Seek Dissent, Not Consensus

We spend a lot of time and energy trying to create consensus…with customers, employees, partners, etc.  But consensus does not always create the best decisions.  In fact, sometimes it results in big mistakes. The most successful managers actively seek out dissent.  They realize that people often withhold unpopular viewpoints, and that decisions will be better …

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What Small Business Can Learn from Super Bowl Ads

You may not have the $3.7 million to buy a 30 second Super Bowl ad for your business, but there’s a lot we can learn from all the money that’s spent airing–and analyzing–these ads.  Super Bowl ads are always entertaining to watch, but are they effective at selling products?  New research from Harvard Business School …

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Branded Yoga: How to Stand Out in a Crowded Field

Did Bikram Yoga pervert an ancient spiritual art form, just for the sake of making money?  Religious people, business people, and the Indian government are all weighing in on this debate, according to new research by one of my favorite professors at Harvard, Rohit Deshpandé.  The research looks at several examples of businesses creating proprietary …

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Harvard Research: How to Brand a Next-Generation Product

One of my professors at Harvard Business School just published some new research about naming your next-generation product (or service!).  These findings are just as useful for small companies as they are for big ones! When you revamp your product or service, is it better to keep the same name and call it “new and …

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Generate Leads from your Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch isn’t just for people who are starting a new business. It’s important for all business owners to have a potent 30 seconds at their fingertips. You’ll find it a powerful way to attract new customers, partners, or whomever you want to meet. The elevator pitch isn’t just for the elevator, or just …

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