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Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Common Myths

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com] This arrived from my mortgage holder:
When adding energy-efficient upgrades to your home, it’s important to ensure even the most fundamental of enhancements, such as lighting, offer the ease of use, reliability and value expected from the traditional, incandescent options.

Advancements in bulb technology 
Though they have had a presence in homes for the last three decades, the compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulb has greatly improved since its infancy. Some enhancements include reduced price, availability in standard warm tones and “A-line” shaped bulbs that mimic the look and feel of traditional incandescent bulbs.

New technologies include GE’s Bright from the Start CFL. This hybrid halogen-CFL light bulb provides instant brightness, and is now available at stores in a 100-watt incandescent replacement. It is also available in other wattages for table or floor lamps, globe lights for vanity lighting and floodlights for recessed lighting used in rooms throughout the home.

While new lighting advancements bring a wealth of benefits to many homeowners, there are still some mixed messages about the value of CFL bulbs, as a whole.

Common myths related to CFL bulbs 
As the lighting industry shifts to provide more energy-efficient lighting options, more homeowners are giving CFLs a try. However, a variety of myths about CFL lighting still exist today.

1. CFLs produce an unattractive blue light
Today’s CFLs can produce a soft white color similar to incandescent bulbs. Check the packaging for Kelvin numbers within a range of 2,700 to 3,000 for a warmer light appearance.

2. CFLs take a long time to get bright
While many CFLs take up to a minute to reach full brightness, there are now more advanced options. GE’s hybrid-halogen CFL uses a Brightness Booster, or a halogen capsule, for instant brightness, eliminating the wait for bright light.

3. CFLs are only available in corkscrew shapes
Many options are now available that mirror the traditional shape of incandescent bulbs for a variety of applications. One option is a 100-watt replacement bulb for table or floor lamps, as well as globe lights commonly used for bathroom vanity lighting and recessed lighting in kitchen, living and dining rooms.

Copyright© 2013 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission from RISMedia.

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

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From the PR News Blog — 9 Tips for Public Speakers Who Hate Public Speaking

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

The following was carried “The PR News — the Skinny on PR:

Butterflies in your stomach. Dry mouth. Fantasy of escaping through the back door. It’s inevitable: at some point in your career, you’ll need to speak in front of an audience. Whether at a small meeting, a conference, a general session, on a panel, or on your own. For most of us, it’s about getting out of our comfort zone. If it’s any consolation, the number-one fear of Americans is Public Speaking. Death is the number-2 fear. So you are not alone (until you die). Based on my own experiences and interviews with countless public speakers over the past year, I offer these nines tips to help you get through your next speaking gig with flying colors:

1. Research your audience: why are they there, what are their job responsibilities, how knowledgeable are they of the topic you’ll be speaking about? If possible, ask the event producer to survey the audience in advance w/a few questions that will help you tailor your presentation.

2. Avoid death by PowerPoint. Put another way, don’t talk them to sleep. Slides are important but they should be springboards to your speech and not littered with words and cheesy clip art. Large point size, consistent style and about half the slide blank are the rules. Show some video if you can – but not of cute puppies or kittens, unless you’re speaking to an animal rights group.

3. Master your content:. a corollary to tip #1, speak of what you know. You’ll be more relaxed and confident if you know your material. If you’re asked to speak about a topic that is complicated and not in your wheelhouse, decline the invite.

4.  Interact with your audience. Build a quick community with the attendees and encourage questions.

5. Limit talking about yourself. You know the speaker bio provided to the audience in advance? They already know who you are. Make it about them.

6. Wear your storytelling hat. There’s nothing better than a story to illustrate your point. That is what the audience will remember. Bring one great story to your speech – not 3 mediocre ones – and you will connect with your audience.

7. Own your content. I was listening to a speaker recently whose entire presentation was about quoting other authors and experts and not sharing an original thought. Find something unique and original to say to your audience. There’s a reason you were asked to take the stage.

8. Remember social media. Be careful what you say and how you say it. One off-color quote can go viral on social media and affect your reputation and your organization’s.

9. Don’t picture your audience naked. This is an old bit of advice predicated on the notion that the naked attendee is more vulnerable than you and so you have the upper hand. This advice doesn’t hold true — better to picture your audience thinking positive thoughts about you, and cheering you on. The crowd wants you to succeed, they are rooting for you. That‘s the naked truth.

