(2061,2,'2012-08-19 21:29:12','2012-08-19 21:29:12','<p></p> <p>First and foremost - I am not a social media expert.&nbsp; Not even close! I\'m just a business person trying to learn how to communicate across an evolving medium.&nbsp;&nbsp; Lucky for me, I am surrounded by people who know a lot more about it than I do.&nbsp; I won\'t call them experts.&nbsp; They\'d shoot me if I did.&nbsp; You see, social media is changing too fast .&nbsp; No one is really an expert.&nbsp; Some just know more than others and have been at it longer.</p> <p>I got some good pointers from Twitter friends this weekend.&nbsp; </p> <p>The first was from Tyler Hurst.&nbsp; </p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/a-bit-of-books.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" height=\"437\" alt=\"A Bit of Books from my personal collection\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/a-bit-of-books_thumb.jpg\" width=\"273\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\"></a></p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image2.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"47\" alt=\"image\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb2.png\" width=\"47\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\"></a><a href=\"http://twitter.com/tdhurst\" target=\"_blank\">tdhurst</a> @joankw NO RECYCLED QUOTES. YOU ARE BETTER THAN THAT </p> <p>I obviously over did it Saturday night.</p> <p>The second was from an article posted by Brian Solis about authenticity and authority in social media.&nbsp; <a href=\"http://www.briansolis.com/2009/06/a-soliloquy-the-universal-language-of-social-media/\">A Soliloquy: The Language of Social Media</a> by Brian Solis <a href=\"http://twitter.com/briansolis\" target=\"_blank\">(@BrianSolis</a>)</p> <p>I loved Brian\'s article and sent it out as a RT.&nbsp; The feedback I\'ve been getting back all day is that&nbsp; authenticity should be the goal every time.</p> <p>Now, I tweet quite a bit, and across multiple profiles as you can see on this <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/my-profiles-on-twitter.html\">page</a>.&nbsp; My personal profile description is \'an eclectic mix of ideas\' while the other four are focused on innovation, leadership, growth, and business success.</p> <p>So perhaps I should take another look&nbsp; at those quotes I tweeted... </p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image3.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"50\" alt=\"image\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb3.png\" width=\"50\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\"></a> <a href=\"http://twitter.com/joankw\" target=\"_blank\">joankw</a> “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It\'s not.” ~&nbsp; Dr. Seuss </p> <p>Hmmm.&nbsp; Perhaps I need to think a bit more about what I am doing?</p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image4.png\"><a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWgrowth\"><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image5.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"52\" alt=\"image\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb4.png\" width=\"52\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\"></a></a></p> <p><a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWgrowth\">JKWgrowth</a></a> “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” ~ Dr. <b>Seuss</b> </p> <p>So taking a page from Dr. Seuss - I looked around my twitterverse to see what I could see.&nbsp; Since the twitterverse is huge, I took a note from the Beatles and got a little help from my friends... by looking at what they do.</p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image6.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"55\" alt=\"image\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb5.png\" width=\"55\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\"></a> </p> <p><a href=\"http://twitter.com/markismusing\">@MarkIsMusing</a> is one of the tweeters I have followed from day one.&nbsp; Yes, he tweets everyday stuff, but when he starts musing he\'ll treat the 26,000+ people who follow him to a string of quotes he is \'musing\' about.&nbsp; He also has a great newsletter and a blog I now subscribe to. Plus he splits his time between Calgary and Maui AND remodels his own bathroom.&nbsp; What\'s not to like?</p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image7.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"53\" alt=\"image\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb6.png\" width=\"53\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\"></a> </p> <p>&nbsp;<a href=\"http://twitter.com/StartupPro\">@StartupPro</a> is a friend and favorite.&nbsp; No quotes from Marty Zwilling.&nbsp; An entrepreneur and investor, he\'s a blogger who posts every day!&nbsp; Not only does his blog have a great following but he has almost twice Mark\'s Twitter following with nary a quotation in sight.&nbsp; Great content, predictability (count on a new blog post EVERY morning), and sharing business insights is his secret to success. </p> <p><a href=\"http://twitter.com/wbaustin\"><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image8.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"54\" alt=\"image\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb7.png\" width=\"54\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\"></a>@WBAustin</a> is a running news stream of ideas and articles.&nbsp; It works for him and his close to 100,000 followers.&nbsp; Bill\'s wife <a href=\"http://twitter.com/katheesue\">@KatheeSue</a> handles the local beat with <a href=\"http://twitter.com/evliving\">@EVLIving</a> while chatting with friends as KatheeSue.</p> <p><a href=\"http://twitter.com/hardaway\" target=\"_blank\"><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image9.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"56\" alt=\"image\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb8.png\" width=\"56\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\"></a>@Hardaway</a> (Francine Hardaway) Co-founder, Stealthmode Partners, helping entrepreneurs succeed.&nbsp; I won\'t be showing her \'recycled quotes\' she rarely if ever does that. Her tweets are as authentic as they get as she reports on her life, ideas, and activities throughout the day.&nbsp; As my friend and mentor, she always tries to keep me out of trouble.&nbsp; Sometimes I even listen.&nbsp; </p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image10.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"56\" alt=\"image\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb9.png\" width=\"56\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\"></a> @Amilya (Amilya Antonetti) an award winning entrepreneur,Green Pioneer Bestselling Author, Media Personality, Advocate and Mom is a conversationalist on Twitter.&nbsp; She loves to twitter chat with <a href=\"http://twitter.com/tomvmorris\" target=\"_blank\">@TomVMorris</a> who is one of the best.&nbsp; I\'ve never had the pleasure of tweeting with Dr. Morris on Twitter, but I love to read his occasional quotes from the great philosophers as well as his own insightful quips.&nbsp; Who knows, maybe some day.&nbsp; ;o)&nbsp; </p> <p>The funny thing is, Twitter asks \"What are YOU doing?\"&nbsp; When I was pulling those quotes - I WAS reading&nbsp; <em>Oh, the Places You\'ll Go</em> by Dr. Seuss.&nbsp; It\'s the tall skinny volume in my bookshelf between <em>Norton\'s Anthology of Poetry</em> and <em>The Holy Bible</em>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I love books and read a lot more than I tweet.&nbsp; The picture above is of the bookshelf my playroom that stands next to the pool cues.&nbsp; My library/office is filled with business books, and in my bedroom closet, hundreds of novels.&nbsp; (I may have more novels than Amilya has shoes!) </p> <p><a href=\"http://twitter.com/JKWleadership\"><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image11.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"50\" alt=\"image\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb10.png\" width=\"50\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\"></a>JKWleadership</a> My Favorite Leadership Books - Oh, The Places You\'ll Go by Dr. Seuss~ Read it to your kids... Read it for yourself. </p> <p>I had pulled that book out after a long day of struggling through business plans, financial models, and other stuff that the Twitterati would probably find a bit boring - not to mention, the stuff is all under NDA and I can\'t talk about it anyway.&nbsp; And why, you might ask, did I make such a switch in reading material just then.&nbsp; Simple. I saw the quote on Twitter from Robert Baines that read:</p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image12.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"50\" alt=\"image\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb11.png\" width=\"50\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\"></a> \"<a href=\"http://twitter.com/screamingeagle1\">screamingeagle1</a> \"I like <b>nonsense</b>, it wakes up the brain cells.\" ~ Dr. <b>Seuss.&nbsp; </b></p> <p><b>I</b>t reminded me of just what I needed to clear my brain. </p> <p><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"67\" alt=\"image\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb12.png\" width=\"54\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\"> “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the things you can think up if only you try!” ~ Dr. Seuss </p> <p>So, as my friend Amilya says, \"it\'s time to \'noodle.\"&nbsp; </p> <p>Here\'s my lesson learned this weekend.&nbsp; If authenticity is important,&nbsp; then you just have to be who you are.&nbsp; I am just what my personal profile says... an eclectic mix.&nbsp; Not to say that I can\'t learn to be better.&nbsp; I\'ll follow Tyler\'s advice and perhaps use some more of my own quotes more frequently rather than quoting someone else.&nbsp; Francine and Marty have encouraged me to write/blog more.&nbsp; (Francine even told me that my writing has improved.&nbsp; But that\'s for you to decide.)&nbsp; I\'ll keep reading and sharing the articles, news stories, and bits that I think have value because that is what I authentically do.&nbsp; Share things of value with others is what I do everyday. I\'ll chat more, broadcast less,&nbsp; AND - I\'ll try to mix it up a bit more so as not to be annoying.&nbsp; Oh, and I am suspending my auto link for @joankw from Seesmic to Facebook.&nbsp; According to my husband, my in-laws have hidden me because I send out too much stuff!</p> <p>So, is this the right strategy?&nbsp; Well, we\'ll see. There was a great quote this weekend by Victoria Holt - my favorite author during my teen years.&nbsp; (No laughing - love, adventure, suspense AND a happy ending.&nbsp; What\'s not to like.&nbsp; I still own every single one of her books in paperback.) </p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image13.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" height=\"63\" alt=\"image\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb13.png\" width=\"54\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\"></a>\"Never regret. If it\'s good, it\'s wonderful. If it\'s bad, it\'s experience.\" Victoria Holt (1906-1993) British writer (via <a href=\"http://twitter.com/successsecret\" target=\"_blank\">@successsecret</a>) AKA: Mike Hanes <a href=\"http://twitter.com/mikehanes\" target=\"_blank\">(@MikeHanes)</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by - and reading to the end.&nbsp; Stay tuned...</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p> <p></p> <div class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:a675ebe5-107e-48bb-b4ef-091dedac2568\" 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/social%20media\" rel=\"tag\">social media</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/communications\" rel=\"tag\">communications</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/lessons%20learned\" rel=\"tag\">lessons learned</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20tips\" rel=\"tag\">business tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/#quotes\" rel=\"tag\">#quotes</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/authenticity\" rel=\"tag\">authenticity</a></div> <p></p></blockquote> <p>Credits:&nbsp; Photo - Joan Koerber-Walker - If you don\'t believe me, you can come check in my play room.&nbsp; Tweets - as of this writing at 5:48 PM (pacific) on June 14,2009 - everything shown here was visible via the public feeds on Twitter.</p>','To quote or not to quote - That is the question.','','inherit','open','open','','1442-revision-2','','','2012-08-19 21:29:12','2012-08-19 21:29:12','',1442,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1442-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2064,2,'2012-08-19 21:39:55','2012-08-19 21:39:55','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/a-few-key-maxims/grandmas-100th-christmas/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-998\"><img class=\"wp-image-998 alignleft\" style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"Grandmas 100th Christmas\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/Grandmas-100th-Christmas.jpg\" alt=\"Marie Gleason Carmichael\" width=\"309\" height=\"430\" /></a>Marie G. Carmichael was a pretty wise lady. She lived to see 100 Christmases and 17 Presidents. She loved politics too. I wonder what she would say if she heard the news today?\r\n\r\nIt\'s hard to find a space in the media today that is not filled with incumbents, candidates and presumptive candidates sharing their message with \"the people.\"\r\n\r\nPerhaps, like many of us, you are tired of it all; the repetition, the name calling, the bickering and worse. I know I am.\r\n\r\nThere are a couple of things you can do.\r\n\r\n<strong>Option #1 - Turn it off.</strong>\r\n\r\nTurn off the TV and the radio, advise the newspaper you are on vacation so please suspend delivery until election day, and avoid opening email, accessing Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or any other form of social media.\r\n\r\n<strong>Option #2 - If you think Option #1 is a bit too extreme.</strong>\r\n\r\nEach time you hear a politician, newscaster, or other pundit continue to behave in a way that creates dissension instead of creating solutions, send them the gift of these words that my Grandma shared with me:\r\n<blockquote>\"Have your facts in your head before opening your mouth. \"\r\n\r\n\"Don\'t complain about a problem, without offering its solution.\"\r\n\r\n\"Pointing fingers does not solve anything, you have a brain and two good hands, use them to fix it.\"\r\n\r\n\"Always remember, if you can\'t say anything nice, don\'t say anything at all.\"</blockquote>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Perhaps if our current and hopeful politicians hear this a few million times, they will get the message.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">We can only hope.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Otherwise we may just have to go back to seriously considering Option #1.</p>','A Few Key Maxims','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-8','','','2012-08-19 21:39:55','2012-08-19 21:39:55','',1599,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1599-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2065,2,'2012-02-04 19:24:42','2012-02-04 19:24:42','Innovation is a key characteristic of our nation and critical to our current and future global leadership.  These days it is rare to attend a speech or symposium where innovation does not figure prominently in the conversation.   It’s so easy to talk about innovation.  It’s not so easy to actually develop a new product or service, commercialize it and gain the acceptance that defines the transition from invention to innovation.\n\nRecognizing these leaders and honoring their efforts and achievements is the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.<!--more-->\n\nBetween now and March 31,2012 is when we submit nominations for the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.  The Medal is the Nation’s highest honor for technological achievement and innovation. It is authorized by Congress and presented annually by the President of the United States.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Medals2012-Header.jpg\"><img title=\"2012 National Medal for Technology and Innovation\" src=\"http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Medals2012-Header.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"196\" /></a>\n\nThe Medal is awarded to individuals, teams (up to four individuals), companies or divisions of companies for their outstanding contributions to the Nation’s economic, environmental and social well-being through the development and commercialization of technological products, processes and concepts; technological innovation; and strengthening the Nation’s technological workforce.\n\nAnyone can nominate for the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by submitting the nomination form and six letters of support at <a href=\"http://www.uspto.gov/about/nmti/guidelines.jsp\">www.uspto.gov/about/nmti/guidelines.jsp</a>.\n\n(Please note, self-nominations will not be accepted by the USPTO. Here in Arizona, our AZBio team will work with our bioscience community to coordinate nominations that  shine a spotlight on our community’s bioscience innovators. Contact <a href=\"mailto:AdvancingBio@AZBio.org\">AdvancingBio@AZBio.org</a>for more information. )\n\n<strong>The time available to submit nominations is limited and will end on March 31, 2012.</strong>  I hope you will help us quickly spread the word about this opportunity to celebrate the United States’ creative genius and the amazing innovations and innovators we have here in Arizona and in your community too.\n\n_______________________________________\n\nTo learn more, see the USPTO Press release below.\n\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nFebruary 2, 2012\n<strong>Patent Office Expands Outreach for Innovation Honors</strong>\n\n<em>Office Seeks to Build on Previous Successes</em>\n\nWashington, D.C. (2/02/2012) – The Commerce Department’s United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is expanding its nationwide call for nominees for the 2012 National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI).  The Congressionally authorized medal is presented each year by the President of the United States and is the country’s highest award for technological achievement.\n\n“We want to honor this nation’s creative geniuses,” said Richard Maulsby, the USPTO’s acting chief communication officer and NMTI program coordinator. “This medal goes to innovators whose talent helps guarantee U.S. leadership in technology across the board.”\n\nPast laureates have been awarded the medal for a wide variety of achievements, and the USPTO seeks to build on this diversity in 2012.  “There are thousands of U.S. inventors who have produced great ideas.  This is an opportunity to recognize them and showcase their work,” said Maulsby.<strong></strong>\n\nThe medal is awarded annually to individuals, teams (of up to four individuals), companies or divisions of companies for their outstanding contributions to America’s economic, environmental and social well-being. By highlighting the national importance of technological innovation, the medal is also meant to inspire future generations of Americans to prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep the United States at the forefront of global technology and economic leadership.\n\nThe USPTO administers the medal program on behalf of the Commerce secretary. Detailed information about the requirements for submitting a nomination, including a nomination form, can be downloaded at<a href=\"http://www.uspto.gov/about/nmti/guidelines.jsp\">www.uspto.gov/about/nmti/guidelines.jsp</a>.\n\n<strong>All completed nominations must be submitted to the USPTO by 5 p.m. (ET), March 31, 2012.</strong>\n\n<strong>Media Contacts:</strong>\n\nRichard Maulsby, Acting Chief Communication Officer and NMTI Program Coordinator | United States Patent and Trademark Office | (571) 272-8333\n\nPaul Fucito  (571) 272-8400  | <a href=\"mailto:paul.fucito@uspto.gov\">paul.fucito@uspto.gov</a>\n\n<strong>If you have any questions or need additional information on nominations:</strong>\n\nMatthew Palumbo | (517) 272-7517 | <a href=\"mailto:Matthew.Palumbo@USPTO.gov\">Matthew.Palumbo@USPTO.gov</a>\n\n________________________________________________\n\n<strong>About the author:</strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/jkw-azbio-blue2.png\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:left;padding-top:0;border:0;margin:0 5px;\" title=\"JKW AZBio Blue\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/jkw-azbio-blue_thumb2.png\" alt=\"JKW AZBio Blue\" width=\"119\" height=\"119\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\" /></a>Joan Koerber-Walker, MBA is Chairman 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 the president and ceo of <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\">AZBIO – The Arizona BioIndustry Association.</a>The statewide voice for Arizona’s bioscience industry, AZBio is dedicated to ensuring that Arizona bioscience companies have the resources, connections and economic environment they need to keep moving forward faster.\n\n<strong>To learn more about the accelerating growth of Arizona’s bioscience industry visit</strong>:\n\nAZBio: <a href=\"http://www.AZBIO.org\">www.AZBIO.org</a> <a href=\"http://www.AZBioExpo.com\">www.AZBioExpo.com</a>\n\nArizona’s Bioscience Roadmap: <a href=\"http://www.flinn.org\">www.flinn.org</a>\n\nArizona Bioscience 101: <a href=\"http://www.arizonabiobasics.com\">www.arizonabiobasics.com</a>\n\nArizona Bioscience on Twitter: <a href=\"http://twitter.com/biozonanews\">@BiozonaNews</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/azbio\">@AZBio</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/azbioceo\">@AZBioCEO</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/asubiodesign\">@ASUBiodesign</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/bio5\">@BIO5</a>','Honor Our Innovators and Nominate Them for Our Nation’s Highest Honor','','inherit','open','open','','1598-revision','','','2012-02-04 19:24:42','2012-02-04 19:24:42','',1598,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1598-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2066,2,'2011-12-02 13:17:02','2011-12-02 13:17:02','<img class=\"alignright\" style=\"display:inline;float:right;margin:5px;\" title=\"Senator Mary Landrieu\" src=\"http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2010-09-28-landrieu.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"204\" height=\"257\" align=\"right\" />Few government programs make a bigger impact on keeping the United States at the forefront of innovation and technology of all kinds than the SBIR/STTR program.\n\nA heat in the race for SBIR/STTR reauthorization was including in it in the Continuing Resolution (CR) that funded the Federal Government through December 16th, The Senate has now included the SBIR/STTR reauthorization in the Senate Defense Bill that passed yesterday by a vote of 93-7. The Bill also authorizes money for military personnel, weapons systems, national security programs in the Energy Department, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in the fiscal year that began Oct. 1.\n\nSenator Mary L. Landrieu, Chair, Senate Committee on Small Business &amp; Entrepreneurship, made the following comments following the Senate\'s unanimous vote in favor of Amendment 1115 to the National Defense Authorization bill. The amendment would reauthorize the Small Business innovation and Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for another eight years.<!--more-->\n<div>\n<blockquote>\n<div>\"Tonight, we are closer than we\'ve ever been on achieving a long-term reauthorization for the SBIR and STTR programs,\" Senator Landrieu said. \"My Senate colleagues and I have been working all year to get this done and, with this vote, the Senate has set politics aside and given our support to small business and innovation. This amendment not only keeps these programs alive, it also gives them stability and I thank Senators Levin and McCain for their help in getting tonight\'s vote. I am hopeful our counterparts in the House will work with us to bring this to the President\'s desk immediately so that we can continue to keep our nation on the forefront of defense technology and scientific innovation.\" The amendment, which passed by unanimous voice vote, provides for a long-term extension of SBIR and STTR programs through 2019.</div></blockquote>\n<div>(Source: Congressional Documents and Publications/ContentWorks via COMTEX and <a href=\"http://green.tmcnet.com/news/2011/11/30/5964942.htm\">Green Technolgy News</a>.)</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Enacted by Congress in 1982, the SBIR program is the largest federal research and development program for small businesses and one of the largest examples of U.S. public-private partnerships. The program allows small businesses to compete for a portion of federal research dollars in order to help the agencies meet their many missions. By including small businesses in the nation\'s R&amp;D efforts, SBIR grants and contracts are intended to stimulate innovative solutions to help the agencies meet specific research and development needs, from areas of health and environment to national defense and agriculture, and move the ideas from lab to market, whether for the government or commercial purposes.<!--TMC_CONTENT_BODY_U2_END--></div>\n</div>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>Below is a message Senator Landrieu sent (via press release) to the SBIR/STTR community. </strong></p>\n[----beginning of letter ----]\n\n<strong>From:</strong> Senator Mary L. Landrieu, Chair, Senate Committee on Small Business &amp; Entrepreneurship\n\n<strong></strong><strong>Subject:</strong> Spread the Word: SBIR/STTR One Step Closer to Finish Line\n\n<strong></strong><strong>Date:</strong> December 1, 2011\n\n<em></em><em>Dear SBIR/STTR Advocates, </em><em>This week, by a unanimous voice vote, the Senate amended the National Defense Authorization bill to include a reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for another eight years giving small businesses confidence that the program is going to go on. </em><em>Prior to this vote, Congress had passed 14 temporary extensions of the SBIR and STTR programs since 2008. Unfortunately, the fight is not over. </em>\n\n<em>There is one more hurdle to jump over to make it to the finish line. We must make sure our colleagues on the House side do not strip this crucial legislation as with years past. </em><em>You may think this bill will easily pass the House with bipartisan support given the overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate and broad support from groups such as the National Small Business Association, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the U.S Chamber of Commerce and BIO. The Senate version has the most support and we hope the House will join us in getting a long-term SBIR/STTR reauthorization across the finish line. </em>\n\n<em></em><em>Please call your Member of the House and urge them to speak to their colleagues who will be involved in these negotiations to reach a compromise before the National Defense bill is sent to the President. </em>\n\n<em>We must stress the importance of this legislation; we must make sure they understand the necessity of these programs to keep our nation on the forefront of defense technology and scientific innovation. </em><em></em><em>You can read more about this wonderful news below. </em>\n\nAll the best,\n\n[Mary L. Landrieu]\n\n<strong></strong><strong><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Did you know? </span></strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>This reauthorizes the programs for 8 years.</li>\n	<li>The amendment increases the SBIR program allocation by one percent, from 2.5 to 3.5 percent, over ten years, and increases the STTR program allocation from .3 percent to .6 percent over six years.</li>\n	<li>It makes firms majority owned and controlled by multiple venture capital firms eligible for up to 25 percent of the SBIR funds at NIH, NSF and DoE and up to 15 percent of the funds at the other eight agencies. The authority is in effect for five years, as modified by <a href=\"http://mccain.senate.gov/public/\">Sen. McCain</a>.</li>\n	<li>3 percent of the SBIR allocation will go to administrative, oversight and processing costs if there is an allocation increase.</li>\n	<li>The amendment increases the award guidelines for SBIR and STTR awards from $100,000 to $150,000 for Phase I and from $750,000 to $1 million for Phase II, allowing for one sequential Phase II.</li>\n</ul>\n[---- end of letter ----]\n\n<strong>For more information on the SBIR/STTR program</strong> and the journey that has taken us to this point, read <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/small-business-innovation-and-the-importance-of-the-sbir-and-sttr\">http://www.azbio.org/small-business-innovation-and-the-importance-of-the-sbir-and-sttr</a>\n\n<strong>Want to contact your member of Congress and share your viewpoint on the SBIR/STTR reauthorization?</strong>\n\nThe following website makes it easy. <a href=\"http://www.ContactingTheCongress.org\">www.ContactingTheCongress.org</a>\n\nSources: A/P, Senator Mary L. Landieu (press release), Rick Shindell (<a href=\"http://www.zyn.com/sbir\">SBIR Insider</a>) , <a href=\"http://green.tmcnet.com/news/2011/11/30/5964942.htm\">Green Technolgy News</a>.)\n\n<strong>About the Author:</strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/jkw-azbio-blue1.png\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:left;padding-top:0;border-width:0;margin:5px;\" title=\"JKW AZBio Blue\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/jkw-azbio-blue_thumb1.png\" alt=\"JKW AZBio Blue\" width=\"99\" height=\"99\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\" /></a>Joan Koerber-Walker, MBA is Chairman of <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com/\">CorePurpose, Inc</a>. and the <a href=\"http://www.otef.org/\">Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a>. She serves as the president and ceo of <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\">AZBIO – The Arizona BioIndustry Association.</a>\n\n<strong>About AZBio: </strong>The statewide voice for Arizona’s bioscience industry, AZBio is dedicated to ensuring that Arizona bioscience companies have the resources, connections and economic environment they need to keep moving forward faster. AZBio efforts monitor, educate, and inform the community on <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/key-issues\">key issues at the national level </a>and<a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/policy\"> key initiatives here in Arizona</a>.\n\n<strong>To learn more about the accelerating growth of Arizona’s bioscience industry visit</strong>: AZBio: <a href=\"http://www.AZBIO.org\">www.AZBIO.org</a> <a href=\"http://www.AZBioExpo.com\">www.AZBioExpo.com</a> Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap: <a href=\"http://www.flinn.org\">www.flinn.org</a> Arizona Bioscience 101: <a href=\"http://www.arizonabiobasics.com\">www.arizonabiobasics.com</a> Arizona Bioscience on Twitter: <a href=\"http://twitter.com/biozonanews\">@BiozonaNews</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/azbio\">@AZBio</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/azbioceo\">@AZBioCEO</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/asubiodesign\">@ASUBiodesign</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/bio5\">@BIO5</a>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:18641404-4f4c-4844-bed1-4753b54d7c8d\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/SBIR+STTR+Reauthorization+2011\" rel=\"tag\">SBIR STTR Reauthorization 2011</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/JoMcCain\" rel=\"tag\">JoMcCain</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Senator+Mary+Landrieu\" rel=\"tag\">Senator Mary Landrieu</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Innovation+and+Growth\" rel=\"tag\">Innovation and Growth</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZBio\" rel=\"tag\">AZBio</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizona+BioIndustry\" rel=\"tag\">Arizona BioIndustry</a></div>','Spreading the Word on the SBIR STTR Race to the Finish Line','','inherit','open','open','','1596-revision','','','2011-12-02 13:17:02','2011-12-02 13:17:02','',1596,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1596-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2067,2,'2011-11-20 11:27:53','2011-11-20 11:27:53','<dl><dd></dd></dl>Washington\'s support is critical in protecting the only sector that demonstrated job gains, in Arizona and in Tucson in 2010.\"\n\n<strong><em><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/img_2008.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:right;padding-top:0;border-width:0;margin:4px;\" title=\"IMG_2008\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/img_2008_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_2008\" width=\"184\" height=\"244\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" /></a>Last week I had the opportunity to share my opinion on some of the key decisions that the Super Committee is grappling with that could have a lasting impact on our community and our state.&nbsp; Southern Arizona and especially Tucson is leading in bringing life changing innovation to the world.&nbsp; This is what I shared </em></strong><a href=\"http://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/opinion/columnists/guest_opinion/super-committee-could-put-tucson-s-bioscience-industry-at-risk/article_96a86eea-1137-11e1-a473-001cc4c03286.html#.TsaAPoCXzbA\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>as seen in&nbsp; Inside Tucson Business</em></strong></a>\n\n“Next Wednesday, Nov. 23, is the deadline when the Congressional \"super committee\" is supposed to present its cohesive cost-savings plan. This 12-member panel, among them <a href=\"http://kyl.senate.gov/constit_center/about.cfm\" target=\"_blank\">Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz</a>., has been grappling with the monumental task of slashing $1.5 trillion from the federal budget for months.\n\n<!--more-->\n\nWhat\'s more obscure, however, is that achieving this task could forever change the bioscience sector in Tucson. Talk of program cuts in an effort to ascend to the trillion-dollar-savings-mark has placed programs like Medicare and Medicare Part D at risk. An outcome that would be a serious set back to the bio industry in our state while hindering patient care and healthcare innovation.\n\nMedicare Part D has delivered exponential outcomes and has been proven to be cost-effective, 41 percent below the projected costs when the legislation was adopted. The success has generated dollars that are invested in research and development for bioscience.\n\nAs reported by the international science and technology development company Battelle, in a report titled Arizona\'s Bioscience Roadmap in Tucson, bioscience has proven its economic worth. There are more than 70 establishments categorized as research, testing and medical laboratories that employ more than 1,200 people, up 33 percent from 2002.\n\nFurthermore, hospitals, which account for the majority of bioscience jobs according to Battelle, are thriving in Tucson. And the specialized hospitals subsector has nearly 15,000 jobs. In fact, hospital employment is 23 percent more concentrated in and around Tucson relative to the national average.\n\nNationally, the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry supports more than 4 million U.S. jobs and nearly $300 billion in total output to GDP. And in 2009, industry-wide research and development investment surpassed a record $65 billion - more than twice the National Institutes of Health\'s annual operating budget, only a fraction of which goes to basic drug research.\n\nThe outcome of such investments can be seen everywhere: from major improvements in human health to advancements in treatments of HIV/AIDS, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer\'s, diabetes and much more.\n\nMedicare Part D also saves consumers money because private insurance companies work directly with drug manufacturers and pharmacies to negotiate rebates and other savings one-on-one.\n\nNew drugs are available in the U.S. sooner than anywhere else in the world, particularly when compared to markets with government price controls. This makes rhetoric about \"government-imposed\" rebates for Medicare counterproductive. Government-imposed rebates could reduce the dollars available for investment in research and development of bioscience.\n\nAs we approach the looming Nov. 23 deadline for the \"super committee,\" make note that Arizona\'s bioscience industry is committed to advancing innovative healthcare solutions that in turn fuels our economy. Washington\'s support is critical in protecting the only sector that demonstrated job gains, in Arizona and in Tucson in 2010.\n\n\"Reforms\" that suppress competition, inflate seniors\' premiums, restrict access to treatments, discourage research and development, deter investment in innovation and cut tens of thousands of skilled, high-paying jobs in our state and others would be counterproductive and short-sighted.”\n\n###\n<h3>Additional points for consideration</h3>\nHealthcare and life saving drugs and treatments are just one of the ways that bioscience innovations are making our country and our world a better place.&nbsp; Our Arizona bioscience industry is working on new ways to create alternate energy sources and bio fuels, Arizona universities are working on new crop developments that can make an impact on the world hunger crisis, and Arizona medical device companies are developing devices that extend and improve the quality of life for millions.\n\nThe solutions to our economic challenges and the broader challenges we face as a&nbsp; nation and a world will come through these innovations.&nbsp; Not only will they address these challenges, the companies that deliver them create high quality jobs for this generation and those that will follow.\n\nArizona is lucky to have a leader in <a href=\"http://kyl.senate.gov/constit_center/about.cfm\" target=\"_blank\">Senator John Kyl</a>who understands the need for innovation, jobs, and a better tomorrow for ALL Americans.&nbsp; As he and the Super Committee go into this important final week, we thank them for the difficult task they have accepted on our behalf and hope that when all is competed that their proposal supports the industries that work every day to deliver innovation, jobs, and a better tomorrow for ALL Americans.\n\n<strong>About the author:</strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/jkw-azbio-blue.png\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:left;padding-top:0;border-width:0;margin:0 6px 0 0;\" title=\"JKW AZBio Blue\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/jkw-azbio-blue_thumb.png\" alt=\"JKW AZBio Blue\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\" /></a>Joan Koerber-Walker, MBA is Chairman 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 the president and ceo of <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\">AZBIO – The Arizona BioIndustry Association.</a>The statewide voice for Arizona’s bioscience industry, AZBio is dedicated to ensuring that Arizona bioscience companies have the resources, connections and economic environment they need to keep moving forward faster.\n\n<strong>To learn more about the accelerating growth of Arizona’s bioscience industry visit</strong>:\n\nAZBio: <a href=\"http://www.AZBIO.org\">www.AZBIO.org</a> <a href=\"http://www.AZBioExpo.com\">www.AZBioExpo.com</a>\n\nArizona’s Bioscience Roadmap: <a href=\"http://www.flinn.org\">www.flinn.org</a>\n\nArizona Bioscience 101: <a href=\"http://www.arizonabiobasics.com\">www.arizonabiobasics.com</a>\n\nArizona Bioscience on Twitter: <a href=\"http://twitter.com/biozonanews\">@BiozonaNews</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/azbio\">@AZBio</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/azbioceo\">@AZBioCEO</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/asubiodesign\">@ASUBiodesign</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/bio5\">@BIO5</a>','The Super Committee could put bioscience industry growth and innovation at risk … hopefully they won’t!','','inherit','open','open','','1595-revision','','','2011-11-20 11:27:53','2011-11-20 11:27:53','',1595,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1595-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2068,2,'2009-12-31 23:33:37','2009-12-31 23:33:37','The year 2009 will be a year to remember- fondly by some and less by others.  But however you feel about this year soon past - 2010 is just around the corner. (Or as my Aussie friends remind me - It\'s already here!)\n\nAs the clock strikes Twelve - New Years tradition is to gather with friends and family to wish them well - sing a song and exchange an embrace.  We\'ve all heard the song and probably sung it - most of us badly - at least I have. \n\nIt is believed Robert Burns wrote the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne in the 1700\'s. (Most say in  1788.)  The 1700\'s were  challenging years for the Scots - and in January of 1788 - it was the passing of an era with the death at 68 of the long exiled <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Edward_Stuart\" target=\"_blank\">Bonnie Prince Charlie.</a>\n\nThis video has <em><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auld_Lang_Syne\" target=\"_blank\">Auld Lang Syne</a></em> as sung by <a href=\"http://www.dougiemaclean.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=57:tribute&amp;catid=44:recordings&amp;Itemid=80\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Dougie MacLean</em> on his album <em>Tribute</em></a>.  \n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ca3f6a66-8e24-45c3-8add-3927077f9a6a\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acxnmaVTlZA]</div>\n</div>\nAs we sing Auld Lang Syne to this challenging decade of zero years,  let\'s take a page from from the song and put it behind us with fond memories of what was good and focus in on where and why we might raise our \'cup of kindness\' to the decade to come.\n<h4>Looking Back on the Big Zero</h4>\nThe decade of the <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/28/opinion/28krugman.html\" target=\"_blank\">Big Zero</a> was not all bad - it had it\'s highs and it\'s lows.  But the highs for me included starting my own company (<a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com\" target=\"_blank\">CorePurpose</a> turns 8 in July), publishing my <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=joan+koerber-walker\" target=\"_blank\">first book</a>, leading an inspiring team at <a href=\"http://www.asba.com\" target=\"_blank\">ASBA</a> for two years, working with the team at <a href=\"http://www.parentingaz.org\" target=\"_blank\">Parenting Arizona</a> and <a href=\"http://azentrepreneurship.com/otef/\" target=\"_blank\">OTEF</a> to make a lasting difference in our community, helping <a href=\"http://www.ribomed.com\" target=\"_blank\">RiboMed</a> move forward in it\'s quest for new methods of early cancer detection so we can catch it early and stop the spread before it harms the ones we love, and watching my sons grow from boys into men that their Dad and I can be very proud if.   All in all, not a bad list.\n<h4>Looking forward to the Big One</h4>\nAs I look towards 2010  and beyond - let\'s call it the Decade of the BIG ONE - I\'m starting a To Do List - not resolutions to break - just actions to take.\n<ul>\n	<li>Help someone find a job they love.</li>\n	<li>Have lunch with a  friend to share ideas on a regular basis</li>\n	<li>Pick an OLD Problem and Solve at it in a NEW way at least every other day.</li>\n	<li>Recognize someone\'s leadership potential and commit to be their mentor</li>\n	<li>Accomplish  \'Small Things\" as suggested by Rebel Brown in <a href=\"http://blog.rebelbrown.com/phoenixrising/2009/12/small-actions-bring-big-rewards.html\" target=\"_blank\">this post</a> at Phoenix Rising.</li>\n	<li>Dust off that Five Year Plan and Refine it for 2010 and beyond</li>\n	<li>Identify What We Do Best - Focus our energies there and outsource the rest</li>\n	<li>Zero in on finding <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2009/11/the-quest--in-search-of-a-transformational-company.html\" target=\"_blank\">my QUEST company</a> and get it growing.</li>\n	<li>Help my son Nick (he\'s 18) write his business plan for HIS dream business so that when he writes his  2019 Look Back List he can say - \"The Decade of the Big One was when I launched my business - and look what we have achieved.\"</li>\n</ul>\nSo, there you have it - my Look Back List and my To Do List going forward.  Have you started yours?\n\nThanks for stopping - best wishes for a Safe and Happy New Years and a record breaking 2010 and beyond.  Get ready - this decade will be the BIG ONE. \n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:91df9136-a2e2-4a2e-8763-bc380b616371\" 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/OTEF\">OTEF</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Ribomed\">Ribomed</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Parenting%20Arizona\">Parenting Arizona</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/New%20Years\">New Years</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Auld%20Lang%20Syne\">Auld Lang Syne</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/to%20do%20lists\">to do lists</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/look%20back%20lists\">look back lists</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/resolutions\">resolutions</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Rebel%20Brown\">Rebel Brown</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Phoenix%20Rising\">Phoenix Rising</a></div>','Just a bit of Auld Lang Syne - Farewell 2009','','inherit','open','open','','1503-revision','','','2009-12-31 23:33:37','2009-12-31 23:33:37','',1503,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1503-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2069,2,'2012-08-19 21:22:15','2012-08-19 21:22:15','Entrepreneurs are dreamers, creators, innovators, and builders.  They come in all shapes and sizes, and have businesses that run the gamut from global ventures and high technology to localized products and services.   But if there is one thing that entrepreneurs have in common, it is their generosity and willingness to help others.  It\'s probably because entrepreneurs understand what it means to strive, to struggle, and to work towards a dream.\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/otef-logo.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/otef-logo_thumb.png\" border=\"0\" alt=\"OTEF Logo\" width=\"244\" height=\"75\" align=\"right\" /></a>Every year for the past 5 years as Chairman of OTEF ,  I have watched as entrepreneurs from Arizona and across North America gather at the Arizona Entrepreneurship Conferences to learn from each other AND to help OTEF, the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation, raise the money need to fund programs that help at risk populations realize economic self <a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/19742-logo.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/19742-logo_thumb.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"19742-logo\" width=\"244\" height=\"146\" align=\"right\" /></a>sufficiency through entrepreneurship with classes, mentoring, and other resources.  To learn more about OTEF and it\'s programs - <a href=\"http://azentrepreneurship.com/otef/\">click here</a> .\n\nBut even after the \'show\' is over, the continuous challenge of funding these activities continues. \n\nThis week, we got yet another example of the generosity of entrepreneurs when the team at  Pillsbury Wine Company, reached out with a wonderful offer to help in furthering our mission.\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/pillsbury.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/pillsbury_thumb.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Pillsbury\" width=\"244\" height=\"207\" align=\"right\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.pillsburywinecompany.com/\">Pillsbury Wine Company</a> is the brainchild of <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Pillsbury\">Sam Pillsbury</a>, award-winning New Zealand  and American film-maker (The Quiet Earth, Free Willy 3, Endless Bummer) and former co-owner of Dos Cabezas winery in Southeastern Arizona. Wine is his passion and Sam has done it all- from planting vines to serving Dos Cabezas wines at the White House. Dos Cabezas wines have received stellar reviews over the years and Sam is now ready to take his skills and experience in a new direction.