crumbs!\" Amilya Antonetti <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/amilya\">amilya</a>: \"Things you should try to avoid. Knowledge on ice and ignorance on fire.\" ~ Amilya Antonetti <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/WaltHansmann\">WaltHansmann</a> Courage is about living true to yourself. <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/WaltHansmann\">WaltHansmann</a> Our lives are determined by our choices. Choose well.<a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/KateNasser\">KateNasser</a>: Action replaces fear with insight and knowledge. Get active! ~Kate Nasser <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/KateNasser\">KateNasser</a>: An authentic smile changes everything. ~Kate Nasser <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/RickSherrell\">RickSherrell</a>: \"Every apology falls short of the mark, but grace is always on target.\" <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/wbaustin\">WBAustin</a> The first two years of college are vocabulary lessons. The second two years are spent learning who to ask &amp; where to look it up. ~ Bill Austin\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/Chantified\">Chantified</a>\"You cannot become more than the thoughts you hold onto\" ~ Chanty Lang-Vermaas  <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/shannon_kb\">Shannon_KB</a>: \"Remind me to hit my \"pause\" button more often.\" ~ Shannon Koerber Bullard <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/jeaniehollon\">JeanieHollon</a> : When you meet people with no happiness or hope, give them some of yours\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/jeaniehollon\">JeanieHollon</a> Defeat negativity by turning your attention to positive pursuits; negativity dies from neglect. ~ Jeanie Hollon\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/jdhenry09\">JDHenry09</a> \"To become your greatest fan - learn to laugh at yourself. It makes life way more interesting!\" -Jessica Henry <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/eschreyer\">eschreyer</a>: There\'s a reason you put your own oxygen mask on 1st. If you don\'t take care of yourself, you diminish your value to others. ~ Erin Schreyer\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/DrSteveBroe\">DrSteveBroe</a> Honor the teachers you meet in your world, in their many different forms. ~ Dr. Steve Broe <a href=\"http://twitter.com/search?q=%23beoriginal\">#beoriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/brainzooming\">BrainZooming</a>: Don\'t refuse to smile at someone you think is nobody.  It will make it easier when you realize later they are somebody. Mike Brown<a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/beoriginal\">#beoriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/judyrey\">judyrey</a> : How you look at the world actually determines what you see. ~ Judy Rey Wasserman <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/MarkOOakes\" target=\"_blank\">MarkOOakes</a>: What we think we know has a tendency to come and go... but our wisdom will last a lifetime. <a href=\"http://koerberwalker.wordpress.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"The sooner we learn to ask for help - the sooner we reap the benefits.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"If you can find joy in the darkest days, imagine what you will find on bright ones!\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a>  \"Just when you think you are finished - Something good happens and you start all over again.\" <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"All we can be is who we are. Anything else is just too much work.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"We each have an individual voice, but together we form a chorus whose music can change the world.\" - Joan Koerber-Walker.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"Making a Difference starts with Making an Effort.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"As the sun rises each day, so must our hope for a better tomorrow.\" <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/Beoriginal\">#Beoriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"Friends are like flowers - the more you have, the brighter your world.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a>  \"Sometimes you have to give in and rest - So you can start again bright and refreshed.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n<h4><strong>Originals on Family</strong></h4>\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/trina_willard\">trina_willard</a>: The pain of life\'s passages are somehow tempered when a new little person joins the world. It\'s a new beginning. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/MasterworksDsgn\">MasterworksDsgn</a>: The trouble with teaching your children to think for themselves is that they do. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a> So you live with interesting consequences...\r\n\r\nKatheeSue: Warning to my teens as they headed for the evening: \"Nothing good happens after midnight.\" <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"Talking with Teens: \"I\'ve had to tell you so many times. I sound like a broken record!\" \"Mom, What\'s a record?\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a>  \"Budget Mgt. Advice for Parents of Teens || \"I\'d love to give you a twenty honey - but I never carry cash.\"  Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"Hockey Mom Math: 100 broken hockey sticks $15, 000, 1 ER visit $5,000, Watching your kid do what he loves - Priceless.\" <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n<h4><strong>Originals on Leadership</strong></h4>\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/douglasbrent\">douglasbrent</a>: Always ask permission before offering feedback and you\'re more likely to be helpful. Douglas Brent Smith <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/douglasbrent\">douglasbrent</a>: Leadership is sharing inspiration and responsibility with the courage it takes to achieve success.~ Douglas Brent Smith <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/mikehenrysr\">mikehenrysr</a> : Just because I cleaned up the mess doesn\'t mean I volunteer to be the janitor ~ Mike Henry Sr.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>: In times like these, a leader must dig down to a new level of commitment to the goals of the team, and move forward. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>: A leader who is clueless will have a team that is glueless.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>: A leader must dig down to a new level of commitment to the goals of the team, and move forward. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23leadership\">#leadership</a> <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/leadershipcoach\">leadershipcoach</a>: Some men are born leaders, and some leaders are born women. ~Joan Gustafson <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/leadershipcoach\">leadershipcoach</a>: \"A special leader lives within you. Determine what, when and how to lead.\" ~Joan Gustafson <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JenniferVMiller\">JenniferVMiller</a>: Take shortcuts with things, not with people, ~ Jennifer V. Miller<a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JenniferVMiller\">JenniferVMiller</a>: Push your own boundaries before someone pushes them for you.<a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/WaltHansmann\">WaltHansmann</a>: What qualities does it take to be a <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23leader\">#leader</a>? Look in the mirror. YOU are the key ingredient. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/mikemyatt\">mikemyatt</a>: \"There exists a season for all things, but decisive, prudent and principled leadership never goes out of season.\" <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a> <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23Quote\">#Quote</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/eschreyer\">eschreyer</a>: What makes a great leader? Not just striving 4 results, but also striving to build into people &amp; impact their lives. ~Erin Schreyer <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/eschreyer\">eschreyer</a>:  When great leaders look in the mirror, they see integrity, selflessness and inspiration.  ~ Erin Schreyer <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/ldguymn\">ldguymn</a>: SHINE: Seek … 2 … Help … by … Inspiring … Nuturing … &amp; … Encouraging. ~ Dave Brand <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/ldguymn\">ldguymn</a>: GOAL: Giving … of … Oneself … 2 … Achieve … a … Legacy.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/ldguymn\">ldguymn</a>: RISK: Ready … 2 … Invest … in … Something … 4 … Keeps. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/ldguymn\">ldguymn</a>: MODEL: Motivate … Others … Daily … by … Encouraging … Learning. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/ldguymn\">ldguymn</a>: The value derived from inspection is related to the time spent in reflection. Dave Brand <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/ldguymn\">ldguymn</a>: Value a journey not only for it\'s destination, but also by the path traveled ~ Dave Brand\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/LeadToday\">LeadToday</a>: Poor leaders tell. Good leaders explain. Superior leaders demonstrate. Great leaders inspire. Steve Keating  <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/LeadToday\">LeadToday</a>: The only followers that care what their leader thinks R the followers that know their leader cares. Steve Keating\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\">JKWleadership</a>: \"If you want your people to lead, be sure to give them a great role model to follow.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\">JKWleadership</a>\"Great leaders lead by example, inspiring new leaders by their actions.\"  Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\">JKWleadership</a> \"Choosing to lead is not always easy, but it IS always worth it.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\">JKWleadership</a> \"No one can hear you if you don\'t speak up\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\">JKWleadership</a> \"If you want people to follow you, demonstrate that you are worth following.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\">JKWleadership</a> \"Doing the right thing is not always convenient ; but, it is always right.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\">JKWleadership</a> \"Inspiring others to lead and watching them succeed is the best part of a leader\'s journey.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n<h4><strong>Originals on Innovation and Creativity</strong></h4>\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/KateNasser\">KateNasser</a>: Creativity is <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23diversity\">#diversity</a> of the mind. ~Kate Nasser <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://hashtags.org/account/twitter/cpschuster\">cpschuster</a> : \"Different isn\'t good or bad; it\'s just different.\" Camille Schuster, PhD\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/deemccrorey\">DeeMcCrorey</a> \"Play to your strengths. Reinvent everything else.\" ~  Dee McCrorey <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWinnovation\">JKWinnovation</a>: Originality is an art that improves with practice. ~ Joan Koerber-Walker<a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWinnovation\">JKWinnovation</a>: When the innovation train pulls away from the station, make sure you are on it. Or else you\'ll get left behind. ~ Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/shannon_kb\">Shannon_KB</a> Is “Necessity the mother of Invention\" ∙OR∙ is Invention/Innovation the mother of Necessity? Shannon Koerber Bullard\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/eaglesflite\">eaglesflite</a>: Imagine if the ground was not open to new seeds? A closed mind isn\'t fertile for the growth of new ideas &amp; visions ~ Dale Lawrence <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23beoriginal\">#beoriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/eaglesflite\">eaglesflite</a> The river of life may be swift, but a persevering spirit will always find a way to cross to the other side~ Dale Lawrence , <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/beoriginal\">#beoriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/DrBob4u\">DrBob4u</a>: Do not deny your own mind. Encourage your own ideas and creativity. ~Dr Robert H. Schwenk <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23beoriginal\">#beoriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/DrBob4u\">DrBob4u</a>: Choose the good in all things and people. Dr Robert H. Schwenkker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWinnovation\">JKWinnovation</a>:  \"Creativity and Innovation is NOT always a good thing - just ask the folks on Wall Street.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWinnovation\">JKWinnovation</a>: \"One spark of innovation can light up a world of new opportunities.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWinnovation\">JKWinnovation</a>: \"Sometimes a small tweak can lead to a big improvement. Don\'t overlook small opportunities.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOrigina</a>l\r\n<h4>Originals on Success, Business and Growth</h4>\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/amilya\">amilya</a>: Noodle Thought ||\"You do not know what you don\'t know.  Be careful  who you allow to fill in the blanks\" ~ Amilya Antonetti <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/amilya\">amilya</a>:  Noodle Thought: Just because you \"Can\" doesn\'t mean that you \"should\". Amilya Antonetti.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/amilya\">amilya</a>: Noodle:Those around you should help\"lift\" you up and \"motivate\" you to be your best. Not bitter,angry, and resentful people who will pull you down. Watch who you let in.  