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

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Flu — Take Precautions

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

Wilmington Universoty sent this to its students, staff and other supporters. Please take heed:

In recent weeks, Delaware and much of the area has experienced an outbreak of influenza. Following the guidance of public health officials, we ask that everyone take the actions below in order to help prevent the spread of influenza and to minimize the impact of influenza on our community.

*  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. When a tissue is unavailable, cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow or shoulder instead of your hands.
*  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
*  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
*  Monitor yourself for the symptoms of influenza-like illnesses which include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
*  Avoid contact with others if you are sick: stay home from work, classes and public places.
*  If you have been diagnosed with the flu or are suffering from flu-like symptoms please contact the University Information Center<http://www.wilmu.edu/contact.aspx?utm_source=bbconnect&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fluprevention&utm_content=contactUIC> at (302) 356-4636<tel:+13023564636>.

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

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‘Silver Linings Playbook’ author has advice all can use

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

Matthew Quick authored The Silver Linings Playbook and contributed to the screenplay for the Oscar-winning film. During a recent visit tot the Cherry Hill (N.J.) Public Library quick made these comments while discussing his latest book, Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock.

“The fall is exactly when I miss teaching. The thing I loved about September was it was a new beginning.

“I didn’t want to be a teacher. I kept trying to do something that didn’t feel like me.”

Quick offered two pieces of advice for success: “Be polite to others (the higher you climb the more it matters) and find the most authentic version of who you are and put that into the world consistently.”

I couldn’t say it better. One more comment worth noting: Quick, who grew up in Oaklyn, Camden County, N.J., and now lives in New England, said, he always considered the Philadelphia region as his home. “When i come back I always get that kind of bittersweet feeling.” Quick is a diehard Eagles fan and still a season ticket holder.

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

 

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2013-2014 PayScale College Salary Report

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

This might interest you. Check out the link, too.

Best Schools for Communications Majors

http://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report-2014/best-schools-by-major/communications-majors

So you want to write, edit, or otherwise tell the story of the world? Start by fact-checking our list of the best colleges for communications majors. We’ll help you get one step closer to your byline.

Best Schools for Communications Majors – Full List

RANK

 SCHOOL NAME

STARTING PAY

MID-CAREER PAY

1

 University of California, Berkeley

$45,800

$100,000

2

 Santa Clara University

$50,300

$99,300

3

 University of Southern California (USC)

$45,100

$97,000

4

 Baylor University

$36,000

$89,400

5

 Boston University

$41,600

$88,000

6

 San Francisco State University (SFSU)

$40,000

$87,700

7

 Northwestern University

$40,000

$87,600

8

 University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

$38,000

$87,000

9

 Rowan University

$36,000

$86,800

10

 St. John’s University, New York

$40,000

$86,000

11

 University of Washington (UW)

$41,400

$85,000

12

 Northeastern University

$45,000

$84,000

13

 San Jose State University (SJSU)

$44,600

$83,200

14

 Syracuse University

$42,000

$82,800

15

 San Diego State University (SDSU)

$41,400

$82,600

16

 University of Arizona

$38,400

$82,500

17

 University of San Diego (USD)

$40,000

$81,500

18

 University of Colorado – Boulder (UCB)

$42,800

$81,000

19 – tie

 Boston College

$43,000

$80,000

19 – tie

 Rutgers University – New Brunswick

$42,000

$80,000

 