\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:22a4ef0e-3259-47fd-9e50-8a79bd96dfa9\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"width:407px;display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:5px;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=si2_KbBFs2U]</div>\n</div>\nSam is joined in the project by winemaker Eric Glomski, formerly with David Bruce and Caymus wineries in California and by Rob Dunaway, attorney/businessman, voted one of Phoenix\'s top 12 business advisors in the New Times 2001 Readers Poll.Rob, also a founding member of OTEF\'s board of directors, brought us a special opportunity and now I am sharing it with you.\n<h4>Your Opportunity</h4>\nIt is the opportunity to support  the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation this holiday season with a gift of wine to yourself, to a loved one, or for a valued business associate. In return, PILLSBURY WINE COMPANY, the hot Arizona Wine Company that critics are raving about, is donating 12% of the wine sales to OTEF.It\'s really easy - just email <a href=\"mailto:LindseyHigginson@aol.com\">LindseyHigginson@aol.com </a>and let her know which and how many of the AWARD WINNING, FOOD ENHANCING RHONE VALLEY STYLE WINES  Pillsbury has to offer you would like to order plus  your contact information so Lindsey can get back to you and <strong>\"This is for OTEF\" to</strong> trigger the donation!<strong>Bottles signed by Sam Pillsbury can also be arranged.</strong>See this really is a great opportunity.  In one fell swoop, you get to help OTEF teach entrepreneurship skills to at risk groups as well as present great programs like AZEC09, plus you get access to wonderful, award winning wines, AND if you have not finished your holiday shopping - here\'s your chance. \n<h4>The Wines of the Award Winning Pillsbury Wine Company</h4>\nFor your shopping pleasure - here is the list of wonderful Pillsbury wines...<strong><em>Pillsbury 2008 Rosé     $20</em></strong>Provençal style ‘onion skin’ pink with hints of watermelon, red cherry and strawberry on the nose, bright and refreshing in the mouth, with a clean finish. It will pair well with any light fare, especially salads, fresh fruit, and cheese and crackers. 94 Cases made. Alcohol 14%.<strong>\'Local Product of the Month\' Phoenix Magazine, August 2009</strong>.<strong>Pillsbury 2008 Pinot Gris ‘Casa Blanca’    $20</strong>We call this ‘Casa Blanca’ because the Pinot Gris made from these high altitude Arizona vines have twice been served at White House State Dinners. It has a nose of freshly chopped apple, followed by ripe peaches and apricots on the palate. It pairs well with salads, seafood or lighter chicken dishes. 230 Cases made. Alcohol 12.5%. Not yet rated.<strong>Pillsbury 2006 Roan Red    $24</strong>A blend of Grenache and Mourvedre with a small amount of Syrah and Petite Sirah, aged in neutral oak. Bone dry, unfined and unfiltered. Fragrant herbal nose with hints of lavender and honeysuckle. It has spicy ripe red-cherry fruit, with hints of vanilla and tarragon and an autumnal, forest-floor character, with a lovely long finish. Pair with pastas and lighter meat and poultry dishes. Alcohol 13.7%, 329 cases made.<strong>93 points. Mark Tarbell, AZ Republic (highest score ever given an AZ wine)</strong><strong>Pillsbury 2007 Roan Red  $24</strong>93.2% Syrah, 6.8%Grenache. This Roan Red is different than the 2006. Our Syrah vines are an Aussie Shiraz clone we planted in the Arizona High Desert in 2000. This is an intense wine with a spicy nose, cherry/cranberry and dark berry fruit with silky tannins and hints of sweet walnut, cucumber and blood orange. Pair with lamb, pasta or robustly flavored chicken dishes. 186 cases made. Alcohol 14%. Not yet rated.<strong>Pillsbury 2007 Diva  $36</strong>64.3 % Grenache, 21.4% Petite Sirah, 14.3% Mourvedre. This blend is a Chateuneuf du Pape style blend, and once again made with our ripest fruit and matured for 15 months in neutral American and new French oak. A fragrant wine with suggestions of super-ripe wild strawberry, macadamias, tobacco and bitter-sweet chocolate with ample tannins, making it perfect for steak or barbeque and big rich casseroles. 173 cases made. Alcohol 14.5%.<strong>Gold Medal, 2009 Arizona Wine Growers Association Competition. 2006 Diva called Best Wine in AZ by San Francisco Examiner and Wine Spectator gave it 89 points.</strong><strong>Pillsbury 2007 Petite Sirah.  $54</strong>This monster Petite Sirah was picked late at 28 brix and develops an intense, almost chewy chocolate-like quality and some real fruit complexity. We tend to avoid late-pick reds as the overripe fruit and high alcohol tends to obscure the complexity of the fruit, but Petite Sirah seems to come into its own when made like this. It is bone dry, has hints of intense black berry fruit, roasted cocoa, green apple, sweet blueberry, crème brulée and rose petal with big tannins. 30 cases made. Alcohol 15.4%.\n<h4>Ya gotta love it!</h4>\nGlorious wines from Generous People coming together to make life better for others. Like I started off saying - entrepreneurs are some of the most generous people I know.\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned...\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:4876d320-d00b-4a6f-b3c6-b37d69a8d8cb\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/OTEF\">OTEF</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZEC09\">AZEC09</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Opportunity%20Through%20Entrepreneurship%20Foundation\">Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizona%20Entrepreneurship%20Conference\">Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs\">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Fine%20Wine\">Fine Wine</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Pillsbury%20Wine%20Company\">Pillsbury Wine Company</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Rob%20Dunaway\">Rob Dunaway</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Sam%20Pillsbury\">Sam Pillsbury</a></div>','The Generous Nature of Entrepreneurs','','inherit','open','open','','1496-revision-2','','','2012-08-19 21:22:15','2012-08-19 21:22:15','',1496,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1496-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2070,2,'2009-11-09 05:56:10','2009-11-09 05:56:10','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/clip_image002.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/clip_image002_thumb.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"clip_image002\" width=\"201\" height=\"276\" align=\"right\" /></a>In literature, as in legend, there have been many great quests. One in particular that has captured imaginations, for over two thousand years, is the search for a simple cup used in a great tale of transformation. Yes, The Quest for The <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Grail\">Holy Grail</a>.\n\nThis quest has been the inspiration that sparked great literature, epic poems, and motion pictures running the gamut from <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Python_and_the_Holy_Grail\">Monty Python</a> to  <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Jones_and_the_Last_Crusade\">Indiana Jones</a>.\n\nWhile my quest is not one of such mythical proportion, as I sat pondering how to share my plans with you, the legend of The Holy Grail leapt to mind. \n<h4>My Quest</h4>\nI am, together with a valued group of friends, looking to acquire a controlling interest in a very particular company.  Our search and the legendary quest have more than a few things in common. In both cases they combine Innovation, Leadership, and Growth to create Lasting Value.  These are my personal passions. There is nothing like the feeling you get when you discover something with true potential and then do what it takes to Make It Great.\n<h4>What\'s been happening?</h4>\nThis year, I have been working with a small team of friends and advisors to search out <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/really-cool-deals/\">really cool deals</a>.  We\'ve found some great ones, but not the right one. Not yet. \n\nAlong the way, I have gotten much more active in connecting to friends old and new via a range of <a href=\"http://www.google.com/profiles/jkoerberwalker\">social media tools</a>. \n\nHowever, it all came together when I was having lunch last week with <a href=\"http://www.callaman.us/principal.html\">Morris Callaman</a> at a beautiful resort nestled against a mountain in Paradise Valley called <a href=\"http://www.icmontelucia.com/?sicontent=0&amp;sicreative=3162510330&amp;siclientid=1911&amp;sitrackingid=51486133&amp;cm_mmc=Google-PS-InterContinental-_-G+B-AmericasWest-_-AZ-ParadiseValley-_-montelucia+az%7C-%7C100000000000172571973&amp;cm_guid=1-_-100000000000172571973-_-3162510330&amp;gclid=CLON2-6X-Z0CFQohDQodWyfUoA\">Montelucia</a>. \n\nMorris asked -\n\n\"Joan, what do you think about expanding this search and inviting your social media network to participate? You could literally ask for help crowd-sourcing this acquisition search.\"\n\nAnd that\'s how it started.  So, here I am asking if you will help me locate the company I would like to lead next. If so, then what follows are some of the criteria we find necessary to successfully recognize our \"grail\" when we find it.  Ready? OK. Lets discuss a little detail around what this company is, and perhaps even more importantly, what it is not. An ideal company will be one where we can combine Innovation, Leadership, and Growth to create Lasting Value.\n<h4>Innovation</h4>\nInnovation in my book is doing something in a new way to make life better for the people who matter most to us - in this case employees, customers, investors, and strategic partners.  It is a company with a product or service that can transform an industry or niche.  For example, my friend Amilya Antonetti changed the way we look at soap in <a href=\"http://www.vimeo.com/4247294\">her quest to save the life of her son</a> and now she is on a quest to help other entrepreneurs ask the right questions, get the right information and the things they need to succeed.\n\n<span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Criteria #1:</span>  A product oriented company that will transform its market by creating new value through a better way of doing something(s). \n\n<span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Unlikely Fits</span>: Singing pop bottles, Presidential Pet Rocks, the corner store, or the next great social media tool.  While there may be lots of investors looking for these, I am not one of them.\n<h4>Leadership</h4>\nA great idea only gets you so far before it needs more.  In this case more is the ability to see the future direction of the company\'s journey and to predict and obtain what it will need along the way.  Many a great new company has lost crucial momentum when the leader that led the way for the first stage of the journey is not ready for the next stage of that steep uphill path, which many entrepreneurs forecast and yet few would want to travel alone. \n\nThe prize we seek on this quest will have a founder and a team that is looking for a new guide as they begin the climb to revenues and profitability so that everyone, employees, customers, investors and strategic partners alike, benefit from the next stage in the company\'s growth.\n\nCriteria #2: A dedicated team in search of experienced leadership and resources to help them successfully move along the growth path.\n\n<span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Unlikely Fits:</span>\n<ul>\n	<li>If ALL YOU NEED IS MONEY so that you can continue along the path you are already on.</li>\n	<li>If your goal is to maintain the status quo.</li>\n	<li>If, as the owner, you are not interested in passing the baton to the next runner in the growth relay.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong> </strong>\n<h4>Growth</h4>\nThe company must have solid growth potential and demonstrate how it could scale to provide a more than reasonable return to the investors.   \n\nGrowth curves come in all shapes and sizes.  There\'s the steady incremental growth of a mature business, the graceful leaps of the <a href=\"http://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gazellecompany.asp\">Gazelles</a>, and the inevitable \'Hockey Stick\" that appears over and over at every venture conference I have ever attended.  Yet, in the real world, it\'s not the pretty charts and pictures that matter, it’s the foundational elements that make a transformational company stand out.  Some Gazelles grow to be great companies, while others rapidly run out of steam after the initial burst of growth.  <a href=\"http://www.jleung.com/main/blog-entry/2007/06/04/what-is-a-hockey-stick-curve\">Hockey Stick Growth Curves</a> can be \'the big pay day\' or they can simply be a sign of a business in danger of snapping under the pressure of too much, too fast.\n\n<span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Criteria #3:</span>  The best true indicators of growth potential are not charts and graphs, but rather how does the company (or product) provide a solution that is usable by a large number of people and BETTER than substitutes (or lack thereof)?\n\n<span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Unlikely Fits:</span>\n<ul>\n	<li>One more “me too” solution in an already overcrowded market.</li>\n	<li>A terrific solution for a very small customer base (since these rarely can scale.)</li>\n	<li>Product or services that are not designed to fill a genuine customer need (since customers must ultimately be willing to pay and karma is important to me).</li>\n	<li>A \'great idea\' that has not ever been built, tested, or sold to ANYONE (since I\'d like it to already have at least one customer).</li>\n</ul>\n<h4>Lasting Value</h4>\nAnd in the end, building a great company is more than just creating a widget, jobs, or shareholder value. \n\n<span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Criteria #4</span>:  It\'s creating something to believe in, and be proud of, for the people who matter most to us (employees, customers, investors and strategic partners). \n\n<span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Unlikely Fits:</span>\n<ul>\n	<li>Products or services you would be embarrassed to discuss with your parents.</li>\n	<li>Products or services that add no value to or potentially even harm the community, the environment, or others (since that just isn\'t who I am). </li>\n	<li>Any product or service that makes promises it cannot keep (since that certainly isn\'t me either).</li>\n</ul>\n<h4>So that\'s my list.  Have YOU seen this company?</h4>\nOf course, there are at least two BIG differences between my quest and the search for The Grail of legend.  One, I know that I\'m going to find what I am seeking, and Two, this is more than a personal journey, it is also an experiment in the power of social media.  So, if you\'ve seen this company please let me know.   You can always leave me a note here, on my blog or, if you want to keep it confidential, you can also contact me by clicking <a href=\"http://corepurpose.com/contact.html\">here</a>.\n\nAs long as we are on the subject, if you happen to be looking for a company too, just let me know what YOU are searching for and I\'ll be happy to pass along what I may find for you along the way. Unlike the fabled Holy Grail, there is more than just one great opportunity out there.\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned...\n\nJoan Koerber-Walker\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/clip_image003.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/clip_image003_thumb.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"clip_image003\" width=\"244\" height=\"98\" align=\"right\" /></a>P.S.  One of the best parts of this journey is connecting, engaging, and being inspired by fellow entrepreneurs.  On Thursday, November 12th in Phoenix Arizona I will be doing just that at <a href=\"http://azec09.com\">AZEC09</a>.  Who knows maybe I will see YOU there and we can chat.\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b4ac7202-0a6f-4d2b-9bcf-1d0c22de0885\" 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/Really%20cool%20deals\">Really cool deals</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Innovation%20Quotes\">Innovation Quotes</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership\">Leadership</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Growth\">Growth</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Innovation\">Innovation</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurship\">Entrepreneurship</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Acquisitions\">Acquisitions</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Investments\">Investments</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business\">Business</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Social%20Media\">Social Media</a></div>','The Quest- In search of a transformational company','','inherit','open','open','','1492-revision','','','2009-11-09 05:56:10','2009-11-09 05:56:10','',1492,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1492-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2071,2,'2009-10-22 18:40:24','2009-10-22 18:40:24','<img src=\"http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t148/SatchmanPooch/ick-heart.jpg\" alt=\"ICK - Incongruent Customer Knowledge\" width=\"286\" height=\"187\" align=\"right\" />Millions of articles and blogs have been written on the topic of branding.  Google the word  \'branding\' and you will get over 33 million hits! \n\nUnfortunately too often, businesses spend lots of money creating and protecting their marketing message and not enough time protecting the value of their brand. \n\nToo often we forget that there is a  difference between our marketing message and our brand.  Put simply, our marketing message is what we say about our company, product or services; but, the true measure of our brand is what OTHERS think about us when they hear our name.  So in a real sense, our true brand value is our company\'s image as reflected by Customer Knowledge.    Customers form impressions of what our company truly is based on what we say - our marketing message - and what we do - our actions. When they do not match up you get ICK - Incongruent Customer Knowledge.\n\nWhen what you do and what you say are congruent, customers believe in what you say  and you.  This adds to your company\'s value.  At other times the message and actions are not congruent and no matter how much time and money you spend touting your product or service, your ICK factor is a BIG negative thus detracting from your company\'s value.\n\n<strong>Making Promises to employees, partners, customers, and investors.</strong>\n\nPromises can take many forms.  They may reflect what the company does directly, or they may be the promises shared in the marketing message, the Annual Report, or  employee communications.  But however the message is delivered,  when you promise a specific result, people expect to get it.\n\n+ Keeping the promise = a strong POSITIVE brand reaction.\n\n- Breaking the promise = a weakened brand perspective - just ICK!\n\nDid you know that Your Marketing Message itself can create a negative feeling of ICK and deplete your brand?\n<h4>Here are a few examples of mistakes I see too often when I log on to Twitter:</h4>\n<ul>\n	<li>Messages or Mentions offering to \"Grow my Twitter\" following from \'experts\' who have less followers than I do.  (If the whole point of a quality following is to understand who you are talking to, you\'d think they\'d look.)</li>\n	<li>Branded corporate sites that only talk about their products and never share or engage with the community to add value.</li>\n	<li>People who send \'conversational\' welcome messages via a DM but are not following you.  If you take the time to respond back - only to find that they are not following you - the message is highly incongruent.  Not only are you not really welcome - they can not even hear you!  Major ICK!</li>\n</ul>\n<h4>But incongruence and ICK are not unique to social media.</h4>\nVery often we share statements of our company\'s values on websites, in our annual report, or even in our advertising.  But do our actions reflect those values? \n\nHere is an example of a <a href=\"http://www.theyesmen.org/agribusiness/halliburton/corp/index.html\">corporate statement by Halliburton Corporation</a>.  Did you read it?  Sounds great!  Now read this article from ABC news: <a href=\"http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=3977702&amp;page=1&amp;page=1\">Victim: Gang-Rape Cover-Up by U.S., Halliburton/KBR</a> (KBR Told Victim She Could Lose Her Job If She Sought Help After Being Raped, She Says.)  Do the actions of Halliburton/KBR match their words? \n\n<img style=\"margin:5px;\" src=\"http://moneycentral.msn.com/articles/images/customerservicev1.jpg\" alt=\"Customer Service: The Hall of Shame\" align=\"right\" />\n\nBut it is not just Halliburton (the company everyone seems to love to hate these days) that falls into the ICK.  Check the marketing message of almost any company and you will find statements talking about how important their customers are and how well they serve them.  Yet, as you can see in the image at right, some well respected national brands have made the Customer Service Hall of Shame as reflected in <a href=\"http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/Advice/TheCustomerServiceHallOfShame.aspx\">this article</a> from MSN Money.  Whether it\'s due to internal processes, lack of resources, declining quality, or just a general lack of customer sensitivity, these are firms that need to really pay close attention to their ICK factor.\n<h4>So how do you avoid ICK?</h4>\nAvoiding ICK, should be the goal of any company that places any level of value on its brand.  Here are some basic common sense guides to follow:\n<ul>\n	<li>Don\'t make promises you can\'t keep. EVER.</li>\n	<li>Establish Corporate Values that are shared across your company and base your processes, decisions, and actions on keeping true to those values.</li>\n	<li>When you make a mistake - or something unexpected happens - and it will sooner or later- don\'t place blame - just own up to it and FIX it.  Taking responsibility and working to fix the problem is a great way to minimize the ICK Factor when the unavoidable happens.</li>\n</ul>\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned...\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\nICK Factor, Incongruent Customer Knowledge (TM)  2009 - CorePurpose, Inc.\n\nCopyright - Joan Koerber-Walker/CorePurpose, Inc. 2009\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:64e13a62-c37a-4708-93f6-6db30dd433ec\" 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/Branding\">Branding</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/ICK\">ICK</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/ICK%20factor\">ICK factor</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Incongruence%20in%20Branding\">Incongruence in Branding</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Marketing\">Marketing</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/entrepreneurship\">entrepreneurship</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></div>','The ICK Factor','','inherit','open','open','','1489-revision','','','2009-10-22 18:40:24','2009-10-22 18:40:24','',1489,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1489-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2072,2,'2009-10-18 18:34:12','2009-10-18 18:34:12','From time to time, I get involved in answering a tricky question.  <strong>\"What is this company worth?\"</strong>  Sometimes the question comes up when speaking to a business owner or executive who is truly trying to increase the value of their organization.  At other times <img style=\"margin:5px;\" src=\"http://my.opera.com/edwardpiercy/homes/files/Pot-Of-Gold-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"211\" height=\"211\" align=\"right\" />the question is raised from someone looking for investors or buyers.  And then most importantly - I ask it myself when the buyer or investor might be me.\n\nYears ago, in business school, I had great professors at the <a href=\"http://wpcarey.asu.edu/\">W.P. Carey School of Business</a>.  They taught me the science of financial valuation and how to look at the opportunities  and systematic business risks that lie buried behind the balance sheet.  There where times in the learning process when I might have cursed my teachers for being so exacting, but the lessons they taught combined with the insights I gained from my fellow students were worth more than a pot of gold.\n<h4>Measuring a company\'s value falls into 3 categories</h4>\n<strong><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">What it has - it\'s assets</span></strong>\n\nAssets can be real and tangible.  We all know about these: property, plants, and equipment plus firm contracts and money in the bank.  We can see it, touch it, count it up.  Other assets are intangible.  We know that there is some level of value, but measurement is often subtle, involving an estimation of the worth.  This can be a patent, a trademark, or a customer or prospect list that in and of it self has no hard value, but when put to good use can be converted to tangible assets in the future, \n\n<strong><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">What it lacks or  owes - It\'s liabilities</span></strong>\n\nOn the other side of the equation are the liabilities.  Some are easy to measure and take the form of debt, contractual obligations, or other factors that reduce the company\'s assets.  But there are other more intangible liabilities to factor in like adverse economic conditions, holes in the team, or a lack in organizational bandwidth - you know - too much to do and not enough resources to do it with.\n\n<strong><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">What It promises - Its brand as an organization</span></strong>\n\nAnd most important of all, I look at what the company promises to its people, its customers, its partners and its investors through its brand as an organization, PLUS  its ABILITY to keep those promises.\n\nWe all make promises, and most up us do everything in our power to keep them.  The question I focus on most closely is can the company turn promise into reality with its unique combination of assets and liabilities. \n<ul>\n	<li>Does it have a clear and simple plan that the team can follow to keep the promises it makes? Are there clearly defined goals, strategies, tactics? Are there clear measurement milestones along the way?</li>\n	<li>Does it have a culture that supports its team in achieving shared objectives.  It\'s sad but true.  Objectives and goals that are not shared by the team are rarely achieved.</li>\n	<li>Does it have the resources to give to that team so that they can execute on the plan? And if not - does it have the ability to get them?</li>\n	<li>Does it use its assets wisely?  Is it investing in its people and its product to take and hold a leadership position in its markets  in the future?</li>\n	<li>Does it look at its customers, supply chain, and investors as collaborative partners and treat them accordingly?</li>\n	<li>Is leadership committed to <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">keeping</span> the promises it makes to the team, the partners, the customers, and the investors.</li>\n	<li>Does every member of the team share that commitment?</li>\n</ul>\n<h4>The Value of the COMPANY</h4>\nWhen I am done with the measuring, I add it all up.  What I then have is a valuation of the company in a form that they rarely teach in business school.  A clearer picture of whether the company can keep its organizational promise and create value as well as what it may to make that happen, and what I can do to help along the way.\n\nBecause, at the end of the day, the true value of any company is in the promises it makes, and its ability to keep them.\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned...\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:6fc74841-0941-43a5-9532-c90d40b15327\" 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\">Business</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Tips\">Business Tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Valuation\">Valuation</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneur\">Entrepreneur</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurship\">Entrepreneurship</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Investing\">Investing</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Investor\">Investor</a></div>','Valuing a Company','\"What is this company worth?\"  Sometimes the question comes up when speaking to a business owner or executive who is truly trying to increase the value of their organization.  At other times the question is raised from someone looking for investors or buyers.  And then most importantly - I ask it myself when the buyer or investor might be me.','inherit','open','open','','1488-revision','','','2009-10-18 18:34:12','2009-10-18 18:34:12','',1488,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1488-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2073,2,'2009-10-13 04:25:46','2009-10-13 04:25:46','In less that one month, entrepreneurs from around Arizona and from other parts of North America are gathering for <a href=\"http://www.azec09.com\">AZEC09</a>, The Fourth Annual Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference which will be held in Tempe Arizona on November 12, 2009.  \n\nAZEC09 continues the Arizona tradition of bringing together thought leaders in entrepreneurship, technology, and social media together for a full day of sharing ideas, making connections, and even launching new companies and products that started with <a href=\"http://www.jumpbox.com/\">Jump Box</a> in 2006 continues with another great new idea that emerged from last year\'s conference and will be debuting this year. \n\nEach year our lunch keynote is a special treat, someone sharing great ideas that each attendee can take back to the office and put to work in their business the very next day.  Past keynotes have included Michael Gerber author of the best selling E-Myth, Dan Morrison, CEO of IT ToolBox, and Matt Mullenweg founder of Word Press.  This year, at lunch we\'ll be hearing from Tara Hunt, author of The Whuffie Factor, as she inspires us to raise a little whuffie. \n\nWhat - you don\'t know what WHUFFIE is!  We\'ll let\'s get a sneak preview from Tara as she answers the question ...What is Whuffie?\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ea8c9766-6338-4dbc-ad19-12eb8914a696\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyFaWoiL6Cc]</div>\n</div>\nIn addition to learning how great companies are putting Whuffie to work in their businesses, AZEC09 is an opportunity to gain insights from Michelle Robson, the founder of <a href=\"http://www.empowher.com/\">EmpowHER</a>, get the latest from Kevin Surace on the strategies that are helping <a href=\"http://www.seriousmaterials.com/\">Serious Materials</a> succeed in the eco friendly building materials space, get the latest developments in Healthcare 2.0, hear from panels of local CEOS who generously share their secrets on how they are building great businesses,  and get the scoop from Howard Lindzon on the state of Venture Capital.\n\nBut, like everything else in business, you can\'t win if you do not show up. \n\nAnd since winning is so much fun, we have even decided to liven things up with some great prizes during the day thanks to some of our generous sponsors and partners.\n\nSo here\'s your chance to win.  Register now for <a href=\"http://www.azec09.com\">AZEC09</a> and if you do so before 8AM on October 16th you can even save $50 with the $99 early registration rate. (At 8:01 AM on the 16th tickets go up to $150.)\n\nIt\'s your chance to Engage, Connect, be Inspired and WIN.\n\nI know where I will be on November 12, 2009.  How about you?\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned...\n\nJoan Koerber-Walker\n\nChairman, OTEF, The Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation\n\nHost organization of AZEC09 , AZEC08, AZEC07, and AZEC06.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.azec09.com\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/azec09_logo-2.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"AZEC08 November 12, 2009\" width=\"244\" height=\"96\" /></a>\n\nP.S. - You might be wondering who those great sponsors are...so here\'s the list:  <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-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:8579e464-0ebe-4b46-ad5e-6c8696ee58d1\" 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/The%20Whuffie%20Factor\">The Whuffie Factor</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Tara%20Hunt\">Tara Hunt</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/social%20media\">social media</a></div>','Go Forth and Raise Whuffie','','inherit','open','open','','1487-revision','','','2009-10-13 04:25:46','2009-10-13 04:25:46','',1487,'http://new.corepurpose.com/1487-revision/',0,'revision','',0);

INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2433,2,'2011-11-13 18:52:36','2011-11-13 18:52:36','<p>&nbsp; </p> <p>At times like these, when the need for innovation, is greater than ever, the SBIR and STTR Programs hold the keys to the growth of new and innovative products in the U.S. small business sector.&nbsp; Funding through SBIR and STTR awards provides critical support for new discoveries in both the small business and university research communities across 11 key Federal Agencies and unlocks the vault to bring out new innovations right here at home. </p><!--more--><p><font><img style=\"display:inline;float:right;margin:10px;\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://cdn.morguefile.com/imageData/public/files/j/jeltovski/preview/fldr_2009_03_05/file1151236281597.jpg\" width=\"299\" height=\"227\">Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)</font> </p> <p>SBIR is a highly competitive program that encourages small business to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation\'s R&amp;D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs. (source:&nbsp; <a href=\"http://www.sba.gov/content/small-business-innovation-research-program-sbir-0\" target=\"_blank\">SBA.gov</a>) </p> <p><strong>Legislative History:</strong> The SBIR program was established under the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-219). The SBIR reauthorization of 1992 (P.L. 102-564) doubled the set-aside rate to 2.5 percent for SBIR and 0.3 percent for STTR. These are the levels at which agencies are currently required to allocate funds from their total extramural R&amp;D budgets. The subsequent reauthorization of 2000 (P.L. 106-554) again extended the program authority until September 30, 2008, for SBIR and until September 30, 2009, for STTR. Since 2008/2009, the SBIR program and STTR programs have has been extended multiple times via a string of temporary extensions that provide a short-term fix and keep the program going for short periods.&nbsp; Then we start all over again with more committee meetings, more hearings&nbsp; and then requiring another reauthorization.&nbsp; Now is the time for Congress to take a long term view and support long term if not permanent SBIR/STTR reauthorization. </p> <p><strong>NOW is the time for a long term Reauthorization of the SBIR/STTR</strong> </p> <p>Recently, a bipartisan group of 11 Senators sent a letter to the committee chairs and ranking members of the Senate and House Small Business Committees<strong> urging passage of a long-term reauthorization for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The SBIR program currently is only authorized under the continuing resolution passed in late-September to keep various government programs running through Nov. 18.</strong> </p> <ul> <li><a href=\"http://shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/release/?id=333770f6-26b5-4686-a6f5-bb839bcc9395\">click here</a> to view the Senate letter.  <li><a href=\"http://www.nsba.biz/docs/markey__tsongas__welch_dear_colleague_sbir_letter.pdf\">click here</a> to view the House Dear Colleague letter. </li></ul> <p>This latest extension is the 13th in a long string of failures to pass a long-term reauthorization. The Senators\' letter is aimed at urging the House to come to the table and accept the compromise legislation crafted by the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship which is supported by all major stakeholder groups including <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\">AZBio</a>, <a href=\"http://www.bio.org\" target=\"_blank\">BIO</a> and the <a href=\"http://www.nsba.biz/\" target=\"_blank\">NSBA</a>. </p> <ul> <li>BIO strongly supports passage of the <a href=\"http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:s.493:\">SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011</a> (S. 493) and the <a href=\"http:// http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h112-1425\">Creating Jobs Through Small Business Innovation Act of 2011</a> (H.R. 1425) as the SBIR program is critical for supporting small companies with promising scientific innovation to continue critical R&amp;D of medical advancements and breakthroughs. READ: <a href=\"http://www.bio.org/content/top-5-reasons-why-sbir-must-be-reauthorized-now\" target=\"_blank\">Top 5 Reasons Why SBIR Must be Reauthorized Now</a> (BIO)  <li>NSBA support and praise for the proposed compromise: <a href=\"http://www.nsba.biz/content/4304.shtml\" target=\"_blank\">Bipartisan Sens. Push House on SBIR Compromise</a> </li></ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><img title=\"clip_image002\" border=\"0\" hspace=\"12\" alt=\"clip_image002\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://azbio.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/clip_image002_thumb.jpg?w=244&amp;h=181\" width=\"306\" height=\"227\"></em> </p> <p>Our Arizona biosciences sector demonstrates how to accelerate innovation and job growth and offers insight on how Washington can keep things moving forward faster by activating its “collaborative gene.” </p> <p>These days tales of economic vitality are few and far between making Arizona’s bioscience sector an inspiration to all as the nation focuses on jobs and economic recovery. </p> <p>Thanks to a coordinated plan developed in 2002 and supported by leaders from Arizona’s healthcare industry, corporations, government, and universities that has been led by the Flinn Foundation with support from Battelle, Arizona is moving forward faster in economic development, job creation and bioscience research. </p> <p>From 2002 until today, Bio jobs in Arizona have grown 32%, the number of Bio firms including research, manufacturing, testing, medical labs, and healthcare delivery systems have grown 28% and research partnerships with the National Institutes for Heath has increased 65%.&nbsp; Arizona bioscience organizations now generate $21 Billion in annual revenues and $765 Million in state and local taxes. </p> <p><strong>Fueling Growth</strong> </p> <p>Arizona’s impressive progress is not the result of short term thinking, one-time investments, or partisan politics. It is the result a community committed to working together to build a world-class research base, support commercialization efforts, and migrate the latest discoveries from the bench to the bedside in a manner that is both translational and transformational not just for our industry but for our community as a whole called the Arizona Bioscience Road Map. Community investments statewide include 7 new bioscience incubators and accelerators, 14 new research institutes, 16 new bioscience schools and educational programs and the attraction of investments from global leaders in healthcare and the biosciences who have elected to locate or expand operations here and now call Arizona home. </p> <p>With each new addition Arizona picks up more speed. Fueling the progress is Arizona’s ‘collaborative gene’ an attitude and a commitment to working collaboratively to initiate new programs, overcome challenges and achieve shared goals.&nbsp; </p> <p>As shown in the image above, NIH grants (many through the SBIR/STTR programs) are a key growth enabler.&nbsp; We need a long term view and a long term commitment to keep accelerating growth in innovation, in companies, and in jobs. </p> <p>&nbsp; </p> <h5><font size=\"3\"><font>SBIR Reauthorization</font></font><font> :&nbsp; </font><font size=\"3\"><font>Background</font></font></h5> <p>The <strong>Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program</strong> was created on July 22, 1982, to provide support to small, high-tech firms that play a role in technological advancement and to increase private-sector commercialization of innovation derived from Federal research and development (R&amp;D). Federal agencies with extramural R&amp;D budgets of more than $100 million are required to administer SBIR programs using an annual set-aside of 2.5 percent for small companies to conduct innovative research or R&amp;D that has potential for commercialization and public benefit. Currently 11 departments have SBIR programs, and separate agency solicitations are issued at established times. Federal agencies with extramural R&amp;D budgets of more than $1 billion are required to administer the <strong>Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program</strong> using an annual set-aside of 0.30 percent. The STTR program was created in 1992 to encourage commercialization of university and Federal laboratory R&amp;D by small companies by providing funding for research proposals that are developed cooperatively between a small firm and a scientist in a research organization. </p> <p><strong>Phases:</strong> The SBIR grant-making process is structured in three distinct phases to achieve the program\'s goals: Phase I grants, currently $100,000 per award for 6 months, are feasibility studies focused on limited research aimed at establishing an idea\'s scientific and commercial promise; Phase II grants, currently $750,000 per award for 2 years, fund more extensive R&amp;D to further develop the scientific merit and commercial potential of the research ideas. Phase III does not normally involve SBIR Federal funds but is the stage at which grant recipients should be obtaining additional funds from either a procurement program at an agency, private investors, or capital markets. The objective of Phase III is to move technology to the prototype stage and into the marketplace while leveraging Federal investments. </p> <p>While The National Institutes of Health (NIH) does not fund Phase III award.&nbsp; The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recently announced a new program to create a bridge between Phase II and Phase III awards.&nbsp; To learn more about this program <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/new-nci-sbir-phase-ii-bridge-award-bridging-the-valley-of-death\" target=\"_blank\">click here</a>. </p> <p><font size=\"3\"><font><a href=\"http://olpa.od.nih.gov/tracking/112/senate_bills/session1/s-493.asp\" target=\"_blank\">S. 493—The SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011</a></font></font> </p> <p>On March 4, 2011, Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) introduced <a href=\"http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c112:2:./temp/~c112Tzu82o::\" target=\"_blank\">S. 493, the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011</a>. Similar to the compromise bill (S. 4053/S. 1233) passed by the Senate at the close of the 111th Congress, S. 493 would reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (STTR) for 8 years; increase the SBIR set aside to 3.5 percent over 10 years and increase the STTR set aside to 0.6 percent over six years; and allow small business concerns majority-owned and controlled by venture capital firms to be eligible for up to 25 percent of the SBIR funds. In addition, the bill would increase SBIR/STTR awards to $150,000 for Phase I and $1 million for Phase II awards; limit award increases to 50 percent according to the guidelines for Phase I and Phase II awards; and require that federal agencies shorten the time span for final decisions to not more than 90 days after the date a solicitation closes. The bill was referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.&nbsp; (source: <a href=\"http://olpa.od.nih.gov/tracking/111/senate_bills/session1/s-1233.asp\" target=\"_blank\">OLPA, the Office of Legislative Policy and Analysis</a>) </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>About the author:</strong>  <p>Joan Koerber-Walker, MBA is Chairman 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 the president and ceo of <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\">AZBIO – The Arizona BioIndustry Association.</a> The statewide voice for Arizona’s bioscience industry, AZBio is dedicated to ensuring that Arizona bioscience companies have the resources, connections and economic environment they need to keep moving forward faster.  <p><strong>To learn more about the accelerating growth of Arizona’s bioscience industry visit</strong>:  <p>AZBio: <a href=\"http://www.AZBIO.org\">www.AZBIO.org</a> <a href=\"http://www.AZBioExpo.com\">www.AZBioExpo.com</a>  <p>Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap: <a href=\"http://www.flinn.org\">www.flinn.org</a>  <p>Arizona Bioscience 101: <a href=\"http://www.arizonabiobasics.com\">www.arizonabiobasics.com</a>  <p>Arizona Bioscience on Twitter: <a href=\"http://twitter.com/biozonanews\">@BiozonaNews</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/azbio\">@AZBio</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/azbioceo\">@AZBioCEO</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/asubiodesign\">@ASUBiodesign</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/bio5\">@BIO5</a></p> <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:cbaa7f4c-62b5-4ac3-bfba-7ea93b27d93e\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/SBIR+STTR+Reauthorization+2011\" rel=\"tag\">SBIR STTR Reauthorization 2011</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Innovation+and+Growth\" rel=\"tag\">Innovation and Growth</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>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZBio\" rel=\"tag\">AZBio</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/BIO\" rel=\"tag\">BIO</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/NSBA\" rel=\"tag\">NSBA</a></div>','Small Business, Innovation, and the Importance of Long Term SBIR and STTR Reauthorization NOW','','inherit','open','open','','1594-revision','','','2011-11-13 18:52:36','2011-11-13 18:52:36','',1594,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1594-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2434,2,'2011-10-01 16:19:21','2011-10-01 16:19:21','<p><em><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/clip_image0022.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:right;padding-top:0;border-width:0;\" title=\"clip_image002\" border=\"0\" hspace=\"12\" alt=\"clip_image002\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/clip_image002_thumb2.jpg\" width=\"244\" height=\"181\"></a>Arizona biosciences sector demonstrates how to accelerate innovation and job growth and offers insight on how Washington can keep things moving forward faster by activating its “collaborative gene.”</em></p> <p>By Joan Koerber-Walker, President and CEO, AZBio – The Arizona BioIndustry Association and Chairman of <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com/\">CorePurpose, Inc</a>. </p> <p>These days tales of economic vitality are few and far between making Arizona’s bioscience sector an inspiration to all as the nation focuses on jobs and economic recovery.</p><!--more--><p>Thanks to a coordinated plan developed in 2002 and supported by leaders from Arizona’s healthcare industry, corporations, government, and universities that has been led by the Flinn Foundation with support from Battelle, Arizona is moving forward faster in economic development, job creation and bioscience research.</p> <p>From 2002 until today, Bio jobs in Arizona have grown 32%, the number of Bio firms including research, manufacturing, testing, medical labs, and healthcare delivery systems have grown 28% and research partnerships with the National Institutes for Heath has increased 65%.</p> <p>Arizona bioscience organizations now generate $21 Billion in annual revenues and $765 Million in state and local taxes.