Amilya Antonetti  <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a><abbr> </abbr>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/amilya\">amilya</a>: Noodle thought: \"Destiny CAN&amp;apos;T be stolen but it CAN be abandoned.\"<a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/amilya\">amilya</a>: Noodle Thought: Good managers oil squeaky wheels. Bad Managers replace them. Know your situation. <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<abbr></abbr>RodKirby \"I define success not by the amount of people that come in the door, but by how many leave impacted on their way out.\" <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/MoreClients\">MoreClients</a>: \"The fear of success is often more paralyzing than the fear of failure.\" - Peter George <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/MoreClients\">MoreClients</a>: \"Effective marketing is the by-product of consistent marketing.\" Peter George <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>: Keep it up - and maybe, by day\'s end, the opportunities will begin to outweigh the challenges. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>: Change just is, and we need to wrap ourselves around it as well as we can. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>: Decisions made without us are decisions made for us. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>: Practice speedership every day. Anticipate coming changes and learn how to respond with lightning reflexes. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>:  Be in touch with the speed of change in your industry and within your organization—and understand the gap between the two. <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>: Originality drives Success. ~ Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>: Success is a choice each of us can make. Choose yours. ~ Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWgrowth\">JKWgrowth</a>: 4 steps for growth|| Ask Questions. Listen for Answers. Take action. Celebrate Success ~ Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a>: \"How can we help each other?\" Is one of the MOST powerful business questions you can ask! ~ Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWgrowth\">JKWgrowth</a>: \"Treasure your rainy days; they help to bring new growth...\" ~ Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWgrowth\">JKWgrowth</a>: \"Growth accelerates when you choose to focus on your positives.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/coachjanet\">CoachJanet</a> \"Proactive people change the atmosphere and reactive people complain about it.\" Janet Daughtry  <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/wjsalls\">wjsalls</a>: Every failure is just another step on your journey to the top. William J. Salls<a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\nMeghanMBiro Experiment - Don\'t Sell! Find something Meaningful + Create Value. <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/KateNasser\">KateNasser</a>:  Accountability is not about blame. It is commitment to excellence &amp; ownership of all results. Kate Nasser <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/KateNasser\">KateNasser</a>: \"Collaboration defined -- expanding everyone\'s greatness\"\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://hashtags.org/account/twitter/KateNasser\">KateNasser</a>: In business, speak clever to attract; deliver value to keep.~Kate Nasser\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://hashtags.org/account/twitter/KateNasser\">KateNasser</a>: Team Defined: Talent engaged in growth and change to achieve a common success. ~Kate Nasser <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JillKoenig\">JillKoenig</a>: What you dwell upon long enough and strong enough becomes your reality. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/coachquips\">coachquips</a>: Just when I think I\'ve got it all together, something comes up that I\'ve never had to deal with and I am humbled once again! Tricia Schulte<a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n<h5><a href=\"http://twitter.com/jglass8\">jglass8</a> \"Growth is a journey while success is the final destination.\" Jamie Glass</h5>\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/jglass8\">jglass8</a> Hope is everlasting and fuels our determination to achieve more. Jamie Glass\r\n<h4><strong>Humorous Originals</strong></h4>\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/converging\">converging</a>: As I tell my friends when wrestling with fear or intimidation: \"Pretty people poop too...\" Robb Bingham\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a>: \"At least when I tweet on Twitter SOMEBODY listens.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"My idea of exercise - THREE laps around Lord &amp; Taylors.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"It\'s hard to take yourself seriously when you have just had a food fight in front of hundreds of people.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/jeaniehollon\">JeanieHollon</a>  \"A politician and an IRS agent are drowning. You can only save one of the. Do you walk the dog or read a book?\" Jeanie Hollon\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/jeaniehollon\">JeanieHollon</a> \"Dear Lord, I been good today-I have\'t gossiped or bad-mouthed no one. But I\'m fixin\'; to get up now and I\'m gonna need your help.\"  Jeanie Hollon\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/jeaniehollon\">JeanieHollon</a> \"Dear IRS, I no longer wish to belong to your organization. Please cancel my membership &amp; remove my name from your mailing list.\" Jeanie Hollon\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/wjsalls\">wjsalls</a>: \"If life gives you lemons, trade them for limes, and make Margaritas.\" William J. Salls #BeOriginal','Highlights from #BeOriginal','','inherit','open','open','','242-revision-12','','','2012-07-19 14:08:22','2012-07-19 14:08:22','',242,'http://new.corepurpose.com/242-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(2147,2,'2012-08-19 23:06:23','2012-08-19 23:06:23','What is real?  What is perception?  These questions and the answers to them shape our work life, our personal life, and the world around us.\n\nIn business, perception is the basis of our brand, the root of our strategic vision, and the foundation of our team’s commitment to achieving it.\n\nIn life, how we perceive ourselves and others shapes our decisions, our relationships and our ability to succeed.\n\nLast week I ran into an old friend who has been helping bridge the gap between reality and perception for a number of years as both a trial lawyer and later as an advisor to some of the worlds largest and most successful corporations.  We chatted about his newest project, a film that illustrates the importance of answering these questions.\n\n<!--more-->\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"People vs the State of Illusion\" src=\"http://www.digitalcinemareport.com/files/harkinsnews205m.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"309\" height=\"240\" />\n\nPeople v. The State of Illusion, is a film by my friend <a href=\"www.austinvickers.com\" target=\"_blank\">Austin Vickers</a>. We first got to know each other as we served together on the board of directors of <a href=\"http://www.parentingaz.org\" target=\"_blank\">Parenting Arizona</a>, an organization dedicated to creating an environment for safer children and stronger families. This new feature length documentary/drama, directed by award winning Director Scott Cervine, is set in the notorious \"Old Main Prison\" of the New Mexico State Penitentiary, and tells the story of Aaron Roberts, a single father who loses his daughter to a state facility after he is arrested and tried on charges following an incident. While in the state home, an attorney learns of her plight and the story of her father, and decides to represent her in an innovative and surprising case against the State.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.thestateofillusion.com/quantum-physics-movie-experts.html\" target=\"_blank\">The “expert witnesses”</a> that come to his defense including some of the nation’s leading thinkers in the fields of neuroscience, biochemistry, psychology, quantum physics, sociology, and consciousness theory, including Dr. Thomas Moore, Dr. Candace Pert, Debbie Ford, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Dr. Robert Jahn, Dr. Peter Senge, Brenda Dunne, and Dr. Michael Vandermark.\n\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/CU-XoWezRww\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\n(<a href=\"http://www.thestateofillusion.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Click to Watch the Trailer and get more information</a> )\n\nI’ll be joining Arizona friends for the premiere on September 9, 2011, and as the film moves around the country you might want to watch for it too.\n\n<strong>Thanks for stopping by. Stay tuned…</strong>\n<blockquote><em>Joan Koerber-Walker </em></blockquote>\n<strong><a href=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"Joan Koerber-Walker_Thumbnail \" src=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" align=\"left\" /></a>Joan Koerber-Walker</strong> is President and CEO of <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\">AZBio</a>, the <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\" target=\"_blank\">Arizona BioIndustry Association</a>. A two time Stevie Award National Finalist and former Fortune 500 executive, she is also the Chairman of the Board of <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com/\">CorePurpose, Inc</a>. and the <a href=\"http://www.otef.org/\">Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a> and serves as Executive in Residence for <a href=\"http://www.callamanventures.com\">Callaman Ventures</a>. As the former CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association and a past member of the Board of Trustees of the National Small Business Association in Washington, D.C. Joan has worked with hundreds of small businesses and on behalf of thousands in these roles. Chat with her on Twitter as <a href=\"http://twitter.com/azbioceo\">@AZbioCEO</a> <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/joankw\">@joankw</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwgrowth\">@JKWgrowth</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwinnovation\">@JKWinnovation</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwleadership\">@JKWleadership</a> and <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/corepurpose\">@CorePurpose</a> or at her blog at <a href=\"http://www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com\">www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com</a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:f59356d4-3162-4968-8725-4cd608e1f7f2\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\" style=\"display: inline; float: none; margin: 0; padding: 0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan+Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Austin+Vickers\" rel=\"tag\">Austin Vickers</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/People+v+the+State+of+Illusion\" rel=\"tag\">People v the State of Illusion</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Reality+and+Perception\" rel=\"tag\">Reality and Perception</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Goals+and+Achievement\" rel=\"tag\">Goals and Achievement</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dr.+Thomas+Moore\" rel=\"tag\">Dr. Thomas Moore</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dr.+Candace+Pert\" rel=\"tag\">Dr. Candace Pert</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Debbie+Ford\" rel=\"tag\">Debbie Ford</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dr.+Joe+Dispenza\" rel=\"tag\">Dr. Joe Dispenza</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dr.+Robert+Jahn\" rel=\"tag\">Dr. Robert Jahn</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dr.+Peter+Senge\" rel=\"tag\">Dr. Peter Senge</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Brenda+Dunne\" rel=\"tag\">Brenda Dunne</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/and+Dr.+Michael+Vandermark.\" rel=\"tag\">and Dr. Michael Vandermark.</a></div>','Reality and Perception: People v the State of Illusion','','inherit','open','open','','1592-autosave','','','2012-08-19 23:06:23','2012-08-19 23:06:23','',1592,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1592-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(2148,2,'2011-08-07 14:16:26','2011-08-07 14:16:26','<p>What is real?&nbsp; What is perception?&nbsp; These questions and the answers to them shape our work life, our personal life, and the world around us.&nbsp;&nbsp; <p>In business, perception is the basis of our brand, the root of our strategic vision, and the foundation of our team’s commitment to achieving it.&nbsp; <p>In life, how we perceive ourselves and others shapes our decisions, our relationships and our ability to succeed.&nbsp; <p>Last week I ran into an old friend who has been helping bridge the gap between reality and perception for a number of years as both a trial lawyer and later as an advisor to some of the worlds largest and most successful corporations.&nbsp; We chatted about his newest project, a film that illustrates the importance of answering these questions.</p><!--more--><p>&nbsp;<img style=\"margin:0 5px;\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://www.thestateofillusion.com/images/banner_final.jpg\" width=\"438\" height=\"128\"></p> <p>People v. The State of Illusion, is a film by my friend <a href=\"www.austinvickers.com\" target=\"_blank\">Austin Vickers</a>. We first got to know each other as we served together on the board of directors of <a href=\"http://www.parentingaz.org\" target=\"_blank\">Parenting Arizona</a>, an organization dedicated to creating an environment for safer children and stronger families. This new feature length documentary/drama, directed by award winning Director Scott Cervine, is set in the notorious \"Old Main Prison\" of the New Mexico State Penitentiary, and tells the story of Aaron Roberts, a single father who loses his daughter to a state facility after he is arrested and tried on charges following an incident. While in the state home, an attorney learns of her plight and the story of her father, and decides to represent her in an innovative and surprising case against the State.  <p><a href=\"http://www.thestateofillusion.com/quantum-physics-movie-experts.html\" target=\"_blank\">The “expert witnesses”</a> that come to his defense including some of the nation’s leading thinkers in the fields of neuroscience, biochemistry, psychology, quantum physics, sociology, and consciousness theory, including <strong>Dr. Thomas Moore</strong>, <strong>Dr. Candace Pert</strong>, <strong>Debbie Ford</strong>, <strong>Dr. Joe Dispenza</strong>, <strong>Dr. Robert Jahn</strong>, <strong>Dr. Peter Senge</strong>, <strong>Brenda Dunne</strong>, and <strong>Dr. Michael Vandermark</strong>.  <p>&nbsp; <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:e721f361-c75a-47c0-ba9c-53cfaec81731\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU-XoWezRww&amp;w=448&amp;h=252&amp;hd=1]</div><div style=\"width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em;\">People v. The state of Illusion, a film by Austin Vickers, premieres at the Harkins Camelview Theatre the weekend of September 9, 2011.</div></div></p> <p>(<a href=\"http://www.thestateofillusion.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Click to Watch the Trailer and get more information</a> )</p> <p>I’ll be joining Arizona friends for the premiere on September 9, 2011, and as the film moves around the country you might want to watch for it too.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>Thanks for stopping by. Stay tuned…</strong> <blockquote> <p><em>Joan Koerber-Walker </em></p></blockquote> <p><strong><a href=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\"><img style=\"margin:10px;\" title=\"Joan Koerber-Walker_Thumbnail \" alt=\"\" align=\"left\" src=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\"></a>Joan Koerber-Walker</strong> is President and CEO of <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\">AZBio</a>, the <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\" target=\"_blank\">Arizona BioIndustry Association</a>. A two time Stevie Award National Finalist and former Fortune 500 executive, she is also the Chairman of the Board of <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com/\">CorePurpose, Inc</a>. and the <a href=\"http://www.otef.org/\">Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a> and serves as Executive in Residence for <a href=\"http://www.callamanventures.com\">Callaman Ventures</a>. As the former CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association and a past member of the Board of Trustees of the National Small Business Association in Washington, D.C. Joan has worked with hundreds of small businesses and on behalf of thousands in these roles. Chat with her on Twitter as <a href=\"http://twitter.com/azbioceo\">@AZbioCEO</a> <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/joankw\">@joankw</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwgrowth\">@JKWgrowth</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwinnovation\">@JKWinnovation</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwleadership\">@JKWleadership</a> and <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/corepurpose\">@CorePurpose</a> or at her blog at <a href=\"http://www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com\">www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com</a>. <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:f59356d4-3162-4968-8725-4cd608e1f7f2\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan+Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Austin+Vickers\" rel=\"tag\">Austin Vickers</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/People+v+the+State+of+Illusion\" rel=\"tag\">People v the State of Illusion</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Reality+and+Perception\" rel=\"tag\">Reality and Perception</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Goals+and+Achievement\" rel=\"tag\">Goals and Achievement</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dr.+Thomas+Moore\" rel=\"tag\">Dr. Thomas Moore</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dr.+Candace+Pert\" rel=\"tag\">Dr. Candace Pert</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Debbie+Ford\" rel=\"tag\">Debbie Ford</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dr.+Joe+Dispenza\" rel=\"tag\">Dr. Joe Dispenza</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dr.+Robert+Jahn\" rel=\"tag\">Dr. Robert Jahn</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dr.+Peter+Senge\" rel=\"tag\">Dr. Peter Senge</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Brenda+Dunne\" rel=\"tag\">Brenda Dunne</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/and+Dr.+Michael+Vandermark.\" rel=\"tag\">and Dr. Michael Vandermark.</a></div>','Reality and Perception: People v the State of Illusion','','inherit','open','open','','1592-revision','','','2011-08-07 14:16:26','2011-08-07 14:16:26','',1592,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1592-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2334,2,'2013-05-11 16:46:36','2013-05-11 16:46:36','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/?attachment_id=1886\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-1886\"><img src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/Koerber-Walker-small.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Koerber-Walker-small\" border=\"0\" width=\"84\" height=\"105\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1886\" /></a></br>\r\n\r\n<h4>Joan Koerber-Walker</h4><br>\r\n<b>Chairman and Founder</b> <br><br>\r\n\r\n\r\n<i><b>As a speaker, author, CEO, and advisor to organizations around the world, Joan Koerber-Walker has spent her career helping people and organizations get from where they are - <br>\r\n................to where they want to be.</I></b> <br><br>\r\n\r\nAs Chairman of the Board of CorePurpose, Inc., Joan leads and organization that focuses on Fortune 500 companies as well as emerging industry leaders to deliver sustainable results by combining the experience, skills and talents within teams to create focused business environments that maximize innovation, growth, profitability and return on investment. <br><br>\r\n\r\n  The company, which she founded in 2002, includes three divisions – CorePurpose Publishing, Business Advisory, and the CoreAlliance, a portfolio of 45 expert organizations specializing in Human Resources, Sales & Marketing, Operations, Finance and IT. <br><br>\r\n\r\n\r\nFrom December 2006 to December 2008, Joan served as the CEO of ASBA (the Arizona Small Business Association) a 3,000 member entrepreneurial business organization representing over 200,000 employees across the state of Arizona - the #1 location for entrepreneurs according to Entrepreneur Magazine. She and her team of talented executives delivered economic development support, business connectivity, educational services, premier business events, public policy direction, and risk management solutions to business along the growth path.<br><br>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn 2004, she was recognized by the Stevie Awards, the “Oscar” for women entrepreneurs as one of the leading entrepreneurial women in the United States and again in 2007 as one of the nation’s leading small business executives.<br><br>\r\n\r\n\r\nPrior to founding CorePurpose, Joan’s career includes two decades of experience in technology distribution where` she held a wide range of positions in Management, Marketing, Sales, and Operations. She was instrumental in the development of Avnet’s ASIC/FPGA business and the launch of Avnet’s first Telesales operation. While directing the  Global Supplier Contracts process for Avnet’s three operating groups (Electronics Marketing, Applied Computing and Computer Marketing), Joan worked closely with over 700 technology partners worldwide and is experienced in the challenges and the joys of working in the global business arena from cultural, operational and legal perspectives. <br><br>\r\n\r\n\r\nHaving a track record for delivering substantial results, she develops and implements solutions to business challenges within smaller, focused organizations and within Fortune 500 multi-national corporations. In addition to her activities as a CEO and advisor to companies on strategy and execution. She is also a popular keynote speaker on strategies for personal and organizational growth that focus on leadership and innovation.\r\n<br><br>\r\n\r\nAn active member of the Arizona community, Joan serves as Chairman of the Opportunity through Entrepreneurship Foundation and as Treasure and Board Member for Ribomed Biotechnologies, Inc.. She is a member of the W.P.Carey Executive MBA Advisory Board.  In recent years she has served as President of the National Speakers Association/Arizona, Chair of the Board of Advisors to Parenting Arizona, the state’s largest child abuse prevention organization, as a member of the Executive Committee of the Industry Advisory Board for the Thomas and Joan Read Center at Texas A&M University and on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Technology Council. <br><br>\r\nShe is the author of <i>Connecting Resources—A Primer for Electronics Distribution</i> and <i>Working—a Management Tale of Changing Relationships in Changing Times </i> as well as numerous articles and audio programs for the business community.  Joan holds an MBA (2000) from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and a bachelor’s in economics from the University of Delaware.<br><br>\r\n\r\n\r\nTo contact Joan - click the image or link at the top of this listing.\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Email</strong> <a href=\"mailto:jkw@corepurpose.com\">jkw@corepurpose.com</a>\r\n<strong>Small Business</strong> Yes\r\n<strong>Woman Owned</strong> Yes\r\n<strong>Minority Owned</strong> No','CorePurpose - Joan Koerber-Walker','','inherit','open','open','','1884-revision-13','','','2013-05-11 16:46:36','2013-05-11 16:46:36','',1884,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1884-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(2292,2,'2013-03-23 02:06:20','2013-03-23 02:06:20','<p>What will it take to take the Arizona biotech industry to the next level in the coming decade?</p>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_6711\"><a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Framework-MH900182472.jpg\"><img src=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Framework-MH900182472.jpg\" alt=\"Framework-MH900182472\" width=\"325\" height=\"218\" /></a>\r\n<p>Reaching the heights of bioscience industry success requires a solid foundation in research, a supporting capital infrastructure, and a concentration of companies with the ability to scale.</p>\r\n</div>\r\n<p>Last week, at luncheons held across the state, the Flinn Foundation unveiled the <a title=\"click to view the Arizona Bioscience Road Map Results\" href=\"http://www.azbio.org/arizona-bioscience-roadmap-report-2013\">results of the Arizona Bioscience Road Map </a>to leaders from academia, industry and government.</p>\r\n<p>With bioscience jobs (including hospital jobs) growing at 4 times the national average over the decade from 2002 – 2012, we have made considerable progress, but we have more to do.</p>\r\n<p>“Arizona’s bioscience sector continues to significantly outperform the nation in terms of job and establishment growth and has made impressive gains in building a more concentrated industry base,” said Walter Plosila, senior advisor to the Battelle Technology Partnership Practice.  “However, more attention must be paid to academic research performance and venture capital investment to continue the trend in years to come.”</p>\r\n<p>The last decade was one of great success in laying a foundation for Arizona’s bioindustry, but now a framework must be built on that foundation to create an industry that has both critical mass and adequate capital for  continued growth if we are to move from being a fast growing “up and comer” to a national leader.</p>\r\n<p><strong>Research will always be a key focus the foundation that we build upon</strong>.</p>\r\n<p>Arizona has made substantial investments in research infrastructure over the last decade through both creation and expansion including:  BIO5, The Biodesign Institute, TGen, TGen North, IGC, the Arizona Cancer Institute, Barrow Neurological Institute,  Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and Science Foundation Arizona.  To continue our growth rate, we must continue to support the investments we have made in this area in both institutional infrastructure  and in attracting and retaining the talent that works within its walls.</p>\r\n<p><strong>Capital provides the super structure.</strong></p>\r\n<p>Just as research is the foundation, investment provides the support infrastructure that allows us to build ever higher.  Over the last decade, over $8 Billion in public sector and private sector investments have flowed through the Arizona bioindustry sector, much of it into both infrastructure development and research funding.  Venture capital, as reported by Battelle, was just $560M for the 10 year period.  Examples of acquisitions of Arizona companies by global industry players include:  <a href=\"http://www.roche.com/media/media_releases/med-cor-2008-01-22.htm\">Ventana by Roche ($3.4B</a>), <a href=\"http://ir.celgene.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=111960&amp;p=irol-newsArticle&amp;ID=1442901\">Abraxis by Celgene ($2.9 B</a>), Selectide by Marion Merrell Dow (now Sanofi US),  Intrinsic Bioprobes by Thermo Fisher, MPI by Caris Diagnostics, and several acquisitions by Stryker in both Phoenix and Tucson.