Is it wrong to be jealous of hobos? The year’s dumbest moments in business, the best of science 2012, storytelling 2.0, finding exceptional employees, getting people to do what they don’t want… this week’s notable news and tantalizing tidbits for young treps:
1. Hobos, trains and life on the rails: Ingenuity, freedom, strength, adventure, I’m not talking about entrepreneurship, but hobos. Take an inside look at the fascinating life of transients. Hint: There’s a lot your business can learn from these social outliers. (BBC)
2. Biggest business blunders of 2012: Romney’s insults, Facebook’s IPO and Apple’s Maps that triggered grizzly scenes of biblical proportions get top billing on CNN Money’s list of top business blunders for the year. (CNN Money)
3. An exciting year for science: God particles, teleportation, privatized space travel…Wired magazine brings you the top scientific discoveries of 2012, and why they’ve changed the world. (Wired)
4. Creativity is king: Storytelling is critical when building a successful brand, but the way we communicate and the tools we use have changed. Here’s a look at what to focus on. (Marketing Profs)
5. Finding exceptional employees: Self-made billionaire, entrepreneur and philanthropist Morton L. Mandel shares his top-five list of desirable employee attributes. Here’s a preview: Phi Beta Kappas need always apply. (Fast Company)
6. Starting up on your terms: Building a successful business is all about finding unique solutions to problems, but success often weighs on the motives behind the brand. Should you aim to prove yourself right or others wrong? (revolution.is)
7. Betsey’s Business: After an untimely bankruptcy last year, 70-year-old fashion icon Betsey Johnson is getting a reality TV show and her company is getting a makeover. (New York Times)
8. Avoiding PR pitfalls: Employing a PR firm to help bring your brand to the world is a big deal. Like handing your baby over to a sitter for the first time you want to make sure it’s in the best hands. Here are 4 must-ask questions before making the move. (Mashable)
9. Being a leader, not a boss: It’s hard to get people to do things they don’t want to do, but it’s often the reality of business. Here are three tactics for getting what you need out of your employees without using threats or loosing face. (Business Insider)
10. Opportunity knocking? Learning how to recognize and capitalize on change could mean the difference between rags and riches. (LinkedIn Today)