</p> <p><strong>Fueling Growth</strong></p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/clip_image004.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:right;padding-top:0;border-width:0;\" title=\"clip_image004\" border=\"0\" hspace=\"12\" alt=\"clip_image004\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/clip_image004_thumb.jpg\" width=\"244\" height=\"173\"></a>Arizona’s impressive progress is not the result of short term thinking, one-time investments, or partisan politics. It is the result a community committed to working together to build a world-class research base, support commercialization efforts, and migrate the latest discoveries from the bench to the bedside in a manner that is both translational and transformational not just for our industry but for our community as a whole called the Arizona Bioscience Road Map. Community investments statewide include 7 new bioscience incubators and accelerators, 14 new research institutes, 16 new bioscience schools and educational programs and the attraction of investments from global leaders in healthcare and the biosciences who have elected to locate or expand operations here and now call Arizona home.</p> <p>With each new addition Arizona picks up more speed.</p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/clip_image006.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:right;padding-top:0;border-width:0;\" title=\"clip_image006\" border=\"0\" hspace=\"12\" alt=\"clip_image006\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/clip_image006_thumb.jpg\" width=\"244\" height=\"174\"></a>Fueling the progress is Arizona’s ‘collaborative gene’ an attitude and a commitment to working collaboratively to initiate new programs, overcome challenges and achieve shared goals.</p> <p>This Fall, on October 13<sup>th</sup> and 14<sup>th</sup>, hundreds of the people credited for these great strides will gather at the <a href=\"http://www.azbioexpo.com\">2011 AZBio Awards and Expo</a>to celebrate the successes of their peers, share best practices and refuel their innovation engines for the coming year. Exemplary leaders in the field from education to research and from emerging companies to global giants will take the stage to not only take a bow for past success but to share what it takes to accelerate new ones so we all can to move forward faster.</p> <p><strong>Warning: Road Block Ahead</strong></p> <p>The Arizona Bioscience Road Map and scores of committed drivers are moving Arizona’s bioscience industry forward at a faster rate each year. In 2010 the Arizona bioscience sector was the only area that grew jobs (+7%) at the same time the state as a whole lost an unprecedented 11%. Alarmingly, such momentum is at risk of being stifled because of the growing federal deficit and well-intentioned but dangerously short-sighted cost cutting measures that are being proposed.</p> <p>What might feel like a far-removed process, the charge to reduce federal debt, has the potential to damage what is was the only sector with appreciable growth in Arizona in 2010. Among the list of deficit reduction ideas being proposed by the federal government is drastic changes and cuts to Medicare which would devastate patient care along with biopharmaceutical and medical device innovation in our state and country. These proposed changes have been on the list for months and bioscience and community leaders from across the country continue to share their concerns with their legislators about the long term negative impact of what is being proposed.</p> <p><strong>A case in point</strong></p> <p>A prime example of this well-intentioned but short sighted thinking is the proposed changes to Medicare Part D. A federal program to subsidize the costs of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries in the United States, Medicare Part D was enacted as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) and went into effect on January 1, 2006. The Medicare Part D model creates a healthy competitive environment of compromise that saves consumers money because private insurance companies work directly with drug manufacturers and pharmacies to negotiate rebates and other savings one-on-one. Most importantly, the approach is working. Medicare Part D has proven to be cost-effective, operating at 41%&nbsp; below the projections that were made when the legislation was originally passed.</p> <p>Now, the talk of new ‘government-imposed’ rebates for this program in Washington could hinder the development of future cost –saving and life-saving medical advancements, because government-imposed rebates would reduce the dollars available for investment in research and development or bioscience from both existing leaders in the biopharmaceutical arena and investors in emerging bioscience companies.</p> <p>Add to that a new medical device tax, changes to the ASP+6% rate under&nbsp; Medicare Part B and other proposals that sit on the table and we run the risk of bringing life saving (and cost saving)&nbsp; innovation to a screeching halt.</p> <p><strong>Don’t place a road block on a perfectly good road. </strong></p> <p>Now is the time to accelerate growth. The last thing we want to do is cause innovators and the investors that support them to hit the brakes. Major improvements in human health the world over—advancements in treatments of HIV/AIDS, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and much more—are due to bioscience. These chronic diseases are the primary drivers of ever escalating healthcare costs. At a time when we need to be building momentum for sustainable health initiatives and new treatments that can manage or better yet prevent these chronic conditions even the discussion of these proposed changes has the potential to slow us down.</p> <p>A collaborative approach to health care innovation has proven to be a powerful economic engine in our state. Nationally it can drive investor returns, strengthen national competitiveness, and boost economic growth. The biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry alone supports more than 3 million U.S. jobs and nearly $300 billion in total output to GDP. In 2009, industry-wide R&amp;D investment passed a record $65 billion in goods, services and high paying jobs.</p> <p><strong>Looking down the road</strong></p> <p>Interrupting the R &amp; D-driven scientific advancements and development in treatments for ailments that impact hundreds of Arizonans such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and osteoporosis makes no sense. Such a move will be at the expense of patients, their families, and our economy. New industry cost burdens could result in in devastating cuts to R&amp;D investment. In the long term, short term thinking costs us all. Setting up road blocks and other impediments for the development of new innovations adds a level of risk that is unacceptable to already risk-averse investors. Long-term, changes of this kind will cost us all, as reducing patient access to care and hampering innovation will ultimately exacerbate the financial burden of healthcare on businesses and individuals.</p> <p><strong>An unenviable position</strong></p> <p>There’s no doubt that the ‘super committee’, the 12-member panel including Arizona’s own Senator John Kyl, is in an unenviable position. Tasked with cutting $1.5 trillion from the federal budget, the committee has their work cut out for them. While they will face enormous pressure to deliver instant results, now is the time for leadership, long term thinking and strategic action based on collaboration with industry. “Reforms” that suppress competition, inflate seniors’ premiums, restrict access to treatments, discourage R&amp;D, deter investment in innovation and cut tens of thousands of skilled, high-paying jobs in our state and others would be counterproductive and short-sighted.</p> <p>The bioscience industry is committed to moving innovative healthcare solutions and the economy forward faster. Washington’s support in keeping the way clear of road blocks to that acceleration and growth rather than impeding it with short term thinking is critically important. Now is the time for a long-term collaborative view with an eye toward the economic and physical health of our country long term. It’s working in Arizona. You just activate the “collaborative gene.”</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Note:&nbsp; This post has been expanded from <a title=\"My View via the Phoenix Business Journal 09 30 2011\" href=\"http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/print-edition/2011/09/30/my-view-arizonas-bio-industry-needs.html\" target=\"_blank\">“My View”</a> as seen in the Phoenix Business Journal on September 30, 20011.&nbsp; To see the original editorial click here.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>About the author:</strong></p> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker, MBA is the president and ceo of <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\" target=\"_blank\">AZBIO – The Arizona BioIndustry Association.</a> The statewide voice for Arizona’s bioscience industry, AZBio is dedicated to ensuring that Arizona bioscience companies have the resources, connections and economic environment they need to keep moving forward faster.</p> <p><strong>To learn more about the accelerating growth of Arizona’s bioscience industry visit</strong>:</p> <p>AZBio: <a href=\"http://www.AZBIO.org\">www.AZBIO.org</a> <a href=\"http://www.AZBioExpo.com\">www.AZBioExpo.com</a></p> <p>Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap: <a href=\"http://www.flinn.org\">www.flinn.org</a></p> <p>Arizona Bioscience 101: <a href=\"http://www.arizonabiobasics.com\">www.arizonabiobasics.com</a></p> <p>Arizona Bioscience on Twitter: <a href=\"http://twitter.com/biozonanews\">@BiozonaNews</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/azbio\">@AZBio</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/azbioceo\">@AZBioCEO</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/asubiodesign\">@ASUBiodesign</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/bio5\">@BIO5</a></p>','Want To Move Forward Faster? Activate The Collaborative Gene','','inherit','open','open','','1593-revision','','','2011-10-01 16:19:21','2011-10-01 16:19:21','',1593,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1593-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2435,2,'2012-08-19 23:07:04','2012-08-19 23:07:04','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.\r\n\r\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.\r\n\r\nIn life, how we perceive ourselves and others shapes our decisions, our relationships and our ability to succeed.\r\n\r\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.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"People vs the State of Illusion\" src=\"http://www.digitalcinemareport.com/files/harkinsnews205m.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"309\" height=\"240\" />\r\n\r\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.\r\n\r\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.\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/CU-XoWezRww\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\"></iframe>\r\n(<a href=\"http://www.thestateofillusion.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Click to Watch the Trailer and get more information</a> )\r\n\r\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.\r\n\r\n<strong>Thanks for stopping by. Stay tuned…</strong>\r\n<blockquote><em>Joan Koerber-Walker </em></blockquote>\r\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>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\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-revision-2','','','2012-08-19 23:07:04','2012-08-19 23:07:04','',1592,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1592-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2436,2,'2011-07-10 22:13:48','2011-07-10 22:13:48','<p>I spend a quite a bit of my time with with innovators and entrepreneurs these days.&nbsp; As CEO of the Arizona BioIndustry Association or <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\">AZBio</a> as we say, I get to connect with teams that are researching and developing products for a better world… Sustainable Health (and health care) , more plentiful food, greener energy… pretty heady stuff.&nbsp; My job’s not nearly as sexy.&nbsp; Here at AZBio our job is ground support, providing opportunities for them to connect and engage with each other, pulling together educational and support resources and sharing their stories.&nbsp; Our job is not to change the world.&nbsp; Our job at AZBIO is to support them so that they can.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"width:340px;\"><a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoon/5806/\"><img style=\"border-style:none;\" alt=\"Cartoon #5806 - \'First off, it\'s not a cave wall.  Secondly, I doubt any future researchers will be interested in your sister or Gozilla.\'\" src=\"http://www.andertoons.com/img/cartoons/5806.jpg\"> <br></a><a style=\"text-align:left;padding-right:5px;display:block;\" href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/\">An Andertoons Cartoon</a></div><!--more--><p>Recently, some of my friends in the social media world have reached out to say “where’ve you been?”&nbsp;&nbsp; The frequency of my interactions here on the blog or <a href=\"http://twitter.com/#!/who_to_follow/search/joan%20koerber-walker\" target=\"_blank\">across Twitter</a> have become sporadic&nbsp; Luckily my social media friends keep me plugged in.&nbsp; . <a href=\"http://smallbiztrends.com/author/markanderson\" target=\"_blank\">Mark Anderson</a> of Andertoons sends me (and countless others) these cartoons every morning which help me start the day with a thought and a smile.&nbsp; Committed “Originals” keep <a href=\"http://beoriginalblog.wordpress.com/\" target=\"_blank\">#BeOriginal2</a> going on&nbsp; Twitter.&nbsp; Others have helped me stay connected using their Blog Talk shows where I get a chance to share ideas on innovation, leadership, and growth with Zane Safrit, Lori Wilk (Successipes), and Stephen J. Blakesley (Entrepreneurs R Us).</p> <blockquote> <p><a href=\"http://t.co/JAEmSVi\" target=\"_blank\">President Obama: 3 Steps to Reclaim Our Spot as Global Innovation Leader</a>&nbsp; <a href=\"http://twitter.com/zanesafrit\" target=\"_blank\">@ZaneSafrit</a> recaps our chat at MyVenturePad</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href=\"http://ht.ly/5xD85\" target=\"_blank\">\"EntrepreneursRUs\" with StephenJBlakesley</a> <a href=\"http//twitter.com/entrepreneursru\" target=\"_blank\">@EntrepreneursRU</a> of the chat with Stephen about <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/AZBio\">AZBio</a>, <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/4OTEF\">OTEF</a>, and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose, Inc.</a></p> <p><a href=\"http://tobtr.com/s/2017607\" target=\"_blank\">Entrepreneurial Freedom</a> with Lori Wilk on <a href=\"http://twitter.com/successipes\" target=\"_blank\">Successipes</a>.</p></blockquote> <p>Here at home in AZ, friends of long standing and new connections and colleagues pull together to help AZBio support Arizona’s bioscience innovators and our community.&nbsp; We don\'t have enough financial support to do all the things that are&nbsp; needed to move our bioscience community forward… faster but we have a host of community volunteers that are helping with outreach, communications, educational resources, and our big event in October, the <a href=\"http://www.cvent.com/events/azbio-awards-dinner-and-expo-2011/event-summary-7fc77f1190c843dc8b6defaef8543cb2.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">AZBIO Awards and EXPO</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; You can see the fruits of their efforts in our <a href=\"http://www.scribd.com/collections/3122853/AZBio-Info-Pack\" target=\"_blank\">AZBio Info Pack</a> , on Twitter,&nbsp; on <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/AZBio\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a>, and at the <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\" target=\"_blank\">AZBio Website and Blogs</a>.&nbsp; </p> <p>Like the young man in the cartoon, generations from now there probably will not be researchers and historians analyzing my great work, yet building communities is still an art. </p> <p>If we are successful in our mission of supporting our community both as organizations and as individuals, by providing access to the key resources, connections, and information that support their ability to Connect, Collaborate, Innovate and Succeed thus supporting the growth of a thriving economic ecosystem for Arizona’s Bioscience Industry,&nbsp; then the teams that we are supporting today just might make it to the pages of those history books tomorrow.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Thanks for stopping by. Stay tuned…</strong></p> <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 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. 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> <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:76b1a407-7aac-44d9-af4b-2b5e07ecbe43\" 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/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZBIO\" rel=\"tag\">AZBIO</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizona+Bioindustry+Association\" rel=\"tag\">Arizona Bioindustry Association</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/buidling+communities\" rel=\"tag\">buidling communities</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/social+media\" rel=\"tag\">social media</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/innovation\" rel=\"tag\">innovation</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/EntrepreneursRUs\" rel=\"tag\">EntrepreneursRUs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/successipes\" rel=\"tag\">successipes</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Zane+Safrit\" rel=\"tag\">Zane Safrit</a></div>','Making your mark on the wall','','inherit','open','open','','1591-revision','','','2011-07-10 22:13:48','2011-07-10 22:13:48','',1591,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1591-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2437,2,'2012-08-02 00:54:34','2012-08-02 00:54:34','If you are working on growing your business, you can expect to hear talk about the importance of building a brand.  There are branding companies, branding consultants, branding experts, branding strategists, and so on and so on.  All of them want to help you grow your business by creating a brand presence in the mind of your current and future customers.\r\n<div style=\"width: 340px;\"><a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoon/5526/\"><img style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-style: none;\" src=\"http://www.andertoons.com/img/cartoons/5526.jpg\" alt=\"\'I\'m sorry, my reputation usually precedes me.\' - An Andertoons Cartoon\" />\r\n</a><a style=\"text-align: left; padding-right: 5px; display: block;\" href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoons/office/\">See more Office Cartoons</a></div>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.millwardbrown.com/BrandZ/default.aspx\"><img style=\"background-image: none; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; display: inline; float: right; padding-top: 0; border-width: 0; margin: 0 0 5px 5px;\" title=\"top global brands\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/top-global-brands.jpg\" alt=\"top global brands\" width=\"306\" height=\"780\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" /></a>What is a Brand?</strong>\r\n\r\nIn it’s simplest form, a brand is what comes to mind when someone hears your name, sees your logo, or thinks of your company.  It may be affected by ‘branding” and marketing, but more often than not,  it is shaped by your customers’ experience with your actions and the evidence those actions leave behind.\r\n\r\nThe chart at right lists the 25 top most valuable global brands of 2011  as ranked by <a href=\"http://www.millwardbrown.com/BrandZ/default.aspx\">ZBrands</a>.  How many do you recognize?\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><strong>Your brand and your reputation go hand in hand.</strong> </span>\r\n\r\nReputation is <em>the recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability</em> according to the folks at Merriam Webster.  What do people recognize about your company.  Is is your service, the quality of your products, the innovative solutions you provide?   None of these things came out of an ad campaign.  They come  from the words and deeds of your team.\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">Are you living in a world of brand delusion?</span></strong>\r\n\r\nThe strength or value of your brand is not in its ranking on a list or even in that instant recognition.  The value must be measured in terms of the economic benefit derived when our brand inspires another to act and to buy your product, service or idea.\r\n\r\nIf what you want your brand to be and what others experience and see do not match, you are in a state of brand delusion.  This is the most expensive form of marketing madness, an idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted and experienced as reality by your customer segment.\r\n\r\nWhen our brand is well positioned, so is our company or organization. Helping us to survey, to listen, and to understand our true brand position and then to make the most of it is the most valuable role those brand experts can play. Use them not to create your brand image but to help you understand and leverage it. Go out in the marketplace and listen to what others are saying about their experience with your company. product or service. If you like what you hear, build on it. If you don’t, get to work with your team on matching words to reality.\r\n\r\n<strong>Thanks for stopping by. Stay tuned…</strong>\r\n<blockquote><em>Joan Koerber-Walker </em></blockquote>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://startupprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Joan-Koerber-Walker.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0 11px 4px 3px;\" 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. 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>.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: small;\"><strong>Your Opportunity to Join Joan for a BlogTalk Radio Double Header This Week.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nJuly 4, 2011 – Joan chats with Las Vegas’ Lori Wilk of Successipes about Entrepreneurial Freedom at 3PM Pacific.  To listen live or for  post broadcast replays <a href=\"http://www.blogtalkradio.com/successipes/2011/07/04/entrepreneurial-freedom-with-joan-koerber-walker\">click here</a>.\r\n\r\nJuly 5, 2011 – Joan chats with Houston’s Stephen J Blakesley on Entrepreneurs-R-Us on BlogTalk at 3:30 PM Pacific.  To listen live or for post broadcast replays  <a href=\"http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sjb340/2011/07/05/entrepreneurs-r-us-selling-for-entrepreneurs\">click here</a>.\r\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:fb28bbc6-3c7b-42ba-a654-67b069cdb8cd\" 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/business+tips\" rel=\"tag\">business tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/marketing\" rel=\"tag\">marketing</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/branding\" rel=\"tag\">branding</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Blog+Talk+Radio\" rel=\"tag\">Blog Talk Radio</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Successipes\" rel=\"tag\">Successipes</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Lori+Wilk\" rel=\"tag\">Lori Wilk</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/EntrepreneursRUs\" rel=\"tag\">EntrepreneursRUs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Stephen+J+Blakesley\" rel=\"tag\">Stephen J Blakesley</a></div>','Brand, Reputation, and Delusion','','inherit','open','open','','1590-revision-2','','','2012-08-02 00:54:34','2012-08-02 00:54:34','',1590,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1590-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2438,2,'2012-08-19 23:11:58','2012-08-19 23:11:58','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-6','','','2012-08-19 23:11:58','2012-08-19 23:11:58','',285,'http://www.corepurpose.com/285-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2439,2,'2011-04-17 23:52:08','2011-04-17 23:52:08','As I go about my day, I wear a hat or two or three.  I’m a Mom, a wife, a non-profit executive, a CEO, a board member, an investor and a few other things.  Across them all, it it all ties back to one thing.  I need the help and support of others to get the job done.  This week, at one of my many meetings, a fellow board member shared a thought that has really stayed with me.  “We need to provide value BEFORE we ask for support.”   As I have continued through my week, that message kept coming back to me. <!--more-->\n<div style=\"width:340px;\"><a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoon/5323/\"><img src=\"http://www.andertoons.com/img/cartoons/5323.jpg\" alt=\"Cartoon #5323 - (Bum holding sign reading \'Please Help - Give $25 or more and get this nifty tote bag\')\" />\n</a><a style=\"text-align:left;padding-right:5px;display:block;\" href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/\">An Andertoons Cartoon</a></div>\nThis weekend, a carton by Mark Anderson brought it top of mind again.  Support has to be bidirectional and not a one way street.\n\nSupport takes many forms: time, investment, donation and talent.  In the non profit world we often view support as a combination of the Time, Treasury, and Talent.  In the for profit world we need the same things, we just look at them in terms of growth capital and human capital.\n\n<strong>Support goes both ways…</strong>\n\n<strong>As Entrepreneurs</strong>, we need to show how our innovative new product or service will create value before we make the ask.  (At least if we want to be successful in garnering support.) When we an demonstrate the true potential for value creation, we are much more likely to succeed.\n\n<strong>As Community Organizations</strong> (non profits serve communities not shareholders) we need to demonstrate that achieving our mission and vision will support the community and that we know what we need to do to execute on our plan and achieve our stated goals.\n\n<strong>As Leaders</strong>, in what ever place we can be found, we need to make the time and take the time to support our people so that they in turn can support us.\n\n<strong>So this week…</strong>\n\nSo this week, as I go about my days running from meeting to meeting and place to place, I think I’ll focus a bit more on how we can serve and create value first and ask for support second.\n\nAs a wise friend reminded me, when you create value, you attract support …  you often don’t even have to ask for it.\n\n<strong>Thanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned…</strong>\n\nJoan Koerber-Walker\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\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 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>.','The Best Support is Bidirectional','','inherit','open','open','','1587-revision','','','2011-04-17 23:52:08','2011-04-17 23:52:08','',1587,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1587-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2440,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:50','2013-05-11 16:49:50','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/img_1890.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=\"AZBio Member John Hoffman of QMR\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/img_1890_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"AZBio Member John Hoffman of QMR\" width=\"244\" height=\"184\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" /></a>\n\nThis week, Tuesday in fact, I have my first BIG meeting as the <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/staff10.asp\" target=\"_blank\">President and CEO</a> of <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\">AZBIO</a>, the Arizona BioIndustry Association.  It’s probably the most important meeting we will have all year – the first phase of our strategic planning process.\n\nThere will be other important events and meetings through out the year, but this one lays the foundation for what we will do and who we will do it for.<!--more-->\n\nYou see, unlike a for-profit corporation who can choose who they serve, (customers, employees, or shareholders) our CorePurpose is clearly defined.  As a 501c6 membership association – we have one prime directive – to serve our members.  They are why we exist – thus Creating Value For Our <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/Membership_directory_listing.asp\" target=\"_blank\">Members</a> Is AZ Bio\'s CorePurpose.\n\n<strong>Who we are.</strong>\n\nAZBio is a community made up of member organizations in business, research, government, and other professions involved in biosciences from across the state of Arizona and in partnership with leading organizations across the country.\n\n<strong>What we do. (Our Mission) </strong>\n\nAs the unified voice of the bioscience industry in Arizona, AZBio strives to make Arizona an environment where bioscience organizations can grow and succeed.  We…\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>create </strong>a forum for the bioscience community to join together</li>\n	<li><strong>educate</strong> policy makers and the public</li>\n	<li><strong>advance</strong> the economic interests of individual organizations as well as the sector as a whole</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>How we do it. (Our Values) </strong>\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Listen</strong> to our Members</li>\n	<li><strong>Communicate</strong> with Policy Makers and Key Influencers</li>\n	<li><strong>Connect </strong>organizations and resources across the state, the country and the world</li>\n	<li><strong>Take Action</strong> to meet Member needs</li>\n	<li><strong>Measure Results</strong></li>\n</ul>\n<h4><strong>Getting Ready for the BIG meeting</strong></h4>\n<strong><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/img_1888.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:right;padding-top:0;border-width:0;margin:5px 5px 5px 4px;\" title=\"An evening at US Airways Center cheering for  the Phoenix Suns\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/img_1888_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"An evening at US Airways Center cheering for  the Phoenix Suns\" width=\"244\" height=\"184\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" /></a></strong>\n\nSince coming on board on March 21, 2011, I have been visiting with Members (and potential members too) and listening to what they can teach me about how AZBIO can serve them better.  Sometimes it was a formal meeting  with one of our committees or groups.   Others times we got together in a less formal setting like when a friend of AZBio lent us their box at the Suns game and I got to spend the evening  learning from 11 different people from across our community including  <a href=\"http://www.linkedin.com/in/qmrllc\" target=\"_blank\">John Hoffman of QMR</a>. (People love to be listened to.  See how he is smiling in the picture above.)  I have a lot more learning to do.  In these early days, I have been listening to the key players on the court, our <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/leadership.asp\" target=\"_blank\">Board of Directors</a>, incredible supporters like <a href=\"http://www.flinn.org/\" target=\"_blank\">The Flinn Foundation</a> and <a href=\"http://www.bio.org/\" target=\"_blank\">BIO</a> and others that are close in.  Tonight, on the eve of the BIG meeting, I get to meet with many more as we host <a href=\"https://www.azbio.org/pdf/Event%20Flyers/AzBio%20leg%20invite-2011%20v2-ed.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">An Evening with the BioSciences</a> at the Arizona Science Center and get the latest update on our <a href=\"http://www.flinn.org/file/walt_plosila_ppt_bio_roadmap_2011.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Arizona BioScience Roadmap</a> from Walt Plosila of Battelle. So far I have just gotten a taste, there is lots more listening to do.  With over 800 bioscience companies in Arizona, not to mention even more across our ecosystem – the people I need to listen too would overflow the <a href=\"http://www.usairwayscenter.com/arena/welcome/\" target=\"_blank\">US Airways Center</a> and then some!\n<h4>It’s almost time</h4>\nAs a leaders, we never stop listening.  But after listening comes planning and action.  That’s why Tuesday’s meeting is so BIG.  Together with AZBio’s leaders we are mapping out our plan of action for the days ahead and getting ready to execute on that plan.\n\nWe’ll be asking and answering  <a href=\"http://blogs.hbr.org/events/2011/04/strategy-questions-to-help-you.html\" target=\"_blank\">7 key questions</a> to identify any critical gaps in our strategy execution processes, focus on the most important choices we must make, and understand what\'s at stake so we can get everyone across our ecosystem on the team.\n\nAnd, through it all, we will be keeping one thing top of mind -  <strong>Creating Value For Our </strong><a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/Membership_directory_listing.asp\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Members</strong></a><strong> Is AZ Bio\'s CorePurpose. </strong>\n\nSo that’s what I have planned for this week.  What’s on your calendar?\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned…\n\nJoan Koerber-Walker\n\n<strong> </strong>\n\n<strong> </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 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:bda47467-96c9-4c6f-9f66-8adf12af5536\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZBio\" rel=\"tag\">AZBio</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>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Strategy\" rel=\"tag\">Strategy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Execution\" rel=\"tag\">Execution</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZ+BioIndustry\" rel=\"tag\">AZ BioIndustry</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizona\" rel=\"tag\">Arizona</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/BIO\" rel=\"tag\">BIO</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Flinn+Foundation\" rel=\"tag\">Flinn Foundation</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/What+is+your+CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">What is your CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Business Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leadership\" rel=\"tag\">leadership</a></div>','What\'s Your CorePurpose? How will you achieve it?','','inherit','open','open','','1586-revision-5','','','2013-05-11 16:49:50','2013-05-11 16:49:50','',1586,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1586-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2441,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:50','2013-05-11 16:49:50','<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-6','','','2013-05-11 16:49:50','2013-05-11 16:49:50','',1585,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1585-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2442,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:51','2013-05-11 16:49:51','Catalyst for Growth – AZ Bio moves forward with new CEO and an aggressive agenda -   Joan Koerber-Walker announced as CEO of the Arizona BioIndustry Association  <!--more-->Scottsdale Arizona  March 23, 2011\r\n\r\nThe Arizona BioIndustry Association, the unified voice of Arizona’s growing bioscience industry, today announced the hiring of Joan Koerber-Walker who joins the state-wide organization as President and CEO of AZBio effective immediately.\r\n<blockquote>“As its new leader, Joan Koerber-Walker brings a fresh perspective, leadership and the experience needed to move our organization forward faster” shared Christine McAuliffe, AZBio Board Chair and shareholder at Polsinelli and Shughart in Phoenix. “The board was in unanimous agreement that Joan has the right combination of experience, skills and talent needed to support our organization and our members as together we grow.”</blockquote>\r\nWith a mission to make Arizona a place where bioscience organizations can grow and succeed, AZBio is comprised of member organizations in business, research and education, economic development, government, and other professions involved in the biosciences. AZBio provides a forum for the bioscience community to join together with a unified voice, educating policy makers and the public, influencing public policy, and advancing the economic interests of individual organizations as well as the sector as a whole. By enabling private sector innovation, collaborating with Arizona’s universities and research institutions, and supporting economic growth throughout the state, AZBio provides the catalyst for growth of Arizona’s bioindustry organizations and through them the opportunity for more high quality job opportunities for Arizonans.\r\n\r\nNo stranger in Arizona’s leadership community, Koerber-Walker became active in Arizona’s business community in 2002, when she left a successful career as an executive at Avnet, Inc. to found CorePurpose, Inc. where she continues to serve as Chairman. For the past nine years she has been active in the community, working with businesses of all sizes to create focused business strategies and resource networks required to execute successfully. In addition to active participation in her own company and as an Executive in Residence at Callaman Ventures, her leadership experience includes past service as a board member and treasurer for RiboMed Biotechnologies, Inc., two years as CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association, on the Board of Trustees of the NSBA in Washington D.C., Chairman of the Advisory Board to Parenting Arizona, the state’s largest parent education and child abuse prevention organization, service on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Technology Council and as Chairman of the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation – the host organization for the Arizona Entrepreneurship Conferences which connect Arizona’s entrepreneurial and investor communities with each other and with nationally recognized thought leaders.\r\n<blockquote>“We welcome Joan’s energy and leadership to AZBio” Nina Ossanna, Ph.D., Director, Business Development at the BIO5 Institute, immediate past Chair of AZBio and Chair of the Search Committee, “With her leadership, we look forward to expanding AZBio’s programs that support our member organizations to grow and thrive here in Arizona.”\r\n\r\n“Throughout my career, I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with great people and great organizations to achieve goals that others might have thought were difficult or even impossible. Together with the team at AZBio – our employees, our members, and our community partners - we can accelerate the growth of Arizona’s biosciences community and our overall economy.” Koerber-Walker stated. “Opportunity begins with conversations and builds with action. That’s why I am looking forward to asking our biosciences community what they need to get the job done and with their help and support using AZBio as a catalyst to help them make things happen.”\r\n\r\n“Our search committee was fortunate in having excellent, well-qualified candidates and finding Joan in that mix,” shared Jack Dean, PhD, Special Advisor, sanofi-aventis and an AZBio Board Member who was instrumental in the search and selection process. “Joan brings to us great experience working with large and small business throughout our state and a passion for success. I anticipate that Joan will re-energize Arizona’s bioindustry and help create a culture that allows us to be recognized for our contribution to biotechnology and translational medicine.”</blockquote>\r\nAZBio will be hosting a number of great events where members of the community can connect, join the conversation and engage.\r\n\r\nTo learn more visit <a href=\"http://www.AZBio.org\">www.AZBio.org</a> .',' CorePurpose founder takes the helm as President and CEO of AZBio','','inherit','open','open','','689-revision-9','','','2013-05-11 16:49:51','2013-05-11 16:49:51','',689,'http://www.corepurpose.com/689-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(2443,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:52','2013-05-11 16:49:52','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/mp9004445461.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:right;padding-top:0;border-width:0;margin:10px;\" title=\"Stained Glass Window in a Church (Source: iStock Photo via Microsoft.com)\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/mp9004445461_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"iStock Photo via Microsoft.com\" width=\"244\" height=\"211\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" /></a>\n\nLeadership is a popular word these days. Consultants preach it, journalists either praise it or bemoan it, companies, boards investors and customers demand it.\n\nThe days when leaders were anointed at birth, except in a very few cases, are long gone. Today’s leaders may have great power… or none depending on the authority they wield.  But whatever level that may be, with leadership comes a corresponding measure of responsibility.\n<blockquote><span style=\"font-size:small;\">“For of those to whom much is given, much is required”</span>\n\nBible (Luke 12:48)</blockquote>\nThrough the ages it has been written that leadership and responsibility go hand in hand.  Today, leadership takes many forms. We lead people in organizations. We lead with thoughts, ideas, and experience.  We lead in the development of processes and products.  As leaders, however and where ever we may lead, it is important to remember, leadership is not something that is merely handed to us, it is a privilege that must be continually earned.  For when our leadership falters, others cease to follow. If others choose not to follow, we are not leading, we are simply walking alone.<!--more-->\n<blockquote><em><strong>Noblesse oblige</strong></em> is a <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language\">French</a> phrase literally meaning \"<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobility\">nobility</a> obliges\".\n\nThe <em><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dictionnaire_de_l%E2%80%99Acad%C3%A9mie_fran%C3%A7aise\">Dictionnaire de l’Académie française</a></em> defines it thus:\n<ol>\n	<li>Whoever claims to be noble must conduct himself nobly.</li>\n	<li>(Figuratively) One must act in a fashion that conforms to one\'s position, and with the reputation that one has earned.</li>\n</ol>\n(Source: <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noblesse_oblige\" target=\"_blank\">Wikipedia</a>)</blockquote>\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:small;\">An Antiquated Concept or a Timely Reminder?</span></strong>\n\nIt’s easy to look back historically and find examples of of great leaders who lived by the standard of noblesse oblige just as it is only too easy to find the stories of those who failed.  In the present day, we are surrounded by examples from <strong>both sides</strong> of the continuum and everything in between.  Just turn on the news or check your favorite social media platform and look at what what is unfolding in the Middle East, in Japan, in Washington or in your own home town.\n\nMost of us do not lead nations, but we can lead in our organizations, our homes, our industries and our communities.  What we do shapes decisions, creates products and  affects the lives of others in a myriad of ways today and in the future.\n\nWe each have our gifts: knowledge, experience, abilities, reputation, and authority.  It can be said that we have been given much.  So perhaps a question to ponder is… “What are we going to do with it?”\n\n<strong>Thanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned…</strong>\n\n<strong><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\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 <a href=\"http://www.callamanventures.com\">Callaman Ventures</a> 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>.\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:fb9e2f9c-195a-4daa-8a42-874e93799777\" 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/Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leaders\" rel=\"tag\">Leaders</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Responsible+Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Responsible Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Servant+Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Servant Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Innovation+Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Innovation Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Corporate+Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Corporate Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Community+Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Community Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Giving+Back\" rel=\"tag\">Giving Back</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Noblesse+Oblige\" rel=\"tag\">Noblesse Oblige</a></div>','Responsibility, Leadership and Noblesse Oblige','','inherit','open','open','','1584-revision-5','','','2013-05-11 16:49:52','2013-05-11 16:49:52','',1584,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1584-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2444,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:52','2013-05-11 16:49:52','<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">When it comes to leading an organization, finding the right fit  for both the leader AND the team is critical to success.  When the fit is all wrong, you don’t have a  snowball’s chance in … well you know what I mean.  <!--more--></span>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoon/5220/\"><img src=\"http://www.andertoons.com/img/cartoons/5220.jpg\" alt=\"\'I think we have a problem.\' - An Andertoons Cartoon\" /></a>\n<div style=\"width:340px;\"><a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoon/5220/\">\n</a><a style=\"text-align:right;padding-right:5px;display:block;\" href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/\">An Andertoons Cartoon</a></div>\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:medium;\">Be up front about your culture.</span></strong>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">The first step in avoiding leadership meltdown is understanding the culture that exists or that you are creating within your organization.  It’s easy to slap some words up on a website and say “Here it is – this is our culture” but very few people will actually pay it a whole lot of attention. The true culture inside your organization is based on the experiences of your employees, customers, and partners.  It starts with the example set by the leaders and reflects in the faces of the organization at every level.  If you are not sure what your culture really looks like, ask questions.  Just like a brand, culture exists in the perceptions of others.  If you don’t understand those perceptions, its unlikely you will understand what your culture truly reflects.  </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">As you come to understand your culture, your true values – those that you act on and demonstrate regularly will become clear.  Your company’s history, decisions and actions are the evidence of what your organization values.  Look at your true values carefully.  Do they match what you publicly say your values are?  If so, great.  If not, go back and look at the trail of evidence.  If stated values are misaligned with your true values, your team and your customers will be confused and you will most likely be building a culture that is inconsistent with where you as the leader want it and your organization to be.</span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><strong>Build around shared values</strong></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">One way to help your culture and your company to stay on course is to lay a foundation of shared values and then build on them.  Ann Rhoades, founder of <a href=\"http://www.peopleink.com/about.html\" target=\"_blank\">PeopleInk</a> and author of <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Built-Values-Creating-Outperforms-Competition/dp/0470901926\" target=\"_blank\">Built On Values</a> (Jossey Bass, 2011) knows what happens when you build a values based business.  