</p>\r\n<p><strong>This all sounds good but…</strong></p>\r\n<p>While Arizona has made significant progress over the last decade, we have a ways to go to make our way into the  realm of Tier I bioscience states when we take hospital employment out of the mix according to the latest rankings published by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) in June of 2012.</p>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tier-iii.jpg\"><img src=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tier-iii-1024x410.jpg\" alt=\"tier iii\" width=\"614\" height=\"246\" /></a></p>\r\n<h3> </h3>\r\n<h3> </h3>\r\n<h3> </h3>\r\n<h3> </h3>\r\n<address>Note:  Arizona Bioscience Employment (including hospitals) in 2011 equaled 99,000+ according to Battelle.</address>\r\n<h3>What will it take to move from the middle of the rankings to the top tier?</h3>\r\n<p>Reaching the heights of bioscience industry success requires a solid foundation in research, a supporting capital infrastructure, and a concentration of  companies with the ability to scale.  Research and discoveries provide the critical foundation, but it is companies engaged in both development AND delivery of products and services that provide the impetus for scalable and sustainable growth.</p>\r\n<p>We are often reminded that building a bioscience industry takes time.  Tier I markets  including Boston, the Bay Area, Research Triangle, and San Diego all started with focused investments and were anchored with innovator companies decades before we embarked on our quest a decade ago.  While this is true, it also gives us the advantage of looking at what drove their growth and strategically investing to accelerate our own growth process.</p>\r\n<p>In July of 2012, the Biotechnology Industry Association (BIO) published a series on Building Biotech Hubs; Biomanufacturing Attractors and Accelerators.  While the study and recommendations centered specifically for the manufacturers of biologics, these same drivers can be applied equally to our diagnostics and medical device sectors.  Based on research from across the states, they compiled a list  of 10 best practices for both attraction and acceleration.  They are listed below with a measure of where we are in Arizona today.</p>\r\n<h3>10 State and Regional Factors for Biomanufacturing Clustering and Success: (<a href=\"http://www.bio.org/articles/building-biotech-hubs-biomanufacturing-attractors-and-accelerators\">Source: BIO.org</a>)</h3>\r\n<p>1.   Availability of tax breaks, grants, finance, loans, guarantees (Nature of loan, grant and tax break packages)</p>\r\n<p>While Arizona has moved forward in this area with programs approved by the Legislature and administered through the Arizona Commerce Authority and Science Foundation Arizona, we have been mostly maintaining parity or catching up  with other biotech states, not gaining a significant competitive advantage.  <strong>To change the game and take the advantage</strong>, we must create a new and innovative  strategy to improve our access to capital if we are to attract and retain high growth biotech firms.</p>\r\n<p>2.  Infrastructure (transport, communications, utilities) Road access, air freight handling, water, broadband facilities)</p>\r\n<p><strong>Here Arizona has a distinct advantage</strong>.  As a young state (celebrating 100 years in 2012), Arizona’s technology infrastructure is  fresh compared to neighboring states, includes a major international airport, and has utility rates that are highly competitive.</p>\r\n<p>3.  Availability of skilled workforce technicians (Bioprocessing technicians, relevant training organizations )</p>\r\n<p>In the early days, this was Arizona’s greatest weakness.  Today, Arizona has begun to build its talent base, but on a too  frequent basis we lose that talent to other regions when they must look for jobs elsewhere after graduation. At the same time, many biotech and medical device companies need experienced talent, not just recent grads.  Our opportunity lies in creating a<strong> Biotechnology and Health Care Center of Excellence </strong>that links Arizona educational  institutions at all levels more closely with Arizona biotech employers so that we are providing on the job training  in the skill sets needed today and integrating students prior to graduation.</p>\r\n<p>4.   Cost of labor (New hires, out-of-state recruitment costs)</p>\r\n<p><strong>When talent is local</strong>, Arizona has a distinct wage advantage over other leading biotech regions due to our lower cost of living.  <strong>When talent needs to be imported</strong>, the costs can be prohibitive, especially for the emerging biotech sector.  Thus, creating a Biotechnology and Health Care Center of Excellence that develops an industry specific trained talent pool is essential.</p>\r\n<p>5.   Availability of biomanufacturing workers (Local graduate training programs : Existing talent pool in cluster)</p>\r\n<p>Our three State Universities (NAU, ASU, and UA) are well positioned to provide talent for the growing industry.  Today we are  exporting talent to other states. <strong> As the industry grows locally, we can better deploy talent locally</strong>.  By creating  a Biotechnology and Health Care Center of Excellence to train and match talent to current and future industry needs, we can better project the skill sets that will be needed and balance our talent pool.</p>\r\n<p>6.   Planning environment and business support assistance (Integrated, professional services to assist operations)</p>\r\n<p>Arizona’s Bioscience Road Map is the longest running fully integrated and progress monitored bioscience sector development strategy in the U.S.  Connecting over 100 leaders from across the state  and within academia and industry along with state and local government leaders, economic development specialists, and industry associations, the Road Map Steering Committee creates a integrated and connected leadership environment.</p>\r\n<p>7.   Effective sector networks (Industry-led networks related to biomanufacturing issues)</p>\r\n<p>In addition to collaborations born of the Road map Steering Committee, the Critical  Path Institute (C-Path) works in the pre-competitive research space.  Based on Tucson and active globally, C-Path orchestrates the sharing of data and knowledge among industry, government, patient advocacy groups, and academia. C-Path then engages the active participation of regulatory authorities (FDA, EMA, and others) with the goal of creating efficiencies and speeding products to market.</p>\r\n<p>8.    Existing companies in a region</p>\r\n<p>Arizona’s biotech production sectors are strongest in the areas of medical devices, testing/diagnostics, genomic based therapeutics and global anchors include:</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Medical Device Sector:  W.L. Gore,  Medtronic, and Bard</li>\r\n<li>Diagnostics – Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., a member of the Roche Group</li>\r\n<li>Therapeutics – Sanofi U.S.  and Celgene</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>The overall number of firms (establishments) has grown 31% over the last decade with the greatest growth in the non hospital sector.</p>\r\n<p>9.    Proximity of  clients and partners</p>\r\n<p>Arizona’s “Sun Corridor” stretches from Flagstaff  in the North to Tucson in the South. At it’s center is Phoenix, the 6th largest city in the United States.  The Sun Corridor is home to close to 6 million people today and is projected to double in population by the year 2040.  While Arizona’s bioindustry’s company concentrations are still slight in  each industry sub-sector, it is also strategically located just a short plane flight way from Denver, Salt Lake City, Southern California and Northern California which provide for a much stronger combined density.</p>\r\n<p>10.   Presence of key suppliers</p>\r\n<p>Concentration of suppliers is directly related to the concentration of buyers.  Arizona’s medical device supply chain is more developed than those of the diagnostics and therapeutic sectors.  However, proximity to concentrated centers in California provide reasonable access in most cases and will likely develop further as the industry concentrates.</p>\r\n<p>Of the 10 key attractors and accelerators, our greatest needs in the coming decade will be in the areas of both growth capital and specialized talent.  Our challenge, and our opportunity, will come  in addressing these needs in new and creative ways that both support our existing base and attract new additions.  With solutions in these areas, we will naturally develop the critical mass that will be the hallmark of this new decade.</p>','A framework for future growth','','inherit','open','open','','2290-revision-2','','','2013-03-23 02:06:20','2013-03-23 02:06:20','',2290,'http://www.corepurpose.com/2290-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2151,2,'2012-08-19 22:59:36','2012-08-19 22:59:36','In June of 2009, I had an idea that it would be fun to share original ideas with friends in a place where we could all find them.  I blogged it as <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/06/why-beoriginal.html\">Why #BeOriginal</a> to let my friends know.<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-2145\" title=\"CorePurpose BeOriginal Logo\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/ad-cutout-300x254.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"254\" />\r\n\r\nOver time, more and more people have shared great ideas.  But Twitter search does not last forever, so I captured some of my personal favorites here. (These are what was still available on search starting 9/5/2009.  There were many more that are now gone from search.)  Some are my own quotes so I won\'t forget them - but many are from my friends and colleagues who have joined in the fun of sharing original ideas.  I hope you enjoy them!\r\n\r\nSince September I have been collecting the \"BeOriginals\" each month, categorizing them, and sharing them with others to give credit to all of my friends who share their original ideas.  You will find them all on the <a href=\"http://beoriginalblog.wordpress.com/\" target=\"_blank\">#BeOriginal Blog</a>.  Be sure to check it out and subscribe to the feed so you get the update each month.\r\n\r\nMaybe you have favorite quotes from searching <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a> too?  Feel free to add them in the comments section at any time. (Special thanks to @<a href=\"http://twitter.com/mikemyatt\">mikemyatt</a> who inspired me to do this with his personal quote list that you can find <a href=\"http://bit.ly/olriT\">here</a>.)\r\n\r\nHere is a short selection of the thousands of #BeOriginal Quotes that have now been shared.\r\n<h4><strong>Originals on Life and Attitude</strong></h4>\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/haforhope\">haforhope</a> \"It\'s Your Life: Live Life with a Mission.” -Ha Tran <a href=\"http://twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/haforhope\">haforhope</a>: \"If you don’t know your abilities and your limits, it’s much harder to make an honest promise and keep it.\"-Ha Tran #BeOriginal\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/amilya\">amilya</a>: \"Don\'t settle for a broken cookie! Your life can be more than crumbs!\" Amilya Antonetti <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/amilya\">amilya</a>: \"Things you should try to avoid. Knowledge on ice and ignorance on fire.\" ~ Amilya Antonetti <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/WaltHansmann\">WaltHansmann</a> Courage is about living true to yourself. <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/WaltHansmann\">WaltHansmann</a> Our lives are determined by our choices. Choose well.<a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/KateNasser\">KateNasser</a>: Action replaces fear with insight and knowledge. Get active! ~Kate Nasser <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/KateNasser\">KateNasser</a>: An authentic smile changes everything. ~Kate Nasser <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/RickSherrell\">RickSherrell</a>: \"Every apology falls short of the mark, but grace is always on target.\" <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/wbaustin\">WBAustin</a> The first two years of college are vocabulary lessons. The second two years are spent learning who to ask &amp; where to look it up. ~ Bill Austin\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/Chantified\">Chantified</a>\"You cannot become more than the thoughts you hold onto\" ~ Chanty Lang-Vermaas  <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/shannon_kb\">Shannon_KB</a>: \"Remind me to hit my \"pause\" button more often.\" ~ Shannon Koerber Bullard <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/jeaniehollon\">JeanieHollon</a> : When you meet people with no happiness or hope, give them some of yours\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/jeaniehollon\">JeanieHollon</a> Defeat negativity by turning your attention to positive pursuits; negativity dies from neglect. ~ Jeanie Hollon\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/jdhenry09\">JDHenry09</a> \"To become your greatest fan - learn to laugh at yourself. It makes life way more interesting!\" -Jessica Henry <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/eschreyer\">eschreyer</a>: There\'s a reason you put your own oxygen mask on 1st. If you don\'t take care of yourself, you diminish your value to others. ~ Erin Schreyer\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/DrSteveBroe\">DrSteveBroe</a> Honor the teachers you meet in your world, in their many different forms. ~ Dr. Steve Broe <a href=\"http://twitter.com/search?q=%23beoriginal\">#beoriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/brainzooming\">BrainZooming</a>: Don\'t refuse to smile at someone you think is nobody.  