Management Blog

Alternatives to meetings

There can be times when meetings are more painful than having teeth pulled.

With this contention in mind, a recent lifehack post suggests it's worth considering some alternatives before automatically agreeing to a chat-fest.

Here are a few non-meeting meeting options:

• Instant messaging - a quick and focused way to have your questions answered minus the small talk and it allows you to keep a record of communications
• Teleconferencing - a travel time saving solution that's ideal when a personal touch is required; many teleconferencing systems can also create meeting transcripts
• Wikis - when real time interaction isn't necessary wikis enable coworkers to collaborate using software that enables users to easily self-organise, create and edit documents
• Collaboration software - project management software can enable coworkers to be on the same page with regard to the exchange of information and the assignment of tasks

Do netbooks have the IT factor?

Forget the notebook, IT's hottest new trend is the netbook, according to a recent Age article.

It's claimed netbooks are proving a hit with both everyday computer users and technology enthusiasts because of the device's pared down 'only what you need' functions.

For example, a netbook might only include applications like internet tools for email, chat and surfing as well as programs for writing, music or watching videos.

For greater mobility, these new generation computers are generally the size of an A4 sheet of paper and can weight as little as one kilogram.

Netbooks retail for between $500 and $600.

Boom time for corporate jets

Rising fuel prices are doing nothing to diminish global demand for corporate jets with the niche market continuing to grow, BusinessWeek reports.

The article claims demand for private jets is expected to exceed 1,200 planes this year with industry commentators predicting sales will continue to rise until 2010.

While private jet owners in the past have predominantly been US based, new figures reveal more than 50 per cent of buyers are from regions such as Asia and the Middle East.

According to the article private jets are increasingly popular with time poor executives who are keen to escape the hassles of airport check-ins and security measures.

The business advantages of Street View

Google's Street View has arrived and businesses are in a position to use the 360º street-level mapping service to their advantage, Smart Company reports.

Beyond the ability of businesses to show customers where they are located, the website can also be utilised to reveal available parking areas or public transport stops.

In addition, Street View can be used to hunt down commercial real estate options or scope locations for marketing campaigns, all without leaving the comfort of your workplace.

Apparently businesses will not be able to advertise within Street View. Google says it will not follow the lead of traditional directory services by allowing businesses to upload special information for a fee.

More professionals are having a Second Life

A growing number of businesses are choosing to hold virtual meetings in the 3D online world Second Life, Fast Company reports.

Second Life estimates 15 to 20 per cent of its 200,000 strong population use the virtual world predominantly for business or education purposes.

Founder Philip Rosedale says meeting in Second Life is a viable option for businesses keen to reduce the environmental impact of staff travel and save money in the process.

Rosedale claims two new Second Life applications have made virtual meetings more attractive to professionals:

• 3D voice – if another avatar is to the right of you, their voice will come from the same direction though your computer's speakers
• Presentations – avatars can sit together at a meeting table in Second Life and watch a PowerPoint or web based presentation

Leadership: the Masai way

What can a Masai warrior teach today's manager?

Plenty, according to the UK's Institute of Directors, which recently brought Masai warriors and a group of British managers together for a masterclass on how to survive in harsh environments.

One of the tips imparted by the visiting warriors was the importance of community, which they claim has the potential to ensure a tribe remains resilient during difficult times.

When asked what attributes best define Masai leadership one of the warriors cited patience, courage and the ability to ask questions as key factors, The Times reports.

The Masai's number one tip for Western business leaders is 'one head is not so wise'. Accordingly, they suggest managers shouldn't be too proud to seek advice even from the most junior of staff.

Phased retirement programs gain momentum

A US study indicates a growing number of employers are asking Baby Boomers to take part in phased retirement programs, management-issues reports.

According to the survey, the trend is taking place in response to a quarter of the US workforce edging towards retirement age.

More than 50 per cent of companies polled said they were currently evaluating the impact of mass retirements. Sixty per cent were in the process of developing a program or already had one in place.

It seems employers aren't the only ones keen on phased retirements. It's claimed Boomers also like the idea as it provides them with additional funds to supplement their retirement incomes.

The benefits of sponsorship

Rather than attempting to compete with large corporations and their massive marketing budgets, SMEs should concentrate on raising their profiles at a grassroots level, a recent Australian article claims.

The story suggests the sponsorship of charities, sports clubs, youth organisations, cultural events and even school fetes can help smaller businesses build their brand.

However, businesses eager to sponsor a community group are warned not to take a 'what's in it for me' approach; instead they are advised to look for a group with which they have a connection.

Cairns airline Skytrans is profiled in the article with CEO Simon Wild claiming his company's sponsorship of the Taipans basketball team shows a commitment to the North Queensland community.

A new approach to SME car leasing

While wrapping a work car in advertising for another company might sound like a strange idea, the move has the potential to dramatically cut leasing costs, news.com.au reports.

Sydney company KahDo claim their $6 a day leasing deal for SMEs can translate to a saving of $6,000 over 12 months – provided the driver is okay with cruising around in a mobile advertising medium.

According to the article, driving one of a KahDo's3-door Toyota Yaris vehicles is also a green choice, as all cars are 100 per cent carbon offset.

The company – which has undertaken campaigns for companies including Nokia, Mars and Telstra – is inviting SMEs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth to apply for leases.

The digital future of marketing

A new study suggests the future of marketing communications will revolve around all things digital, Marketing reports.

The joint study by Next Digital and Monash University claims 19 per cent of companies will spend more than half of their marketing budget on digital media by the year 2013.

In a related research finding, the study authors say the vast majority of business leaders are aware of the benefits of search engine optimisation (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM).

However despite this positive perception the study suggests 20 per cent of survey respondents had never used SEO or SEM as part of their marketing activities.