Listen to what Ann shares based on first hand experience at Southwest Airlines, Jet Blue and many more great companies.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:467d6584-cbca-4001-8e8a-23c1915f05e8\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy_Jcq4ERr4&amp;w=448&amp;h=252&amp;hd=1]</div>\n<div style=\"width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em;\">Ann Rhoades, founder of PeopleInk shares what it means to lead and succeed as a values based organization. (Video by John Wiley and Sons)</div>\n</div>\n<a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy_Jcq4ERr4\" target=\"_blank\">(Watch at YouTube )</a>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">When I first started CorePurpose back in 2002, Ann was one of the very first people to help me get started.  I still remember sitting at Z-Tejas over queso dip and chips and listening to Ann share her wisdom and experience.  The lessons she taught are <span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"><img style=\"display:inline;float:right;margin:5px 5px 5px 10px;\" src=\"http://peopleink.com/images/Built%20on%20Values%20book%20coverModified3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"264\" align=\"right\" /></span></span></span>still part of our culture today.  They are…</span>\n<ol>\n	<li><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">As a leader, be clear on your values and demonstrate them in your words AND actions.  If you are consistently true to them, your team and your company will be too.</span></li>\n	<li><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">Hire and fire based on values.  </span></li>\n	<li><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">Choose teammates employees, partners and customers whose values mesh with yours.   </span><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">If you and your team share the same values, you will not have to worry about motivating them…they are already motivated.</span></li>\n	<li><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">When your company and its culture are built on solid values, your business will be on solid footing.</span></li>\n</ol>\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">If you have not picked up a copy of <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Built-Values-Creating-Outperforms-Competition/dp/0470901926\" target=\"_blank\">Built On Values</a> yet, I encourage you to do so.  Ann’s wisdom has served me well and it can help you and your team too.</span>\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:medium;\">Thanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned…</span></strong>\n\n<strong><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</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=\"display:inline;float:left;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 <a href=\"http://www.callamanventures.com\" target=\"_blank\">Callaman Ventures</a> 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>.\n\n&nbsp;','Do you have a snowball’s chance in …','','inherit','open','open','','1583-revision-5','','','2013-05-11 16:49:52','2013-05-11 16:49:52','',1583,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1583-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2445,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:53','2013-05-11 16:49:53','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/dave-nemeth.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:right;padding-top:0;border-width:0;margin:5px 5px 5px 10px;\" title=\"Dave-Nemeth\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/dave-nemeth_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"Dave-Nemeth\" width=\"182\" height=\"325\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" /></a>\n\nOver the years I have had the pleasure of meeting some pretty amazing people.  Some were captains of industry, others were politicians, scientists, professional athletes, engineers, artists, celebrities or brilliant thought leaders.\n\nEach, in their own way, was at the top of their personal game and it showed, not just in their accomplishments, which in some cases are legendary, but in the way they treated people.  Each one was a class act.<!--more-->\n\n<span style=\"font-size:small;\"><strong>A class act is genuine</strong></span>\n\nRecently, I got to meet another class act. His name is <a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0625918/\" target=\"_blank\">Dave Nemeth</a>.  I met Dave when he and his wife Nanci came out for a project I was working on for my friend <a href=\"http://www.callamanventures.com\" target=\"_blank\">Morris Callaman</a>.  There was lots to do and Dave pitched right in.  Rolling up his sleeves to help out in many different ways, lending his expertise and even stepping in to act as Master of Ceremonies to give the event a wonderful finishing touch.  Everyone on the team commented on what a genuinely nice person he was, how easy he was to work with and how professional he was.  It came as no surprise.  In addition to being a class act, Dave Nemeth is a pro.  His work has taken him into millions of homes across major U.S. markets via the nightly news, morning talk shows and as the male co-host that launched <a href=\"http://extratv.warnerbros.com/\" target=\"_blank\">EXTRA!</a> for Warner Brothers.\n\n<span style=\"font-size:small;\"><strong>A class act has nothing to prove.</strong></span>\n\nDave is a great example of a lesson another class act taught me years ago.  That lesson came from Bernie Vonderschmitt, then chairman and CEO of <a href=\"http://www.xilinx.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Xilinx</a>.  Bernie was a brilliant leader, engineer and businessman who was well known for his skill in building great companies AND great teams.  He shared his wisdom with me by using golf as an analogy for business and the kind of people you want to work with.  The lesson went like this…\n<blockquote>“If you want too truly enjoy the game of golf.  Play with a scratch golfer. They don’t have anything to prove, they just enjoy what they do.”\n\n~<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_V._Vonderschmitt\" target=\"_blank\">Bernie Vonderschmitt</a> co-founder of Xilinx (1923 – 2004)</blockquote>\n<span style=\"font-size:small;\"><strong>A class act looks out for others.</strong></span>\n\n<img style=\"display:inline;float:right;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://pages.prodigy.net/romitaman/davekriegsea5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"180\" height=\"250\" align=\"right\" />When you are great at what you do and secure in it, you don’t worry about what other people think.  That leaves plenty of time to champion others.  <a href=\"http://www.davekrieg.com/\">Dave Krieg</a> may go down in the annuals of sports history for his leadership and <a href=\"http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KrieDa00.htm\">stats as quarterback</a> for the Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, and Tennessee Oilers/Titans, but for me he will go down in history as the leader who taught my sons and his that looking out for the little guy is everyone’s responsibility.  <a href=\"http://littlelifestories.wordpress.com/2009/07/06/championing-the-little-guy/\" target=\"_blank\">One of my favorite stories</a> is when Dave Krieg did just that for my “little guy” Nick.  But helping others for Dave is not just something done at home.  He helps out with local charities and organization to lend his leadership skills and name to various causes that benefit when he lends a hand.\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:small;\">A class act does not take themselves too seriously.</span></strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.southwest.com/swamedia/bios/herb_kelleher.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"display:inline;float:right;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://positivesharing.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Herb_on_Plane_Tail.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"179\" height=\"179\" align=\"right\" />Herb Kelleher</a> may be the most successful airline executive in the history of the industry, but in the hearts of his people he was also a man who fought hard, played hard and never took himself too seriously.  That spirit was embedded into the Southwest Airlines culture and exists to this day.  Herb did not worry about his “image” instead he invested it and his energy in his people.  The results he got are the stuff of corporate legend.\n\nTelevision icon <a href=\"http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/regis-philbin-retiring-25-years/story?id=12637197\" target=\"_blank\">Regis Philbin</a>, recently announced he would be leaving LIVE about a very successful run that spans over 16000 hours, the Guinness World Record for television airtime.  Part of his longevity and success is that he too is not afraid to look at himself playfully and share a laugh with his viewers.  In the video below, Dave Nemeth and Regis spoof about about having to compete for the attention of their loquacious co-hosts.\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:2ddf32d2-00e7-470c-8e48-6df85e4b85b2\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYjVkd7-frQ&amp;w=448&amp;h=252&amp;hd=1]</div>\n<div style=\"width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em;\">Dave Nemeth and Regis Philbin have some fun talking about their co-hosts in this media spoof</div>\n</div>\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:small;\">So what about you?  Are You a Class Act?</span></strong>\n\nBeing a class act is not about how you look, what you wear, what you say or the power of your position.  The people I have used as examples here are all successful in their own arenas.  But success is not the reason they made the list.  Instead, who they really are is what made them successful. Being a class act is defined by the actions you take, how those actions affect the people around you and how together they reflect who you are as a person.\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><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>.\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:c95bec79-1333-4195-929d-57d206088b9e\" 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/Class+Act\" rel=\"tag\">Class Act</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leading+by+example\" rel=\"tag\">Leading by example</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dave+Nemeth\" rel=\"tag\">Dave Nemeth</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dave+Krieg\" rel=\"tag\">Dave Krieg</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Herb+Kelleher\" rel=\"tag\">Herb Kelleher</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Regis+Philbin\" rel=\"tag\">Regis Philbin</a></div>','Are you a class act?','','inherit','open','open','','1582-revision-5','','','2013-05-11 16:49:53','2013-05-11 16:49:53','',1582,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1582-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(2446,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:53','2013-05-11 16:49:53','CorePurpose founder takes an inside look at Entrepreneurship each month on Succesipes.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nJoin CorePurpose Founder and Chairman Joan Koerber-Walker with host Lori Wilk as they take an inside look at entrepreneurship on Successipes the first Monday of each month at 3PM PST on Blog Talk Radio.\r\n\r\nTo listen to the replay of Joan and Lori’s March 7, 2011 discussion, click here.\r\n\r\n<strong>About Joan Koerber-Walker:</strong>\r\n\r\nJoan Koerber-Walker is a two time Stevie Award National Finalist and Chairman of the Board of CorePurpose, Inc. and the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation.  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.\r\n\r\nChat 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 www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com.\r\n\r\n<strong>About Successipes:  </strong>\r\n\r\nSuccessipes is the daily Las Vegas success talk show hosted by Lori Wilk, the National Business Success Examiner at fastest growing online publication in North America.. Successipes was designed in 2003 and first aired on <a href=\"http://www.success-talk.com/\">in Vancouver,BC</a>. The purpose of Successipes is to help people stay at the cutting-edge of business and to expand their horizons with new ideas, networking, inspiration, motivation, and help from experts who are living their passions and loving their lives. Follow our articles at Examiner.com and join us on Twitter <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/successipes\">@Successipes.</a>\r\n\r\nThe show is broadcast from fabulous Las Vegas and is hosted by Lori Wilk. Lori is an accomplished writer, speaker, entertainer and businesswoman, and helps others become successful by promoting positive energy and wholesome living.\r\n\r\nYou can listen to more episodes of Successipes at <a href=\"http://www.success-talk.com\">www.success-talk.com</a> . Connect with us at <a href=\"http://www.lvpublicity.com\">www.lvpublicity.com</a> , <a href=\"http://www.loriwilk.com\">www.loriwilk.com</a> , and <a href=\"http://www.successipes.com\">www.successipes.com</a>.  Send your questions or comments to our show at <a href=\"mailto:lori@successipes.com\">lori@successipes.com</a>   or <a href=\"mailto:gary@lvpublicity.com\">gary@lvpublicity.com</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;',' CorePurpose founder shares tips on Successipes','','inherit','open','open','','686-revision-10','','','2013-05-11 16:49:53','2013-05-11 16:49:53','',686,'http://www.corepurpose.com/686-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(2447,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:54','2013-05-11 16:49:54','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-6','','','2013-05-11 16:49:54','2013-05-11 16:49:54','',1581,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1581-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2448,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:54','2013-05-11 16:49:54','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-6','','','2013-05-11 16:49:54','2013-05-11 16:49:54','',1580,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1580-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2449,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:55','2013-05-11 16:49:55','<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-6','','','2013-05-11 16:49:55','2013-05-11 16:49:55','',1579,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1579-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2450,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:56','2013-05-11 16:49:56','<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-6','','','2013-05-11 16:49:56','2013-05-11 16:49:56','',1578,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1578-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2451,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:57','2013-05-11 16:49:57','<p>The key to success is not how you see yourself.&nbsp; It is how others see you, speak of you and think of you.&nbsp; </p> <p>Over the last year, I have had the opportunity to work with some fabulous companies and look at what their social media map had to say about them through their own words and the eyes and words of others.&nbsp; </p> <p>As part of our annual <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com\">CorePurpose</a> brand assessment, I pulled the text of the <a href=\"http://www.corepurposeblog.com/\">CorePurpose Blog</a>, <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com/\">CorePurpose website</a>, the @Replies from all <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/my-profiles-on-twitter.html\">five of our primary Twitter Ids</a> along with other online sites and mentions and ran them through a program to get the top words in a cloud. </p> <p>&nbsp;<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/jkw-cloud.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;border-bottom:0;border-left:0;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;padding-top:0;margin:0 5px;\" title=\"jkw cloud\" border=\"0\" alt=\"jkw cloud\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/jkw-cloud_thumb.jpg\" width=\"344\" height=\"260\"></a></p> <p>What you see is what we got.&nbsp; If you were to do the same exercise for your company, what words would you find?</p> <p><strong>Your brand is how OTHERS see you.</strong></p> <p>Social Media and the wider web is a powerful tool.&nbsp; Today more that ever, as entrepreneurs, marketers, and individuals, we have the opportunity to help&nbsp; shape our brands.&nbsp; What is out there is at the fingertips of every customer, investor, employee and employer.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>Our words and actions shape how others see us.</strong>&nbsp; </p> <p>What we say, what we write and what we do form a body of evidence that will follow us for a very long time.&nbsp; What we don’t say and don’t do can have an equal impact.</p> <p>If you want to succeed in today’s world, here are some things that anyone can do to build an online body of evidence about who they are and what they offer to others:</p> <p><strong>LinkedIn</strong></p> <p>Your LinkedIn profile is your chance to tell your professional story.&nbsp; Make sure it is complete and accurate.&nbsp; Your LinkedIn connections are your professional network. Guard them well.&nbsp; Use judgment in making and&nbsp; accepting connections and keep it professional.&nbsp; You never know when someone might want to check you out.</p> <p><strong>Facebook</strong></p> <p>On the personal side, how you interact with your friends says a lot about who you are.&nbsp; Are you sharing and caring?&nbsp; Funny or smart?&nbsp; Facebook is a great place to let your hair down and interact – but remember to use a bit of tact. Professional contacts just might stop by to see the “real” you. DON’T embarrass&nbsp; yourself by sharing things you might wish you had not later… and that goes for your photos too!</p> <p>For your business, project, or group, set up a Facebook page. It’s a great way to share news, ask for feedback and interact with people who have something to share about what matters most to your business or organization.</p> <p><strong>Twitter</strong></p> <p>What are you doing, reading or thinking about?&nbsp; Twitter is a great way to share it and find out what is interesting to others too.&nbsp; With a wide range of tools and apps to help you find your way around, Twitter let’s you connect to a larger world than the one you may have built face to face.&nbsp; If you are interesting and willing to reach out and show interest in others, interesting people WILL find you and you can find them too.&nbsp; Twitter is the place to be inclusive.&nbsp; Cast a wide net and you just might connect with people that you would never otherwise get a chance to meet and share ideas with. </p> <p><strong>Blogs</strong></p> <p>Have something to say or share?&nbsp; Blog it.&nbsp; Be creative and consistent.&nbsp; You might be surprised as to who might be interested and willing to join the conversation.&nbsp; Let people know when you share something on your blog with a Twitter update or Facebook post.&nbsp; There are even tools that will do this for you automatically. You have gifts and knowledge to share. Don’t be stingy.&nbsp; Put it out there.</p> <p><strong>Websites</strong></p> <p>Over 25 years ago, a friend shared with me that the day will come when if you do not have a website, no one will believe your company is “real”. That day has definitely arrived and with so many easy and inexpensive&nbsp; ways to build one, there is no excuse not to.&nbsp; Whether your website is a simple 5 page brochure on your products and services or something much more sophisticated, your website tells people who you are and what you have to offer.&nbsp; Don’t make them&nbsp; guess.&nbsp; They probably won’t bother.</p> <p><strong>The power of any tool lies in the hand of the user. </strong></p> <p>What you see above is a selection of the most common tools you can use to&nbsp; build your personal or business brand in today’s socially connected world.&nbsp; There are many, many more. But a tool is only a tool.&nbsp; It becomes useful in the hands of the craftsman. (Yes, that’s you.) We use tools to build things up and tear things down.&nbsp; How you use your tools will say a lot about how others see you.&nbsp; Be remarkable and people will build your brand for you.&nbsp; Be invisible and your brand will be too.</p> <p>Don’t assume anything.&nbsp; Check! Audit your social media presence.&nbsp; Track what people are saying and be sure to respond with a “thank you” when it’s positive and a solution to the problem when it’s not.&nbsp; When you do, you just might find that who you or your company have to offer is written in the&nbsp; clouds.</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned…</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <p><strong>About the Joan: </strong> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c.jpg\"><img style=\"margin:5px 10px 5px 5px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Koerber-Walker-056\" align=\"left\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c.jpg?w=239\" 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; Beginning on 2009, she decided to learn more about the evolving world of social media.&nbsp; Today she is connected to a community of over 150,000 and the lessons she has learned have been profiled in <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Social-Media-Bible-Strategies-Business/dp/0470623977\">The Social Media Bible</a> and <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/ROI-Social-Media-Marketing-Investment/dp/0470827416\">The ROI of Social Media</a>.&nbsp; You can find more posts about what she has learned along the way by <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/using-social-media/\">clicking here</a>. 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:a14b626c-9f38-4c94-87bb-cbc7c150e176\" 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/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business+Advisory\" rel=\"tag\">Business Advisory</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Success+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Success Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose+Blog\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose Blog</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Using+Social+Media\" rel=\"tag\">Using Social Media</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Twitter\" rel=\"tag\">Twitter</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/The+Social+Media+Bible\" rel=\"tag\">The Social Media Bible</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/The+ROI+of+Social+Media\" rel=\"tag\">The ROI of Social Media</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Facebook\" rel=\"tag\">Facebook</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/LinkedIn+for+Business\" rel=\"tag\">LinkedIn for Business</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business+Branding\" rel=\"tag\">Business Branding</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Personal+Branding\" rel=\"tag\">Personal Branding</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/Build+your+online+brand+presence\" rel=\"tag\">Build your online brand presence</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Social+Media+Audit\" rel=\"tag\">Social Media Audit</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Listening+to+customers\" rel=\"tag\">Listening to customers</a></div>','Success Tip: See yourself as others do','','inherit','open','open','','1577-revision-6','','','2013-05-11 16:49:57','2013-05-11 16:49:57','',1577,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1577-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2452,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:58','2013-05-11 16:49:58','<p><img style=\"display:inline;float:right;margin:5px 5px 5px 10px;\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQVKRKflukngcPJISYXLLCM-92Vmt-rCGZ7td_I38hVcEK3VgbO\" width=\"199\" height=\"270\">Today is the big day, Super Bowl XLV.&nbsp; Folks will be donning green and gold or gold and black.&nbsp; Friends will gather around TV sets across the country gobbling up things they know that should not eat and for this one day of the year the DVR is set not to skip the commercials, but to catch them for instant replay.</p> <p>Teams have sweated and toiled.&nbsp; Investing&nbsp; millions for their time in the global spotlight.</p> <p>Closed door meetings, strategy sessions, the big chase, and surprising twists… all come together on Super Bowl Sunday.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:f4bbd23f-1504-4bdf-a085-a331144db419\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCaCNz0Vml8&amp;w=448&amp;h=252&amp;hd=1]</div><div style=\"width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em;\">Chevy provides a behind the scenes look at the drama and strategy of creating a 2011 Super Bowl commercial.</div></div> <p>Oh yeah, there is a football game too.</p> <p><strong>In business, every day is Game Day.</strong></p> <p>Most of us will never field a team in the world’s most&nbsp; famous grid iron match up or take the leap to bet around $3 million for a 30 second spot in its commercials although GoDaddy’s Bob Parsons will gleefully tell you what they have done for his team’s business.</p> <blockquote> <p><a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/02/AR2011020203780.html\"><em>It’s not a bet if you know the outcome </em>~ Bob Parsons</a></p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#a8a8a8\" face=\"Times New Roman\"></font></p> <p>As entrepreneurs, investors, leaders or teammates, success in the BIG game means that every day is game day.&nbsp; Here are a few things to keep in mind as you watch from the stands or from the couch…</p> <p><strong>It starts with a coin toss – it does not end there.</strong></p> <p>Success always has en element of luck to it. Good luck may move you forward faster just as bad luck might slow you down.&nbsp; But being lucky early does not ensure success. Here is a bit of Super Bowl Trivia:</p> <blockquote> <p><em>The team that has won the coin toss is 19-22 all time in the Super Bowl and has lost the past 4 straight and 9 of the last 11</em>. (<a href=\"http://www.chacha.com/question/how-many-teams-that-have-won-the-super-bowl-also-won-the-coin-toss\">source</a>)</p></blockquote> <p><strong>To win in the big game you need a great team</strong></p> <p>Don’t kid yourself.&nbsp; The team with strong players, that plays well together has a definite advantage.&nbsp; Great teams are balanced.&nbsp; In football you can have a great quarterback, but if you have no offensive line it is unlikely that you will spend a lot of time in the end&nbsp; zone and if your defense is weak, the other team will.&nbsp; Successful teams have the right mix to do the whole job, not just one or two super stars intent on carrying the day.</p> <p><strong>Give the fans something to talk about.</strong></p> <p>Winning the big game is about the experience.&nbsp; In football it is the thrill of the win, the roar of the&nbsp; crowd and the play that fans will talk about for years to come.&nbsp; In business it is the achievement of goals inside your company, the praise of customers when you deliver on your promises, and the great results&nbsp; you deliver to your employees, customers, investors, and partners that keep you ahead in the game.</p> <p><strong>Innovation = Improvement</strong></p> <p>Don’t confuse flash and showmanship with innovation.&nbsp; The victory dance in the end zone is not nearly as important as the fact that you got there and need to get there again to win.&nbsp; Commercials are entertaining at the break, but the real win will be measured when customers walk through your door or visit your website to buy your products and services.&nbsp; A bit of flash may bring them in once, but products and services that are new, different, and create value for the&nbsp; customer are what will bring them back again and again.</p> <p><strong>Success is not built on just one game.</strong></p> <p>The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers are playing in Super Bowl XLV because they won a series of games and more importantly they won when it counted.&nbsp; Winning at the right time matters, just ask the Jets and the Bears.&nbsp; </p> <p>Football is more that a game, it’s a big business. And winning in the world of business is a game where the points are measured in value created.&nbsp; Take a look at this ranking by <a href=\"http://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/30/football-valuations-10_Dallas-Cowboys_300988.html\">Forbes of the most valuable NFL Teams</a>.&nbsp; You’ll need to keep searching all the way down to #14 for Green Bay and #17 to find&nbsp; the stats for the Steelers.&nbsp;&nbsp; Sustained value is a combination of smart investments, the right resources plus&nbsp; a strong team in the front office, on the bench and on the field that creates long-term, sustainable value together.&nbsp; Interestingly, the Redskins have one of the best track records for value creation in recent years yet they have LOST 55% of the games they played on the field. It’s not just about winning under the lights, everything matters.</p> <p><strong>So sit back and enjoy the game…</strong></p> <p>The Super Bowl is an American tradition.&nbsp; You may watch it for the game, for the commercials,&nbsp; or simply as a way to spend time&nbsp; with family and friends.&nbsp; But as you dig into that pile of chicken wings, tray of nachos or bowl of chili, keep a look out for the big game changers.&nbsp; You might have something new to talk about at the office come Monday morning when all the “quarterbacks” come out.</p> <p>So place your bets, rally your team, and enjoy the game.&nbsp; It’s almost time for the coin toss whether the Big Game starts at 6:30pm ET on FOX or come Monday morning when you and your team take the field once again.</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned…</p> <blockquote> <p><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em></p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#a8a8a8\" face=\"Times New Roman\"></font></p>','Success Tip: Check out the BIG Game','','inherit','open','open','','1576-revision-6','','','2013-05-11 16:49:58','2013-05-11 16:49:58','',1576,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1576-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2453,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:58','2013-05-11 16:49:58','\"Entrepreneurship is never easy, but when you have faced major challenges in your life, it can seem impossible.\" stated Joan Koerber-Walker, chairman and founder of CorePurpose, Inc. \"That\'s why, for the 6th year in a row, we are proud to support the Opportunity for Entrepreneurship Foundation(OTEF) in their valuable service to our community.\" <!--more-->\r\n\r\nFounded in 2006, OTEF provides entrepreneurial training and support to at-risk populations allowing them to build the skills and confidence needed to start businesses.\r\n\r\nOTEF\'s major fundraiser is the the Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference, an annual event that brings together nationally known experts, including Michael Gerber, Robert Scoble, Matt Mullenweg, Gary Vaynerchuk, Pam Slim, Tara Hunt, Jeremiah Owyang, Dave McClure, Brian Solis, Kathy Kolbe, Sharon Lechter and Pat Sullivan along with local CEOs to share insights with entreprenuers and business leaders from across Arizona.\r\n\r\nAll proceeds from the conference then are applied to funding OTEF programs throughout the year to assist at-risk populations to achieve economic self sufficiency through entrepreneurship.\r\n\r\nFor more information on this year\'s conference - being held November 16, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona, visit <a href=\"http://www.AZEC11.com\">www.AZEC11.com</a>.\r\n\r\nThe sixth annual Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference, AZEC11, will focus presentaions on Growth and what it takes to get there.  Presenters include venture caplialist Mark Suster, Gelie Akhenblit, founder, NetworkingPhoenix.com, Brett Giles, co-founder of the award winning Sitewire, and Jerry Ross, executive director of the Disney Entrepreneurial Center in Orlando, Florida.\r\n\r\nMs. Koerber-Walker has served as chairman of the board of OTEF since 2006 and as conference chair of AZEC07, AZEC08, and AZEC10. The conference chair of AZEC11 is Meriln U. Ward of Drip Media.\r\n\r\nLearn more about OTEF at <a href=\"http://www.OTEF.org\">www.OTEF.org</a>',' CorePurpose signs on for year six with sponsorship of AZEC11','','inherit','open','open','','683-revision-12','','','2013-05-11 16:49:58','2013-05-11 16:49:58','',683,'http://www.corepurpose.com/683-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(2454,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:59','2013-05-11 16:49:59','<p>The day you have been dreaming of is here… you have just become the boss.&nbsp; NOW WHAT DO YOU DO? </p> <p><img style=\"display:inline;float:right;margin:0 5px;\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://www.frombudtoboss.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/From-Bud-toBoss-cover-rot-185x240-glow.png\" width=\"185\" height=\"240\">If this is your dream, the answer is a very important one.&nbsp; If you are already a “boss” you know it is not a simple one.&nbsp; Making the transition from “bud” to “boss” can&nbsp; be a tricky one and sooner or later, as entrepreneurs and as leaders, it is a lesson we all must learn.</p> <p>Experienced leaders will tell you this is an ongoing learning process.&nbsp; For first time supervisors, managers and leaders, knowing how to do it right is a key stepping stone on the road to success.</p> <p>That’s why this new book: <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470891556/\">Bud to Boss</a> by <a href=\"http://www.frombudtoboss.com/authors/kevin-eikenberry\">Kevin Eikenberry</a> and <a href=\"http://www.frombudtoboss.com/authors/guy-harris\">Guy Harris</a> (Jossey-Bass, February 15, 2011) is one you probably want&nbsp; to have in your library. In the video below, co-author Kevin Eikenberry shares some highlights of what’s inside and why it is important.</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:10ef5c07-f2c2-4e85-8d40-e4068077228a\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnOMzCRYMVE&amp;w=448&amp;h=252&amp;hd=1]</div><div style=\"width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em;\">BUD TO BOSS co author Kevin Eikenberry shares insights into why now is the right time for a book like BUD TO BOSS and who can benefit from its message.</div></div> <p><em>Watch the original video by Kevin Eikenberry at the </em><a href=\"http://www.frombudtoboss.com/media-room/video/\"><em>Bud To Boss website</em></a></p> <p>In the video, Kevin shared the 6 main points you will find in <em>Bud to Boss.</em>&nbsp; So I thought you might enjoy seven great quotes I found inside when I read it.</p> <p>On&nbsp; the impact you make as a leader:</p> <blockquote> <p>…like a boat, you can tell a great deal about leaders, <br>even if you have never met them, by looking at their wake—their impact on the organization.</p> <p>The two sides of a leader’s wake are <br>1. The tasks or results he accomplishes <br>2. The people or relationships he impacts</p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#000000\">On Control and Empowerment</font></p> <blockquote> <p>You can’t tell another person that he or she is empowered. <br>That person will not act empowered until he or she feels <br>that way.</p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#000000\">On Change:</font></p> <blockquote> <p>As a leader, how others experience change is as <br>important as how you experience it.</p></blockquote> <p>On Communication:</p> <blockquote> <p>Communication style models are good guides for <br>understanding other people. They are not rules that <br>define other people.</p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#000000\">On Coaching:</font></p> <blockquote> <p>Coaching is more about ‘‘we’’ than ‘‘me,’’ more about <br>conversation and discovery than advice.</p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#000000\">On Collaboration and Teams</font></p> <blockquote> <p>The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime. —Babe Ruth, Baseball player</p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#000000\">On Goals and Commitment</font></p> <blockquote> <p>Goals help you look beyond the activity and get clear on what you really want to accomplish. In other words, though time management is great, goals put the focus on accomplishment.</p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#333333\">So that’s my sneak peek into </font><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470891556/\"><font color=\"#333333\"><em><u>Bud to Boss</u></em></font></a><font color=\"#333333\"> by </font><a href=\"http://www.frombudtoboss.com/authors/kevin-eikenberry\"><font color=\"#333333\">Kevin Eikenberry</font></a><font color=\"#333333\"> and </font><a href=\"http://www.frombudtoboss.com/authors/guy-harris\"><font color=\"#333333\">Guy Harris</font></a><font color=\"#333333\">.&nbsp; It’s a great book with lots of good information and tools, plus easy to follow guides and examples. If you know someone who is making the transition from Bud to Boss for the first time or the just the next time, you may want to pass this review along…or buy them the book.&nbsp; I’m certainly appreciative that someone shared it with me.</font></p> <p><strong>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned…</strong></p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <blockquote></blockquote> <p><strong>About the Joan: </strong></p> <p><a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c-pi\"><img 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;&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>.</p> <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>','Making the Journey From BUD TO BOSS','','inherit','open','open','','1575-revision-6','','','2013-05-11 16:49:59','2013-05-11 16:49:59','',1575,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1575-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2455,2,'2013-05-11 16:49:59','2013-05-11 16:49:59','<p>Back on January 9th, I shared a story about how <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2011/01/saturday-morning-we-all-got-a-wake-up-call.html\">we all got a wakeup call</a> when shots rang out on a sunny Saturday morning in Tucson, Arizona.&nbsp; After that day, as a nation wondered, waited and prayed, a group of friends were sharing ideas on what could be done to remember the fallen, bring the community together and begin the healing process.&nbsp; The result is a new collaborative project called <a href=\"http://www.healingtrees.org\">The Healing Trees</a> Humanitarian Program.&nbsp; </p> <p><a href=\"http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/state/trees-to-be-planted-in-honor-of-tucson-victims\">News coverage and&nbsp; video where ABC15 news reporter Angie Holdsworth tells the story in this interview with Annie Loyd.</a></p> <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:b843b566-d586-449c-8121-204210d2e0b8\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwItLxtW8S4&amp;w=448&amp;h=252&amp;hd=1]</div><div style=\"width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em;\">Annie Loyd, one of the organizers of The Healing Trees Project speaks with Angie Holdsworth of ABC15 News.</div></div> <blockquote> <p><em></em></p> <p><em></em>&nbsp;<em>I think that I shall never see <br>A poem lovely as a tree.</em></p> <p><em>A tree whose hungry mouth is prest <br>Against the sweet earth\'s flowing breast;</em></p></blockquote><font color=\"#777777\"></font> <p>I think I was about <a href=\"http://azstarnet.com/news/local/article_28c8e686-1ca6-5b3e-ab85-965bd22c68c0.html\">Christina Taylor Green’s</a> age when I first read “TREES” by Joyce Kilmer.&nbsp; Like trees, people gain their strength from the world around them.&nbsp; They hug the earth, draw nutrients from it, and reach for the sun.&nbsp; They often stand together, but they can also stand alone.&nbsp; They put down roots, grow, and give back in many ways.&nbsp; There is something both magical and mystical about a tree.&nbsp; </p> <blockquote> <p><em>A tree that looks at God all day&nbsp;&nbsp; </em></p> <p><em>And lifts her leafy arms to pray; </em></p> <p><em>A tree that may in summer wear&nbsp;&nbsp; </em></p> <p><em>A nest of robins in her hair; <br>Upon whose bosom snow has lain; </em></p> <p><em>Who intimately lives with rain. </em></p> <p><em>Poems are made by fools like me, </em></p> <p><em>But only God can make a tree. </em></p> <p>“Trees” by Joyce Kilmer at <a href=\"http://www.bartleby.com/104/119.html\">Bartleby Online</a></p></blockquote> <p><b>Healing Trees Humanitarian Program: \"Heal Our Communities, Offer Remembrance and Celebrate Life.\" <br></b><b></b></p> <p><a href=\"http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8ria4neab&amp;et=1104304491042&amp;s=0&amp;e=001aoO6T1DmkPnlNJhE37ePT3ytEry9n_nUBrhmYfH53Kk2T2Hv-3j_s0jT-IguPNC8AF-fsxiPKkdR76E5N5zGifedWeKp09uJOSAYQl3ufMBtG3m1OW97xepQP5__fbCwVYx-AN0C35_3oyhqWZXgV5sVoXyeqteBzGQ8ZG5VU6eJimAmSGXh5qWCTrZsk2C_w5YR4HL3Z3ULPzY8w5KrrMNVKTN7y2l_\"><img style=\"margin:10px;\" border=\"0\" hspace=\"3\" alt=\"Contribute\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" src=\"https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs087/1104275317307/img/8.gif\" width=\"192\" height=\"231\"></a>Less than one month later after the Tucson shootings, the project has launched and is growing daily. Beginning on February 14th, Arizona Statehood Day, The Healing Trees Humanitarian Project will plant trees in Tucson and Phoenix and many additional locations throughout Arizona, the US and around the world. In the process they will be bringing communities together and demonstrating a shared desire to be to be instruments of peace, understanding and compassion in our communities. (You can see the growing list of locations at <a href=\"http://www.healingtrees.org\">www.healingtrees.org</a>.) </p> <p><strong>Each time a healing tree is planted there is a ceremony to…</strong></p> <ul> <li>offer a remembrance to those who died or were injured in Tucson.  <li>create a lasting symbol of new life in our community  <li>Create a unified moment for each of us to reflect on how we will choose to be instruments of peace, compassion and understanding with ourselves and with others </li></ul> <p>Participants come back together again 11 months later to hold themselves accountable and to reflect on how they acted as instruments of peace and will continue to do so. </p> <p><strong>Recording the Tree Plantings </strong></p> <p>In addition to the individual trees and the gatherings when they are planted, the GPS coordinates of each tree will be recorded and tracked on the Healing Trees website and will include each Healing Tree’s story, its donors’ experience, intentions and&nbsp; ceremonies.&nbsp; This allows the participants and others to visit whenever a boost of inspiration is needed and will provide stories of what we and others are doing to create deep and lasting roots. <br></p> <p><strong>It started on January 8, 2011, but it does not end there…</strong></p> <p>Annie Loyd of <a href=\"http://www.thefusionfoundation.org/\">The FUSION Foundation</a> put it like this:</p> <p>“As a direct response to the incidents of January 8, the Healing Trees Humanitarian Program: \"Heal Our Communities, Offer Remembrance and Celebrate Life.\" was created. The FUSION Foundation, the Arizona Community Tree Council and Tucson Clean and Beautiful are working together to heal our communities, offer remembrance, and celebrate life with the planting of Healing Trees across the state and across the country.&nbsp; Healing Trees are a visual life-giving memorial commemorating the lives of those who died, honoring those who were injured and paying tribute to the outstanding actions of forgiveness, compassion, understanding, kindness and love we witnessed in the wake of the tragedy by so many in the Tucson community. This is our time to do something significant to celebrate life and promote new growth- like planting trees. Through this a life-giving and earth-serving community act, together we can make a difference.” </p> <p><strong>Leading by Example</strong></p> <p>On January 27, 2011, I shared the stories of big companies and caring individuals who are <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2011/01/leading-by-example-intel-and-us.html\">leading by example</a>.&nbsp; The Healing Trees Humanitarian Program is yet another one.&nbsp; It was born out of tragedy and a shared desire to respond with an act that would not only honor those who died or were injured but also to provide a visual support to their families, neighbors, friends and strangers whose lives changed on that fateful day. It is the work of people coming together to&nbsp; proactively create a stronger community that is committed&nbsp; life, growth and collaboration.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>We each have&nbsp; opportunities to lead by example.</strong>&nbsp; </p> <p>Sometimes we create them and sometimes they find us.&nbsp; We lead by example when we…</p> <ul> <li>Share our talents and experience with others to solve a problem or move a project forward.  <li>Help someone else achieve their goal.  <li>Take action to bring change…instead of just talking about what’s wrong.  <li>Or maybe simply take this opportunity to become part of a community of caring people who will each plant a healing tree somewhere in the world.&nbsp; To learn more about how to participate, <a href=\"http://healingtrees.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=52&amp;Itemid=68\">click here</a>. </li></ul> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned…</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <p><strong>About the Joan: </strong> <p><a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c-pi\"><img style=\"margin:5px 10px 5px 5px;\" 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; Her past career includes two decades on the team at&nbsp; Avnet, Inc. and service as Chairman of the Board of Advisors to <a href=\"http://www.parentingaz.org\">Parenting Arizona</a>.&nbsp; Today, she serves her community as the Chairman of the Board of the <a href=\"http://www.otef.org\">Opportunity&nbsp; through&nbsp; Entrepreneurship Foundation</a> and as an advisor to The FUSION Foundation and The Healing Trees Humanitarian Project.&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> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>To learn more about The Healing Trees Humanitarian Program:</strong></p> <p><a href=\"http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8ria4neab&amp;et=1104304491042&amp;s=0&amp;e=001aoO6T1DmkPnlNJhE37ePT3ytEry9n_nUBrhmYfH53Kk2T2Hv-3j_s0jT-IguPNC8AF-fsxiPKkdR76E5N5zGifedWeKp09uJOSAYQl3ufMBtG3m1OW97xepQP5__fbCwVYx-AN0C35_3oyhqWZXgV5sVoXyeqteBzGQ8ZG5VU6eJimAmSGXh5qWCTrZsk2C_w5YR4HL3Z3ULPzY8w5KrrMNVKTN7y2l_\"><img style=\"display:inline;float:left;margin:10px 21px 10px 10px;\" border=\"0\" hspace=\"3\" alt=\"Contribute\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"left\" src=\"https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs087/1104275317307/img/8.gif\" width=\"125\" height=\"150\"></a>The Healing Trees Humanitarian Program is a collaboration led by The FUSION Foundation and founding partner the <a href=\"http://aztrees.org/\">Arizona Community Tree Council</a> and its southern Arizona partner <a href=\"http://www.tucsonaz.gov/tcb/tft/\">Trees for Tucson</a> | Tucson Clean and Beautiful.<br></p> <ul> <li>email: <a href=\"mailto:info@healingtrees.org\">info@healingtrees.org</a>  <li>Facebook:&nbsp; <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/HealingTrees\">HealingTrees</a>  <li>Twitter at <a href=\"http://twitter.com/HealingTreesAZ\">@HealingTreesAZ</a>  <li>website at <a href=\"http://www.HealingTrees.org\">HealingTrees.org</a></li></ul> <p>The funds are being managed by the <a href=\"http://aztrees.org/\">Arizona Community Tree Council</a>, a 501(c)(3) organization with more than 20 years of experience dedicated to the care and planting of trees and promoting the education and exchange of&nbsp; information about trees and the essential role they play in the well being of all Arizona communities. </p>','After tragedy, the birth of Healing Trees demonstrates leadership by example','','inherit','open','open','','1574-revision-6','','','2013-05-11 16:49:59','2013-05-11 16:49:59','',1574,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1574-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2456,2,'2013-05-11 16:50:00','2013-05-11 16:50:00','The popular CorePurpose Business Blog passes the 200 post milestone In January 2009, CorePurpose launched the CorePurpose Business blog to share ideas, business tips and resources on leadership, innovation, and business growth. On January 31, 2011, post #200 hit the web. Written by CorePurpose chairman, Joan Koerber-Walker, the blog includes categories on Leadership, Innovation, People and Organizations Making a Difference, and tips learned along the way as Social Media has evolved as a business communication tool.  