It will make it easier when you realize later they are somebody. Mike Brown<a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/beoriginal\">#beoriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/judyrey\">judyrey</a> : How you look at the world actually determines what you see. ~ Judy Rey Wasserman <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/MarkOOakes\" target=\"_blank\">MarkOOakes</a>: What we think we know has a tendency to come and go... but our wisdom will last a lifetime. <a href=\"http://koerberwalker.wordpress.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"The sooner we learn to ask for help - the sooner we reap the benefits.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"If you can find joy in the darkest days, imagine what you will find on bright ones!\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a>  \"Just when you think you are finished - Something good happens and you start all over again.\" <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"All we can be is who we are. Anything else is just too much work.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"We each have an individual voice, but together we form a chorus whose music can change the world.\" - Joan Koerber-Walker.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"Making a Difference starts with Making an Effort.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"As the sun rises each day, so must our hope for a better tomorrow.\" <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/Beoriginal\">#Beoriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"Friends are like flowers - the more you have, the brighter your world.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a>  \"Sometimes you have to give in and rest - So you can start again bright and refreshed.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n<h4><strong>Originals on Family</strong></h4>\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/trina_willard\">trina_willard</a>: The pain of life\'s passages are somehow tempered when a new little person joins the world. It\'s a new beginning. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/MasterworksDsgn\">MasterworksDsgn</a>: The trouble with teaching your children to think for themselves is that they do. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a> So you live with interesting consequences...\r\n\r\nKatheeSue: Warning to my teens as they headed for the evening: \"Nothing good happens after midnight.\" <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"Talking with Teens: \"I\'ve had to tell you so many times. I sound like a broken record!\" \"Mom, What\'s a record?\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a>  \"Budget Mgt. Advice for Parents of Teens || \"I\'d love to give you a twenty honey - but I never carry cash.\"  Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"Hockey Mom Math: 100 broken hockey sticks $15, 000, 1 ER visit $5,000, Watching your kid do what he loves - Priceless.\" <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n<h4><strong>Originals on Leadership</strong></h4>\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/douglasbrent\">douglasbrent</a>: Always ask permission before offering feedback and you\'re more likely to be helpful. Douglas Brent Smith <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/douglasbrent\">douglasbrent</a>: Leadership is sharing inspiration and responsibility with the courage it takes to achieve success.~ Douglas Brent Smith <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/mikehenrysr\">mikehenrysr</a> : Just because I cleaned up the mess doesn\'t mean I volunteer to be the janitor ~ Mike Henry Sr.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>: In times like these, a leader must dig down to a new level of commitment to the goals of the team, and move forward. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>: A leader who is clueless will have a team that is glueless.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>: A leader must dig down to a new level of commitment to the goals of the team, and move forward. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23leadership\">#leadership</a> <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/leadershipcoach\">leadershipcoach</a>: Some men are born leaders, and some leaders are born women. ~Joan Gustafson <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/leadershipcoach\">leadershipcoach</a>: \"A special leader lives within you. Determine what, when and how to lead.\" ~Joan Gustafson <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JenniferVMiller\">JenniferVMiller</a>: Take shortcuts with things, not with people, ~ Jennifer V. Miller<a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JenniferVMiller\">JenniferVMiller</a>: Push your own boundaries before someone pushes them for you.<a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/WaltHansmann\">WaltHansmann</a>: What qualities does it take to be a <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23leader\">#leader</a>? Look in the mirror. YOU are the key ingredient. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/mikemyatt\">mikemyatt</a>: \"There exists a season for all things, but decisive, prudent and principled leadership never goes out of season.\" <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a> <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23Quote\">#Quote</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/eschreyer\">eschreyer</a>: What makes a great leader? Not just striving 4 results, but also striving to build into people &amp; impact their lives. ~Erin Schreyer <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/eschreyer\">eschreyer</a>:  When great leaders look in the mirror, they see integrity, selflessness and inspiration.  ~ Erin Schreyer <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/ldguymn\">ldguymn</a>: SHINE: Seek … 2 … Help … by … Inspiring … Nuturing … &amp; … Encouraging. ~ Dave Brand <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/ldguymn\">ldguymn</a>: GOAL: Giving … of … Oneself … 2 … Achieve … a … Legacy.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/ldguymn\">ldguymn</a>: RISK: Ready … 2 … Invest … in … Something … 4 … Keeps. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/ldguymn\">ldguymn</a>: MODEL: Motivate … Others … Daily … by … Encouraging … Learning. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/ldguymn\">ldguymn</a>: The value derived from inspection is related to the time spent in reflection. Dave Brand <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/ldguymn\">ldguymn</a>: Value a journey not only for it\'s destination, but also by the path traveled ~ Dave Brand\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/LeadToday\">LeadToday</a>: Poor leaders tell. Good leaders explain. Superior leaders demonstrate. Great leaders inspire. Steve Keating  <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/LeadToday\">LeadToday</a>: The only followers that care what their leader thinks R the followers that know their leader cares. Steve Keating\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\">JKWleadership</a>: \"If you want your people to lead, be sure to give them a great role model to follow.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\">JKWleadership</a>\"Great leaders lead by example, inspiring new leaders by their actions.\"  Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\">JKWleadership</a> \"Choosing to lead is not always easy, but it IS always worth it.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\">JKWleadership</a> \"No one can hear you if you don\'t speak up\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\">JKWleadership</a> \"If you want people to follow you, demonstrate that you are worth following.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\">JKWleadership</a> \"Doing the right thing is not always convenient ; but, it is always right.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\">JKWleadership</a> \"Inspiring others to lead and watching them succeed is the best part of a leader\'s journey.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n<h4><strong>Originals on Innovation and Creativity</strong></h4>\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/KateNasser\">KateNasser</a>: Creativity is <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23diversity\">#diversity</a> of the mind. ~Kate Nasser <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://hashtags.org/account/twitter/cpschuster\">cpschuster</a> : \"Different isn\'t good or bad; it\'s just different.\" Camille Schuster, PhD\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/deemccrorey\">DeeMcCrorey</a> \"Play to your strengths. Reinvent everything else.\" ~  Dee McCrorey <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWinnovation\">JKWinnovation</a>: Originality is an art that improves with practice. ~ Joan Koerber-Walker<a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWinnovation\">JKWinnovation</a>: When the innovation train pulls away from the station, make sure you are on it. Or else you\'ll get left behind. ~ Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/shannon_kb\">Shannon_KB</a> Is “Necessity the mother of Invention\" ∙OR∙ is Invention/Innovation the mother of Necessity? Shannon Koerber Bullard\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/eaglesflite\">eaglesflite</a>: Imagine if the ground was not open to new seeds? A closed mind isn\'t fertile for the growth of new ideas &amp; visions ~ Dale Lawrence <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23beoriginal\">#beoriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/eaglesflite\">eaglesflite</a> The river of life may be swift, but a persevering spirit will always find a way to cross to the other side~ Dale Lawrence , <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/beoriginal\">#beoriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/DrBob4u\">DrBob4u</a>: Do not deny your own mind. Encourage your own ideas and creativity. ~Dr Robert H. Schwenk <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23beoriginal\">#beoriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/DrBob4u\">DrBob4u</a>: Choose the good in all things and people. Dr Robert H. Schwenkker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWinnovation\">JKWinnovation</a>:  \"Creativity and Innovation is NOT always a good thing - just ask the folks on Wall Street.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWinnovation\">JKWinnovation</a>: \"One spark of innovation can light up a world of new opportunities.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWinnovation\">JKWinnovation</a>: \"Sometimes a small tweak can lead to a big improvement. Don\'t overlook small opportunities.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOrigina</a>l\r\n<h4>Originals on Success, Business and Growth</h4>\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/amilya\">amilya</a>: Noodle Thought ||\"You do not know what you don\'t know.  Be careful  who you allow to fill in the blanks\" ~ Amilya Antonetti <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/amilya\">amilya</a>:  Noodle Thought: Just because you \"Can\" doesn\'t mean that you \"should\". Amilya Antonetti.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/amilya\">amilya</a>: Noodle:Those around you should help\"lift\" you up and \"motivate\" you to be your best. Not bitter,angry, and resentful people who will pull you down. Watch who you let in.  Amilya Antonetti  <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a><abbr> </abbr>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/amilya\">amilya</a>: Noodle thought: \"Destiny CAN&amp;apos;T be stolen but it CAN be abandoned.\"<a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/amilya\">amilya</a>: Noodle Thought: Good managers oil squeaky wheels. Bad Managers replace them. Know your situation. <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<abbr></abbr>RodKirby \"I define success not by the amount of people that come in the door, but by how many leave impacted on their way out.\" <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/MoreClients\">MoreClients</a>: \"The fear of success is often more paralyzing than the fear of failure.\" - Peter George <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/MoreClients\">MoreClients</a>: \"Effective marketing is the by-product of consistent marketing.\" Peter George <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>: Keep it up - and maybe, by day\'s end, the opportunities will begin to outweigh the challenges. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>: Change just is, and we need to wrap ourselves around it as well as we can. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>: Decisions made without us are decisions made for us. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>: Practice speedership every day. Anticipate coming changes and learn how to respond with lightning reflexes. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/royatkinson\">royatkinson</a>:  Be in touch with the speed of change in your industry and within your organization—and understand the gap between the two. <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>: Originality drives Success. ~ Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>: Success is a choice each of us can make. Choose yours. ~ Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWgrowth\">JKWgrowth</a>: 4 steps for growth|| Ask Questions. Listen for Answers. Take action. Celebrate Success ~ Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a>: \"How can we help each other?\" Is one of the MOST powerful business questions you can ask! ~ Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWgrowth\">JKWgrowth</a>: \"Treasure your rainy days; they help to bring new growth...\" ~ Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWgrowth\">JKWgrowth</a>: \"Growth accelerates when you choose to focus on your positives.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/coachjanet\">CoachJanet</a> \"Proactive people change the atmosphere and reactive people complain about it.