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Major that Pay You Back

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com
* Data represents those in the civilian labor force, not active service members.
** Results based on 2012 data due to insufficient data in 2013.
Majors by Salary Potential – Full List
1
Petroleum Engineering
$103,000
$160,000
2
Actuarial Mathematics
$58,700
$120,000
3
Nuclear Engineering
$67,600
$117,000
4
Chemical Engineering
$68,200
$115,000
5
Aerospace Engineering
$62,800
$109,000
6 – tie
Electrical Engineering (EE)
$64,300
$106,000
6 – tie
Computer Engineering (CE)
$65,300
$106,000
8
Computer Science (CS)
$59,800
$102,000
9
Physics
$53,100
$101,000
10
Mechanical Engineering (ME)
$60,900
$99,700
11
Materials Science & Engineering
$62,700
$99,500
12
Software Engineering
$60,500
$99,300
13
Statistics
$52,500
$98,900
14
Government
$43,200
$97,100
15
Economics
$50,100
$96,700
16
Applied Mathematics
$52,800
$96,200
17
Industrial Engineering (IE)
$61,100
$94,400
18
Management Information Systems (MIS)
$53,800
$92,200
19
Biomedical Engineering (BME)
$59,000
$91,700
20
Civil Engineering (CE)
$54,300
$91,100
21
Environmental Engineering
$49,400
$89,800
22 – tie
Construction Management
$51,500
$88,800
22 – tie
Mathematics
$49,400
$88,800
24
Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)
$57,900
$87,600
25
Computer Information Systems (CIS)
$50,800
$87,400
26
Information Systems (IS)
$51,900
$87,200
27
Finance
$49,200
$87,100
28
International Relations
$41,700
$85,700
29
Geology
$46,100
$85,300
30 – tie
Chemistry
$44,100
$84,100
30 – tie
Information Technology (IT)
$49,900
$84,100
32 – tie
Biotechnology
$48,700
$84,000
32 – tie
Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET)
$54,100
$84,000
34 – tie
Supply Chain Management
$52,800
$83,700
34 – tie
International Business
$43,800
$83,700
36
Industrial Design (ID)
$44,800
$82,200
37
Industrial Technology (IT)
$50,800
$81,500
38
Telecommunications
$43,100
$81,200
39
Food Science
$45,200
$80,500
40
Occupational Health and Safety
$50,500
$80,300
41 – tie
Biochemistry (BCH)
$42,900
$80,200
41 – tie
Marketing Management
$42,100
$80,200
43
Civil Engineering Technology (CET)
$49,200
$79,700
44
Advertising
$40,000
$79,400
45
Philosophy
$39,700
$78,300
46
Marketing & Communications
$40,200
$77,600
47
Fashion Design
$39,400
$77,100
48
Political Science (PolySci)
$41,700
$77,000
49
Linguistics
$39,700
$76,800
50
Molecular Biology
$40,400
$76,400
51
Architecture
$41,900
$75,800
52
Accounting
$45,300
$74,900
53
Agriculture
$38,500
$73,600
54
Microbiology
$40,800
$73,400
55
Global & International Studies
$39,600
$73,200
56
Urban Planning
$41,100
$72,200
57
Nursing
$55,400
$71,700
58
Environmental Science
$41,300
$71,500
59
English Literature
$40,800
$71,400
60 – tie
Business Administration
$43,500
$71,000
60 – tie
History
$39,700
$71,000
62
Film Production
$38,200
$70,900
63
Biology
$40,200
$70,800
64
Health Sciences
$38,400
$70,500
65
Hotel Management
$40,600
$69,800
66
Communication
$40,000
$69,600
67
Forestry
$40,000
$69,400
68
American Studies
$41,400
$69,000
69
Broadcast Journalism
$32,700
$68,800
70
Landscape Architecture
$41,200
$68,700
71
Speech Communication
$39,400
$68,100
72
Journalism
$38,100
$67,700
73
Zoology
$37,400
$67,600
74
Geography
$40,800
$67,200
75
Public Administration
$40,600
$66,900
76
French Language
$40,900
$66,700
77
English Language
$38,700
$65,200
78
German Language
$41,400
$65,000
79
Human Resources (HR)
$38,800
$63,900
80
Public Relations (PR)
$37,400
$63,300
81
Hospitality & Tourism
$35,700
$62,600
82
Humanities
$37,900
$61,800
83
Anthropology
$36,200
$61,400
84
Multimedia & Web Design
$41,600
$61,300
85
Psychology
$36,300
$60,700
86 – tie
Medical Technology
$48,900
$60,500
86 – tie
Liberal Arts
$36,600
$60,500
88 – tie
Kinesiology
$35,600
$60,400
88 – tie
Visual Communications
$37,300
$60,400
90
Organizational Management
$41,900
$60,300
91
Interior Design
$36,000
$59,300
92 – tie
Nutrition
$41,300
$59,100
92 – tie
Fashion Merchandising
$39,100
$59,100
94
Art History
$36,900
$59,000
95
Sociology
$37,400
$58,800
96 – tie
Health Care Administration
$39,300
$58,600
96 – tie
Theater
$36,200
$58,600
98
Criminal Justice
$35,300
$58,400
99
Radio & Television
$37,900
$58,300
100
Fine Arts
$37,400
$58,200
101
Religious Studies
$34,900
$57,900
102
Sports Medicine
$39,300
$57,400
103
Art
$36,100
$57,100
104
Classics
$38,700
$57,000
105
Dietetics
$44,200
$56,600
106
Public Health (PH)
$35,900
$56,500
107 – tie
Physical Education Teaching
$34,900
$56,300
107 – tie
Drama
$35,600
$56,300
109
Graphic Design
$37,000
$56,000
110
Photography
$36,200
$55,500
111
Sports Management
$37,000
$55,400
112 – tie
Education
$37,400
$55,200
112 – tie
Animal Science
$33,600
$55,200
114
Social Science
$37,300
$54,800
115
Interdisciplinary Studies (IS)
$37,600
$53,400
116
Paralegal Studies
$35,000
$53,000
117
Theology
$34,000
$52,200
118
Recreation & Leisure Studies
$35,000
$51,900
119
Music
$35,700
$51,400
120
Culinary Arts
$34,800
$51,100
121
Exercise Science
$32,600
$51,000
122
Horticulture
$35,200
$50,900
123
Biblical Studies
$35,400
$50,800
124
Special Education
$33,800
$49,600
125
Human Development
$35,900
$48,000
126
Athletic Training
$34,800
$46,900
127
Social Work (SW)
$33,000
$46,600
128
Elementary Education
$32,200
$45,300
129
Child & Family Studies
$30,300
$37,200
Methodology