The CorePurpose Social Media Experiment: Hosted simultaneously on Wordpress.com, Typepad.com, CorePurpose.com, LinkedIn and Facebook the CorePurpose Business blog is also a longitudinal study in SEO and social media communication strategies as well as RSS syndication and message distribution via social media tools including Twitter. The results of this experiment appear as a vignette in the bestselling THE SOCIAL MEDIA BIBLE by Lon Safko (Wiley, 2010) and as a case study in the soon to be released ROI OF SOCIAL MEDIA by Steven Groves, Guy Powell, and Jerry Dimos (Wiley, 2011).',' Celebrating #200 - January 29, 2011','','inherit','open','open','','681-revision-7','','','2013-05-11 16:50:00','2013-05-11 16:50:00','',681,'http://www.corepurpose.com/681-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2457,2,'2013-05-11 16:50:00','2013-05-11 16:50:00','On January 26, 2011, Intel Labs announced a $100 million cash investment in U.S. university research over the next 5 years, marking a new model of collaboration for the organization. The Funding will support a number of Intel Science and Technology Centers; the first such center will be led by Stanford University and focus on next-generation visual computing. According to the <a href=\"http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110126006278/en/Intel-Labs-Invest-100-Million-U.S.-University\">Intel Labs press release</a>, this new model of university-lead research is expected to provide U.S. researchers with up to 5 times more funding from Intel Labs compared to the previous approach, and enable engagements across a broader set of universities.\n\nIn the video below, Justin Rattner, Intel’s chief technology officer, explains the “what” and the “why”.  For  information <a href=\"http://newsroom.intel.com/docs/DOC-1801\">click here</a>\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:e234d22f-0848-453b-9d36-933eaff00e86\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBxGS3rykew&amp;w=448&amp;h=252&amp;hd=1]</div>\n<div style=\"width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em;\">Intel’s CTO Justin Rattner shares the vision for Intel’s new investment on science and technology with U.S. Universities.</div>\n</div>\nOn the same day,  <a href=\"http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110126006507/en/Forty-Young-Innovators-Named-Intel-Science-Talent\">Intel announced that forty high school seniors from across the country were named finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2011,</a> a program of <a href=\"www.societyforscience.org/sts.\">Society for Science &amp; the Public</a>.   You can see  more about people sharing their stories with the hope of becoming a catalyst for action and a voice for change in global education at <a href=\"http://www.inspiredbyeducation.com\">www.inspiredbyeducation.com</a>.\n\n<strong>Leaders by Example</strong>\n\nIntel has long been a strong voice in the choir of U.S. technology companies calling for a greater focus on science and technology in our schools and universities.  They are doing more that talk about it.  They put their resources behind it.   “Intel has sponsored the Intel Science Talent Search and the Intel International Science &amp; Engineering Fair for 13 and 14 years, respectively. Because Intel views education as the foundation for innovation, over the past decade, Intel and the Intel Foundation have invested more than $1 billion and Intel employees have donated close to 3 million hours toward improving education in more than 60 countries.”<img style=\"display:inline;float:right;margin:5px;\" title=\"photo via  AvnetTechGames.com\" src=\"http://www.avnettechgames.com/themes/avnettechgames/images/event.jpg\" alt=\"photo via  AvnetTechGames.com\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" width=\"285\" height=\"189\" align=\"right\" />\n\nHere in Arizona, <a href=\"http://www.avnet.com\">Avnet, Inc.</a>, the worlds largest technology distributor, sponsors the <a href=\"http://www.avnettechgames.com/\">The Avnet Tech Games</a> (ATG) an annual college technology competition that provides students with an opportunity to apply what they learn in school to real-world scenarios and compete for scholarships.\n\n<strong>Great Examples, but I’m not a multi billion dollar company…</strong>\n\nMost of us don’t have the luxury of billion dollar wallets and thousands of employees who can volunteer their time and talents, but that does not mean that our leading by example is any less important.  We each have skills, knowledge, and experiences we can share in the areas where we passionately lead.  Here are some more examples:\n\n<a href=\"http://stealthmode.com/about/\">Francine Hardaway of Stealthmode Partners</a> combined her passion and experience in entrepreneurship with a desire to help at-risk individuals find economic self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship.  By rolling up her sleeves, and recruiting many others (including me) to help both <a href=\"http://www.otef.org\">The Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a> and the <a href=\"http://www.azentrepreneurship.com\">Arizona Entrepreneurship Conferences</a> were created and continue to make a difference year after year.\n\n<a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2010/08/looking-at-things-in-a-new-way---lon-safko.html\">Lon Safko’s passion is innovation</a>.  A celebrated inventor whose work appears in the Smithsonian, Lon’s study of the evolution and innovation in social media lead to the bestselling book <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Social-Media-Bible-Strategies-Business/dp/0470623977\">The Social Media Bible</a> was volunteering his time and sharing what he knew with a gathering of Arizona teachers, so that they in turn could share with their students.\n\n<a href=\"http://pattiblackstaffe.com/about-patti/\">Patti Blackstaffe</a> has a talent for helping businesses grow and a passion for helping children.  She combines these things as a volunteer to support <a href=\"http://www.providencechildren.com/www/main/page.php?page_id=1\">Providence</a> an very special place in Calgary with a mission to enhance the health and development of preschool children with disabilities &amp; their families with early intervention and high quality health, education and therapy services within their community\n\n<a href=\"http://www.phoenixmag.com/lifestyle/valley-news/200907/a-life-redeemed/\">Morris Callaman</a> is an engineer,attorney, venture capitalist and  entrepreneur.  There was a time in his youth when as a teen runaway he dealt with the harsh realities of living on the street.  Today he has quietly donated his time and talents to local organizations like OTEF and <a href=\"http://www.firstfoodbank.org/about.html\">St. Mary’s Food Bank</a> as well as providing legal assistance pro bono to those who really need a hand and could never afford his services.  It’s his way of being the change he would like to see in our societies.\n\n<a href=\"http://wgs.asu.edu/content/activist-and-author-gloria-feldt-give-wow-lecture-oct-13\">Gloria Feldt and Alex Barbanell</a> believe in the power of women in changing our world.  They created and sponsor the Women of the World lecture series at Arizona State University to inspire current and future women leaders.  In addition, Gloria shared her experiences as part of a multi generational group of women leaders who took their show on the road to college campuses around the country to do the very same thing.  Today, her new book: <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2010/09/youve-come-a-long-way-babymaybe.html\">No Excuses</a> inspires women of all ages to use their power to lead.\n\n<strong>See, it’s not just companies like Intel.  We can lead by example too.</strong>\n\nLeading by example means putting your time, talent, and money where your mouth is.  It’s not just something for “them” to do.  It’s an opportunity for all of us.\n\n<strong>Thanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned…</strong>\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<strong>About the Joan: </strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c.jpg\"><img style=\"margin:5px 9px 5px 5px;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c.jpg?w=239\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Koerber-Walker-056\" width=\"83\" height=\"103\" align=\"left\" /></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.  Her past career includes two decades on the team at  Avnet, Inc. and service as Chairman of the Board of Advisors to <a href=\"http://www.parentingaz.org\">Parenting Arizona</a>.  Today, she serves her community as the Chairman of the Board of the <a href=\"http://www.otef.org\">Opportunity  through  Entrepreneurship Foundation</a>.  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>.\n<h6>CorePurpose  is a registered trademark of CorePurpose, Inc.  CoreAlliance is a  service mark of CorePurpose Inc.  All rights reserved</h6>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:751c0dfb-19ba-422c-9973-88d71a2fe642\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan+Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Intel\">Intel</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Intel+Labs\">Intel Labs</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Avnet\">Avnet</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Avnet+Tech+Games\">Avnet Tech Games</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/investing+in+the+future\">investing in the future</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/OTEF\">OTEF</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Opportunity+through+Entrepreneurship+Foundation\">Opportunity through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Lon+Safko\">Lon Safko</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Morris+Callaman\">Morris Callaman</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Gloria+Feldt\">Gloria Feldt</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Alex+Barbanell\">Alex Barbanell</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Patti+Blackstaffe\">Patti Blackstaffe</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Providence\">Providence</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leadership\">leadership</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leading+by+example\">leading by example</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/innovation\">innovation</a></div>','Leading by Example: Intel and us','','inherit','open','open','','1573-revision-6','','','2013-05-11 16:50:00','2013-05-11 16:50:00','',1573,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1573-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2458,2,'2013-05-11 16:50:01','2013-05-11 16:50:01','<div style=\"width:340px;\"> <p>Whether you are charting the course for your personal career or the path your company will follow, there are two questions that have a significant impact on future success:</p> <ul> <li>What do you want to be?  <li>Why you want to?</li></ul> <p><a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoon/5032/\"><img style=\"display:inline;float:right;border-style:none;\" alt=\"Family Cartoon #5032 by Andertoons\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://www.andertoons.com/img/cartoons/5032.jpg\"></a> <br></a></p><a style=\"text-align:center;padding-right:5px;display:block;\" href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoons/family/\">Andertoons Family Cartoons</a></div> <p>Mark Anderson’s cartoon may make us smile at the perspective of children on a playground – but the bigger question is one that as adults many of us struggle to answer or even are afraid to when we honestly assess career or company.</p> <p>Let’s look at it from the personal and business perspective:</p> <p><strong>In your career:</strong></p> <p>Is your primary goal focused on money or personal satisfaction? </p> <p>When you tell people what you do, are you proud of it? </p> <p>If you could do ANYTHING, would you be doing what you do today? </p> <p>If you were asked WHY you do what you do – would you be happy with the answer? </p> <p>Would you want your children to follow in your footsteps?</p> <p>These questions may sound basic, but when you consider that we spend 5 out of 7 days …or more in our chosen careers, it’s worth giving some real thought.</p> <p><strong>In your business:</strong></p> <p>Is your primary goal focused on the bottom line or a broader mission? </p> <p>If an outsider was asked what your company is all about, would it match what you&nbsp; say internally? </p> <p>Management jargon aside – what business are you REALLY in. </p> <p>Do you and your team have what they need to achieve your mission? </p> <p>Are you a leader in your industry or space?&nbsp; Do you even want to be? </p> <p>Is your goal to innovate and push the boundaries of your industry or are you better positioned to follow trends.&nbsp; (There are draw backs and benefits to both.) </p> <p>If you could only invest in one company in the whole world – is this the one you would choose – and why? </p> <p>If you asked&nbsp; a random 10% of your employees these same questions, what do you think their answers would sound like?</p> <p><strong>What do you want to be… and why?</strong></p> <p>Here’s how I answer these questions:</p> <p>For myself, I am what I want to be… a business builder.&nbsp; The title does not matter as much as the work.&nbsp; Seeing a company or organization that has&nbsp; great potential and can lead in its field and helping it get there makes the hard work and risk worth while.&nbsp; Some might call this entrepreneurial, others call it corporate leadership. To me, the process of identifying opportunity, creating the structure and delivering value for customers, employees, investors and partners in a way where everyone benefits excites me.&nbsp; It’s who I am and what I do well.&nbsp; </p> <p>Why do I do it?&nbsp; I cannot imagine doing anything else.&nbsp; </p> <p>At <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com\">CorePurpose</a>, we do the same things.&nbsp; By providing services and solutions that build businesses and working with others to help find the answers to THEIR questions, we help them create value for their customers, employees, investors, and partners and create value for ours too.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>Why do we do it? Because we chose for our team people who are the <strong>best</strong> at what they do and share a belief that businesses grow when they can ask the right questions… find the right answers…and act on them.</p> <p><strong>Feel free to share the answers to yours in the comments below.&nbsp; </strong></p> <p>They may sound simple, but if you really think hard …and honestly, you might be surprised by what your answers are.</p> <p><strong>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned…</strong></p> <blockquote> <p><strong>Joan Koerber-Walker</strong></p></blockquote> <p><strong>About the Joan: </strong> <p><a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c-pi\"><img style=\"margin:5px 10px 5px 5px;\" 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-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:1a2c0d57-abf7-4434-a23f-f55a4fc10be8\" 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/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs\" rel=\"tag\">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corporate+growth\" rel=\"tag\">corporate growth</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Careers\" rel=\"tag\">Careers</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Success+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Success Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Business Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Career+Questions\" rel=\"tag\">Career Questions</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Career+Search\" rel=\"tag\">Career Search</a></div>','Success Tip: Know what you want to be…and why','','inherit','open','open','','1572-revision-6','','','2013-05-11 16:50:01','2013-05-11 16:50:01','',1572,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1572-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2459,2,'2013-05-11 16:50:02','2013-05-11 16:50:02','<p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/dreams-and-delivery.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;border-bottom:0;border-left:0;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;padding-top:0;margin:5px;\" title=\"Dreams-and-Delivery\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Dreams-and-Delivery\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/dreams-and-delivery_thumb.jpg\" width=\"344\" height=\"229\"></a></p> <p>We all dream.&nbsp; Without dreams there would be no innovation, no entrepreneurs, no purpose.&nbsp; From our dreams come vision, inspiration and hope.&nbsp; But dreams are not enough.&nbsp; To move from the world of dreams to the reality of success, you need to deliver.&nbsp; Otherwise you just keep dreaming and never get to see your dreams become real.</p> <p><em><strong>In dreams begins responsibility. - <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Butler_Yeats\">William Butler Yeats</a></strong></em></p> <p>As entrepreneurs and as innovators we are in the dream business.&nbsp; As leaders, we share our dreams and encourage others to believe in them to.&nbsp; This, as Yeats shared, brings with it responsibility.&nbsp; Daring to share your dreams means committing to do everything in your power to make them happen.&nbsp; It also brings the obligation to be very clear in what is illusion and what is fact. When others depend on your dreams for the basis of theirs, you better be ready to deliver. There is nothing worse that having to explain yourself to a disillusioned dreamer who believed in YOU.</p> <p><strong><em>If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse. - <a href=\"http://disney.go.com/vault/read/walt/index.html\">Walt Disney</a></em></strong>  <p>Too often I hear people quote Disney, but they only use the first part of the the quote.&nbsp; It sounds so good to say and hear: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” The reality is that while Disney is arguably one of the most creative innovators of the last century, he was also gifted in the art of delivery.&nbsp; The second half of this famous quote is critically important. Note that he said that it “started with a dream and a mouse.”&nbsp; It did not end there.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Disney worked tirelessly to build his business, create a vision, recruit top talent to make things happen, and monitored quality of delivery every step of the way.&nbsp; Disney was not just a dreamer, he was a doer.  <p><strong><em>Let go of the past and go for the future. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined. - <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_David_Thoreau\">Henry David Thoreau</a> </em></strong> <p>What you accomplished in the past is the basis for your experience and that’s about it.&nbsp; Whether you are sharing your professional history in a resume or sharing your company strategy in a business plan, the message needs to clearly state what you can and will do.&nbsp; That is what employers are hiring you for, what investors and customers put their money behind, and what employees buy into.&nbsp; Dreams, imagination, and vision may get people excited, but a solid plan and clear direction lead to follow through.&nbsp; Focus on how you will deliver and do it. That is what it takes to “live the life you have imagined.”&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p><strong><em>The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up. - </em></strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Val%C3%A9ry\"><strong><em>Paul Valéry</em></strong></a></p> <p>We all dream.&nbsp; Success comes when we wake up, get moving, and deliver.</p> <h5><strong>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned....</strong></h5> <p><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em></p> <p><strong>A note about the quotes you read here.&nbsp; </strong></p> <p>Each of the quotes you read in this post where selected not just for their message but for their authors.&nbsp; Each is linked to a bio you might want to read.&nbsp; Yeats won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923 and was active in both the arts and the changing times of his native Ireland.&nbsp; Disney turned dreams and imagination into what is today a global entertainment and media empire.&nbsp; Thoreau championed ecology and environmentalism over 150 years ago. Talk about a “green” pioneer.&nbsp; Valéry was a celebrated writer, champion of the arts and advocate for academia and the sciences.&nbsp; At one point in his life, he took a 20 year hiatus from writing.&nbsp; When he ended his ‘great silence’ and woke up, he published a work that has been lauded as one of the greatest French poems of the 20th century.</p> <p><strong>About the Joan: </strong> <p><a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c-pi\"><img style=\"margin:5px 10px 5px 2px;\" 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> <p>&nbsp;</p>  <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:17b6ec4a-99fb-42dc-8807-dd26fa9c57be\" 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/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Business Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Success+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Success Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dreams+and+Dreamers\" rel=\"tag\">Dreams and Dreamers</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs\" rel=\"tag\">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Innovators+Warehouse\" rel=\"tag\">Innovators Warehouse</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Literature+and+Poets\" rel=\"tag\">Literature and Poets</a></div>','The Success Tip: Dream then Deliver','','inherit','open','open','','1571-revision-6','','','2013-05-11 16:50:02','2013-05-11 16:50:02','',1571,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1571-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2460,2,'2013-05-11 19:46:58','2013-05-11 19:46:58','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/img_1890.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=\"AZBio Member John Hoffman of QMR\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/img_1890_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"AZBio Member John Hoffman of QMR\" width=\"244\" height=\"184\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" /></a>\n\nThis week, Tuesday in fact, I have my first BIG meeting as the <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/staff10.asp\" target=\"_blank\">President and CEO</a> of <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org\">AZBIO</a>, the Arizona BioIndustry Association.  It’s probably the most important meeting we will have all year – the first phase of our strategic planning process.\n\nThere will be other important events and meetings through out the year, but this one lays the foundation for what we will do and who we will do it for.<!--more-->\n\nYou see, unlike a for-profit corporation who can choose who they serve, (customers, employees, or shareholders) our CorePurpose is clearly defined.  As a 501c6 membership association – we have one prime directive – to serve our members.  They are why we exist – thus Creating Value For Our <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/Membership_directory_listing.asp\" target=\"_blank\">Members</a> Is AZ Bio\'s CorePurpose.\n\n<strong>Who we are.</strong>\n\nAZBio is a community made up of member organizations in business, research, government, and other professions involved in biosciences from across the state of Arizona and in partnership with leading organizations across the country.\n\n<strong>What we do. (Our Mission) </strong>\n\nAs the unified voice of the bioscience industry in Arizona, AZBio strives to make Arizona an environment where bioscience organizations can grow and succeed.  We…\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>create </strong>a forum for the bioscience community to join together</li>\n	<li><strong>educate</strong> policy makers and the public</li>\n	<li><strong>advance</strong> the economic interests of individual organizations as well as the sector as a whole</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>How we do it. (Our Values) </strong>\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Listen</strong> to our Members</li>\n	<li><strong>Communicate</strong> with Policy Makers and Key Influencers</li>\n	<li><strong>Connect </strong>organizations and resources across the state, the country and the world</li>\n	<li><strong>Take Action</strong> to meet Member needs</li>\n	<li><strong>Measure Results</strong></li>\n</ul>\n<h4><strong>Getting Ready for the BIG meeting</strong></h4>\n<strong><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/img_1888.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:right;padding-top:0;border-width:0;margin:5px 5px 5px 4px;\" title=\"An evening at US Airways Center cheering for  the Phoenix Suns\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/img_1888_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"An evening at US Airways Center cheering for  the Phoenix Suns\" width=\"244\" height=\"184\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" /></a></strong>\n\nSince coming on board on March 21, 2011, I have been visiting with Members (and potential members too) and listening to what they can teach me about how AZBIO can serve them better.  Sometimes it was a formal meeting  with one of our committees or groups.   Others times we got together in a less formal setting like when a friend of AZBio lent us their box at the Suns game and I got to spend the evening  learning from 11 different people from across our community including  <a href=\"http://www.linkedin.com/in/qmrllc\" target=\"_blank\">John Hoffman of QMR</a>. (People love to be listened to.  See how he is smiling in the picture above.)  I have a lot more learning to do.  In these early days, I have been listening to the key players on the court, our <a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/leadership.asp\" target=\"_blank\">Board of Directors</a>, incredible supporters like <a href=\"http://www.flinn.org/\" target=\"_blank\">The Flinn Foundation</a> and <a href=\"http://www.bio.org/\" target=\"_blank\">BIO</a> and others that are close in.  Tonight, on the eve of the BIG meeting, I get to meet with many more as we host <a href=\"https://www.azbio.org/pdf/Event%20Flyers/AzBio%20leg%20invite-2011%20v2-ed.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">An Evening with the BioSciences</a> at the Arizona Science Center and get the latest update on our <a href=\"http://www.flinn.org/file/walt_plosila_ppt_bio_roadmap_2011.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Arizona BioScience Roadmap</a> from Walt Plosila of Battelle. So far I have just gotten a taste, there is lots more listening to do.  With over 800 bioscience companies in Arizona, not to mention even more across our ecosystem – the people I need to listen too would overflow the <a href=\"http://www.usairwayscenter.com/arena/welcome/\" target=\"_blank\">US Airways Center</a> and then some!\n<h4>It’s almost time</h4>\nAs a leaders, we never stop listening.  But after listening comes planning and action.  That’s why Tuesday’s meeting is so BIG.  Together with AZBio’s leaders we are mapping out our plan of action for the days ahead and getting ready to execute on that plan.\n\nWe’ll be asking and answering  <a href=\"http://blogs.hbr.org/events/2011/04/strategy-questions-to-help-you.html\" target=\"_blank\">7 key questions</a> to identify any critical gaps in our strategy execution processes, focus on the most important choices we must make, and understand what\'s at stake so we can get everyone across our ecosystem on the team.\n\nAnd, through it all, we will be keeping one thing top of mind -  <strong>Creating Value For Our </strong><a href=\"http://www.azbio.org/Membership_directory_listing.asp\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Members</strong></a><strong> Is AZ Bio\'s CorePurpose. </strong>\n\nSo that’s what I have planned for this week.  What’s on your calendar?\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned…\n\nJoan Koerber-Walker\n\n<strong> </strong>\n\n<strong> </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 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:bda47467-96c9-4c6f-9f66-8adf12af5536\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZBio\" rel=\"tag\">AZBio</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>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Strategy\" rel=\"tag\">Strategy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Execution\" rel=\"tag\">Execution</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZ+BioIndustry\" rel=\"tag\">AZ BioIndustry</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizona\" rel=\"tag\">Arizona</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/BIO\" rel=\"tag\">BIO</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Flinn+Foundation\" rel=\"tag\">Flinn Foundation</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/What+is+your+CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">What is your CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Business Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leadership\" rel=\"tag\">leadership</a></div>','What\'s Your CorePurpose? How will you achieve it?','','inherit','open','open','','1586-revision-6','','','2013-05-11 19:46:58','2013-05-11 19:46:58','',1586,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1586-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2461,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:03','2013-05-11 19:47:03','<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-7','','','2013-05-11 19:47:03','2013-05-11 19:47:03','',1585,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1585-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2462,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:06','2013-05-11 19:47:06','Catalyst for Growth – AZ Bio moves forward with new CEO and an aggressive agenda -   Joan Koerber-Walker announced as CEO of the Arizona BioIndustry Association  <!--more-->Scottsdale Arizona  March 23, 2011\r\n\r\nThe Arizona BioIndustry Association, the unified voice of Arizona’s growing bioscience industry, today announced the hiring of Joan Koerber-Walker who joins the state-wide organization as President and CEO of AZBio effective immediately.\r\n<blockquote>“As its new leader, Joan Koerber-Walker brings a fresh perspective, leadership and the experience needed to move our organization forward faster” shared Christine McAuliffe, AZBio Board Chair and shareholder at Polsinelli and Shughart in Phoenix. “The board was in unanimous agreement that Joan has the right combination of experience, skills and talent needed to support our organization and our members as together we grow.”</blockquote>\r\nWith a mission to make Arizona a place where bioscience organizations can grow and succeed, AZBio is comprised of member organizations in business, research and education, economic development, government, and other professions involved in the biosciences. AZBio provides a forum for the bioscience community to join together with a unified voice, educating policy makers and the public, influencing public policy, and advancing the economic interests of individual organizations as well as the sector as a whole. By enabling private sector innovation, collaborating with Arizona’s universities and research institutions, and supporting economic growth throughout the state, AZBio provides the catalyst for growth of Arizona’s bioindustry organizations and through them the opportunity for more high quality job opportunities for Arizonans.\r\n\r\nNo stranger in Arizona’s leadership community, Koerber-Walker became active in Arizona’s business community in 2002, when she left a successful career as an executive at Avnet, Inc. to found CorePurpose, Inc. where she continues to serve as Chairman. For the past nine years she has been active in the community, working with businesses of all sizes to create focused business strategies and resource networks required to execute successfully. In addition to active participation in her own company and as an Executive in Residence at Callaman Ventures, her leadership experience includes past service as a board member and treasurer for RiboMed Biotechnologies, Inc., two years as CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association, on the Board of Trustees of the NSBA in Washington D.C., Chairman of the Advisory Board to Parenting Arizona, the state’s largest parent education and child abuse prevention organization, service on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Technology Council and as Chairman of the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation – the host organization for the Arizona Entrepreneurship Conferences which connect Arizona’s entrepreneurial and investor communities with each other and with nationally recognized thought leaders.\r\n<blockquote>“We welcome Joan’s energy and leadership to AZBio” Nina Ossanna, Ph.D., Director, Business Development at the BIO5 Institute, immediate past Chair of AZBio and Chair of the Search Committee, “With her leadership, we look forward to expanding AZBio’s programs that support our member organizations to grow and thrive here in Arizona.”\r\n\r\n“Throughout my career, I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with great people and great organizations to achieve goals that others might have thought were difficult or even impossible. Together with the team at AZBio – our employees, our members, and our community partners - we can accelerate the growth of Arizona’s biosciences community and our overall economy.” Koerber-Walker stated. “Opportunity begins with conversations and builds with action. That’s why I am looking forward to asking our biosciences community what they need to get the job done and with their help and support using AZBio as a catalyst to help them make things happen.”\r\n\r\n“Our search committee was fortunate in having excellent, well-qualified candidates and finding Joan in that mix,” shared Jack Dean, PhD, Special Advisor, sanofi-aventis and an AZBio Board Member who was instrumental in the search and selection process. “Joan brings to us great experience working with large and small business throughout our state and a passion for success. I anticipate that Joan will re-energize Arizona’s bioindustry and help create a culture that allows us to be recognized for our contribution to biotechnology and translational medicine.”</blockquote>\r\nAZBio will be hosting a number of great events where members of the community can connect, join the conversation and engage.\r\n\r\nTo learn more visit <a href=\"http://www.AZBio.org\">www.AZBio.org</a> .',' CorePurpose founder takes the helm as President and CEO of AZBio','','inherit','open','open','','689-revision-10','','','2013-05-11 19:47:06','2013-05-11 19:47:06','',689,'http://www.corepurpose.com/689-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(2463,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:09','2013-05-11 19:47:09','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/mp9004445461.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:right;padding-top:0;border-width:0;margin:10px;\" title=\"Stained Glass Window in a Church (Source: iStock Photo via Microsoft.com)\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/mp9004445461_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"iStock Photo via Microsoft.com\" width=\"244\" height=\"211\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" /></a>\n\nLeadership is a popular word these days. Consultants preach it, journalists either praise it or bemoan it, companies, boards investors and customers demand it.\n\nThe days when leaders were anointed at birth, except in a very few cases, are long gone. Today’s leaders may have great power… or none depending on the authority they wield.  But whatever level that may be, with leadership comes a corresponding measure of responsibility.\n<blockquote><span style=\"font-size:small;\">“For of those to whom much is given, much is required”</span>\n\nBible (Luke 12:48)</blockquote>\nThrough the ages it has been written that leadership and responsibility go hand in hand.  Today, leadership takes many forms. We lead people in organizations. We lead with thoughts, ideas, and experience.  We lead in the development of processes and products.  As leaders, however and where ever we may lead, it is important to remember, leadership is not something that is merely handed to us, it is a privilege that must be continually earned.  For when our leadership falters, others cease to follow. If others choose not to follow, we are not leading, we are simply walking alone.<!--more-->\n<blockquote><em><strong>Noblesse oblige</strong></em> is a <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language\">French</a> phrase literally meaning \"<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobility\">nobility</a> obliges\".\n\nThe <em><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dictionnaire_de_l%E2%80%99Acad%C3%A9mie_fran%C3%A7aise\">Dictionnaire de l’Académie française</a></em> defines it thus:\n<ol>\n	<li>Whoever claims to be noble must conduct himself nobly.</li>\n	<li>(Figuratively) One must act in a fashion that conforms to one\'s position, and with the reputation that one has earned.</li>\n</ol>\n(Source: <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noblesse_oblige\" target=\"_blank\">Wikipedia</a>)</blockquote>\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:small;\">An Antiquated Concept or a Timely Reminder?</span></strong>\n\nIt’s easy to look back historically and find examples of of great leaders who lived by the standard of noblesse oblige just as it is only too easy to find the stories of those who failed.  In the present day, we are surrounded by examples from <strong>both sides</strong> of the continuum and everything in between.  Just turn on the news or check your favorite social media platform and look at what what is unfolding in the Middle East, in Japan, in Washington or in your own home town.\n\nMost of us do not lead nations, but we can lead in our organizations, our homes, our industries and our communities.  What we do shapes decisions, creates products and  affects the lives of others in a myriad of ways today and in the future.\n\nWe each have our gifts: knowledge, experience, abilities, reputation, and authority.  It can be said that we have been given much.  So perhaps a question to ponder is… “What are we going to do with it?”\n\n<strong>Thanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned…</strong>\n\n<strong><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\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 <a href=\"http://www.callamanventures.com\">Callaman Ventures</a> 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>.\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:fb9e2f9c-195a-4daa-8a42-874e93799777\" 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/Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leaders\" rel=\"tag\">Leaders</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Responsible+Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Responsible Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Servant+Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Servant Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Innovation+Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Innovation Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Corporate+Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Corporate Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Community+Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Community Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Giving+Back\" rel=\"tag\">Giving Back</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Noblesse+Oblige\" rel=\"tag\">Noblesse Oblige</a></div>','Responsibility, Leadership and Noblesse Oblige','','inherit','open','open','','1584-revision-6','','','2013-05-11 19:47:09','2013-05-11 19:47:09','',1584,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1584-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2464,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:12','2013-05-11 19:47:12','<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">When it comes to leading an organization, finding the right fit  for both the leader AND the team is critical to success.  When the fit is all wrong, you don’t have a  snowball’s chance in … well you know what I mean.  <!--more--></span>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoon/5220/\"><img src=\"http://www.andertoons.com/img/cartoons/5220.jpg\" alt=\"\'I think we have a problem.\' - An Andertoons Cartoon\" /></a>\n<div style=\"width:340px;\"><a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoon/5220/\">\n</a><a style=\"text-align:right;padding-right:5px;display:block;\" href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/\">An Andertoons Cartoon</a></div>\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:medium;\">Be up front about your culture.</span></strong>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">The first step in avoiding leadership meltdown is understanding the culture that exists or that you are creating within your organization.  It’s easy to slap some words up on a website and say “Here it is – this is our culture” but very few people will actually pay it a whole lot of attention. The true culture inside your organization is based on the experiences of your employees, customers, and partners.  It starts with the example set by the leaders and reflects in the faces of the organization at every level.  If you are not sure what your culture really looks like, ask questions.  Just like a brand, culture exists in the perceptions of others.  If you don’t understand those perceptions, its unlikely you will understand what your culture truly reflects.  </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">As you come to understand your culture, your true values – those that you act on and demonstrate regularly will become clear.  Your company’s history, decisions and actions are the evidence of what your organization values.  Look at your true values carefully.  Do they match what you publicly say your values are?  If so, great.  If not, go back and look at the trail of evidence.  If stated values are misaligned with your true values, your team and your customers will be confused and you will most likely be building a culture that is inconsistent with where you as the leader want it and your organization to be.</span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><strong>Build around shared values</strong></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">One way to help your culture and your company to stay on course is to lay a foundation of shared values and then build on them.  Ann Rhoades, founder of <a href=\"http://www.peopleink.com/about.html\" target=\"_blank\">PeopleInk</a> and author of <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Built-Values-Creating-Outperforms-Competition/dp/0470901926\" target=\"_blank\">Built On Values</a> (Jossey Bass, 2011) knows what happens when you build a values based business.  Listen to what Ann shares based on first hand experience at Southwest Airlines, Jet Blue and many more great companies.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:467d6584-cbca-4001-8e8a-23c1915f05e8\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy_Jcq4ERr4&amp;w=448&amp;h=252&amp;hd=1]</div>\n<div style=\"width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em;\">Ann Rhoades, founder of PeopleInk shares what it means to lead and succeed as a values based organization. (Video by John Wiley and Sons)</div>\n</div>\n<a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy_Jcq4ERr4\" target=\"_blank\">(Watch at YouTube )</a>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">When I first started CorePurpose back in 2002, Ann was one of the very first people to help me get started.  I still remember sitting at Z-Tejas over queso dip and chips and listening to Ann share her wisdom and experience.  The lessons she taught are <span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"><img style=\"display:inline;float:right;margin:5px 5px 5px 10px;\" src=\"http://peopleink.com/images/Built%20on%20Values%20book%20coverModified3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"264\" align=\"right\" /></span></span></span>still part of our culture today.  They are…</span>\n<ol>\n	<li><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">As a leader, be clear on your values and demonstrate them in your words AND actions.  If you are consistently true to them, your team and your company will be too.</span></li>\n	<li><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">Hire and fire based on values.  </span></li>\n	<li><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">Choose teammates employees, partners and customers whose values mesh with yours.   </span><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">If you and your team share the same values, you will not have to worry about motivating them…they are already motivated.</span></li>\n	<li><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">When your company and its culture are built on solid values, your business will be on solid footing.</span></li>\n</ol>\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">If you have not picked up a copy of <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Built-Values-Creating-Outperforms-Competition/dp/0470901926\" target=\"_blank\">Built On Values</a> yet, I encourage you to do so.  Ann’s wisdom has served me well and it can help you and your team too.</span>\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:medium;\">Thanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned…</span></strong>\n\n<strong><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</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=\"display:inline;float:left;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 <a href=\"http://www.callamanventures.com\" target=\"_blank\">Callaman Ventures</a> 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>.\n\n&nbsp;','Do you have a snowball’s chance in …','','inherit','open','open','','1583-revision-6','','','2013-05-11 19:47:12','2013-05-11 19:47:12','',1583,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1583-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2465,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:15','2013-05-11 19:47:15','<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/dave-nemeth.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;float:right;padding-top:0;border-width:0;margin:5px 5px 5px 10px;\" title=\"Dave-Nemeth\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/dave-nemeth_thumb.jpg\" alt=\"Dave-Nemeth\" width=\"182\" height=\"325\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" /></a>\n\nOver the years I have had the pleasure of meeting some pretty amazing people.  Some were captains of industry, others were politicians, scientists, professional athletes, engineers, artists, celebrities or brilliant thought leaders.\n\nEach, in their own way, was at the top of their personal game and it showed, not just in their accomplishments, which in some cases are legendary, but in the way they treated people.  Each one was a class act.<!--more-->\n\n<span style=\"font-size:small;\"><strong>A class act is genuine</strong></span>\n\nRecently, I got to meet another class act. His name is <a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0625918/\" target=\"_blank\">Dave Nemeth</a>.  I met Dave when he and his wife Nanci came out for a project I was working on for my friend <a href=\"http://www.callamanventures.com\" target=\"_blank\">Morris Callaman</a>.  There was lots to do and Dave pitched right in.  Rolling up his sleeves to help out in many different ways, lending his expertise and even stepping in to act as Master of Ceremonies to give the event a wonderful finishing touch.  