Blog

• Aug 19, 2010
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  China Moves Up to World’s Second Largest Economy

  Interesting story recently in the Wall Street Journal.  China is set to surpass Japan as the world’s second largest economy.  Second only to ours.  Economists suggest it would take a least a decade for them to catch up to our output.  But as the world is gripped by recession China has continued to grow.  Some may look at this as bad news, others will look at as an opportunity.  Where do you fall?

  david disiere

• Aug 7, 2010
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  Is Summer Vacation Good for Kids?

  There is a provocative, thought producing story out there from TIME magazine.  It questions whether summer vacation is actual detrimental to our kids.  It’s ironic the story came out over the summer as so many families are spending time together during the break in the school year.  But the statistics in this story are compelling and worth a read.  I’d be interested in your thoughts if you want to share.

  david disiere

• Jul 28, 2010
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  Business Lesson — Apple

  A few months back on this blog I wrote about “The Rise of Apple“.  How Apple had just surpassed Microsoft as the biggest tech firm in the world.  Well Apple has been in the news again.  Their new iPhone 4 has run into some antennae issues.  But like a good CEO Steve Jobs came out publicly to address the issue at a press conference.  He admitted the company’s not perfect AND that smart phone technology isn’t either.  We will have to see how the issue continues to play out for them, but being straight forward and tackling a problem head on is typically better than trying to hide from it in the business world.

  david disiere

• Jul 15, 2010
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  Haiti Revisited

  From time to time I will use this forum to draw attention to the struggles in Haiti.  The country was devastated and is still trying to dig out from the rubble and horrific conditions they find themselves in.  People on the ground are saying the promised aid is only trickling in as they try to recover.  Take a moment to read this story if you can.  I’m sure for the Haitian people, aid and help can’t come fast enough regardless of how hard we are working.  The thing to remember is that although it’s not on the front pages anymore Haiti is still suffering and needs our help and diligence.

  david disiere

• Jun 30, 2010
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  Schools out… Now what?

  There are a lot of new college graduates hitting the streets this summer and like graduates over the last few years they are encountering a pretty strong headwind as they search for jobs and try to start their careers.  My advice to them is don’t get discouraged.  They have a lifetime to plan and build a career and although things may not be off to a great start most likely it will correct itself over time.  So hang in there.

  Two things they may want to consider (next year’s graduating class may want to take note) is either continue their education now or find a way into an internship program.  I’m a big believer education.  I think it leads to opportunities and opens doors.  Empowering yourself with more schooling now may lead to better things down the road as well as set you apart from others.  Also, an internship — especially while in school — can sometimes transition into a great job.  I encourage students to try them out while in college because it may give you a leg up in this job market.

  david disiere

• Jun 17, 2010
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  Uncertainty

  I have a lot of people ask me about the recession and the role that businesses will play in the recovery.  There is still a lot of anxiety out there about the lack of jobs — and there should be.  This recession has hit families hard all across the country and continues to do so.  The point I make to folks is that businesses will reengage once they have “certainty”.  But what’s that mean you ask?  Well successful business like to lay out long term plans and goals and then work towards meeting them.  Uncertainty — whether in the markets, from consumers or the government — hinders a businesses ability to plan like they need to.  My hope is as things continue to slowly move forward the long term picture will come into sharper focuses.  That will help businesses and ultimately boost this recovery.

  david disiere

• May 31, 2010
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  A Time to Remember

  Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices so many have made for our freedom.  From our Veterans to the soldiers currently serving away from loved ones, and their families who sacrifice while they are away, we as a nation owe them a debt of gratitude.  And we should never forget the soldiers that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and liberty — this day is for them especially and for us to remember.

  david disiere

• May 28, 2010
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  The Rise of Apple

  This was reported earlier in the week.  Apple surpassed Microsoft as the biggest tech company in the world.  Apple is a company that was almost bankrupt in the 1990’s but through innovation and knowing its customers it’s risen steadily — especially in the past decade.  Think iPhone, iPad — Apple always seems to be on the leading edge.  It’s new position is well earned and well deserved but Microsoft is still a leader globally when it comes to operating systems and revenue.  Competition is good in business, it helps strong companies avoid complacency while looking for the next revenue driver.  And who ultimately benefits?  The consumer.

  david disiere

• May 11, 2010
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  Success In Business — “Make It Right”

  This isn’t a plug or anything like that.  I’ve seen this show Holmes on Homes a few times over the last few weeks.  Catching some clips of an episode here and there.  What interests me about the show from a business perspective is this contractor’s mission is to “make it right”.  His show is based on home renovations gone wrong and how he and his crew come in identify the problems and then “make it right”.  It’s not a bad motto to live by in business.  Integrity is one of the keys to long term success.  People need to trust you and if they don’t know you they will look at past performance to determine if they should.  Too bad for those contractors Mike Holmes has to clean up after.  Lots of families have had problems with contractors working on their homes, this program shows the importance of doing things right the first time and delivering on what was promised.  And to me, that’s how you end up successful in business.

  david disiere

• Apr 30, 2010
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  Reading Study

  I thought this was an interesting story that I thought I’d share.  It focuses on the determinants of early reading in children saying a recent study shows that although genetic factors play the biggest factor in how fast children learn to read, teachers make a difference.  Maybe not surprising to many of us but an interesting article nonetheless.  Education is something I focus on a lot — both early education and college. As I’ve said before — education opens the doors to opportunity.   The business world is a global world and for our children to be able to compete in the global market place we have to prepare them.  Teachers play a critical role in doing that.  Interesting story about a crucial issue, worth a read about the study.

  david disiere