\" Janet Daughtry  <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/wjsalls\">wjsalls</a>: Every failure is just another step on your journey to the top. William J. Salls<a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\nMeghanMBiro Experiment - Don\'t Sell! Find something Meaningful + Create Value. <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/KateNasser\">KateNasser</a>:  Accountability is not about blame. It is commitment to excellence &amp; ownership of all results. Kate Nasser <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/KateNasser\">KateNasser</a>: \"Collaboration defined -- expanding everyone\'s greatness\"\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://hashtags.org/account/twitter/KateNasser\">KateNasser</a>: In business, speak clever to attract; deliver value to keep.~Kate Nasser\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://hashtags.org/account/twitter/KateNasser\">KateNasser</a>: Team Defined: Talent engaged in growth and change to achieve a common success. ~Kate Nasser <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/JillKoenig\">JillKoenig</a>: What you dwell upon long enough and strong enough becomes your reality. <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/coachquips\">coachquips</a>: Just when I think I\'ve got it all together, something comes up that I\'ve never had to deal with and I am humbled once again! Tricia Schulte<a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n<h5><a href=\"http://twitter.com/jglass8\">jglass8</a> \"Growth is a journey while success is the final destination.\" Jamie Glass</h5>\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/jglass8\">jglass8</a> Hope is everlasting and fuels our determination to achieve more. Jamie Glass\r\n<h4><strong>Humorous Originals</strong></h4>\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/converging\">converging</a>: As I tell my friends when wrestling with fear or intimidation: \"Pretty people poop too...\" Robb Bingham\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a>: \"At least when I tweet on Twitter SOMEBODY listens.\" Joan Koerber-Walker <a href=\"http://hashtags.org/tag/BeOriginal\">#BeOriginal</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"My idea of exercise - THREE laps around Lord &amp; Taylors.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\">joankw</a> \"It\'s hard to take yourself seriously when you have just had a food fight in front of hundreds of people.\" Joan Koerber-Walker\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/jeaniehollon\">JeanieHollon</a>  \"A politician and an IRS agent are drowning. You can only save one of the. Do you walk the dog or read a book?\" Jeanie Hollon\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/jeaniehollon\">JeanieHollon</a> \"Dear Lord, I been good today-I have\'t gossiped or bad-mouthed no one. But I\'m fixin\'; to get up now and I\'m gonna need your help.\"  Jeanie Hollon\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/jeaniehollon\">JeanieHollon</a> \"Dear IRS, I no longer wish to belong to your organization. Please cancel my membership &amp; remove my name from your mailing list.\" Jeanie Hollon\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/wjsalls\">wjsalls</a>: \"If life gives you lemons, trade them for limes, and make Margaritas.\" William J. Salls #BeOriginal','Highlights from #BeOriginal','','inherit','open','open','','242-revision-13','','','2012-08-19 22:59:36','2012-08-19 22:59:36','',242,'http://new.corepurpose.com/242-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(2152,2,'2012-07-15 02:17:35','2012-07-15 02:17:35','Whether you are a beginner or a pro, when it comes to winning in the innovation game, sometimes you need that extra edge.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoon/5506/\"><img src=\"http://www.andertoons.com/img/cartoons/5506.jpg\" alt=\"Sales Cartoon #5506 by Andertoons\" />\r\n</a><a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoons/sales/\">Andertoons Sales Cartoons</a></div>\r\nMost  innovators can tell you that success is tied to a number of factors.  When they come together in the right order and with the right combinations, it can lead to a winning run.  It’s a bit like a game of pool.\r\n<h3>You need a good break</h3>\r\n<blockquote>In the game of pool, the \"break\" occurs when the player shoots into the racked balls to start the pool game. This break causes the balls to disperse all around the table where they may be shot at and pocketed.</blockquote>\r\nIn the innovation game, you may need to exert a bit a force to reorder things.  The form of our business may be shaped by process, procedure and institutional knowledge that says that this is the way we have always done it so this is the way it is done.  Sometimes it takes a a bit of applied energy to break up that old thinking and spread things out so that you can make room for new opportunities.\r\n<h3>Scope out ALL your aim spots.</h3>\r\n<blockquote>The \"aim spot\" is the exact spot where the cue tip contacts the cue ball or where the cue ball connects with the object ball to send it sailing towards the pocket.</blockquote>\r\nKnowing where to apply your energy to effect forward movement is an art.  The best pool players know this and so do the most successful innovators.  Your first point of impact is critical.  Scanning the various opportunities spread out before you and then choosing the one most likely for success takes a combination of focus and strategy.  Select the one that is best positioned to get to that first success point while also positioning yourself for the follow up shot.  Then focus in on your first action, identify exactly where you need to apply your impact.\r\n<h3>Be sure to call your shot</h3>\r\n<blockquote>To \"call\" your shot means to verbally announce which ball you are shooting for and where you plan to pocket it.</blockquote>\r\n<p align=\"left\">In pool, if your don’t call your shot, the point does not count. In business we ‘call our shot’ by letting the team know the who-what-where-and why of our strategy.  If we don’t call it clearly, the team’s efforts are scattered and the impact is lessened.  Lack of a clearly stated direction can have your team bouncing all over the place and missing out on new opportunities or missing what you are shooting for completely.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 align=\"left\">Reach Farther</h3>\r\n<blockquote>The \"bridge\" is where the shaft of the cue stick is rested on and where it slides when taking a shot. This bridge may either be the \"bridge hand\", or the \"bridge stick\", which is used when a longer reach is needed to access the cue ball.</blockquote>\r\n<p align=\"left\">Sometimes the shot you need is outside your personal reach.  You need a tool or a “hand” to line things up.  This may be an advisor, an investor or a strategic partner.  Whatever resource you need... use it.  Many a shot was missed when we fail to use the tools and resources at our disposal.  True innovation makes it better for all of your key constituencies – employees, customers, partners, and investors.  Bring them into the mix early and work in combination.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3>Master the Art of the Combination</h3>\r\n<blockquote>A \"combination\" is where the cue ball hits one object ball into another, with the intent of sinking one of the object balls.</blockquote>\r\nInnovation rarely occurs as a single event or action.  Normally it is a chain where one change can affect multiple results.  Look for all the possible applications your innovation can apply to.  Don’t limit yourself to only one.  Equally important, combine your energies with other strategic partners who can also benefit.  Use their reach and energy to move the game forward faster.\r\n<h3>Take advantage of your edge</h3>\r\nInnovation can give you that extra edge..but knowing how to execute will give you a chance to run the table.  So rack up those new ideas, line up your shot and get in the game.','Sometimes you need that extra edge','','inherit','open','open','','285-revision-5','','','2012-07-15 02:17:35','2012-07-15 02:17:35','',285,'http://new.corepurpose.com/285-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2288,2,'2013-03-23 02:03:05','2013-03-23 02:03:05','<p>Over the last week, meeting after meeting focused on innovation,  technology, and future directions for growth.  Times of change call for connected and coordinated leadership.  Where will we find ours?</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Leadership-Way.png\"><img src=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Leadership-Way.png\" alt=\"Leadership Way\" width=\"216\" height=\"56\" /></a></p>\n<p>Last Monday, the week started off with a conference in Tucson where we began with a discussion about Research Universities and the Future of America.  The room was filled with leaders from Arizona’s universities, high tech industry, and government who were there to discuss and to brainstorm new initiatives based on <a title=\"click to download the report\" href=\"http://sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/bhew/researchuniversities/\" target=\"_blank\">10 calls for action identified by the National Research Council</a>.</p>\n<p>Tuesday, sandwiched between meetings with local CEO’s, brought the opportunity for another leadership meeting where 20 technology and business leaders had an opportunity to meet with with Mary Miller, Undersecretary for Domestic Finance, United States Department of the Treasury and learn what was happening at the Treasury and to ask questions about key impact items ranging from the econ0my to the potential for both the Sequester and th4e Continuing Resolution in March.</p>\n<p>Wednesday, stakeholders from across the biotech and health care industries met to work on <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/small-molecules-large-biologics-and-the-biosimilar-debate\" target=\"_blank\">SB1438 – Arizona’s Biosimilar Bill </a>- while AZBio shared a presentation  with the Senate Committee on Commerce, Energy and Military on <em>Arizona’s Bioscience Industry:  Where we are.  Where we’re going and what it will take to get there.</em></p>\n<p>Thursday <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/handprints-across-az-2013\" target=\"_blank\">AZBio celebrated Rare Disease Day </a>online and  at the State Capital sharing both information and support for patients and their families.  It also marked the beginning of two days in San Diego where we came  together with leaders from state bioscience associations, patient advocacy groups, and industry partners.  Presentations and  discussions enabled us to share ideas and create partnerships where we can work together to move personalized medicine forward faster and get life saving innovations to the patient community.</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/No-Way-Out.png\"><img src=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/No-Way-Out.png\" alt=\"No Way Out\" width=\"163\" height=\"56\" /></a></p>\n<p>One theme ran consistently through all of these meetings.  There is no way out of the economic challenges we face if we work within our silos.  Success will come by working together, leveraging relationships, and combining resources to get the job done.</p>\n<p><img src=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Innovation-Highway.png\" alt=\"Innovation Highway\" width=\"275\" height=\"58\" /></p>\n<p>Arizona’s health care and bioscience industries are key growth vehicles that  move the state forward along the innovation highway with sustainable economic growth and life saving and life sustaining innovations as the destination.</p>\n<p>Like all vehicles, we must consistently add fuel to keep our engines running and make sure that all of our vehicles are properly maintained.  This will require us to provide the support for the infrastructure that past investments have created:  our medical schools, research institutes, and university research programs.  As the same time, research without growth capital to support the commercialization engine will cause our vehicle to stall.  Creating new capital coalitions and infrastructures are our highest priorities and our greatest growth opportunities is Arizona is to compete at the top levels of our industry.</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Growth-Path.png\"><img src=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Growth-Path.png\" alt=\"Growth Path\" width=\"177\" height=\"49\" /></a></p>\n<p>So, as we move along the growth path, who will shape Arizona’s Bioindustry Future?  The answer is: we all have and we all will.  Our opportunity simply accelerates when we come together – Academia, Government, Industry, Investors, and Patient Advocates with a  shared goal and a shared commitment to move things forward…faster. </p>','Looking for the Leaders Who Will Shape our Future','','inherit','open','open','','2287-revision','','','2013-03-23 02:03:05','2013-03-23 02:03:05','',2287,'http://www.corepurpose.com/2287-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2289,2,'2013-03-23 02:04:58','2013-03-23 02:04:58','<p>Over the last week, meeting after meeting focused on innovation,  technology, and future directions for growth.  Times of change call for connected and coordinated leadership.  Where will we find ours?</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Leadership-Way.png\"><img src=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Leadership-Way.png\" alt=\"Leadership Way\" width=\"216\" height=\"56\" /></a></p>\n<p>Last Monday, the week started off with a conference in Tucson where we began with a discussion about Research Universities and the Future of America.  The room was filled with leaders from Arizona’s universities, high tech industry, and government who were there to discuss and to brainstorm new initiatives based on <a title=\"click to download the report\" href=\"http://sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/bhew/researchuniversities/\" target=\"_blank\">10 calls for action identified by the National Research Council</a>.