This chart is based upon PayScale Salary Survey data for full-time employees in the United States who possess a bachelor’s degree and no higher degrees and have majored in the subjects listed above. These results may not represent all graduates with these degrees. More than 1,000 colleges and universities across the U.S. were included. As a result, median salary figures may be skewed toward large state universities, since these schools have the largest attendance. Salary is the sum of compensation from base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, commissions, and overtime, if applicable. Salary does not include equity (stock) compensation.

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10 writing lessons from the late Elmore Leonard

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

Elmore John Leonard, Jr. was an American novelist and screenwriter. His earliest novels, published in the 1950s, were Westerns, but Leonard went on to specialize in crime fiction and suspense thrillers,

many of which have been adapted into motion pictures.

Among his best-known works are Get Shorty, Out of Sight, Hombre, Mr. Majestyk, and Rum Punch (adapted for the movie Jackie Brown). Leonard’s writings include short stories that became the films 3:10 to Yuma and The Tall T, as well as the current FX television series Justified.

Leonard passed away on Aug. 20, 2013.  His 10 writing lessons are among those I stress when i meet with aspiiring public relations students. The following is from Ragan’s PR daily. Read, digest and implement Leonard’s lessons.

By Jessica Levco | Posted: August 22, 2013 Ragan’s PR Daily

I wish I could say I learned a lot from Elmore Leonard when he was alive.

Unfortunately, I didn’t—until his 10 rules for writing went viral Tuesday after his death. He was 87.

The bestselling author wrote nearly 50 novels, including “Get Shorty” and “Freaky Deaky,” and solidified himself as a popular crime writer. Judging from Leonard’s list, he’d want me to skip the prologue about his life and get right to the writing advice.

So, here we go:

1. Never open a book with weather.

This is a good tip for conversations, too. I avoid conversations when I overhear people chit-chatting, “The weather’s great,” “Looks like rain,” and/or “It’s so hot out.” What makes a good story is that it takes you away from all that blah, blah, blah. Leonard says, “If it’s only to create atmosphere, and not a character’s reaction to the weather, you don’t want to go on too long.” Al Roker might disagree.

2. Avoid prologues.

All that intro stuff is going to bog down your reader (especially if you’re stuck on the weather). Get to the heart of the story—quickly. He’s OK with the prologue in John Steinbeck’s “Sweet Thursday,” but that’s because the main character is making valid points about what makes a good story. Plus, Steinbeck coins the word, “hooptedoodle.” You can’t go wrong with hooptedoodle.

3. Never use a verb other than ”said” to carry dialogue.

Dialogue should speak for itself. Leonard said, “said is far less intrusive than grumbled, gasped, cautioned, lied.”

“Indeed!” she erupted.