Everyone on the team commented on what a genuinely nice person he was, how easy he was to work with and how professional he was.  It came as no surprise.  In addition to being a class act, Dave Nemeth is a pro.  His work has taken him into millions of homes across major U.S. markets via the nightly news, morning talk shows and as the male co-host that launched <a href=\"http://extratv.warnerbros.com/\" target=\"_blank\">EXTRA!</a> for Warner Brothers.\n\n<span style=\"font-size:small;\"><strong>A class act has nothing to prove.</strong></span>\n\nDave is a great example of a lesson another class act taught me years ago.  That lesson came from Bernie Vonderschmitt, then chairman and CEO of <a href=\"http://www.xilinx.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Xilinx</a>.  Bernie was a brilliant leader, engineer and businessman who was well known for his skill in building great companies AND great teams.  He shared his wisdom with me by using golf as an analogy for business and the kind of people you want to work with.  The lesson went like this…\n<blockquote>“If you want too truly enjoy the game of golf.  Play with a scratch golfer. They don’t have anything to prove, they just enjoy what they do.”\n\n~<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_V._Vonderschmitt\" target=\"_blank\">Bernie Vonderschmitt</a> co-founder of Xilinx (1923 – 2004)</blockquote>\n<span style=\"font-size:small;\"><strong>A class act looks out for others.</strong></span>\n\n<img style=\"display:inline;float:right;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://pages.prodigy.net/romitaman/davekriegsea5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"180\" height=\"250\" align=\"right\" />When you are great at what you do and secure in it, you don’t worry about what other people think.  That leaves plenty of time to champion others.  <a href=\"http://www.davekrieg.com/\">Dave Krieg</a> may go down in the annuals of sports history for his leadership and <a href=\"http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KrieDa00.htm\">stats as quarterback</a> for the Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, and Tennessee Oilers/Titans, but for me he will go down in history as the leader who taught my sons and his that looking out for the little guy is everyone’s responsibility.  <a href=\"http://littlelifestories.wordpress.com/2009/07/06/championing-the-little-guy/\" target=\"_blank\">One of my favorite stories</a> is when Dave Krieg did just that for my “little guy” Nick.  But helping others for Dave is not just something done at home.  He helps out with local charities and organization to lend his leadership skills and name to various causes that benefit when he lends a hand.\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:small;\">A class act does not take themselves too seriously.</span></strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.southwest.com/swamedia/bios/herb_kelleher.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"display:inline;float:right;margin:5px;\" src=\"http://positivesharing.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Herb_on_Plane_Tail.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"179\" height=\"179\" align=\"right\" />Herb Kelleher</a> may be the most successful airline executive in the history of the industry, but in the hearts of his people he was also a man who fought hard, played hard and never took himself too seriously.  That spirit was embedded into the Southwest Airlines culture and exists to this day.  Herb did not worry about his “image” instead he invested it and his energy in his people.  The results he got are the stuff of corporate legend.\n\nTelevision icon <a href=\"http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/regis-philbin-retiring-25-years/story?id=12637197\" target=\"_blank\">Regis Philbin</a>, recently announced he would be leaving LIVE about a very successful run that spans over 16000 hours, the Guinness World Record for television airtime.  Part of his longevity and success is that he too is not afraid to look at himself playfully and share a laugh with his viewers.  In the video below, Dave Nemeth and Regis spoof about about having to compete for the attention of their loquacious co-hosts.\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:2ddf32d2-00e7-470c-8e48-6df85e4b85b2\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYjVkd7-frQ&amp;w=448&amp;h=252&amp;hd=1]</div>\n<div style=\"width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em;\">Dave Nemeth and Regis Philbin have some fun talking about their co-hosts in this media spoof</div>\n</div>\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:small;\">So what about you?  Are You a Class Act?</span></strong>\n\nBeing a class act is not about how you look, what you wear, what you say or the power of your position.  The people I have used as examples here are all successful in their own arenas.  But success is not the reason they made the list.  Instead, who they really are is what made them successful. Being a class act is defined by the actions you take, how those actions affect the people around you and how together they reflect who you are as a person.\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><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>.\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:c95bec79-1333-4195-929d-57d206088b9e\" 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/Class+Act\" rel=\"tag\">Class Act</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership\" rel=\"tag\">Leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leading+by+example\" rel=\"tag\">Leading by example</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dave+Nemeth\" rel=\"tag\">Dave Nemeth</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dave+Krieg\" rel=\"tag\">Dave Krieg</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Herb+Kelleher\" rel=\"tag\">Herb Kelleher</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Regis+Philbin\" rel=\"tag\">Regis Philbin</a></div>','Are you a class act?','','inherit','open','open','','1582-revision-6','','','2013-05-11 19:47:15','2013-05-11 19:47:15','',1582,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1582-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(2466,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:18','2013-05-11 19:47:18','CorePurpose founder takes an inside look at Entrepreneurship each month on Succesipes.<!--more-->\r\n\r\nJoin CorePurpose Founder and Chairman Joan Koerber-Walker with host Lori Wilk as they take an inside look at entrepreneurship on Successipes the first Monday of each month at 3PM PST on Blog Talk Radio.\r\n\r\nTo listen to the replay of Joan and Lori’s March 7, 2011 discussion, click here.\r\n\r\n<strong>About Joan Koerber-Walker:</strong>\r\n\r\nJoan Koerber-Walker is a two time Stevie Award National Finalist and Chairman of the Board of CorePurpose, Inc. and the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation.  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.\r\n\r\nChat 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 www.JoanKoerber-Walker.com.\r\n\r\n<strong>About Successipes:  </strong>\r\n\r\nSuccessipes is the daily Las Vegas success talk show hosted by Lori Wilk, the National Business Success Examiner at fastest growing online publication in North America.. Successipes was designed in 2003 and first aired on <a href=\"http://www.success-talk.com/\">in Vancouver,BC</a>. The purpose of Successipes is to help people stay at the cutting-edge of business and to expand their horizons with new ideas, networking, inspiration, motivation, and help from experts who are living their passions and loving their lives. Follow our articles at Examiner.com and join us on Twitter <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/successipes\">@Successipes.</a>\r\n\r\nThe show is broadcast from fabulous Las Vegas and is hosted by Lori Wilk. Lori is an accomplished writer, speaker, entertainer and businesswoman, and helps others become successful by promoting positive energy and wholesome living.\r\n\r\nYou can listen to more episodes of Successipes at <a href=\"http://www.success-talk.com\">www.success-talk.com</a> . Connect with us at <a href=\"http://www.lvpublicity.com\">www.lvpublicity.com</a> , <a href=\"http://www.loriwilk.com\">www.loriwilk.com</a> , and <a href=\"http://www.successipes.com\">www.successipes.com</a>.  Send your questions or comments to our show at <a href=\"mailto:lori@successipes.com\">lori@successipes.com</a>   or <a href=\"mailto:gary@lvpublicity.com\">gary@lvpublicity.com</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;',' CorePurpose founder shares tips on Successipes','','inherit','open','open','','686-revision-11','','','2013-05-11 19:47:18','2013-05-11 19:47:18','',686,'http://www.corepurpose.com/686-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(2467,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:21','2013-05-11 19:47:21','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-7','','','2013-05-11 19:47:21','2013-05-11 19:47:21','',1581,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1581-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2468,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:24','2013-05-11 19:47:24','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-7','','','2013-05-11 19:47:24','2013-05-11 19:47:24','',1580,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1580-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2469,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:27','2013-05-11 19:47:27','<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-7','','','2013-05-11 19:47:27','2013-05-11 19:47:27','',1579,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1579-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2470,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:31','2013-05-11 19:47:31','<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-7','','','2013-05-11 19:47:31','2013-05-11 19:47:31','',1578,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1578-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2471,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:34','2013-05-11 19:47:34','<p>The key to success is not how you see yourself.&nbsp; It is how others see you, speak of you and think of you.&nbsp; </p> <p>Over the last year, I have had the opportunity to work with some fabulous companies and look at what their social media map had to say about them through their own words and the eyes and words of others.&nbsp; </p> <p>As part of our annual <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com\">CorePurpose</a> brand assessment, I pulled the text of the <a href=\"http://www.corepurposeblog.com/\">CorePurpose Blog</a>, <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com/\">CorePurpose website</a>, the @Replies from all <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/my-profiles-on-twitter.html\">five of our primary Twitter Ids</a> along with other online sites and mentions and ran them through a program to get the top words in a cloud. </p> <p>&nbsp;<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/jkw-cloud.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;border-bottom:0;border-left:0;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;padding-top:0;margin:0 5px;\" title=\"jkw cloud\" border=\"0\" alt=\"jkw cloud\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/jkw-cloud_thumb.jpg\" width=\"344\" height=\"260\"></a></p> <p>What you see is what we got.&nbsp; If you were to do the same exercise for your company, what words would you find?</p> <p><strong>Your brand is how OTHERS see you.</strong></p> <p>Social Media and the wider web is a powerful tool.&nbsp; Today more that ever, as entrepreneurs, marketers, and individuals, we have the opportunity to help&nbsp; shape our brands.&nbsp; What is out there is at the fingertips of every customer, investor, employee and employer.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>Our words and actions shape how others see us.</strong>&nbsp; </p> <p>What we say, what we write and what we do form a body of evidence that will follow us for a very long time.&nbsp; What we don’t say and don’t do can have an equal impact.</p> <p>If you want to succeed in today’s world, here are some things that anyone can do to build an online body of evidence about who they are and what they offer to others:</p> <p><strong>LinkedIn</strong></p> <p>Your LinkedIn profile is your chance to tell your professional story.&nbsp; Make sure it is complete and accurate.&nbsp; Your LinkedIn connections are your professional network. Guard them well.&nbsp; Use judgment in making and&nbsp; accepting connections and keep it professional.&nbsp; You never know when someone might want to check you out.</p> <p><strong>Facebook</strong></p> <p>On the personal side, how you interact with your friends says a lot about who you are.&nbsp; Are you sharing and caring?&nbsp; Funny or smart?&nbsp; Facebook is a great place to let your hair down and interact – but remember to use a bit of tact. Professional contacts just might stop by to see the “real” you. DON’T embarrass&nbsp; yourself by sharing things you might wish you had not later… and that goes for your photos too!</p> <p>For your business, project, or group, set up a Facebook page. It’s a great way to share news, ask for feedback and interact with people who have something to share about what matters most to your business or organization.</p> <p><strong>Twitter</strong></p> <p>What are you doing, reading or thinking about?&nbsp; Twitter is a great way to share it and find out what is interesting to others too.&nbsp; With a wide range of tools and apps to help you find your way around, Twitter let’s you connect to a larger world than the one you may have built face to face.&nbsp; If you are interesting and willing to reach out and show interest in others, interesting people WILL find you and you can find them too.&nbsp; Twitter is the place to be inclusive.&nbsp; Cast a wide net and you just might connect with people that you would never otherwise get a chance to meet and share ideas with. </p> <p><strong>Blogs</strong></p> <p>Have something to say or share?&nbsp; Blog it.&nbsp; Be creative and consistent.&nbsp; You might be surprised as to who might be interested and willing to join the conversation.&nbsp; Let people know when you share something on your blog with a Twitter update or Facebook post.&nbsp; There are even tools that will do this for you automatically. You have gifts and knowledge to share. Don’t be stingy.&nbsp; Put it out there.</p> <p><strong>Websites</strong></p> <p>Over 25 years ago, a friend shared with me that the day will come when if you do not have a website, no one will believe your company is “real”. That day has definitely arrived and with so many easy and inexpensive&nbsp; ways to build one, there is no excuse not to.&nbsp; Whether your website is a simple 5 page brochure on your products and services or something much more sophisticated, your website tells people who you are and what you have to offer.&nbsp; Don’t make them&nbsp; guess.&nbsp; They probably won’t bother.</p> <p><strong>The power of any tool lies in the hand of the user. </strong></p> <p>What you see above is a selection of the most common tools you can use to&nbsp; build your personal or business brand in today’s socially connected world.&nbsp; There are many, many more. But a tool is only a tool.&nbsp; It becomes useful in the hands of the craftsman. (Yes, that’s you.) We use tools to build things up and tear things down.&nbsp; How you use your tools will say a lot about how others see you.&nbsp; Be remarkable and people will build your brand for you.&nbsp; Be invisible and your brand will be too.</p> <p>Don’t assume anything.&nbsp; Check! Audit your social media presence.&nbsp; Track what people are saying and be sure to respond with a “thank you” when it’s positive and a solution to the problem when it’s not.&nbsp; When you do, you just might find that who you or your company have to offer is written in the&nbsp; clouds.</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned…</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <p><strong>About the Joan: </strong> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c.jpg\"><img style=\"margin:5px 10px 5px 5px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Koerber-Walker-056\" align=\"left\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c.jpg?w=239\" 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; Beginning on 2009, she decided to learn more about the evolving world of social media.&nbsp; Today she is connected to a community of over 150,000 and the lessons she has learned have been profiled in <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Social-Media-Bible-Strategies-Business/dp/0470623977\">The Social Media Bible</a> and <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/ROI-Social-Media-Marketing-Investment/dp/0470827416\">The ROI of Social Media</a>.&nbsp; You can find more posts about what she has learned along the way by <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/using-social-media/\">clicking here</a>. 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:a14b626c-9f38-4c94-87bb-cbc7c150e176\" 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/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business+Advisory\" rel=\"tag\">Business Advisory</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Success+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Success Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose+Blog\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose Blog</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Using+Social+Media\" rel=\"tag\">Using Social Media</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Twitter\" rel=\"tag\">Twitter</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/The+Social+Media+Bible\" rel=\"tag\">The Social Media Bible</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/The+ROI+of+Social+Media\" rel=\"tag\">The ROI of Social Media</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Facebook\" rel=\"tag\">Facebook</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/LinkedIn+for+Business\" rel=\"tag\">LinkedIn for Business</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business+Branding\" rel=\"tag\">Business Branding</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Personal+Branding\" rel=\"tag\">Personal Branding</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/Build+your+online+brand+presence\" rel=\"tag\">Build your online brand presence</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Social+Media+Audit\" rel=\"tag\">Social Media Audit</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Listening+to+customers\" rel=\"tag\">Listening to customers</a></div>','Success Tip: See yourself as others do','','inherit','open','open','','1577-revision-7','','','2013-05-11 19:47:34','2013-05-11 19:47:34','',1577,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1577-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2472,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:38','2013-05-11 19:47:38','<p><img style=\"display:inline;float:right;margin:5px 5px 5px 10px;\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQVKRKflukngcPJISYXLLCM-92Vmt-rCGZ7td_I38hVcEK3VgbO\" width=\"199\" height=\"270\">Today is the big day, Super Bowl XLV.&nbsp; Folks will be donning green and gold or gold and black.&nbsp; Friends will gather around TV sets across the country gobbling up things they know that should not eat and for this one day of the year the DVR is set not to skip the commercials, but to catch them for instant replay.</p> <p>Teams have sweated and toiled.&nbsp; Investing&nbsp; millions for their time in the global spotlight.</p> <p>Closed door meetings, strategy sessions, the big chase, and surprising twists… all come together on Super Bowl Sunday.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:f4bbd23f-1504-4bdf-a085-a331144db419\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCaCNz0Vml8&amp;w=448&amp;h=252&amp;hd=1]</div><div style=\"width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em;\">Chevy provides a behind the scenes look at the drama and strategy of creating a 2011 Super Bowl commercial.</div></div> <p>Oh yeah, there is a football game too.</p> <p><strong>In business, every day is Game Day.</strong></p> <p>Most of us will never field a team in the world’s most&nbsp; famous grid iron match up or take the leap to bet around $3 million for a 30 second spot in its commercials although GoDaddy’s Bob Parsons will gleefully tell you what they have done for his team’s business.</p> <blockquote> <p><a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/02/AR2011020203780.html\"><em>It’s not a bet if you know the outcome </em>~ Bob Parsons</a></p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#a8a8a8\" face=\"Times New Roman\"></font></p> <p>As entrepreneurs, investors, leaders or teammates, success in the BIG game means that every day is game day.&nbsp; Here are a few things to keep in mind as you watch from the stands or from the couch…</p> <p><strong>It starts with a coin toss – it does not end there.</strong></p> <p>Success always has en element of luck to it. Good luck may move you forward faster just as bad luck might slow you down.&nbsp; But being lucky early does not ensure success. Here is a bit of Super Bowl Trivia:</p> <blockquote> <p><em>The team that has won the coin toss is 19-22 all time in the Super Bowl and has lost the past 4 straight and 9 of the last 11</em>. (<a href=\"http://www.chacha.com/question/how-many-teams-that-have-won-the-super-bowl-also-won-the-coin-toss\">source</a>)</p></blockquote> <p><strong>To win in the big game you need a great team</strong></p> <p>Don’t kid yourself.&nbsp; The team with strong players, that plays well together has a definite advantage.&nbsp; Great teams are balanced.&nbsp; In football you can have a great quarterback, but if you have no offensive line it is unlikely that you will spend a lot of time in the end&nbsp; zone and if your defense is weak, the other team will.&nbsp; Successful teams have the right mix to do the whole job, not just one or two super stars intent on carrying the day.</p> <p><strong>Give the fans something to talk about.</strong></p> <p>Winning the big game is about the experience.&nbsp; In football it is the thrill of the win, the roar of the&nbsp; crowd and the play that fans will talk about for years to come.&nbsp; In business it is the achievement of goals inside your company, the praise of customers when you deliver on your promises, and the great results&nbsp; you deliver to your employees, customers, investors, and partners that keep you ahead in the game.</p> <p><strong>Innovation = Improvement</strong></p> <p>Don’t confuse flash and showmanship with innovation.&nbsp; The victory dance in the end zone is not nearly as important as the fact that you got there and need to get there again to win.&nbsp; Commercials are entertaining at the break, but the real win will be measured when customers walk through your door or visit your website to buy your products and services.&nbsp; A bit of flash may bring them in once, but products and services that are new, different, and create value for the&nbsp; customer are what will bring them back again and again.</p> <p><strong>Success is not built on just one game.</strong></p> <p>The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers are playing in Super Bowl XLV because they won a series of games and more importantly they won when it counted.&nbsp; Winning at the right time matters, just ask the Jets and the Bears.&nbsp; </p> <p>Football is more that a game, it’s a big business. And winning in the world of business is a game where the points are measured in value created.&nbsp; Take a look at this ranking by <a href=\"http://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/30/football-valuations-10_Dallas-Cowboys_300988.html\">Forbes of the most valuable NFL Teams</a>.&nbsp; You’ll need to keep searching all the way down to #14 for Green Bay and #17 to find&nbsp; the stats for the Steelers.&nbsp;&nbsp; Sustained value is a combination of smart investments, the right resources plus&nbsp; a strong team in the front office, on the bench and on the field that creates long-term, sustainable value together.&nbsp; Interestingly, the Redskins have one of the best track records for value creation in recent years yet they have LOST 55% of the games they played on the field. It’s not just about winning under the lights, everything matters.</p> <p><strong>So sit back and enjoy the game…</strong></p> <p>The Super Bowl is an American tradition.&nbsp; You may watch it for the game, for the commercials,&nbsp; or simply as a way to spend time&nbsp; with family and friends.&nbsp; But as you dig into that pile of chicken wings, tray of nachos or bowl of chili, keep a look out for the big game changers.&nbsp; You might have something new to talk about at the office come Monday morning when all the “quarterbacks” come out.</p> <p>So place your bets, rally your team, and enjoy the game.&nbsp; It’s almost time for the coin toss whether the Big Game starts at 6:30pm ET on FOX or come Monday morning when you and your team take the field once again.</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned…</p> <blockquote> <p><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em></p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#a8a8a8\" face=\"Times New Roman\"></font></p>','Success Tip: Check out the BIG Game','','inherit','open','open','','1576-revision-7','','','2013-05-11 19:47:38','2013-05-11 19:47:38','',1576,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1576-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2473,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:41','2013-05-11 19:47:41','\"Entrepreneurship is never easy, but when you have faced major challenges in your life, it can seem impossible.\" stated Joan Koerber-Walker, chairman and founder of CorePurpose, Inc. \"That\'s why, for the 6th year in a row, we are proud to support the Opportunity for Entrepreneurship Foundation(OTEF) in their valuable service to our community.\" <!--more-->\r\n\r\nFounded in 2006, OTEF provides entrepreneurial training and support to at-risk populations allowing them to build the skills and confidence needed to start businesses.\r\n\r\nOTEF\'s major fundraiser is the the Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference, an annual event that brings together nationally known experts, including Michael Gerber, Robert Scoble, Matt Mullenweg, Gary Vaynerchuk, Pam Slim, Tara Hunt, Jeremiah Owyang, Dave McClure, Brian Solis, Kathy Kolbe, Sharon Lechter and Pat Sullivan along with local CEOs to share insights with entreprenuers and business leaders from across Arizona.\r\n\r\nAll proceeds from the conference then are applied to funding OTEF programs throughout the year to assist at-risk populations to achieve economic self sufficiency through entrepreneurship.\r\n\r\nFor more information on this year\'s conference - being held November 16, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona, visit <a href=\"http://www.AZEC11.com\">www.AZEC11.com</a>.\r\n\r\nThe sixth annual Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference, AZEC11, will focus presentaions on Growth and what it takes to get there.  Presenters include venture caplialist Mark Suster, Gelie Akhenblit, founder, NetworkingPhoenix.com, Brett Giles, co-founder of the award winning Sitewire, and Jerry Ross, executive director of the Disney Entrepreneurial Center in Orlando, Florida.\r\n\r\nMs. Koerber-Walker has served as chairman of the board of OTEF since 2006 and as conference chair of AZEC07, AZEC08, and AZEC10. The conference chair of AZEC11 is Meriln U. Ward of Drip Media.\r\n\r\nLearn more about OTEF at <a href=\"http://www.OTEF.org\">www.OTEF.org</a>',' CorePurpose signs on for year six with sponsorship of AZEC11','','inherit','open','open','','683-revision-13','','','2013-05-11 19:47:41','2013-05-11 19:47:41','',683,'http://www.corepurpose.com/683-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(2474,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:44','2013-05-11 19:47:44','<p>The day you have been dreaming of is here… you have just become the boss.&nbsp; NOW WHAT DO YOU DO? </p> <p><img style=\"display:inline;float:right;margin:0 5px;\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://www.frombudtoboss.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/From-Bud-toBoss-cover-rot-185x240-glow.png\" width=\"185\" height=\"240\">If this is your dream, the answer is a very important one.&nbsp; If you are already a “boss” you know it is not a simple one.&nbsp; Making the transition from “bud” to “boss” can&nbsp; be a tricky one and sooner or later, as entrepreneurs and as leaders, it is a lesson we all must learn.</p> <p>Experienced leaders will tell you this is an ongoing learning process.&nbsp; For first time supervisors, managers and leaders, knowing how to do it right is a key stepping stone on the road to success.</p> <p>That’s why this new book: <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470891556/\">Bud to Boss</a> by <a href=\"http://www.frombudtoboss.com/authors/kevin-eikenberry\">Kevin Eikenberry</a> and <a href=\"http://www.frombudtoboss.com/authors/guy-harris\">Guy Harris</a> (Jossey-Bass, February 15, 2011) is one you probably want&nbsp; to have in your library. In the video below, co-author Kevin Eikenberry shares some highlights of what’s inside and why it is important.</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:10ef5c07-f2c2-4e85-8d40-e4068077228a\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnOMzCRYMVE&amp;w=448&amp;h=252&amp;hd=1]</div><div style=\"width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em;\">BUD TO BOSS co author Kevin Eikenberry shares insights into why now is the right time for a book like BUD TO BOSS and who can benefit from its message.</div></div> <p><em>Watch the original video by Kevin Eikenberry at the </em><a href=\"http://www.frombudtoboss.com/media-room/video/\"><em>Bud To Boss website</em></a></p> <p>In the video, Kevin shared the 6 main points you will find in <em>Bud to Boss.</em>&nbsp; So I thought you might enjoy seven great quotes I found inside when I read it.</p> <p>On&nbsp; the impact you make as a leader:</p> <blockquote> <p>…like a boat, you can tell a great deal about leaders, <br>even if you have never met them, by looking at their wake—their impact on the organization.</p> <p>The two sides of a leader’s wake are <br>1. The tasks or results he accomplishes <br>2. The people or relationships he impacts</p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#000000\">On Control and Empowerment</font></p> <blockquote> <p>You can’t tell another person that he or she is empowered. <br>That person will not act empowered until he or she feels <br>that way.</p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#000000\">On Change:</font></p> <blockquote> <p>As a leader, how others experience change is as <br>important as how you experience it.</p></blockquote> <p>On Communication:</p> <blockquote> <p>Communication style models are good guides for <br>understanding other people. They are not rules that <br>define other people.</p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#000000\">On Coaching:</font></p> <blockquote> <p>Coaching is more about ‘‘we’’ than ‘‘me,’’ more about <br>conversation and discovery than advice.</p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#000000\">On Collaboration and Teams</font></p> <blockquote> <p>The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime. —Babe Ruth, Baseball player</p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#000000\">On Goals and Commitment</font></p> <blockquote> <p>Goals help you look beyond the activity and get clear on what you really want to accomplish. In other words, though time management is great, goals put the focus on accomplishment.</p></blockquote> <p><font color=\"#333333\">So that’s my sneak peek into </font><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470891556/\"><font color=\"#333333\"><em><u>Bud to Boss</u></em></font></a><font color=\"#333333\"> by </font><a href=\"http://www.frombudtoboss.com/authors/kevin-eikenberry\"><font color=\"#333333\">Kevin Eikenberry</font></a><font color=\"#333333\"> and </font><a href=\"http://www.frombudtoboss.com/authors/guy-harris\"><font color=\"#333333\">Guy Harris</font></a><font color=\"#333333\">.&nbsp; It’s a great book with lots of good information and tools, plus easy to follow guides and examples. If you know someone who is making the transition from Bud to Boss for the first time or the just the next time, you may want to pass this review along…or buy them the book.&nbsp; I’m certainly appreciative that someone shared it with me.</font></p> <p><strong>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned…</strong></p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <blockquote></blockquote> <p><strong>About the Joan: </strong></p> <p><a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c-pi\"><img 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;&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>.</p> <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>','Making the Journey From BUD TO BOSS','','inherit','open','open','','1575-revision-7','','','2013-05-11 19:47:44','2013-05-11 19:47:44','',1575,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1575-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2475,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:47','2013-05-11 19:47:47','<p>Back on January 9th, I shared a story about how <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2011/01/saturday-morning-we-all-got-a-wake-up-call.html\">we all got a wakeup call</a> when shots rang out on a sunny Saturday morning in Tucson, Arizona.&nbsp; After that day, as a nation wondered, waited and prayed, a group of friends were sharing ideas on what could be done to remember the fallen, bring the community together and begin the healing process.&nbsp; The result is a new collaborative project called <a href=\"http://www.healingtrees.org\">The Healing Trees</a> Humanitarian Program.&nbsp; </p> <p><a href=\"http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/state/trees-to-be-planted-in-honor-of-tucson-victims\">News coverage and&nbsp; video where ABC15 news reporter Angie Holdsworth tells the story in this interview with Annie Loyd.</a></p> <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:b843b566-d586-449c-8121-204210d2e0b8\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwItLxtW8S4&amp;w=448&amp;h=252&amp;hd=1]</div><div style=\"width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em;\">Annie Loyd, one of the organizers of The Healing Trees Project speaks with Angie Holdsworth of ABC15 News.</div></div> <blockquote> <p><em></em></p> <p><em></em>&nbsp;<em>I think that I shall never see <br>A poem lovely as a tree.</em></p> <p><em>A tree whose hungry mouth is prest <br>Against the sweet earth\'s flowing breast;</em></p></blockquote><font color=\"#777777\"></font> <p>I think I was about <a href=\"http://azstarnet.com/news/local/article_28c8e686-1ca6-5b3e-ab85-965bd22c68c0.html\">Christina Taylor Green’s</a> age when I first read “TREES” by Joyce Kilmer.&nbsp; Like trees, people gain their strength from the world around them.&nbsp; They hug the earth, draw nutrients from it, and reach for the sun.&nbsp; They often stand together, but they can also stand alone.&nbsp; They put down roots, grow, and give back in many ways.&nbsp; There is something both magical and mystical about a tree.&nbsp; </p> <blockquote> <p><em>A tree that looks at God all day&nbsp;&nbsp; </em></p> <p><em>And lifts her leafy arms to pray; </em></p> <p><em>A tree that may in summer wear&nbsp;&nbsp; </em></p> <p><em>A nest of robins in her hair; <br>Upon whose bosom snow has lain; </em></p> <p><em>Who intimately lives with rain. </em></p> <p><em>Poems are made by fools like me, </em></p> <p><em>But only God can make a tree. </em></p> <p>“Trees” by Joyce Kilmer at <a href=\"http://www.bartleby.com/104/119.html\">Bartleby Online</a></p></blockquote> <p><b>Healing Trees Humanitarian Program: \"Heal Our Communities, Offer Remembrance and Celebrate Life.\" <br></b><b></b></p> <p><a href=\"http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8ria4neab&amp;et=1104304491042&amp;s=0&amp;e=001aoO6T1DmkPnlNJhE37ePT3ytEry9n_nUBrhmYfH53Kk2T2Hv-3j_s0jT-IguPNC8AF-fsxiPKkdR76E5N5zGifedWeKp09uJOSAYQl3ufMBtG3m1OW97xepQP5__fbCwVYx-AN0C35_3oyhqWZXgV5sVoXyeqteBzGQ8ZG5VU6eJimAmSGXh5qWCTrZsk2C_w5YR4HL3Z3ULPzY8w5KrrMNVKTN7y2l_\"><img style=\"margin:10px;\" border=\"0\" hspace=\"3\" alt=\"Contribute\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" src=\"https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs087/1104275317307/img/8.gif\" width=\"192\" height=\"231\"></a>Less than one month later after the Tucson shootings, the project has launched and is growing daily. Beginning on February 14th, Arizona Statehood Day, The Healing Trees Humanitarian Project will plant trees in Tucson and Phoenix and many additional locations throughout Arizona, the US and around the world. In the process they will be bringing communities together and demonstrating a shared desire to be to be instruments of peace, understanding and compassion in our communities. (You can see the growing list of locations at <a href=\"http://www.healingtrees.org\">www.healingtrees.org</a>.) </p> <p><strong>Each time a healing tree is planted there is a ceremony to…</strong></p> <ul> <li>offer a remembrance to those who died or were injured in Tucson.  <li>create a lasting symbol of new life in our community  <li>Create a unified moment for each of us to reflect on how we will choose to be instruments of peace, compassion and understanding with ourselves and with others </li></ul> <p>Participants come back together again 11 months later to hold themselves accountable and to reflect on how they acted as instruments of peace and will continue to do so. </p> <p><strong>Recording the Tree Plantings </strong></p> <p>In addition to the individual trees and the gatherings when they are planted, the GPS coordinates of each tree will be recorded and tracked on the Healing Trees website and will include each Healing Tree’s story, its donors’ experience, intentions and&nbsp; ceremonies.&nbsp; This allows the participants and others to visit whenever a boost of inspiration is needed and will provide stories of what we and others are doing to create deep and lasting roots. <br></p> <p><strong>It started on January 8, 2011, but it does not end there…</strong></p> <p>Annie Loyd of <a href=\"http://www.thefusionfoundation.org/\">The FUSION Foundation</a> put it like this:</p> <p>“As a direct response to the incidents of January 8, the Healing Trees Humanitarian Program: \"Heal Our Communities, Offer Remembrance and Celebrate Life.\" was created. The FUSION Foundation, the Arizona Community Tree Council and Tucson Clean and Beautiful are working together to heal our communities, offer remembrance, and celebrate life with the planting of Healing Trees across the state and across the country.&nbsp; Healing Trees are a visual life-giving memorial commemorating the lives of those who died, honoring those who were injured and paying tribute to the outstanding actions of forgiveness, compassion, understanding, kindness and love we witnessed in the wake of the tragedy by so many in the Tucson community. This is our time to do something significant to celebrate life and promote new growth- like planting trees. Through this a life-giving and earth-serving community act, together we can make a difference.” </p> <p><strong>Leading by Example</strong></p> <p>On January 27, 2011, I shared the stories of big companies and caring individuals who are <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2011/01/leading-by-example-intel-and-us.html\">leading by example</a>.&nbsp; The Healing Trees Humanitarian Program is yet another one.&nbsp; It was born out of tragedy and a shared desire to respond with an act that would not only honor those who died or were injured but also to provide a visual support to their families, neighbors, friends and strangers whose lives changed on that fateful day. It is the work of people coming together to&nbsp; proactively create a stronger community that is committed&nbsp; life, growth and collaboration.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>We each have&nbsp; opportunities to lead by example.</strong>&nbsp; </p> <p>Sometimes we create them and sometimes they find us.&nbsp; We lead by example when we…</p> <ul> <li>Share our talents and experience with others to solve a problem or move a project forward.  <li>Help someone else achieve their goal.  <li>Take action to bring change…instead of just talking about what’s wrong.  <li>Or maybe simply take this opportunity to become part of a community of caring people who will each plant a healing tree somewhere in the world.&nbsp; To learn more about how to participate, <a href=\"http://healingtrees.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=52&amp;Itemid=68\">click here</a>. </li></ul> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned…</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <p><strong>About the Joan: </strong> <p><a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c-pi\"><img style=\"margin:5px 10px 5px 5px;\" 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; Her past career includes two decades on the team at&nbsp; Avnet, Inc. and service as Chairman of the Board of Advisors to <a href=\"http://www.parentingaz.org\">Parenting Arizona</a>.&nbsp; Today, she serves her community as the Chairman of the Board of the <a href=\"http://www.otef.org\">Opportunity&nbsp; through&nbsp; Entrepreneurship Foundation</a> and as an advisor to The FUSION Foundation and The Healing Trees Humanitarian Project.&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> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>To learn more about The Healing Trees Humanitarian Program:</strong></p> <p><a href=\"http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8ria4neab&amp;et=1104304491042&amp;s=0&amp;e=001aoO6T1DmkPnlNJhE37ePT3ytEry9n_nUBrhmYfH53Kk2T2Hv-3j_s0jT-IguPNC8AF-fsxiPKkdR76E5N5zGifedWeKp09uJOSAYQl3ufMBtG3m1OW97xepQP5__fbCwVYx-AN0C35_3oyhqWZXgV5sVoXyeqteBzGQ8ZG5VU6eJimAmSGXh5qWCTrZsk2C_w5YR4HL3Z3ULPzY8w5KrrMNVKTN7y2l_\"><img style=\"display:inline;float:left;margin:10px 21px 10px 10px;\" border=\"0\" hspace=\"3\" alt=\"Contribute\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"left\" src=\"https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs087/1104275317307/img/8.gif\" width=\"125\" height=\"150\"></a>The Healing Trees Humanitarian Program is a collaboration led by The FUSION Foundation and founding partner the <a href=\"http://aztrees.org/\">Arizona Community Tree Council</a> and its southern Arizona partner <a href=\"http://www.tucsonaz.gov/tcb/tft/\">Trees for Tucson</a> | Tucson Clean and Beautiful.<br></p> <ul> <li>email: <a href=\"mailto:info@healingtrees.org\">info@healingtrees.org</a>  <li>Facebook:&nbsp; <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/HealingTrees\">HealingTrees</a>  <li>Twitter at <a href=\"http://twitter.com/HealingTreesAZ\">@HealingTreesAZ</a>  <li>website at <a href=\"http://www.HealingTrees.org\">HealingTrees.org</a></li></ul> <p>The funds are being managed by the <a href=\"http://aztrees.org/\">Arizona Community Tree Council</a>, a 501(c)(3) organization with more than 20 years of experience dedicated to the care and planting of trees and promoting the education and exchange of&nbsp; information about trees and the essential role they play in the well being of all Arizona communities. </p>','After tragedy, the birth of Healing Trees demonstrates leadership by example','','inherit','open','open','','1574-revision-7','','','2013-05-11 19:47:47','2013-05-11 19:47:47','',1574,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1574-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2476,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:51','2013-05-11 19:47:51','The popular CorePurpose Business Blog passes the 200 post milestone In January 2009, CorePurpose launched the CorePurpose Business blog to share ideas, business tips and resources on leadership, innovation, and business growth. On January 31, 2011, post #200 hit the web. Written by CorePurpose chairman, Joan Koerber-Walker, the blog includes categories on Leadership, Innovation, People and Organizations Making a Difference, and tips learned along the way as Social Media has evolved as a business communication tool.  The CorePurpose Social Media Experiment: Hosted simultaneously on Wordpress.com, Typepad.com, CorePurpose.com, LinkedIn and Facebook the CorePurpose Business blog is also a longitudinal study in SEO and social media communication strategies as well as RSS syndication and message distribution via social media tools including Twitter. The results of this experiment appear as a vignette in the bestselling THE SOCIAL MEDIA BIBLE by Lon Safko (Wiley, 2010) and as a case study in the soon to be released ROI OF SOCIAL MEDIA by Steven Groves, Guy Powell, and Jerry Dimos (Wiley, 2011).',' Celebrating #200 - January 29, 2011','','inherit','open','open','','681-revision-8','','','2013-05-11 19:47:51','2013-05-11 19:47:51','',681,'http://www.corepurpose.com/681-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(2477,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:54','2013-05-11 19:47:54','On January 26, 2011, Intel Labs announced a $100 million cash investment in U.S. university research over the next 5 years, marking a new model of collaboration for the organization. The Funding will support a number of Intel Science and Technology Centers; the first such center will be led by Stanford University and focus on next-generation visual computing. According to the <a href=\"http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110126006278/en/Intel-Labs-Invest-100-Million-U.S.-University\">Intel Labs press release</a>, this new model of university-lead research is expected to provide U.S. researchers with up to 5 times more funding from Intel Labs compared to the previous approach, and enable engagements across a broader set of universities.\n\nIn the video below, Justin Rattner, Intel’s chief technology officer, explains the “what” and the “why”.  For  information <a href=\"http://newsroom.intel.com/docs/DOC-1801\">click here</a>\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:e234d22f-0848-453b-9d36-933eaff00e86\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBxGS3rykew&amp;w=448&amp;h=252&amp;hd=1]</div>\n<div style=\"width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em;\">Intel’s CTO Justin Rattner shares the vision for Intel’s new investment on science and technology with U.S. Universities.</div>\n</div>\nOn the same day,  <a href=\"http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110126006507/en/Forty-Young-Innovators-Named-Intel-Science-Talent\">Intel announced that forty high school seniors from across the country were named finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2011,</a> a program of <a href=\"www.societyforscience.org/sts.\">Society for Science &amp; the Public</a>.   You can see  more about people sharing their stories with the hope of becoming a catalyst for action and a voice for change in global education at <a href=\"http://www.inspiredbyeducation.com\">www.inspiredbyeducation.com</a>.\n\n<strong>Leaders by Example</strong>\n\nIntel has long been a strong voice in the choir of U.S. technology companies calling for a greater focus on science and technology in our schools and universities.  They are doing more that talk about it.  They put their resources behind it.   “Intel has sponsored the Intel Science Talent Search and the Intel International Science &amp; Engineering Fair for 13 and 14 years, respectively. Because Intel views education as the foundation for innovation, over the past decade, Intel and the Intel Foundation have invested more than $1 billion and Intel employees have donated close to 3 million hours toward improving education in more than 60 countries.”<img style=\"display:inline;float:right;margin:5px;\" title=\"photo via  AvnetTechGames.com\" src=\"http://www.avnettechgames.com/themes/avnettechgames/images/event.jpg\" alt=\"photo via  AvnetTechGames.com\" hspace=\"3\" vspace=\"3\" width=\"285\" height=\"189\" align=\"right\" />\n\nHere in Arizona, <a href=\"http://www.avnet.com\">Avnet, Inc.</a>, the worlds largest technology distributor, sponsors the <a href=\"http://www.avnettechgames.com/\">The Avnet Tech Games</a> (ATG) an annual college technology competition that provides students with an opportunity to apply what they learn in school to real-world scenarios and compete for scholarships.