</p>\n<p>Tuesday, sandwiched between meetings with local CEO’s, brought the opportunity for another leadership meeting where 20 technology and business leaders had an opportunity to meet with with Mary Miller, Undersecretary for Domestic Finance, United States Department of the Treasury and learn what was happening at the Treasury and to ask questions about key impact items ranging from the econ0my to the potential for both the Sequester and th4e Continuing Resolution in March.</p>\n<p>Wednesday, stakeholders from across the biotech and health care industries met to work on <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/small-molecules-large-biologics-and-the-biosimilar-debate\" target=\"_blank\">SB1438 – Arizona’s Biosimilar Bill </a>- while AZBio shared a presentation  with the Senate Committee on Commerce, Energy and Military on <em>Arizona’s Bioscience Industry:  Where we are.  Where we’re going and what it will take to get there.</em></p>\n<p>Thursday <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/handprints-across-az-2013\" target=\"_blank\">AZBio celebrated Rare Disease Day </a>online and  at the State Capital sharing both information and support for patients and their families.  It also marked the beginning of two days in San Diego where we came  together with leaders from state bioscience associations, patient advocacy groups, and industry partners.  Presentations and  discussions enabled us to share ideas and create partnerships where we can work together to move personalized medicine forward faster and get life saving innovations to the patient community.</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/No-Way-Out.png\"><img src=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/No-Way-Out.png\" alt=\"No Way Out\" width=\"163\" height=\"56\" /></a></p>\n<p>One theme ran consistently through all of these meetings.  There is no way out of the economic challenges we face if we work within our silos.  Success will come by working together, leveraging relationships, and combining resources to get the job done.</p>\n<p><img src=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Innovation-Highway.png\" alt=\"Innovation Highway\" width=\"275\" height=\"58\" /></p>\n<p>Arizona’s health care and bioscience industries are key growth vehicles that  move the state forward along the innovation highway with sustainable economic growth and life saving and life sustaining innovations as the destination.</p>\n<p>Like all vehicles, we must consistently add fuel to keep our engines running and make sure that all of our vehicles are properly maintained.  This will require us to provide the support for the infrastructure that past investments have created:  our medical schools, research institutes, and university research programs.  As the same time, research without growth capital to support the commercialization engine will cause our vehicle to stall.  Creating new capital coalitions and infrastructures are our highest priorities and our greatest growth opportunities is Arizona is to compete at the top levels of our industry.</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Growth-Path.png\"><img src=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Growth-Path.png\" alt=\"Growth Path\" width=\"177\" height=\"49\" /></a></p>\n<p>So, as we move along the growth path, who will shape Arizona’s Bioindustry Future?  The answer is: we all have and we all will.  Our opportunity simply accelerates when we come together – Academia, Government, Industry, Investors, and Patient Advocates with a  shared goal and a shared commitment to move things forward…faster. </p>','Looking for the Leaders Who Will Shape our Future','','inherit','open','open','','2287-autosave','','','2013-03-23 02:04:58','2013-03-23 02:04:58','',2287,'http://www.corepurpose.com/2287-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(2154,2,'2011-03-03 18:51:53','2011-03-03 18:51:53','We’ve all been there.  Sitting with a group in the break room, the boardroom or over lunch when the conversation shifts to what’s wrong with our team, our business, our community or our lives.\n\nIt’s so easy to point out what is wrong.  Words fly.  The passion is inspiring.  Each idea builds on another .  Then, oops, you look at the clock.  Time’s up and you go back to work and keep on doing things the same way you have always done them before.<!--more-->\n\n<span style=\"font-size:small;\"><strong>Talk does not bring change, action does.</strong></span>\n\nWe all see things we need to change our world but there are only so many hours in the day to do it.  Then something happens that gives us the impetus to step up, step out, and truly make a difference for ourselves and others.  When we step up, we start doing things.  We make things happen.  We get things done.  Yet, we may not be sharing it with others.  That means going to the next step as we step out and speak up.  We begin inspiring others to action by sharing what we are doing, how we are doing it, and how others can do it too.\n\nI am lucky to know three people who are doing just that. They inspire me and if you read on, they can inspire you too.\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:small;\">Lynn Tilton</span></strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/img_5222.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:right;padding-top:0;border-width:0;margin:0 5px;\" title=\"IMG_5222\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/img_5222_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_5222\" width=\"184\" height=\"188\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" /></a>One of the most successful business women in the world, Lynn Tilton founder and CEO of <a href=\"http://patriarchpartners.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Patriarch Partners</a>, was once a single mom, working by day and going to graduate school at night.  Working incredible hours and with very little sleep, she held it together and pursued a passion to learn what she needed to know.  Then, she applied it…well.   She stepped up.  Lynn’s business is founded upon her personal mission...the attempt to save America, one company at a time, one job at a time and she does it by buying distressed companies and turning them around.  The Patriarch platform is built upon the premise that each company otherwise would have been liquidated, but instead is saved and rebuilt so it can add value to our economy and our nation. With the restructure and renewal of each of these companies, jobs are sustained and created.  Over the years Lynn and her team have saved approximately 150 companies from the throws of liquidation and 250,000 jobs associated with those companies but she did it quietly behind the scenes.  When our nation and the world got into real trouble she did more than step up, she stepped out.  By sharing her story and how she did it, she is inspiring others to do the same.\n\n(<a href=\"http://www.patriarchpartners.com/pdf/Chief%20Executive%20Mag%203.2.2011.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Read the latest article on Lynn in Chief Executive Magazine</a>.)\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:small;\">Morris Callaman</span></strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/morris-on-the-stairs.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:right;padding-top:0;border-width:0;margin:5px;\" title=\"morris on the stairs\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/morris-on-the-stairs_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"morris on the stairs\" width=\"186\" height=\"225\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" /></a>A VC, angel investor and four-time startup founder with Global 500 experience, Morris Callaman believes that it is time for a principled approach to creating companies and products that make life better instead just make money.\n\nMorris’s story is not your typical success story. An eighth grade runaway, his journey includes homelessness, food banks, ditch digging, carpentry, community college, night school, programming, language study, and a brief apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 640.  He’s seen the worst people can do to each other and the the best.  Through <a href=\"http://www.callamanventures.com\" target=\"_blank\">Callaman Ventures</a>, he focuses on the best and invests his time looking for, finding and helping consumer entrepreneurs – people who truly love what they are doing, know how to get up again after a failure and have a business intent that includes net societal benefit while creating real products or real services for real people.  He’s stepped up to help build great companies and now is stepping out to share what he has learned with others and help them when they need it.\n\n(<a href=\"http://www.phoenixmag.com/lifestyle/valley-news/200907/a-life-redeemed/\" target=\"_blank\">Read Morris’s story in Phoenix Magazine</a>.)\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:small;\">Michelle King Robson</span></strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/michelle.jpg\"><strong><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:right;padding-top:0;border-width:0;margin:0 5px;\" title=\"Michelle\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/michelle_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"Michelle\" width=\"190\" height=\"197\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" /></strong></a>Michelle King Robson<strong> </strong>is one of the nation\'s leading women\'s health and wellness advocates as well as  the Founder, Chairperson and CEO of <a href=\"http://www.empowher.com\" target=\"_blank\">EmpowHER</a>, one of the fastest-growing and largest health media companies dedicated exclusively to women\'s health and wellness.\n\nWhen a debilitating health condition left Michelle sick, alone, hopeless and on the verge of taking her own life, she struggled and fought to find answers. Luckily, for all of us, she found them, but it was so hard.  Michelle believes it should not be and she has committed the rest of her life to ensure that no other woman would suffer in silence as she had. And that is how EmpowHER was born. She stepped up and stepped out in one fell swoop creating a web portal where women can find their health answers more easily.  Today millions of visitors turn to EmpowHer with their health questions and find the answers they seek.\n\n(<a href=\"http://www.empowher.com/michelle\" target=\"_blank\">Read Michelle’s story and see the video at EmpowHer.com</a>)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:small;\">And after you act, it’s time to step out and speak up.</span></strong>\n\nLynn, Morris and Michelle are just three examples of the many people I get to meet that have taken their life experiences and what they have learned along the journey and used them to move from talk to action in an area where they have a true passion.  They did not just sit around and talk about it.  They did it and they still do. Beyond that, they are telling their stories and inspiring others to action by their example.\n\nSo what’s your passion?  Your story?  The thing you want to change?  Are you ready to step up, step out, and speak up… in that order?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:small;\">Thanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned…</span></strong>\n\n<strong><em><span style=\"font-size:small;\">Joan Koerber-Walker</span></em></strong>\n\n<strong><em></em></strong>\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\"><img style=\"margin:5px;\" title=\"Joan Koerber-Walker_Thumbnail \" src=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" align=\"left\" /></a>Joan Koerber-Walker</strong> is a two time Stevie Award National Finalist and Chairman of the Board of <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com/\">CorePurpose, Inc</a>. and the <a href=\"http://www.otef.org/\">Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a>.  She also serves as Executive in Residence for Callaman Ventures and on the boards of for profit and nonprofit organizations.  As the former CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association and a past member of the Board of Trustees of the National Small Business Association she has worked with hundreds of small businesses and on behalf of thousands.  Chat with her on Twitter as <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/joankw\">@joankw</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwgrowth\">@JKWgrowth</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwinnovation\">@JKWinnovation</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwleadership\">@JKWleadership</a> and <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/corepurpose\">@CorePurpose</a> or at her blog at <a href=\"http://www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com\">www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com</a>.','When change matters, step up, step out and speak up.','','inherit','open','open','','1580-revision','','','2011-03-03 18:51:53','2011-03-03 18:51:53','',1580,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1580-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2155,2,'2011-02-21 17:24:39','2011-02-21 17:24:39','<p>What does<em> what you say</em> about your business say to your customers? Can they read the writing on the wall?&nbsp; If customers can’t quickly understand just what you are offering them, it’s likely you may never get the chance. No matter what your business&nbsp; is or how big or how small, the way you tell your story is&nbsp; key to success.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"width:340px;\"><a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoon/5115/\"><img style=\"border-style:none;\" alt=\"Cartoon #5115 - \'It appears to be some sort of pyramid scheme.\'\" src=\"http://www.andertoons.com/img/cartoons/5115.jpg\"> <br></a><a style=\"text-align:right;padding-right:5px;display:block;\" href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoons/other/\">See more Other Cartoons</a></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><font size=\"3\">We have many ways to share our message.