Business Leaders and Change

Business owners have no control over how fast markets grow or how sensibly banks lend their money. But one thing a business owner does control is his own attitude and mindset. In these challenging economic times it may only be the businesses that change or do things a little differently that will survive. Economic development needs to be a part of their business community and provide information and assistance to help them grow in any economy.

Harvard Business Publishing put together the 10 questions that every change agent must answer. How would you answer “Do you see opportunities the competition doesn’t see?” or "If your company went out of business tomorrow, who would miss you and why?"

Challenge your businesses and yourself as a business leader to answer the questions and see how you can change the way of how business is done.

Successful businesses grow because they have strong leaders that define them. Read about seven innovative companies that are inspiring workers and boosting their bottom line. What can you learn from what they do? Can your businesses offer on-site daycare, stop smoking assistance or a break room complete with Wii?

Another way to change how businesses do business and to become a leader in your community is to look at how giving can be part of the business strategy. Small businesses are finding that using charitable giving can increase sales, lift employee morale and helps a good cause.