4. Never use an adverb to modify the verb ”said”…

He said this sincerely.

5. Keep your exclamation points under control.

Leonard said you’re “allowed no more than two or three per 100,000 words of prose.” A story riddled with exclamation marks makes you sound like a third-grader. Instead, use a semicolon; that will impress everyone.

6. Never use the words ”suddenly” or ”all hell broke loose.”

“This rule doesn’t require an explanation,” Leonard said. I agree.

7. Use regional dialect, patois, sparingly.

I used to write for my hometown newspaper in southern Indiana. The best quote I ever got (and I can’t even remember what the story was about) was, “It feels like you’re watching NASCAR in the sky.” Ahh, that’s great. But if I started writing the way everybody talked to me, it would be a disaster. Leonard says, “Once you start spelling words in dialogue phonetically and loading the page with apostrophes, you won’t be able to stop.” Yee-haw. (I wanted to put a half-dozen exclamation points at the end of that, but I stopped myself—suddenly.)

8. Avoid detailed descriptions of characters.

One main reason why books that are made into movies turn out so badly is that as a reader you had all these ideas in your head as to who each character was supposed to be (well, except for Colin Firth in “Pride and Prejudice”—he did just fine.) In “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway, Leonard says the reader sees “the couple and know them by their tones of voice, with not one adverb in sight.”

9. Don’t go into great detail describing places and things.

Same as the above. Keep it simple, and let the reader’s mind wander, “unless you’re Margaret Atwood and can paint scenes with language or write landscapes in the style of Jim Harrison,” Leonard said.

10. Leave out the part that readers tend to skip.

I love to read, but it’s true: I don’t read every word of a book. When you write, think like a reader. Think about what your eyes would gloss over. Leonard makes a pretty good wager: “I’ll bet you don’t skip dialogue.” True. Especially when they’re talking about NASCAR in the sky.

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

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Living in a college dorm

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com}

My former Rowan University colleague Prof. Debra Nussbaum wrote in the Sunday, Aug. 19, 2013 The Philadelphia Inquirer ” College campuses have the perfect recipe for a spike in bad manners: Start with young people leaving home for the first time. Move them in with total strangers. Add alcohol (it happens). Then sprinkle in today’s technology and small living quarters.

Here’s the link:  http://www.inquirer.com/opinion/20130818_Civility_critical_to_surviving_dormitory_life.html

Says Prof. Nussbaum:

The rules for making peace with roommates are not much different from the basic etiquette that makes life better for everyone. To get you started this fall, try these tips from local students and Rutgers University roommate agreements:

  • If you make a mess, clean it up.
  • Decide ahead of time what you will share, who will buy what, and when guests are allowed.
  • Talk about volume on movies and music, and about your schedules. If you have an 8 a.m. class on Wednesdays or a 6 a.m. practice, let your roommate know.
  • Don’t use social media to air your complaints.
  • Be honest and talk to your roommate when something bothers you.
  • Don’t bring a pet to the apartment without getting your roommate’s permission (yes, this really happened).
  • Living with your best friend doesn’t always work out.

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com}

Posted on

From Inc.com — 10 Things Extraordinary Bosses Give Employees

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

By Jeff Haddon

http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/10-things-extraordinary-bosses-do-for-their-employees.html

According to Jeff, “Good bosses care about getting important things done. Exceptional bosses care about their people.”

1. Autonomy and independence.

Great organizations are built on optimizing processes and procedures. Still, every task doesn’t deserve a best practice or a micro-managed approach. (I’m looking at you, manufacturing.)

Engagement and satisfaction are largely based on autonomy and independence. I care when it’s “mine.” I care when I’m in charge and feel empowered to do what’s right.

Plus, freedom breeds innovation: Even heavily process-oriented positions have room for different approaches. (Still looking at you, manufacturing.)

Whenever possible, give your employees the autonomy and independence to work the way they work best. When you do, they almost always find ways to do their jobs better than you imagined possible.

2. Clear expectations.

While every job should include some degree of independence, every job does also need basic expectations for how specific situations should be handled.

Criticize an employee for offering a discount to an irate customer today even though yesterday that was standard practice and you make that employee’s job impossible.  Few things are more stressful than not knowing what is expected from one day to the next.