</font></strong></p> <p>As business owners, entrepreneurs, leaders and marketers, we have more tools at our disposal than ever before.&nbsp; Social media, the web, email, print, TV and radio all come together to extend our message to a wider and wider audience.&nbsp; The question is, when we reach our target audience, is our message clear… or cryptic?</p> <p>The RIGHT message answers 5 basic questions – Who, What, When, Why, and How.</p> <ul> <li>Who are you and what do you stand for.&nbsp; This is the primary reason we have core values and brand messages.&nbsp; Make sure that yours is clearly stated and repeated often.  <li>What are you offering.&nbsp; It is amazing how often I see an ad or message and there is no clear value statement.&nbsp; If I do not know what you have to offer me then how will I know if I want it?  <li>“When” comes next.&nbsp; Your when is a call to action.&nbsp; Is this a limited offer?&nbsp; Is there an incentive for acting now?&nbsp; Develop a sense of urgency so I, as your customer, can take you up on your offer.&nbsp; Mediums like electronic retail (the QVC/ShopNBC/HSN networks) and Direct Response (the infomercial crowd) have this down to an art.&nbsp; They clearly state the “who” and the “what”&nbsp; with a compelling ACT NOW messaging strategy.&nbsp; This is&nbsp; the art of timing.&nbsp; Just remember, when you call your customers to action, be sure you are ready to deliver.&nbsp; Otherwise, you just frustrate of confuse them and they will not be listening when you reach out again.  <li>The why is a two part process.&nbsp; First communicate WHY you have the right product or service for your customer.&nbsp; This is not about you, it is ALL about them.&nbsp; Why is your product better for them?&nbsp; Why is your product&nbsp; different or better than their other alternatives?&nbsp;&nbsp; Why do they want to buy from you right now?&nbsp; Secondly – be sure to keep the promises you made in your Who, What and Why statements.&nbsp; The first customer experience may be a result of your marketing prowess, but customer experience will be WHY they come back to buy from you again.  <li>This leads us to the How.&nbsp; When you put the writing up on the wall, be sure that you clearly state… How to reach you. How to buy from you. How customer’s can use your product or service to the <em>customer’s</em> advantage after the sale.&nbsp; If there is no evidence of a how, I may not buy.&nbsp; If there is no results from your “how” after the sale, I definitely won’t be buying again.</li></ul> <p><font size=\"3\"><strong>So get your message out there and make it easy for me to understand.&nbsp; </strong></font></p> <p>I just might have a need for what YOU want to offer.&nbsp; Just keep in mind that customers like me are busy and you are not my highest&nbsp; priority…yet.&nbsp; Creative marketing campaigns or messages may capture my attention but if you do not clearly communicate the Who, What, When, Why and How you may have succeeded in entertaining me, but you have failed in your primary goal…engaging me as a customer today and tomorrow.</p> <p><strong>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned…</strong></p> <p><strong><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em></strong>  <p><strong><em></em></strong>&nbsp; <p><strong></strong> <p><strong></strong> <p><strong></strong> <p><strong><a href=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\"><img style=\"margin:5px;\" title=\"Joan Koerber-Walker_Thumbnail \" alt=\"\" align=\"left\" src=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\"></a>Joan Koerber-Walker</strong> is a two time Stevie Award National Finalist and Chairman of the Board of <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com/\">CorePurpose, Inc</a>. and the <a href=\"http://www.otef.org/\">Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a>.&nbsp; She also serves as Executive in Residence for <a href=\"http://www.callamanventures.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Callaman Ventures</a> and on the boards of for profit and nonprofit organizations.&nbsp; As the former CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association and a past member of the Board of Trustees of the National Small Business Association she has worked with hundreds of&nbsp; businesses and on behalf of thousands.&nbsp; She believes that when you combine leadership with innovative products and services you get results.&nbsp; With the support of a great&nbsp; team at CorePurpose she helps client companies of all sizes do just that.&nbsp; Chat with her on Twitter as <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/joankw\">@joankw</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwgrowth\">@JKWgrowth</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwinnovation\">@JKWinnovation</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwleadership\">@JKWleadership</a> and<a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/corepurpose\">@CorePurpose</a> , at her blog at <a href=\"http://www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com\">www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com</a> or by email by clicking <a title=\"How to contact Joan Koerber-Walker\" href=\"http://corepurpose.com/contact.html\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a>','Business and the Writing on the Wall','','inherit','open','open','','1579-revision','','','2011-02-21 17:24:39','2011-02-21 17:24:39','',1579,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1579-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2156,2,'2011-02-13 03:21:26','2011-02-13 03:21:26','<p>Often when I am speaking with an audience or sharing ideas with leaders and&nbsp; entrepreneurs, I hear a question that starts like this: “How did you get people to give you a chance to …” </p> <p>It’s a recurring theme.&nbsp; We want to lead. We want to grow. We want to make a a difference.&nbsp; So, how do we get people to give us a chance to do it?&nbsp; In 2010, I had the opportunity to&nbsp; share ideas with the Society of Women Engineers.&nbsp; We we focused on the 5&nbsp; C’s that build success. One of those C’s is Community.&nbsp; Here is what happens when you get involved in your community and volunteer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:6ac8c0c2-658a-41f4-bbd4-fb3e40666755\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxy2zn2_G4A&amp;w=448&amp;h=252&amp;hd=1]</div><div style=\"width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em;\">Keynote–Society of Women Engineers–2010–Joan Koerber-Walker, Chairman  of CorePurpose, Inc.</div></div> <h3>Lead – Grow – Volunteer</h3> <p>We don’t need to be labeled “a leader” to lead.&nbsp; Just as we don’t need someone else’s permission to develop our skills and grow.&nbsp; What we do need are opportunities to showcase our leadership ability and talents.&nbsp; Although are not many fairy godmothers out there who can wave a magic wand and make an opportunity materialize before our very eyes, there is something we can do that works like magic and makes us feel great too.&nbsp; One simple word.&nbsp; <strong>Volunteer. </strong></p> <p>Over the years, through a number of volunteer activities,&nbsp; I have had the opportunity to share ideas on network television, land radio interviews, be profiled in newspapers and magazines and connect with key decision makers, customers and partners who I might otherwise have never met. By volunteering to do what I could do, I got the chance to do it.&nbsp; People noticed and more opportunities followed.&nbsp; Those opportunities created more opportunities.&nbsp; Pretty soon, I was not just leading, I was doing it officially as “the leader.”&nbsp;&nbsp; It all came about because of volunteer work done in my community or where I worked.&nbsp; If it can work for me, it can work for you.&nbsp; Just follow these two simple steps. </p> <h3><strong>Establish yourself as a leader.</strong> </h3> <p><strong></strong></p> <p>A leader is someone who stands out above the rest.&nbsp; We all have talents that we can share that help us to stand out.&nbsp; Perhaps your talent is organization, team building, networking, writing, or simply listening.&nbsp; Maybe your gift is mentoring, speaking, or a special set of technical or business skills Think of ways that sharing these talents and gifts can help a nonprofit organization that you believe in.&nbsp; Step up, stand out and lead in whatever role you are given. </p> <h3><strong>Roll up your sleeves and show ’em what you can do.</strong> </h3> <p><strong></strong></p> <p>In today’s economy, nonprofit budgets are stretched to the limit.&nbsp; There is almost nothing they do not need.&nbsp; Does your business have great consumer products or services?&nbsp; Donate them to gift baskets, silent auctions or raffles.&nbsp; Do you provide business services? Donate them to the nonprofit itself to help in reducing overhead costs. In each case you are getting yourself and your products or services in front of others who may want to work with&nbsp; you in the future.&nbsp; Often this is the supporters, board members, donors, or sponsors of the organization.&nbsp; The nonprofit may not have the resources to pay for your donations and services, but these people do.&nbsp; When you do a great job or deliver a great product, people notice and even better… they tell their friends. </p> <p>Volunteering is not only a philanthropic activity.&nbsp; In our workplace, there are lots of opportunities to step forward and volunteer.&nbsp; Perhaps it is on a committee, in a new project that looks a little risky, or even to give a customer a hand on a project that they are not able to pay you for.&nbsp; Sometimes when we take on one more project, we feel we keep giving and giving and nothing is happening.&nbsp; But that is NOT the case.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <h3><strong>Here comes the magic…</strong> </h3> <p>While you are giving you are also growing both in experience and influence. The more you give, the more you get. </p> <p><strong>While you are sharing what you have of value, you are getting value too…</strong></p> <p><strong>New skills</strong> you learn while working with others in your community or workplace.</p> <p><strong>Connections</strong> to other leaders who share the same passions and values that you do. </p> <p><strong>Recognition</strong> for your efforts and the value you contribute to the cause or project. </p> <p><strong>Visibility</strong> for yourself and your business </p> <p><strong>The opportunity</strong> to represent the organization in your community</p> <p><strong>The chance</strong> you thought someone needed to give you.&nbsp; You did not need someone&nbsp; to give it to you after all. You gave it to yourself.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>That’s the great thing about magic.&nbsp; It makes anything possible. </strong></p> <p><strong>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned…</strong></p> <p><strong><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em></strong></p> <h3><font color=\"#0000ff\">Special Announcement:&nbsp; </font></h3> <h3><font color=\"#0000ff\">Please join me with </font><a href=\"http://twitter.com/lollydaskal\"><font color=\"#0000ff\">Lolly Daskal</font></a><font color=\"#0000ff\"> and the gang on the #LeadFromWithin </font><a href=\"http://www.tweetchat.com\"><font color=\"#0000ff\">Tweet Chat</font></a><font color=\"#0000ff\"> this Tuesday (February 15, 2011) at 8 PM EST.&nbsp; </font></h3> <p>This is my chance to volunteer and help lead the discussion with a group of wonderful people from around the Twitterverse on how to #LeadFromWithin.&nbsp; Lolly and I talked about it and decided that exchanging ideas on what happens to us as leaders when we volunteer was a perfect topic for the day after Valentine’s day.&nbsp; I hope you will volunteer to join us, roll up your sleeves and show us what YOU can do by adding your ideas to the tweet chat discussion.&nbsp; It’s easy to do and free of charge.&nbsp; Just sign in with your Twitter ID at <a href=\"http://www.TweetChat.com\">www.TweetChat.com</a> at 8PM EST on 2/27/2011.&nbsp; Put in the #LeadFromWithin hashtag at the top and when I post a question – share an answer.&nbsp; See you then.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong><a href=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\"><img style=\"display:inline;float:left;margin:5px 10px 5px 5px;\" title=\"Joan Koerber-Walker_Thumbnail \" alt=\"\" align=\"left\" src=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\"></a>Joan Koerber-Walker</strong> is a two time Stevie Award National Finalist and Chairman of the Board of <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com/\">CorePurpose, Inc</a>. and the <a href=\"http://www.otef.org/\">Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a>.&nbsp; She also serves as Executive in Residence for Callaman Ventures and on the boards of for profit and nonprofit organizations.&nbsp; As the former CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association and a past member of the Board of Trustees of the National Small Business Association she has worked with hundreds of small businesses and on behalf of thousands.&nbsp; Chat with her on Twitter as <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/joankw\">@joankw</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwgrowth\">@JKWgrowth</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwinnovation\">@JKWinnovation</a>, <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/jkwleadership\">@JKWleadership</a> and<a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/corepurpose\">@CorePurpose</a> or at her blog at <a href=\"http://www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com/\">www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com</a>. </p>','Success Tip: Lead–Grow–Volunteer','','inherit','open','open','','1578-revision','','','2011-02-13 03:21:26','2011-02-13 03:21:26','',1578,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1578-revision/',0,'revision','',0),