\n\n<strong>Great Examples, but I’m not a multi billion dollar company…</strong>\n\nMost of us don’t have the luxury of billion dollar wallets and thousands of employees who can volunteer their time and talents, but that does not mean that our leading by example is any less important.  We each have skills, knowledge, and experiences we can share in the areas where we passionately lead.  Here are some more examples:\n\n<a href=\"http://stealthmode.com/about/\">Francine Hardaway of Stealthmode Partners</a> combined her passion and experience in entrepreneurship with a desire to help at-risk individuals find economic self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship.  By rolling up her sleeves, and recruiting many others (including me) to help both <a href=\"http://www.otef.org\">The Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a> and the <a href=\"http://www.azentrepreneurship.com\">Arizona Entrepreneurship Conferences</a> were created and continue to make a difference year after year.\n\n<a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2010/08/looking-at-things-in-a-new-way---lon-safko.html\">Lon Safko’s passion is innovation</a>.  A celebrated inventor whose work appears in the Smithsonian, Lon’s study of the evolution and innovation in social media lead to the bestselling book <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Social-Media-Bible-Strategies-Business/dp/0470623977\">The Social Media Bible</a> was volunteering his time and sharing what he knew with a gathering of Arizona teachers, so that they in turn could share with their students.\n\n<a href=\"http://pattiblackstaffe.com/about-patti/\">Patti Blackstaffe</a> has a talent for helping businesses grow and a passion for helping children.  She combines these things as a volunteer to support <a href=\"http://www.providencechildren.com/www/main/page.php?page_id=1\">Providence</a> an very special place in Calgary with a mission to enhance the health and development of preschool children with disabilities &amp; their families with early intervention and high quality health, education and therapy services within their community\n\n<a href=\"http://www.phoenixmag.com/lifestyle/valley-news/200907/a-life-redeemed/\">Morris Callaman</a> is an engineer,attorney, venture capitalist and  entrepreneur.  There was a time in his youth when as a teen runaway he dealt with the harsh realities of living on the street.  Today he has quietly donated his time and talents to local organizations like OTEF and <a href=\"http://www.firstfoodbank.org/about.html\">St. Mary’s Food Bank</a> as well as providing legal assistance pro bono to those who really need a hand and could never afford his services.  It’s his way of being the change he would like to see in our societies.\n\n<a href=\"http://wgs.asu.edu/content/activist-and-author-gloria-feldt-give-wow-lecture-oct-13\">Gloria Feldt and Alex Barbanell</a> believe in the power of women in changing our world.  They created and sponsor the Women of the World lecture series at Arizona State University to inspire current and future women leaders.  In addition, Gloria shared her experiences as part of a multi generational group of women leaders who took their show on the road to college campuses around the country to do the very same thing.  Today, her new book: <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/2010/09/youve-come-a-long-way-babymaybe.html\">No Excuses</a> inspires women of all ages to use their power to lead.\n\n<strong>See, it’s not just companies like Intel.  We can lead by example too.</strong>\n\nLeading by example means putting your time, talent, and money where your mouth is.  It’s not just something for “them” to do.  It’s an opportunity for all of us.\n\n<strong>Thanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned…</strong>\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<strong>About the Joan: </strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c.jpg\"><img style=\"margin:5px 9px 5px 5px;\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c.jpg?w=239\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Koerber-Walker-056\" width=\"83\" height=\"103\" align=\"left\" /></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.  Her past career includes two decades on the team at  Avnet, Inc. and service as Chairman of the Board of Advisors to <a href=\"http://www.parentingaz.org\">Parenting Arizona</a>.  Today, she serves her community as the Chairman of the Board of the <a href=\"http://www.otef.org\">Opportunity  through  Entrepreneurship Foundation</a>.  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>.\n<h6>CorePurpose  is a registered trademark of CorePurpose, Inc.  CoreAlliance is a  service mark of CorePurpose Inc.  All rights reserved</h6>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:751c0dfb-19ba-422c-9973-88d71a2fe642\" class=\"wlWriterEditableSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan+Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Intel\">Intel</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Intel+Labs\">Intel Labs</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Avnet\">Avnet</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Avnet+Tech+Games\">Avnet Tech Games</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/investing+in+the+future\">investing in the future</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/OTEF\">OTEF</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Opportunity+through+Entrepreneurship+Foundation\">Opportunity through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Lon+Safko\">Lon Safko</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Morris+Callaman\">Morris Callaman</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Gloria+Feldt\">Gloria Feldt</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Alex+Barbanell\">Alex Barbanell</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Patti+Blackstaffe\">Patti Blackstaffe</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Providence\">Providence</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leadership\">leadership</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leading+by+example\">leading by example</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/innovation\">innovation</a></div>','Leading by Example: Intel and us','','inherit','open','open','','1573-revision-7','','','2013-05-11 19:47:54','2013-05-11 19:47:54','',1573,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1573-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2478,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:57','2013-05-11 19:47:57','<div style=\"width:340px;\"> <p>Whether you are charting the course for your personal career or the path your company will follow, there are two questions that have a significant impact on future success:</p> <ul> <li>What do you want to be?  <li>Why you want to?</li></ul> <p><a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoon/5032/\"><img style=\"display:inline;float:right;border-style:none;\" alt=\"Family Cartoon #5032 by Andertoons\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://www.andertoons.com/img/cartoons/5032.jpg\"></a> <br></a></p><a style=\"text-align:center;padding-right:5px;display:block;\" href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoons/family/\">Andertoons Family Cartoons</a></div> <p>Mark Anderson’s cartoon may make us smile at the perspective of children on a playground – but the bigger question is one that as adults many of us struggle to answer or even are afraid to when we honestly assess career or company.</p> <p>Let’s look at it from the personal and business perspective:</p> <p><strong>In your career:</strong></p> <p>Is your primary goal focused on money or personal satisfaction? </p> <p>When you tell people what you do, are you proud of it? </p> <p>If you could do ANYTHING, would you be doing what you do today? </p> <p>If you were asked WHY you do what you do – would you be happy with the answer? </p> <p>Would you want your children to follow in your footsteps?</p> <p>These questions may sound basic, but when you consider that we spend 5 out of 7 days …or more in our chosen careers, it’s worth giving some real thought.</p> <p><strong>In your business:</strong></p> <p>Is your primary goal focused on the bottom line or a broader mission? </p> <p>If an outsider was asked what your company is all about, would it match what you&nbsp; say internally? </p> <p>Management jargon aside – what business are you REALLY in. </p> <p>Do you and your team have what they need to achieve your mission? </p> <p>Are you a leader in your industry or space?&nbsp; Do you even want to be? </p> <p>Is your goal to innovate and push the boundaries of your industry or are you better positioned to follow trends.&nbsp; (There are draw backs and benefits to both.) </p> <p>If you could only invest in one company in the whole world – is this the one you would choose – and why? </p> <p>If you asked&nbsp; a random 10% of your employees these same questions, what do you think their answers would sound like?</p> <p><strong>What do you want to be… and why?</strong></p> <p>Here’s how I answer these questions:</p> <p>For myself, I am what I want to be… a business builder.&nbsp; The title does not matter as much as the work.&nbsp; Seeing a company or organization that has&nbsp; great potential and can lead in its field and helping it get there makes the hard work and risk worth while.&nbsp; Some might call this entrepreneurial, others call it corporate leadership. To me, the process of identifying opportunity, creating the structure and delivering value for customers, employees, investors and partners in a way where everyone benefits excites me.&nbsp; It’s who I am and what I do well.&nbsp; </p> <p>Why do I do it?&nbsp; I cannot imagine doing anything else.&nbsp; </p> <p>At <a href=\"http://www.corepurpose.com\">CorePurpose</a>, we do the same things.&nbsp; By providing services and solutions that build businesses and working with others to help find the answers to THEIR questions, we help them create value for their customers, employees, investors, and partners and create value for ours too.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>Why do we do it? Because we chose for our team people who are the <strong>best</strong> at what they do and share a belief that businesses grow when they can ask the right questions… find the right answers…and act on them.</p> <p><strong>Feel free to share the answers to yours in the comments below.&nbsp; </strong></p> <p>They may sound simple, but if you really think hard …and honestly, you might be surprised by what your answers are.</p> <p><strong>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay Tuned…</strong></p> <blockquote> <p><strong>Joan Koerber-Walker</strong></p></blockquote> <p><strong>About the Joan: </strong> <p><a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c-pi\"><img style=\"margin:5px 10px 5px 5px;\" 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-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:1a2c0d57-abf7-4434-a23f-f55a4fc10be8\" 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/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs\" rel=\"tag\">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/corporate+growth\" rel=\"tag\">corporate growth</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Careers\" rel=\"tag\">Careers</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Success+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Success Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Business Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Career+Questions\" rel=\"tag\">Career Questions</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Career+Search\" rel=\"tag\">Career Search</a></div>','Success Tip: Know what you want to be…and why','','inherit','open','open','','1572-revision-7','','','2013-05-11 19:47:57','2013-05-11 19:47:57','',1572,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1572-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2479,2,'2013-05-11 19:47:59','2013-05-11 19:47:59','<p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/dreams-and-delivery.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;border-bottom:0;border-left:0;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;border-top:0;border-right:0;padding-top:0;margin:5px;\" title=\"Dreams-and-Delivery\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Dreams-and-Delivery\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/dreams-and-delivery_thumb.jpg\" width=\"344\" height=\"229\"></a></p> <p>We all dream.&nbsp; Without dreams there would be no innovation, no entrepreneurs, no purpose.&nbsp; From our dreams come vision, inspiration and hope.&nbsp; But dreams are not enough.&nbsp; To move from the world of dreams to the reality of success, you need to deliver.&nbsp; Otherwise you just keep dreaming and never get to see your dreams become real.</p> <p><em><strong>In dreams begins responsibility. - <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Butler_Yeats\">William Butler Yeats</a></strong></em></p> <p>As entrepreneurs and as innovators we are in the dream business.&nbsp; As leaders, we share our dreams and encourage others to believe in them to.&nbsp; This, as Yeats shared, brings with it responsibility.&nbsp; Daring to share your dreams means committing to do everything in your power to make them happen.&nbsp; It also brings the obligation to be very clear in what is illusion and what is fact. When others depend on your dreams for the basis of theirs, you better be ready to deliver. There is nothing worse that having to explain yourself to a disillusioned dreamer who believed in YOU.</p> <p><strong><em>If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse. - <a href=\"http://disney.go.com/vault/read/walt/index.html\">Walt Disney</a></em></strong>  <p>Too often I hear people quote Disney, but they only use the first part of the the quote.&nbsp; It sounds so good to say and hear: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” The reality is that while Disney is arguably one of the most creative innovators of the last century, he was also gifted in the art of delivery.&nbsp; The second half of this famous quote is critically important. Note that he said that it “started with a dream and a mouse.”&nbsp; It did not end there.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Disney worked tirelessly to build his business, create a vision, recruit top talent to make things happen, and monitored quality of delivery every step of the way.&nbsp; Disney was not just a dreamer, he was a doer.  <p><strong><em>Let go of the past and go for the future. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined. - <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_David_Thoreau\">Henry David Thoreau</a> </em></strong> <p>What you accomplished in the past is the basis for your experience and that’s about it.&nbsp; Whether you are sharing your professional history in a resume or sharing your company strategy in a business plan, the message needs to clearly state what you can and will do.&nbsp; That is what employers are hiring you for, what investors and customers put their money behind, and what employees buy into.&nbsp; Dreams, imagination, and vision may get people excited, but a solid plan and clear direction lead to follow through.&nbsp; Focus on how you will deliver and do it. That is what it takes to “live the life you have imagined.”&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p><strong><em>The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up. - </em></strong><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Val%C3%A9ry\"><strong><em>Paul Valéry</em></strong></a></p> <p>We all dream.&nbsp; Success comes when we wake up, get moving, and deliver.</p> <h5><strong>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned....</strong></h5> <p><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em></p> <p><strong>A note about the quotes you read here.&nbsp; </strong></p> <p>Each of the quotes you read in this post where selected not just for their message but for their authors.&nbsp; Each is linked to a bio you might want to read.&nbsp; Yeats won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923 and was active in both the arts and the changing times of his native Ireland.&nbsp; Disney turned dreams and imagination into what is today a global entertainment and media empire.&nbsp; Thoreau championed ecology and environmentalism over 150 years ago. Talk about a “green” pioneer.&nbsp; Valéry was a celebrated writer, champion of the arts and advocate for academia and the sciences.&nbsp; At one point in his life, he took a 20 year hiatus from writing.&nbsp; When he ended his ‘great silence’ and woke up, he published a work that has been lauded as one of the greatest French poems of the 20th century.</p> <p><strong>About the Joan: </strong> <p><a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c-pi\"><img style=\"margin:5px 10px 5px 2px;\" 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> <p>&nbsp;</p>  <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:17b6ec4a-99fb-42dc-8807-dd26fa9c57be\" 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/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Business Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Success+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Success Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Dreams+and+Dreamers\" rel=\"tag\">Dreams and Dreamers</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs\" rel=\"tag\">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Innovators+Warehouse\" rel=\"tag\">Innovators Warehouse</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Literature+and+Poets\" rel=\"tag\">Literature and Poets</a></div>','The Success Tip: Dream then Deliver','','inherit','open','open','','1571-revision-7','','','2013-05-11 19:47:59','2013-05-11 19:47:59','',1571,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1571-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(2480,2,'2012-08-19 23:14:52','2012-08-19 23:14:52','<a href=\"/Users/Joan/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter-429641856/supfiles3C13685E/Arizona-Photograph-by-Frank[3].jpg\"><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"> </span></a><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/arizona-photograph-by-frank1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-832\" title=\"Arizona sky  Photograph by Frank Quiroz\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/arizona-photograph-by-frank1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"288\" height=\"216\" /></a>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">It was a beautiful Saturday morning  in Arizona.  As I checked in with friends on Twitter, Facebook and the like, I  was chatting about the weather and the sun creeping over the mountains.  That  morning, I came across a wonderful quote from Catherine Leyen </span><a href=\"http://twitter.com/mrichat\"><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">(@MRIchat)</span></a><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">. </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">I shared it with friends on Facebook at 9:07 AM Arizona time. </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"> It read:</span>\n<blockquote>\n<h6><span style=\"font-size:small;\">Never pass up the opportunity to tell somebody how much what  they do makes a positive difference in the world. ~ </span><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/catherine.leyen\"><span style=\"font-size:small;\">Catherine  Leyen</span></a></h6>\n</blockquote>\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">A two hour trip down the road, at the Safeway on Ina and Oracle  in Tucson, events were unfolding that would horrify the nation, destroy  families, and and send a wake up call to us all.</span>\n<div id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:371e487b-b2a5-4d75-bc78-1c6be33d4e98\">\n<div>Shortly after  10 AM Saturday morning a gun man opened up on a crowd of Arizonans who had come  to see Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. (For the <a href=\"http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40988567\">video series</a>, see MSNBC.com)</div>\n</div>\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">As events unfolded, Arizonans and people from around the country  watched in horror, misinformation abounded as reports came out that someone had  shot into a crowd of people and that Congresswoman Giffords had died. They were  later corrected to say that she was fighting for her life – and winning.  Others  were not as lucky.  This </span><a href=\"http://edition.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/09/arizona.shooting.developments/\"><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">link from CNN</span></a><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"> provides the time line, and  information on those who were lost on a sunny and crisp Tucson morning,  including a Federal Judge, a nine year old  girl who came into this world on  9/11 and left it on another day of terror and tragedy, parents, grandparents, a  local pastor,and a young man planning to be married. Two local  physicians who  happened to be on the scene gave aide to the wounded while Daniel Hernandez, a  trained nurse and a Giffords intern,rushed to see what happened and used his  medical training to \"apply pressure to the Congresswoman’s wound and keep her  active and alert,\" according to  Arizona state Rep. Steve Farley. Hernandez was  Farley\'s former campaign manager. (source: Jodi Powers- Community Public  Relations) </span>\n\n<a href=\"/Users/Joan/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter-429641856/supfiles3C13685E/AZ%20Memorial%20photo%20credit%20Frank%20Quiroz[3].jpg\"><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"> </span></a><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/az-memorial-photo-credit-frank-quiroz1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-833\" title=\"AZ Memorial photo credit Frank Quiroz\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/az-memorial-photo-credit-frank-quiroz1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"288\" height=\"216\" /></a>\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">In Tucson, hundreds gathered leave  flowers, light candles, sing songs, and pray outside of University Medical  Center and outside Gabby’s Tucson office. </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">Up on Phoenix, many, including </span><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/people/Annie-Loyd/734602497\"><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">Annie  Loyd</span></a><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"> and </span><a href=\"http://www.jodipowers.com/\"><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">Jodi Powers</span></a><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"> and friends of the </span><a href=\"http://www.thefusionfoundation.org/\"><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">The Fusion  Foundation</span></a><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"> rallied friends, community leaders, and  others to the Arizona Capital in Phoenix for </span><a href=\"http://communitypublicrelations.com/index.php/news/1-latest-news/81-community-leaders-call-for-peace-and-prayers-in-wake-of-shootings-involving-congresswoman-giffords.html\"><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">a candlelight vigil and shared news updates</span></a><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"> locally as well as the insights that were coming in from friends in the the  South. </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">As the evening drew to a close, prayers were being sent from  around the country and around the state.  At the vigil at the Capitol, </span><a href=\"http://arizona.bagpiper.com/\"><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">Eric Landau</span></a><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"> used his talents to send the strains of Amazing Grace soaring into the  night while later singer Olivia Calderon raised her voice in prayer and song  with the Ave Maria.</span>\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">Saturday, January 8, 2011, began with a glorious Arizona  sunrise and ended with the world’s prayers.  But prayers, as important as they  are, are not enough. </span></strong><strong><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">On Saturday, we also  received a wake up call.  A reminder to all of us that… </span></strong>\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\"> </span></strong>\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">As parents…</span></strong>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">It is important to pay  attention to what our children are  saying and doing. In addition we must talk with them, no matter their age, build  up their positive values, and help them understand that senseless violence and  hate is never an answer. We change the world with our words and actions….not  bullets.</span>\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">As leaders…</span></strong>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">We must remember that what we write, what we say, and what we do  impacts others.  It’s been speculated that the “virtol” of recent years both  locally and nationally combined with the violence that we see on the news, in  film and in games fueled these events.  Maybe it did and maybe it didn’t.  We  may never know for sure.  But perhaps, what is better to keep in mind is that it  can and that with leadership comes the responsibility to build up our community,  not tear it or others down.  When we exhibit negative behaviors and beliefs as  leaders, we, as leaders, should never be surprised if someone follows our lead  whether we intended them to or not.</span>\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">As Arizonans…</span></strong>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">It is a reminder that in our state we have so much to be proud  of and to share. We have seen how in times of crisis we can rise up and come  together.   Yes, we have challenges, so does the rest of world.  But we also  have opportunities to combine our talents, listen to opposing viewpoints, build  solutions and coalitions and make things better.  Saturday serves as a reminder  that this is the best use of our time, energy, and talents.</span>\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">And most of all, as People, to remember what Catherine  Leyen shared… </span></strong>\n<blockquote><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">Never pass up the opportunity to tell somebody how much what  they do makes a positive difference in the world. ~ </span><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/catherine.leyen\"><span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">Catherine  Leyen</span></a></blockquote>\n<span style=\"font-size:x-small;\">None of us can change what happened yesterday, but together we  can all help with the healing… and never pass up on an opportunity to make a  difference.</span>\n<blockquote>\n<h5><strong>Thanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned....</strong></h5>\n<em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em>\n\n<em> </em></blockquote>\n<em>To the families of these who lost their life on Saturday (U.S. District  Judge John Roll, 63; Christina Greene, 9; Gabe Zimmerman, 30; Dorothy Morris,  76; Dorwin Stoddard, 76; and Phyllis Scheck, 79.) as well as all who were  injured in Saturday’s events my thoughts and  prayers as well as those of so  many others are with you.</em>\n<blockquote><strong>About the Joan: </strong></blockquote>\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c.jpg\"><img src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c.jpg?w=239\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Koerber-Walker-056\" width=\"83\" height=\"103\" align=\"left\" /></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.   She and her family have made their home in  Arizona since 1992.\n\nThe news items and videos included here are the property of the respective  news agencies.  Images of the Arizona sky and Giffords Memorial are the work of  Frank Quiroz.\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:5a488569-3c82-467d-88ae-1ea319960b26\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leaders\">Leaders</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership\">Leadership</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership+Responsibilities\">Leadership  Responsibilities</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Gabrielle+Giffords\">Gabrielle Giffords</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Tragedy+in+Arizona\">Tragedy in  Arizona</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Hope+for+Arizona\">Hope  for Arizona</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan+Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Fusion+Foundation\">Fusion  Foundation</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Frank+Quiroz\">Frank  Quiroz</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Annie+Loyd\">Annie  Loyd</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Jodi+Powers\">Jodi  Powers</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Catherine+Leyen\">Catherine Leyen</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/quotes\">quotes</a></div>','Saturday morning, we all got a wake up call','','inherit','open','open','','1570-revision-2','','','2012-08-19 23:14:52','2012-08-19 23:14:52','',1570,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1570-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2481,2,'2012-08-19 21:54:44','2012-08-19 21:54:44','<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-2','','','2012-08-19 21:54:44','2012-08-19 21:54:44','',1569,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1569-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2482,2,'2012-08-19 23:15:00','2012-08-19 23:15:00','<p>&nbsp;</p> <p>One week left and counting, soon 2010 will be one for the record books.&nbsp; For many the last week of the year is looked at as a lost week.&nbsp; Holiday vacations, factory shut downs, and kids home from school for Winter break combine to slow the workday pace. </p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/december-teams.jpg\"><img style=\"background-image:none;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:inline;padding-top:0;border-width:0;margin:5px;\" title=\"December Teams\" border=\"0\" alt=\"December Teams\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/december-teams_thumb.jpg\" width=\"281\" height=\"211\"></a></p> <p>I always look forward to the last week of the year, not for a break but for that last minute push to end things with a bang.&nbsp;&nbsp; It has always worked for me.&nbsp; Years ago, as a sales person, the last week of the year was when I often got my biggest orders.&nbsp; I would call my customers to see who was around. It never failed, somebody always had something on their desk that need to be handled before year end, and I was happy to help them get it taken care of.&nbsp;&nbsp; Later in my career, as a new CEO, I spent a week alone in the office going through binders full of dusty files that has been left behind by past leaders. In them I found a forgotten resource that, once we dusted it off and tuned it up, became our organization\'s biggest differentiator that year.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>5 Tips for making the most of the last week of the year</strong></p> <ol> <li><strong>Make a list of what worked best this year</strong> – and what did not do as well.&nbsp; Think about how you can make the most of your good ideas and let go of the duds.  <li><strong>Do a little outreach</strong>.&nbsp; Call customers, email someone you worked with this year and thank them for their help, find that forgotten college roommate and reconnect.&nbsp; You never know how a simple conversation can lead to a new opportunity.  <li><strong>Take some time to learn more about you.</strong>&nbsp; There are lots of one line tools available to&nbsp; give you insight into what you do best.&nbsp; Many of them are free or relatively in expensive. One of my favorites is the Kolbe A by <a href=\"http://www.kolbe.com\">Kolbe Corp</a>.&nbsp; It’s a great way to find insights on how you can be more effective in doing what you do.  <li><strong>Do a little research.</strong>&nbsp; As you lay out plans&nbsp; for 2011, don’t forget to do your homework. A little research can go a long way in firming up that new idea.&nbsp; Libraries are quiet this time of year and a great place to escape from the holiday bustle.&nbsp; To cold to go out?&nbsp; Try some creative&nbsp; Google searches to see what the hot trends are around your BIG idea.  <li><strong>Ask questions.</strong>&nbsp; Survey tools from <a href=\"http://www.linkedin.com/static?key=research_landing&amp;trk=hb_ft_resnet\">LinkedIn</a> and <a href=\"http://www.surveymonkey.com\">Survey Monkey</a> can help you find&nbsp; out what your partners or customers think about a current or future product or service.&nbsp; Ask them what they think.&nbsp; You just might find the answer you are searching for. </li></ol> <p>So, don’t just sit there in a Christmas Cookie coma.&nbsp; Use this last week of the year to&nbsp; look back and get ready to move forward.&nbsp; There are opportunities waiting for you in 2011, and now is the time to&nbsp; get ready to capture them.</p> <h4><strong>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned....</strong></h4> <p>I\'ll be sharing more tips to help you get ready for 2011 throughout the month of December. </p> <p>And for all of the friends who have visited here, chatted with me on Twitter, have&nbsp; worked along side me in projects, or just dropped me a line or made a call to say hello, THANK YOU&nbsp; and best wishes for a&nbsp; very happy and hopeful holiday season and a 2011 filled with opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <blockquote> <p><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>About the Joan: </strong></p> <p><a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c-pi\"><img style=\"margin:0 10px;\" 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 into 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>. </p> <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> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p> <div style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:456cbb3c-9a72-4423-a387-645574d9cdb5\" 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/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business+Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Business Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Getting+ready+for+2011\" rel=\"tag\">Getting ready for 2011</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs\" rel=\"tag\">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Growth+in+2011\" rel=\"tag\">Growth in 2011</a></div></p>','What will you do with the last week of 2010?','','inherit','open','open','','1568-revision-2','','','2012-08-19 23:15:00','2012-08-19 23:15:00','',1568,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1568-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2483,2,'2012-08-19 23:15:07','2012-08-19 23:15:07','<p>Over 2000 years ago, three wise men followed a star.&nbsp; A young woman and her husband&nbsp; began a journey that started with the \'impossible\' and a child was born that became one of the greatest leaders ever known.&nbsp; The world has never been the same.&nbsp; </p> <p>For many of us, 2010&nbsp; has been a year of personal and professional challenges, but just imagine the challenges these people once faced.&nbsp; </p> <p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/opportunities-are-like-star.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:10px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Opportunities-are-like-star\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/opportunities-are-like-star_thumb.jpg\" width=\"387\" height=\"332\"></a></p> <p>The image above is message I created for my CorePurpose Christmas Card in 2010 and it is one I firmly believe in.&nbsp; Opportunities <strong>are</strong> like stars.&nbsp; There are millions of them out there. It is all a matter of which one we choose to reach for, to believe in and to work to achieve. </p> <p>As I write this on Christmas Eve,&nbsp; there are signs that opportunities are rising like stars.&nbsp; The New York Times writes that <a href=\"http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40802487/ns/business-the_new_york_times/\">economists see signs of a stronger recovery</a> while other <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2010/12/23/20101223biz-economy1223.html\">analysts predict growth in 2011</a> also.&nbsp; In reviewing my notes form this year\'s Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference, I see point after point that <a href=\"http://azentrepreneurship.com/speakers\">the speakers</a> made about where the opportunities lie and how to reach them.&nbsp; </p> <h4><strong>This is the time of year when we reach out to others.&nbsp; </strong></h4> <p>Christmas cards, business and personal newsletters sharing stories of a year that soon will be past and hope for the year to come, notes on <a href=\"http://www.linkedin.com/in/joankoerberwalker\">LinkedIn</a>, on <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/joankw\">my personal Facebook</a> and the <a href=\"http://facebook.com/corepurpose\">CorePurpose</a> and <a href=\"http://facebook.com/4otef\">OTEF</a> Facebook pages , and <a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/corepurpose_joan_koerberw/my-profiles-on-twitter.html\">Twitter\'s tweets</a>.&nbsp; Each of these is an opportunity to connect, engage, say hi or say thank you and each conversation strengthens relationships and can begin a journey towards a new opportunity.&nbsp; </p> <h4><strong>It is also a season of hope.</strong></h4> <p>For many, 2010 has brought times of frustration and worse, but now is the time to draw strength from the energy&nbsp; around us and take a look at the&nbsp; gifts that we have to work with.&nbsp; Our friends, our families, our co-workers, and our customers have also faced challenges this year.&nbsp; But at the end of the day, we are all still here. And being here we can take the energy and the <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/camaraderie\">camaraderie</a> of the season and use it as fuel to move us all forward towards new opportunities in 2011.</p> <h4><strong>So remember...</strong></h4> <p>Opportunities are like stars.&nbsp; There are millions of them out there. It is all a matter of which one we choose to reach for, to believe in and to work to achieve. </p> <h4><strong>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned....</strong></h4> <p>I\'ll be sharing more tips to help you get ready for 2011 throughout the month of December.  <p>And for all of the friends who have visited here, chatted with me on Twitter, have&nbsp; worked along side me in projects, or just dropped me a line or made a call to say hello, THANK YOU&nbsp; and best wishes for a&nbsp; very happy and hopeful holiday season, a very Merry Christmas, and a 2011 filled with opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <blockquote> <p><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>About the Joan: </strong> <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 into 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 or if you would like to receive&nbsp; a hi res version of \"Opportunities are like stars...\" for your home, your office or your team, 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;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:dbb70d9b-8d3b-44b8-b3a7-bdc9862ea15c\" 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/Business%20Inspiration\" rel=\"tag\">Business Inspiration</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizona%20Entrepreneurship%20Conference\" rel=\"tag\">Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/OTEF\" rel=\"tag\">OTEF</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20in%202011\" rel=\"tag\">Business in 2011</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Opportunity%20in%202011\" rel=\"tag\">Opportunity in 2011</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Christmas\" rel=\"tag\">Christmas</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Challenge%20and%20opportunity\" rel=\"tag\">Challenge and opportunity</a></div>','Following your star...','','inherit','open','open','','1567-revision-2','','','2012-08-19 23:15:07','2012-08-19 23:15:07','',1567,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1567-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2484,2,'2012-08-19 23:15:17','2012-08-19 23:15:17','As leaders, innovators,executives, or entrepreneurs, our brains are often stuck in overdrive.  There is so much to think about and often we take little time to to park these mental challenges.  Add to that a million daily distractions like con calls, meetings, and email and the result can  be running out of gas in the middle of the fast lane.\n\nWhen this cartoon from Mark Anderson at Andertoons popped up in my email (I subscribe to Mark\'s blog) it reminded me of a lesson I learned from Rich Ward (then a group president at Avnet, Inc.) over a decade ago.  That lesson was about the importance of scheduling a mental health day.\n<div style=\"width:340px;\"><a href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoon/5001/\"><img style=\"border-style:none;\" src=\"http://www.andertoons.com/img/cartoons/5001.jpg\" alt=\"Business Cartoon #5001 by Andertoons\" />\n</a><a style=\"text-align:left;padding-right:5px;display:block;\" href=\"http://www.andertoons.com/cartoons/business/\">Andertoons Business Cartoons</a></div>\n<h4><strong>Don\'t let this happen to you</strong></h4>\n<strong> </strong>\n\nWe\'ve all seen it happen or sat in that chair. When the brain hits its point of overload, it simply shuts down.  We might be in the room, and the lights may be on, but nobody\'s home.  If you are present when this happens to someone else, it can be frustrating.  If you are the one that just can\'t connect to the moment it can prove embarrassing or even career limiting.  So how can you prevent this from happening to you?\n<h4><strong>Refresh and recharge by checking out</strong></h4>\nThe place where folks are counting on you, whether it is at home or in the office, is NOT the place to take a mental health day.  You need to officially check out and get out.  My friend  Joan Gustafson (she\'s @LeadershipCoach on Twitter) likes to say:\n<blockquote><a href=\"http://twitter.com/leadershipcoach\">LeadershipCoach:</a> Take time to enjoy your life. Recreation is to re-create, <em>refresh</em>, renew, reinvent yourself. ~<a href=\"http://leaderdynamics.com/bio.html\">Joan Gustafson</a> #BeOriginal</blockquote>\nThis is great advice.  If you never take the time to follow  it, eventually you can and probably will run out of mental energy.\n<h4><strong>Play to your strengths</strong></h4>\nMy friend Kathy Kolbe taught me that there are <a href=\"http://www.kolbe.com/theKolbeConcept/three-parts-of-the-mind.cfm\">three parts to the mind</a>:  the Cognitive (how we learn and what we know), the Affective (how we feel and behave) and the Conative (how we get naturally get things done.)   We all know what happens when we hit a cognitive overload.  Too much information and we stop learning or even being able to process.  The same can happen with feelings - too much - even of a good thing can be overwhelming.  The same is true of our conative energy. We only have so much and then we run out and have to recharge.  More importantly, when we are working against our conative instincts, we use up more faster.  A great way to efficiently use mental energy to take a few minutes to learn how you do what you do best in the way you do it best by taking the <a href=\"http://www.kolbe.com/\">Kolbe A </a>and then listening to Kathy\'s explanation of your unique MO.  She will share lots of really helpful information.  Plus, if you would like a few more tips, feel free to <a href=\"http://corepurpose.com/contact.html\">send me a note</a> and share your 4 digit Kolbe A score and a way to reach you and I am happy to schedule a time to chat.\n<h4><strong>If it\'s important, make it a priority and find a distraction free zone.</strong></h4>\nSometimes those important professional or personal items need to be made a priority.  That means turning off all the distractions and usually a change of venue so you can give them the attention they deserve.  For work projects, I have found that the local library can be a great location.  You have  research tools at your disposal if you need to look something up and libraries are defined as quiet zones.  Turn off the cell phone, make yourself comfortable and focus on what you need to get done.\n<h4><strong>Schedule daily time outs</strong></h4>\nAnother great way to to keep your mental engine charged is by taking a little time out.  You may not be able to get away for days or weeks, but anyone can carve out 20 minutes a day if you commit to do so.  Find a spot and an activity that works for you and do something that you enjoy.  It might be working out with your favorite music playing through some headphones, finding a quiet corner to read a good book, or talking a walk in a local park.\n\nIn June of 2009, I shared a little life story about how I learned about the importance of  taking a daily time out and the power of these moments.  You can find the story here at Little Life Stories titled: <a href=\"http://littlelifestories.wordpress.com/2009/06/30/you-deserve-a-time-out/\">You deserve a time out!</a>\n\n<strong>Thanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned.... </strong>\n\nI\'ll be sharing more tips to help you get ready for 2011 throughout the month of December.\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<strong>About the Joan: </strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c-pi\"><img style=\"margin:0 10px 0 0;\" src=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143e3970c-pi\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Koerber-Walker-056\" width=\"83\" height=\"103\" align=\"left\" /></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 into community leadership and into the halls of Washington D.C.   To learn more about how CorePurpose and the CoreAlliance can help you grow your business, you can contact her by clicking <a href=\"http://corepurpose.com/contact.html\">here</a>.\n<h6>CorePurpose  is a registered trademark of CorePurpose, Inc.  CoreAlliance is a  service mark of CorePurpose Inc.  All rights reserved</h6>\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:59a243f7-79b0-4e24-94e8-e3cdb14dcfcb\" 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/Joan%20Gustafson\">Joan Gustafson</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Kathy%20Kolbe\">Kathy Kolbe</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Conation\">Conation</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Kolbe%20A%20Index\">Kolbe A Index</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Mental%20Energy\">Mental Energy</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Tips\">Business Tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Career%20Tips\">Career Tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Personal%20growth\">Personal growth</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Personal%20Development\">Personal Development</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Mark%20Anderson\">Mark Anderson</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Andertoons\">Andertoons</a></div>','Business Tip: Schedule a mental health day','','inherit','open','open','','1566-revision-2','','','2012-08-19 23:15:17','2012-08-19 23:15:17','',1566,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1566-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2485,2,'2012-08-19 23:15:24','2012-08-19 23:15:24','<p>Whether you are starting a new venture or looking towards the next step in your career, friends are always happy to give you great advice.&nbsp; One of my favorites, is \"you need to wait for the RIGHT opportunity.\"&nbsp; It sounds so easy, but rarely is.&nbsp; </p> <p>Watch this great video: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWW1vpz1ybo\">Kids and the Marshmallow Test at YouTube</a>.&nbsp; The instructions were simple.&nbsp; Stay in the chair and make a choice.&nbsp; You can eat the marshmallow now OR wait until I come back and you will get TWO marshmallows.