When an exceptional boss changes a standard or guideline, she communicates those changes first–and when that is not possible, she takes the time to explain why she made the decision she made, and what she expects in the future.

3. Meaningful objectives.

Almost everyone is competitive; often the best employees are extremely competitive–especially with themselves. Meaningful targets can create a sense of purpose and add a little meaning to even the most repetitive tasks.

Plus, goals are fun. Without a meaningful goal to shoot for, work is just work.

No one likes work.

4. A true sense of purpose.

Everyone likes to feel a part of something bigger. Everyone loves to feel that sense of teamwork and esprit de corps that turns a group of individuals into a real team.

The best missions involve making a real impact on the lives of the customers you serve. Let employees know what you want to achieve for your business, for your customers, and even your community. And if you can, let them create a few missions of their own.

Feeling a true purpose starts with knowing what to care about and, more importantly, why to care.

5. Opportunities to provide significant input.

Engaged employees have ideas; take away opportunities for them to make suggestions, or instantly disregard their ideas without consideration, and they immediately disengage.

That’s why exceptional bosses make it incredibly easy for employees to offer suggestions. They ask leading questions. They probe gently. They help employees feel comfortable proposing new ways to get things done. When an idea isn’t feasible, they always take the time to explain why.

Great bosses know that employees who make suggestions care about the company, so they ensure those employees know their input is valued–and appreciated.

6. A real sense of connection.

Every employee works for a paycheck (otherwise they would do volunteer work), but every employee wants to work for more than a paycheck: They want to work with and for people they respect and admire–and with and for people who respect and admire them.

That’s why a kind word, a quick discussion about family, an informal conversation to ask if an employee needs any help–those moments are much more important than group meetings or formal evaluations.

A true sense of connection is personal. That’s why exceptional bosses show they see and appreciate the person, not just the worker.

7. Reliable consistency.

Most people don’t mind a boss who is strict, demanding, and quick to offer (not always positive) feedback, as long as he or she treats every employee fairly.

(Great bosses treat each employee differently but they also treat every employee fairly. There’s a big difference.)

Exceptional bosses know the key to showing employees they are consistent and fair is communication: The more employees understand why a decision was made, the less likely they are to assume unfair treatment or favoritism.

8. Private criticism.

No employee is perfect. Every employee needs constructive feedback. Every employee deserves constructive feedback. Good bosses give that feedback.

Great bosses always do it in private.

9. Public praise.

Every employee–even a relatively poor performer–does something well. Every employee deserves praise and appreciation. It’s easy to recognize some of your best employees because they’re consistently doing awesome things.  (Maybe consistent recognition is a reason they’re your best employees? Something to think about.)

You might have to work hard to find reasons to recognize an employee who simply meets standards, but that’s okay: A few words of recognition–especially public recognition–may be the nudge an average performer needs to start becoming a great performer.

10. A chance for a meaningful future.

Every job should have the potential to lead to greater things. Exceptional bosses take the time to develop employees for the job they someday hope to land, even if that job is with another company.

How can you know what an employee hopes to do someday? Ask.

Employees will only care about your business after you first show you care about them. One of the best ways is to show that while you certainly have hopes for your company’s future, you also have hopes for your employees’ futures.

IMAGE: PAPER BOAT CREATIVE/GETTY IMAGES
LAST UPDATED: AUG 6, 2013

JEFF HADEN learned much of what he knows about business and technology as he worked his way up in the manufacturing industry. Everything else he picks up fromghostwriting books for some of the smartest leaders he knows in business.
@jeff_haden

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

Posted on

Weaning yourself off plastic

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This appeared some time ago in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Rodale’s editors blogged, and got many outside comments and tips, at www.rodale.com/plastic-free.

Their muse was Beth Terry, a Californian who since 2007 has been lessening her plastic use. She blogs and offers numerous insights at www.myplasticfreelife.com (an excellent website).

Emily’s main advice is to start by amassing all the plaastic you use in a week. Analyze it. there is probably a lot of packaging you could eliminate. More specific types from the group:

  • Carry your own cutlery. Skip single-use items.
  • Use metal or glass food storage containers.
  • Wrap lunch sandwiches in waxed paper.
  • Try laundry detergent powders that come in a box.
  • Carry reusable shopping bags.
  • Carry a reusable bottle, or buy drinks in glass or aluminum.

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]