Paper or electronic. Tablet or desktop: our generation is all about options. We’re fortunate to have a host of format choices that make information and content accessible—and convenient. I tend to bounce back and forth between different mediums; and I’m always looking for new tools/channels that make it even easier to gather and share that information. Here are a few resources that top my list:
Fast Company magazine. This insightful pub gives readers a look behind the curtain at some of the top organizations in the world, focusing on innovation and best practices that help to grow and sustain business. From marketing to technology to creative, it’s all in there. (Fast Company was named 2014 Magazine of the Year by the American Society of Magazine Editors.) www.fastcompany.com
Inc. magazine. If you’re looking for smart advice, innovative strategies and efficient tools to help grow your business, this is an invaluable resource. This magazine covers it all from end to end: hiring the right people, PR strategies, franchising tips, expanding into international markets, how to master SEO. Great application for any size business: www.inc.com
Flipboard. I use this app to access most of my everyday content. It’s essentially a personal dashboard or magazine that you build to include your favorite publications, blogs and social networks. It’s easy to navigate and provides a streamlined solution for staying connected to news, sports, businesses, people—all in one place. If you aren’t familiar, check it out at www.flipboard.com.
Finally, while my role at Shamrock has shifted to cover a broader business scope, sales is still in my blood. And because Shamrock is a sales-driven company, I am always looking for new tips and strategies to pass along to our sales reps. I’ve found that perspective is important—and if you can look at sales from another person’s vantage point, there are powerful lessons to be learned. Here are my top two sites (with associated blogs):
Sales Caffeine. Jeffrey Gitomer's weekly sales e-magazine, Sales Caffeine provides motivation, tips, trends and more. www.salescaffeine.com
Sales Buzz. Online sales training tools: This sites offers interactive online phone sales workshops and an insightful blog that is a great read for sales reps and managers in every industry. www.salesbuzz.com
If you have any go-to business publications, sites or blogs you’d like to share, please pass them along. I’m always looking for another great resource.