&nbsp; The results may make you laugh, but perhaps it will make you think too... </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:3e49e7d6-c468-4bb2-a67e-3da9d9ceca5d\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWW1vpz1ybo]</div></div> <p>Special thanks to Kelly <a href=\"http://twitter.com/qutequte\">@qutequte</a> in Singapore for sharing this video and bringing it to my attention.</p> <h4><strong>So what\'s your marshmallow?&nbsp; </strong></h4> <p>As we look out beyond December to a new year in 2011, there are a wealth of opportunities.&nbsp; Some will present short term gains and others will promise greater benefits if we can only wait.&nbsp; But, how do you know which choice is the best to choose?&nbsp; </p> <p>Back in my grad school days, we spent lots of time learning ways to model opportunities.&nbsp; There were decision trees, real option models, assessments for market volatility, cash flow projections, adjusted risk factors, models for dealing with uncertainty, game theories, and lots of complex algorithms.&nbsp; All of these have their place, yet it was a simple lesson I had learned 20 years before as an undergrad in economics that has served me best. You can have the best predictive model in the world, but the minute you share your prediction, the human factor kicks in and things change. </p> <h4><strong>Focus on the human factor</strong></h4> <p>When it comes to picking today\'s marshmallow versus two marshmallows tomorrow, be sure you take the human factor to account.&nbsp; It may be the authenticity of a company\'s leadership team or&nbsp; the strength of belief in the underlying values that define its culture that can make a major difference in today\'s opportunity or tomorrow\'s promise of a bigger gain. Perceptions of customers or partners can create major shifts in future opportunities also.&nbsp; Focusing on the human factor allows us to better assess whether the people behind the promise will be able to actually keep it or if we just might be better off to grab the marshmallow now.&nbsp; Here are some human factor questions to keep in mind when assessing opportunity:</p> <ol> <li>Is there evidence or proof points to show that future gains can be delivered?  <li>Taking into account how either partners or customers will react to changes in the world around us, how might that affect both current and future value?  <li>If you seized \"your marshmallow\" today, could you, by using it well, end up with an even bigger gain in the future than what is promised if you wait.</li></ol> <h4><strong>To paraphrase on old saying, sometimes a marshmallow in the hand is worth two ...&nbsp; </strong></h4> <p>and some times it is not.&nbsp; Only you can make that determination.&nbsp; Sometimes you will call it right, and sometimes you won\'t.&nbsp; Like the children in the video, you can sit and stare at your marshmallow, poke it and play with it, fidget in anticipation, or just gobble it up. But, however you make your decision and what ever tools you use, keep that human factor in mind.&nbsp; It can make all the difference.</p> <p><strong>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned....&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></p> <p>I\'ll be sharing more tips to help you get ready for 2011 throughout the month of December.  <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <p><strong>About the Joan: </strong> <p><a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c-pi\"><img style=\"margin:0 25px 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 into 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, 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> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:6eddca83-1a82-4a25-ae4c-8e93cac18b54\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Getting%20ready%20for%202011\" rel=\"tag\">Getting ready for 2011</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Business Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs\" rel=\"tag\">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Career%20Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Career Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Strategy\" rel=\"tag\">Business Strategy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Risk%20Management\" rel=\"tag\">Risk Management</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Marshmallow%20Test\" rel=\"tag\">Marshmallow Test</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/@QuteQute\" rel=\"tag\">@QuteQute</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koeber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koeber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\" rel=\"tag\">CorePurpose</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Decision%20Making\" rel=\"tag\">Decision Making</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Decision%20Analysis\" rel=\"tag\">Decision Analysis</a></div>','Is waiting for the right opportunity worth it?','','inherit','open','open','','1565-revision-2','','','2012-08-19 23:15:24','2012-08-19 23:15:24','',1565,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1565-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2486,2,'2012-08-19 23:15:34','2012-08-19 23:15:34','<p>In any entrepreneurial venture, there is always a degree of risk.&nbsp;&nbsp; Entrepreneurs by definition evaluate risk and opportunity and then move forward.</p> <p>When <a href=\"http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photo-of-the-day/polar-bear-ship-norway/\">this photo</a> popped up in my emails this week, my first thought was - \"watch out buddy - you are standing on thin ice.\"</p> <p><a href=\"http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photo-of-the-day/polar-bear-ship-norway/#caption\"><img style=\"border-bottom:0;border-left:0;border-top:0;border-right:0;margin:0 0 0 10px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"National-Geographic---Photograph by Michael Nolan, Your Shot, http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photo-of-the-day/polar-bear-ship-norway/\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/national-geographic-polar.jpg\" width=\"406\" height=\"306\"></a></p> <p>Even with the best of intentions when you start a project, there are times when foundations may crack and you need to move on.&nbsp; Just as it is important to plan how to build a business, it is important to know what could be required to take one apart.&nbsp; You hope you never need to, but just in case, it is smart to be prepared for every circumstance, especially in times like these.</p> <h4><strong>Set it up right from the start</strong></h4> <p>Most businesses are formed either through incorporation or the formation of an LLC (Limited Liability Company).&nbsp; In the case of a corporation, there are basic documents or&nbsp; articles that lay out who does what, who owns what, and who is authorized and responsible for what.&nbsp; In the case of an LLC, the more simplified form of formation for a business, these may appear in the operating agreement.&nbsp; (Note, while operating agreements are not required by law in most&nbsp; states, they are a really good idea because they again lay out the foundational elements of your business and avoid confusion later on.) </p> <h4><strong>Keep Excellent Records</strong></h4> <p>Whether you are standing on solid ground or or a moving ice flow - keeping excellent records is a must.&nbsp; The most common organizational documents are contracts, letters, and financial records- but don\'t forget your emails.&nbsp; Having a well organized system for important emails can go a long way in clearing up confusion.&nbsp; Emails document the business\' day to day activities, can point to agreements, clarify disputes, and should&nbsp; things go really wrong - serve as evidence of what was done and what was agreed. </p> <h4><strong>Watch for tell tale signs </strong></h4> <p>Set up a system to check your foundation regularly.&nbsp; Talk to customers, business partners, and suppliers.&nbsp; Are what you know and what they know in synch?&nbsp; When they are, your foundation is nice and tight.&nbsp; When you find gaps, you will find cracks.&nbsp; If you let them spread too wide, important information or opportunities can fall through.&nbsp; Too many cracks, and it all falls apart.</p> <h4><strong>Be unfailingly honest...with yourself</strong></h4> <p>Honesty with others is key to success; but, the most important person to be honest with is yourself.&nbsp; As entrepreneurs, we love our businesses.&nbsp; We enter with passion and excitement and hopefully over time we build something to be proud of.&nbsp; When we are infatuated with what we can do, we sometimes miss what is actually happening.&nbsp; That is why an honest assessment on a regular basis is critically important.&nbsp; If you choose to overlook key facts or flaws in your business, your model, or your team, you just might find that eventually you do not have a business, a model or a team.</p> <p>If you catch cracks early, you have a chance to patch them.&nbsp; If you don\'t...&nbsp; </p> <h4><strong>Be sure you know how to swim.</strong></h4> <p>Let\'s hope the ice beneath your feet never starts to fracture.&nbsp; But if it does, having a plan in place and the right documentation can help you swim safely over to the next opportunity.&nbsp; They\'re out there, you just need to find the right one.</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned....&nbsp;&nbsp; <p>I\'ll be sharing more tips to help you get ready for 2011 throughout the month of December.  <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <p><strong>About the Joan: </strong> <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 into 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, you can contact her by clicking <a href=\"http://corepurpose.com/contact.html\">here</a>.  <p>&nbsp; <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> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:d4a81719-6e2b-4dee-ab86-aa8beec987dc\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurs\" rel=\"tag\">Entrepreneurs</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Entrepreneurship\" rel=\"tag\">Entrepreneurship</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/New%20Ventures\" rel=\"tag\">New Ventures</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Small%20Business\" rel=\"tag\">Small Business</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Tips\" rel=\"tag\">Business Tips</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Advice\" rel=\"tag\">Business Advice</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Conflicts\" rel=\"tag\">Business Conflicts</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Strategy\" rel=\"tag\">Business Strategy</a>,<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></div>','Are you on thin ice?','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-2','','','2012-08-19 23:15:34','2012-08-19 23:15:34','',1564,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1564-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2487,2,'2012-08-19 23:15:40','2012-08-19 23:15:40','Leadership and communication are intrinsically linked.  It\'s pretty simple, if you can not communicate where you want the team to go and what you expect from them along the way, it is highly unlikely anyone will get there.\n\nIn preparing for 2011, one of the the key areas to evaluate personally and professionally is how well we communicate our message to the people that matter.\n\nAs I was pondering just how to demonstrate this critical skill, my <a href=\"http://www.bioworld.com/\">BioWorld</a> newsletter landed in my mailbox and in it was a link to a video poking fun at the life of an analyst.  Take a look.\n\n[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcsRKaJPNDM&amp;fs=1&amp;hl=en_US]\n\nVideo by <strong>conspicuouscynic at </strong><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcsRKaJPNDM&amp;feature=player_embedded\">YouTube.com</a>\n\nHave you ever found yourself in this virtual reality? One where communication is simply nonexistent.   Not only are goals misaligned and directions totally obscure, but the relationships between team members devolve in a downward spiral.\n\nPutting ourselves and our businesses in a place where we can seize the opportunities that will be before us in 2011 requires clarity in our communications, vision and actions.  So what are the hallmarks of clarity?\n<h4><strong>C - Consistency</strong></h4>\n<a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consistency\">Merriam Webster\'s</a> defines consistency like this:\n<ol>\n	<li>\n<ol>\n	<li><em>a</em> <em>archaic</em> <strong>:</strong> condition of adhering together <strong>:</strong> firmness of material substance   <em>b</em> <strong>:</strong> firmness of <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/#\">constitution</a> or character <strong>:</strong> <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/persistency\">persistency</a></li>\n	<li>degree of firmness, density, viscosity, or resistance to movement or separation of constituent particles &lt;boil the juice to the <em>consistency</em> of a thick syrup&gt;</li>\n	<li><em>a</em> <strong>:</strong> agreement or harmony of parts or features to one another or a whole <strong>:</strong> <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/correspondence\">correspondence</a>; <em>specifically</em> <strong>:</strong> ability to be asserted together without contradiction <em>b</em> <strong>:</strong> harmony of conduct or practice with profession &lt;followed her own advice with <em>consistency</em>&gt;</li>\n</ol>\n</li>\n</ol>\n<h4><strong>L - Less Buzz - More Substance</strong></h4>\nJust as our communications need to hold together firmly and in harmony with our vision, the way that we voice it must be our own.  Axioms and buzz words may have a degree of comfort.  When we are are using the ideas and words of others, we don\'t have to struggle to find our own.  Unfortunately, these tried and true phrases seldom ring with the feeling of truth and veracity that can be found in the simple statement of a truly personal and heartfelt belief.\n<h4><strong>E - Easy to understand</strong></h4>\nOur communications do not need to be complex to be effective. Simple statements are often the most powerful.  Powerful and impactful communications are not the ones that get a standing ovation but rather are those where both the speaker and the listener come away with the same understanding.\n<h4><strong>A - Actionable</strong></h4>\nWhen we communicate with clarity, we drive action.  Thus it is critical that what we inspire others to do be actionable. Responsible leaders do not act as a pied piper to lead their team off a cliff.  With our power to communicate comes a responsibility to do it in a way that guides our teams to a successful outcome when their actions follow our words.\n<h4><strong>R - Respectful</strong></h4>\nIf we want respect we have to give it. Whether our  respect is for those we work with or what together we work for, respect in communication requires a willingness to to not just show respect in tone or tenor, but also as it applies to our intent.  It shows in the degree of consideration we show for the needs of the person we communicate with, not just in the message we desire to deliver.\n\n<strong>Pull it all together...</strong>\n\nand your communication is CLEAR.  When you are able to clearly state what you and your business need, you are more likely to get it.   When you apply the same degree of clarity to what you or your business has to offer to others, they are more likely to accept it and embrace it.\n\nSo as we move into 2011, make an effort to be CLEAR.  When you do you just might find that you go further and get there faster than you ever imagined you could.\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay tuned....\n\nI\'ll be sharing more tips to help you get ready for 2011 throughout the month of December.\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\n<strong>About the Author: </strong>\n\n<a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c-pi\"><img style=\"margin:0 10px 0 0;\" src=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143e3970c-pi\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Koerber-Walker-056\" width=\"83\" height=\"103\" align=\"left\" /></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 into community leadership and into the halls of Washington D.C.   To learn more about how to deliver your message with clarity, you can contact her by clicking <a href=\"http://corepurpose.com/contact.html\">here</a>.\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:421a1e0e-f686-4649-81c4-457e187ae930\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\" style=\"display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">Technorati Tags: <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose\">CorePurpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Tips\">Business Tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Preparing%20for%202011\">Preparing for 2011</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/entrepreneurs\">entrepreneurs</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leaders\">leaders</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leadership.%20better%20communication\">leadership. better communication</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/clarity%20of%20communication\">clarity of communication</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/clarity%20of%20purpose\">clarity of purpose</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/vision\">vision</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20strategy\">business strategy</a></div>','As a leader, what message are you sending?','','inherit','open','open','','1563-revision-2','','','2012-08-19 23:15:40','2012-08-19 23:15:40','',1563,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1563-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2488,2,'2012-08-19 23:15:48','2012-08-19 23:15:48','<strong>As a leader, how will YOU manage risk and opportunity?</strong>\n\nIn case you missed it, <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Bernanke\">Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke</a> again visited 60 Minutes on Sunday, December 5, 2010.  In <a href=\"http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7120553n&amp;tag=topnews\">a candid video interview</a>, he shared his views on the economy, what he and the Fed have done, and what they may still have left to do.\n\nAs we look towards 2011, the greatest external factor facing our businesses is will be the economy.  <a href=\"http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504803_162-20024635-10391709.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody\">Watch the video</a> to hear more about jobs, inflation, interest rates, the money supply, and how one leader views the importance of acting in an era of risk.\n\n<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/risk-response1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-804\" title=\"risk response\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/risk-response1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"337\" /></a>\n<h4>As a leader, how will YOU act in an era of risk?</h4>\nWhether we are entrepreneurs or working inside of a company, how we deal with risk and when we deal with it are key factors that will shape our businesses in 2011.\n\nWe may be operating on a global stage or focusing in closer to home but either way the process of assessing risk and responding to it will have a major impact on the future success of our businesses.\n\n<strong>Research</strong>\n\nThe first step in the process is to do your homework.  Assessing your risks, understanding what factors influence them, and looking for a balance between risk and opportunity lays the foundation for both strategy and action.\n\n<strong>Realign</strong>\n\nOnce your foundation is in place the next step is to line up your priorities.  Based on your research, what actions will create the  best possible reaction.  Move them up the list.  Not every risk can be managed and not every action packs the same punch.  By focusing on the managing high impact risks and opportunities first,  you lay the most likely path to success.\n\n<strong>Respond</strong>\n\nNow that you have decided what to do, don\'t wait.  Do it! Delaying high priority  strategies magnifies uncertainty and that is the number one thing that can slow you down or bring you to a crashing halt. We see this everywhere from the economy to the boardroom.  Communicate your plan, gain buy in at every level and forge ahead.\n\n<strong>Revisit</strong>\n\nTime changes all things - including strategy.  Your mission may be a constant, but how you a achieve it needs to be dynamic.  Build metrics and milestones into your system to assess what is working and what is not.  Look at your priorities. Are they still ranked in the proper order?  Are you supporting them based on the order of importance?  If something mission critical has changed - change with it.\n\n<strong>Repeat</strong>\n\nThat\'s right - start all over again. There may not ever be a way to eliminate risk - but there is always a way to create an opportunity if you are committed to the process of doing so.\n\nThanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned...\n\nI\'ll be sharing more tips to help you get ready for 2011 throughout the month of December.\n<blockquote>Joan Koerber-Walker</blockquote>\nAbout the Author:\n\n<a href=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143d5970c-pi\"><img style=\"margin:0 10px 0 0;\" src=\"http://jkw.typepad.com/.a/6a01053650f43d970c013489b143e3970c-pi\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Koerber-Walker-056\" width=\"83\" height=\"103\" align=\"left\" /></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 into community leadership and into the halls of Washington D.C.   To learn more about managing risk and creating opportunity, you can contact her by clicking <a href=\"http://corepurpose.com/contact.html\">here</a>.\n<div id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:20f96b0e-76ed-4edd-a0e8-8d2a2a37b138\" 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/Federal%20Reserve\">Federal Reserve</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Ben%20Bernanke\">Ben Bernanke</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Managing%20Risk\">Managing Risk</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Strategy\">Business Strategy</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Business%20Process\">Business Process</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Risk%20management\">Risk management</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/business%20tips\">business tips</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/entrepreneurship\">entrepreneurship</a>,<a rel=\"tag\" href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/60%20minutes\">60 minutes</a></div>','How Much Trouble is the Economy Really In?','','inherit','open','open','','1562-revision-2','','','2012-08-19 23:15:48','2012-08-19 23:15:48','',1562,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1562-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2489,2,'2010-12-05 16:31:18','2010-12-05 16:31:18','<p><a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/followtheleader_woodall_wal1.jpg\"><img style=\"border-width:0;margin:0 0 0 10px;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"FollowTheLeader_Woodall_Wal\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/followtheleader_woodall_wal_thumb.jpg\" width=\"284\" height=\"263\"></a>When it comes to the study of leadership, you could read a new book every day for the next 181 years and still not get through the list on Amazon alone.&nbsp; As a school of thought we have leadership styles, leadership strategies, leadership studies, leadership indexes, you can&nbsp; even get your Ph.D. in leadership from prestigious universities. Venerable organizations espouse leadership training for children, students, teens, adults, executives, and the would be leader. This is just personal leadership.&nbsp; Then we have brand leadership, corporate leadership, product leadership, innovation leadership, technological leadership, political leadership ... and the list goes on and on and on.</p> <h4><strong>Why a standard?</strong></h4> <p>In days of old, a standard was a conspicuous object (as a banner) formerly carried at the top of a pole and used to mark a rallying point especially in battle or to serve as an emblem for the people\'s leader.&nbsp; Today, the more common use of the word \"standard\" is something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or example <strong>to</strong> be followed.&nbsp; Either way a standard is a hallmark of leadership.&nbsp; <h4><strong>You are only a leader when others choose to follow you.</strong></h4> <p>Looking at the picture, can you identify the leader?&nbsp; Is it the tall girl that the others look up to?&nbsp; Or, perhaps, it is the small golden haired boy who is pulling the others forward with both hands.&nbsp; Not sure?&nbsp; Could it be the leader is somewhere in the middle of the line, a point of connection leading the group forward?&nbsp; We\'ll never know.&nbsp; That is the beauty of art.&nbsp; It is all about perception.&nbsp; The same can be said of leadership.</p> <h4><strong>Leadership is not about what you say.&nbsp; </strong></h4> <h4><strong>It is the result of what you do.</strong></h4> <p>Whether we are talking about personal leadership, team leadership, corporate leadership or any other form.&nbsp; Leadership is not about what we say.&nbsp; Leadership is about the results of what we do.&nbsp; Leadership is granted when others choose to follow and the key to that choice is reliability.&nbsp; You see, reliability means that the result is not just visible and measurable, it is repeatable.&nbsp; Those that choose to follow you, buy from your company, or adopt your technology can count on a level of consistency, quality, and reoccurring results over time.&nbsp; </p> <h4><strong>So if reliability is the new standard for leadership...</strong></h4> <p>How can we establish ourselves as reliable leaders?&nbsp; The answer is reflective of two words: evidence and experience.&nbsp; In the early stages of making the choice to follow, employees, teammates, customers, or partners look for evidence that you do what you say you do on a repeated basis.&nbsp; If they find evidence that you are what you say you are and this is what they are looking for then they may choose to follow for a time.&nbsp; But the&nbsp; true test of leadership is not how many choose to follow, or buy or adopt.&nbsp; The true measure of success is how many choose to stay.&nbsp; That\'s where experience comes into play.&nbsp; Once I am a follower, a teammate or a customer, will you as a leader continually deliver on your promise of leadership.&nbsp;&nbsp; Will you do what you say again and again and again?&nbsp; Can those that you lead depend on you to deliver?&nbsp; If the answer is yes, then you are on your way to building your business or your personal leadership brand on a standard of reliability and the right people will follow.</p> <p>So keep on reading those leadership books, taking those classes, and refining your skills.&nbsp; They all can help in the quest for better leadership.&nbsp; But at the end of the day, it all comes down on reliability.&nbsp; A leader that can be counted on is a leader that others will follow and keep following.</p> <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.  <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <p>About the Author:  <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 into community leadership and into the halls of Washington D.C.&nbsp;&nbsp; To learn more about leadership and reliability, you can contact her by clicking <a href=\"http://corepurpose.com/contact.html\">here</a>.  <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:374746d1-f469-44f2-923f-cee82f9984b0\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">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/reliability\" rel=\"tag\">reliability</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/standards\" rel=\"tag\">standards</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leadership%20development\" rel=\"tag\">leadership development</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leadership%20startegy\" rel=\"tag\">leadership startegy</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/product%20leadership\" rel=\"tag\">product leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/personal%20leadership\" rel=\"tag\">personal leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/brand%20leadership\" rel=\"tag\">brand leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/political%20leadership\" rel=\"tag\">political leadership</a></div>','A new leadership standard - The Reliability Factor','','inherit','open','open','','1561-revision','','','2010-12-05 16:31:18','2010-12-05 16:31:18','',1561,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1561-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2490,2,'2012-08-19 21:56:02','2012-08-19 21:56:02','<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-2','','','2012-08-19 21:56:02','2012-08-19 21:56:02','',1560,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1560-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2491,2,'2010-11-22 05:13:23','2010-11-22 05:13:23','<p><img style=\"margin:5px;\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:-nupPCmOCyJw6M:http://www.nuvera.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/taxes.jpg&amp;t=1\" width=\"247\" height=\"360\"></p> <p>As innovators, one of the most frustrating phrases we hear is \"if it\'s not broke, don\'t fix it.\"&nbsp; Yet, equally dangerous is the ongoing cycle of Band-Aids and patches we often put on existing processes and procedures to \"fix\" them.&nbsp; At some point there is always a diminishing level of benefit until it is so complicated and complex that you need to say \"enough!\" It is time to scrap the whole mess and start over.&nbsp; Any software developer can tell you that this is the case when it comes to&nbsp; writing code. Business leaders will tell you the key to business process optimization is simplification.&nbsp; But when it comes to government we have yet to learn the lesson.&nbsp; </p> <p>A case in point is the current system of taxation in the U.S. both at the Federal and the state level.&nbsp; With over 20 volumes and over 3500 pages when you combine the actual tax laws and the resulting tax regulations, is it any surprise the people get confused.&nbsp; Even <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Geithner\">Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner,</a> who is now responsible for the IRS, has had his challenges.&nbsp; Listen in to this <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw-0RHbr-7A\">YouTube Video</a> see what I mean. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw-0RHbr-7A&fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6]  <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The <a href=\"http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/\">Code of Federal Regulations </a>a.k.a The Tax Code is incredibly expensive to comply with.&nbsp; It is estimated that Americans spend $225 billion each year in tax compliance and the Federal governments spends billions (see chart below) to collect, manage, enforce, and educate taxpayers every year.&nbsp; <a href=\"http://www.ustreas.gov/irsob/reports/2010/IRSOB%20FY11%20BUDGET%20REPORT.pdf\">The IRS Oversight Board recommends</a> a fiscal year (FY) 2011 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) budget of $12.914 billion, an increase of $767.7 million over the enacted IRS FY2010 budget of $12.146 billion.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image45.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"image\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb44.png\" width=\"445\" height=\"375\"></a></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image110.png\"><img style=\"border-width:0;\" border=\"0\" alt=\"image\" align=\"left\" src=\"http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/image_thumb110.png\" width=\"433\" height=\"263\"></a>  <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<strong>One possible option to start over -</strong> <strong>The Fair Tax.</strong> </p> <blockquote> <p>A 23-percent, single rate, national retail sales tax, the <a href=\"http://www.fairtax.org/\">Fair Tax</a> will be applied to the sale of all consumer goods and services at the final point of consumption. This way, every taxpayer will be subject to the same tax rate with no exceptions and no exclusions. Those who are least able to share in the cost of government will bear no burden at all. Tax rates will depend on the amount of purchases made. Used items will not be taxed, which promotes reutilization. Business-to-business purchases for the production of goods and services will not be taxed. In addition, the Fair Tax will replace the individual federal income tax, the capital gains tax, all payroll taxes, corporate income taxes, the self-employment tax and the estate and gift taxes. (Source: NSBA - <a href=\"http://www.nsba.biz/fairtax.shtml\">http://www.nsba.biz/fairtax.shtml</a> )</p></blockquote> <p><strong>Implementing something like the Fair Tax is not a Band-Aid or an overnight fix.</strong>&nbsp; It is estimated would take close to&nbsp; two&nbsp; years to put the various support levels in place and then wind things down.&nbsp; But equally important, once this is done, it is estimated that the cost of citizen and corporate compliance would drop from $225 Billion to approximately $10 Billion.&nbsp; That\'s a lot of dollars that can be put to more productive use in our economy.&nbsp; </p> <p>The Fair Tax is not a new idea but perhaps it is an idea whose time has come.&nbsp; It certainly could not be worse that the tangled web of laws, rules and regulations our tax code has become.</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned...</p> <blockquote> <p><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em></p></blockquote> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>About the author:&nbsp; Joan Koerber-Walker serves as the Chairman of CorePurpose, Inc., as chair of the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation, and as Executive in Residence at Callaman Ventures.&nbsp; She is a past member of the board of trustees of the National Small Business Association and former CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association.</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:a25466b1-93b0-452d-a8be-78b09efe8fff\" 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/The%20fair%20tax\" rel=\"tag\">The fair tax</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/innovation\" rel=\"tag\">innovation</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/leadership\" rel=\"tag\">leadership</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Change\" rel=\"tag\">Change</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/economy\" rel=\"tag\">economy</a></div>','When it\'s too broken to fix, start over','','inherit','open','open','','1559-revision','','','2010-11-22 05:13:23','2010-11-22 05:13:23','',1559,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1559-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2492,2,'2010-11-14 04:34:57','2010-11-14 04:34:57','<h3>People you will meet at AZEC10</h3> <p><img style=\"margin:0 5px 5px 10px;\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://www.churchrequel.com/.a/6a00d83455838a69e20120a5425eb7970c-pi\">The Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference, <a href=\"http://www.azec10.com\" target=\"_blank\">AZEC10</a>, is one of the premiere events for entrepreneurs in the Southwest. On November 17th, at the Desert Willow Conference Center will bring together national thought leaders, local CEOs, and entrepreneurs to share ideas, connect, and engage.&nbsp; </p> <p>Did you know that AZEC is more than just a conference? It is the primary funding source for <a href=\"http://www.otef.org/\" target=\"_blank\">OTEF</a>, the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship<strong> Foundation, an organization that provides entrepreneurial education, mentoring and support to members of our community that are at-risk?</strong>&nbsp; OTEF was founded in 2005 when three friends, Francine Hardaway, Ed Nusbaum, and Rob Dunaway.&nbsp; </p> <h3><strong>OTEF Co-founder Rob Dunaway</strong></h3> <p>Based upon his books and years of experience in advising Silicon Valley and Phoenix companies,Rob is recognized as a leading corporate, technology and venture capital attorney&nbsp; with clients spanning the full range of products and services.&nbsp; He has worked for some of the most successful public companies in the technology industry, including Sun Microsystems, Tandem Computers, S3, NexGen Microsystems, Diamond Multimedia Systems and others. Today Rob\'s clients include technology companies, health care products companies,medical software companies, real estate development companies, and investment companies.He has also gained recognition for his work with startup companies, and his experience and counsel was captured in the book Silicon Valley Guide from Microsoft Press, co-authored with Dan Remer. Their second book together, Legal Care For Your Software from Sybex Publishing, was a best-selling reference guide to intellectual property law for engineers and executives in the high technology industry. His expertise covers general corporate, contract and intellectual property law, with emphasis on technology licensing and other technology-related contracts such as OEM, distribution and development agreements; venture capital and other private financings; mergers and acquisitions; protection of intellectual property; and Internet law. </p> <p>But \"lawyer\" is just one of Rob\'s hats.&nbsp; He has been an entrepreneur and advisor, a&nbsp; member of the board of&nbsp; directors for several companies and a turnaround CEO where he and his team revitalized a food products company, increased sales and successfully sold the company at a premium to an international investment group. He has co-founded three non-profits in the educational field and currently sits on their board of directors, and also sits on the board of directors of a social media company and a corporate jet pilot training company.</p> <h3>I had a chance to chat with Rob about Phoenix, OTEF, and AZEC.&nbsp; Here is what he had to share...</h3> <p><strong>JKW:&nbsp; What brought you to Phoenix and ultimately to help create OTEF? </strong></p> <p><strong><a href=\"http://www.robdunaway.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"margin:5px 5px 5px 10px;\" alt=\"Rob Dunaway\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs008.snc1/2864_94788011382_698011382_2521783_7447203_n.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"229\"></a>RD:</strong> I was trained in Silicon Valley as a venture capital attorney, worked for many of the famous startups there, and wrote a few books on startup company management and technology law. I was totally immersed in working with entrepreneurs and young companies and brought that entrepreneurial mentality to Phoenix when I moved my family here for quality of life. My role continues to be legal counsel and strategic board level advisor to my clients. I have also started non-profits and companies here in Phoenix, so I have bring an active entrepreneur side to the eco-system as well. I moved to Phoenix in 1994 and commuted to Silicon Valley until 1996, when I opened my legal practice here.&nbsp; Francine Hardaway and Ed Nusbaum were early friends and we shared a vision of a vibrant, entrepreneurial community here in Phoenix. Together we founded OTEF and I continue to serve on the board of directors. </p> <p><strong>JKW:&nbsp; As a leader - did you ever get stuck?&nbsp; What was your “reset” ? </strong> <p><strong>RD:</strong>&nbsp; Stuck is inevitable; bumps in the road are inevitable. If it was easy, everyone could do it successfully. With the right entrepreneurial mind set, any problem can be resolved successfully. Sometimes, however, the entrepreneur just doesn\'t recognize the best solution as the most successful. When I get stuck, I simply put the issue down for a day or two and then revisit with a fresh outlook. Inevitably, that produces a new perspective and often a new set of potential solutions and I am off and running again.&nbsp;&nbsp; <p><strong>JKW:&nbsp; What do you plan to achieve between AZEC10 and AZEC11? </strong> <p><strong>RD:</strong>&nbsp; I&nbsp; have major projects in the works right now. In the non-profit world, I am leading an effort to start a new, major university here in Phoenix as well as continuing to be on the board of OTEF, the owner and sponsor of AZEC. In the private sector, my law practice continues and I have two companies I have started and one book I am writing. Interns, anyone?&nbsp; <p><strong>JKW: Why do you choose to support OTEF and AZEC10?&nbsp; Why will you be there? </strong> <p><strong>RD:</strong>&nbsp; The entrepreneurial classes given to at-risk populations by OTEF funded by the proceeds of AZEC10 are very important to me. AZEC10 will be another terrific conference with great speakers imparting important advice for entrepreneurs. It is simply the best cutting edge, entrepreneurial conference in the West.</p> <h3>Look for Rob at AZEC10</h3> <p>Rob Dunaway is another of the great community leaders and thought leaders you can meet at <a href=\"http://www.azec10.com/\" target=\"_blank\">AZEC10</a> on November 17, 2010.&nbsp;&nbsp; Ask him a question - he is always happy to answer mine.&nbsp; Don\'t forget to register for your seat at the table if you have not all ready.&nbsp; It is sure to be a sell-out crowd again this year.&nbsp; </p> <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned...there will be more <a href=\"http://www.azec10.com/\">AZEC10</a> behind the scenes glimpses between now and November 17th.&nbsp; Use discount code PhxBiz to save 10% on your Attendee ticket.</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <p><strong></strong> <p><em>Note:&nbsp; Joan Koerber Walker serves as Chairman of the Board of The Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship foundation,which is the host organization and sole beneficiary of AZEC10.&nbsp; To learn more about OTEF, visit </em><a href=\"http://www.otef.org/\"><em>www.otef.org</em></a><em>. </em></p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:e6ed5dd2-1ae3-4067-ae09-92138235898e\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZEC10\" rel=\"tag\">AZEC10</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Arizona%20Entrepreneurship%20Conference\" rel=\"tag\">Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Rob%20Dunaway\" rel=\"tag\">Rob Dunaway</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker\" rel=\"tag\">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/OTEF\" rel=\"tag\">OTEF</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Opportunity%20Through%20Entrepreneurship%20Foundation\" rel=\"tag\">Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Francine%20Hardaway\" rel=\"tag\">Francine Hardaway</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Ed%20Nusbaum\" rel=\"tag\">Ed Nusbaum</a></div>','A Man of Many Hats - Rob Dunaway','','inherit','open','open','','1558-revision','','','2010-11-14 04:34:57','2010-11-14 04:34:57','',1558,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1558-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2493,2,'2010-11-13 16:28:07','2010-11-13 16:28:07','<p><img alt=\"iStockphoto,teamwork,crossword,marker,highlight,innovation,success,evaluation,development,growth,solution,progress,marketing,plans,business,occupation,concepts,transparent board,writing,academic,arm,people\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH910220932.jpg\" width=\"243\" height=\"243\">We\'ve all heard the stories.&nbsp; He/She/It was an overnight success.&nbsp; Yet if you spend time one-on-one with these overnight successes, you&nbsp; are bound to hear the same thing.&nbsp; Before the success came months (and often years) of planning and preparation before Presto...Success!&nbsp; There is no such thing as an overnight success, there is simply a point in time when others may suddenly wake up and see that you are there.&nbsp; </p> <p>This Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at <a href=\"http://azentrepreneurship.com/\">AZEC10</a>&nbsp; an incredible line up of <a href=\"http://azentrepreneurship.com/speakers\">speakers</a> will be sharing their&nbsp; stories, tips, and secrets with entrepreneurs from across Arizona and across North America.&nbsp; They are business owners, VC\'s and Angels, nationally known experts and innovators.&nbsp; They are people just like you and me that can tell you that success is a journey, not a destination.&nbsp; </p> <p>Like in the picture at right, you start at the bottom and work your way up.&nbsp; You tell your story, get a little progress, start building solutions and start to grow.&nbsp; To keep the growth going, it takes a commitment to ongoing development, plus evaluation of what works - and what doesn\'t.&nbsp; This leads to a degree of success which as others recognize the value and accept it as&nbsp; their own&nbsp; graduates to true innovation.&nbsp; </p> <p>At the center of it all is<strong> teamwork</strong>.&nbsp; These \"overnight successes\" will be the first to tell you, \"No one succeeds alone.\"&nbsp; In every case, we met someone, learned a lesson, found a partner, or were buoyed up by the enthusiasm of customers or investors.&nbsp; </p> <p><img alt=\"AZEC from the Stealthmode Flickr Archives\" align=\"right\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/3048009371_05a7f95c4c.jpg\" width=\"301\" height=\"226\">Before the \"Presto\" there is always <strong>planning</strong> and <strong>preparing</strong>.&nbsp; AZE10 is a great example.&nbsp; <a href=\"http://www.otef.org\">OTEF</a> and a team of dedicated volunteers have worked for a year to bring together the best collection of speakers to inspire others to <strong>Hit the Reset</strong> and get things growing again.&nbsp; Behind the&nbsp; scenes, team members have been working logistics, driving marketing campaigns, recruiting sponsors, and spreading the word.&nbsp; Each step in the process from planning to preparing and getting ready for the big \"Presto\" took hours of time that they donated so that others could benefit from the shared experience of connecting, engaging, and sharing&nbsp; ideas that will lead to new growth in our community and our economy.</p> <p>But to benefit from all of this - there is another \"P\"&nbsp; that comes into play.&nbsp; <strong>You</strong> have to be <strong>PRESENT</strong> to win in the Great Reset.&nbsp; Already hundreds of business owners have said \"count me in\"&nbsp; and joined their fellow entrepreneurs and business owners at the Arizona Entrepreneurship Conferences over the last five years.&nbsp; Wednesday, November 17, 2010, is <strong>your opportunity</strong> to begin the journey to your overnight success.&nbsp; Are you ready?</p> <p>I\'ll be looking for you at <a href=\"http://azentrepreneurship.com/\">AZEC10</a>.</p> <p>... If you have not registered for <a href=\"http://www.azec10.com\">AZEC10</a> yet, use discount code <strong>PhxBiz</strong> and save 10% off the ATTENDEE ticket price.  <p>&nbsp; <p>Thanks for stopping by.&nbsp; Stay tuned...  <blockquote> <p><em>Joan Koerber-Walker</em></p></blockquote> <p>Note:&nbsp; Joan Koerber Walker as Chairman of the Board of The Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship foundation,which is the host organization and sole beneficiary of AZEC10.&nbsp; To learn more about OTEF, visit <a href=\"http://www.otef.org\">www.otef.org</a>.  <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style=\"display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;\" id=\"scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:6bdec7b7-39d2-47ae-a40e-81fa80632d3b\" class=\"wlWriterSmartContent\">Technorati Tags: <a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZEC10\" rel=\"tag\">AZEC10</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/AZ%20Entrepreneurship%20Conference\" rel=\"tag\">AZ Entrepreneurship Conference</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/OTEF\" rel=\"tag\">OTEF</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Opportunity%20Through%20Entrepreneurship%20Foundation\" rel=\"tag\">Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation</a>,<a href=\"http://technorati.com/tags/Global%20Entrpreneurship%20Week%202010\" rel=\"tag\">Global Entrpreneurship Week 2010</a>,<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></div>','Planning, Preparing, and Presto','','inherit','open','open','','1557-revision','','','2010-11-13 16:28:07','2010-11-13 16:28:07','',1557,'http://www.corepurpose.com/1557-revision/',0,'revision','',0),