July, 2009

Business Instinct

knackDo you have the knack for business? If you do, Norm Brodsky’s and Bo Burlingham’s book will tell you how to keep it. If you don’t-like some start-up entrepeneurs who are fuled more by ambition than pragmatism-The Knack will help you find it, and most importantly apply its principles to your business. Covering topics like the importance of mentorship, business planning, and avoicing “critical mass” (Brodsky’s term for the tendency to think you’ve made it), The Knack is an enjoyable read. What makes The Knack different is the self-effacing way Brodsky and Burlingham discuss their own failures and the failures of other business people. Pulling no punches, they tell you who succeeded (and why) and who was a dismal failure.Book Review of Norm Brodsky’s and Bo Burlingham’s The Knack. Click here to read article.

The Go-To Gal

ds2Dianna Shitanishi of Hawaii Wedding and Events The centerpieces are set, the fragrance of flowers permeates the air, and the guests begin to arrive as event coordinator Dianna Shitanishi watches the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. With over a thousand weddings and events under he belt, Shitanishi is the person to have by your side when planning a special occasion. Click here to read the article.

The Power of E-vites

fbookviteBoost Your Event Turnout with Facebook If you’re planning a party and you aren’t on Facebook, you should be. In just one year, Facebook has revolutionized the promotion of events. By creating an event on Facebook, you can invite your friends, your friends can invite their friends, and their friends can invite their friends, and so on. I’ve started events by inviting 100 people; that number grew to 2,000 in just a few days. Click here to read the article.

Partying For Non-Profits

rjEvents that Wow and Endow Tybalt and Mercutio duel it out amid a crowd of dignitaries, swords flashing as they lunge back and forth. No, it isn’t the latest production of Romeo and Juliet; it’s a black tie fund-raising event for Hawaii Opera Theatre. The event is more than a precursor to the upcoming opera season; it’s a chance for the nonprofit theater organization to wow its prospective donors- ddonors who are likely to remember the theatrics for years to come. Click here to read the article.

The Business of Weddings

love What it Takes to Succeed in the Industry of Love Wedding photographer Dave Miyamoto cajoles newlyweds to kiss as he snaps away, shot after shot. Now by the cake. Next with the bouquet. Then holding hands as they kiss again. While some would tire of capturing happy couples moment by moment, Miyamoto, who’s been in the business for over eighteen years, insists that it never gets old. It’s part of his job as a wedding professional- a job he enjoys and feels lucky to have. “every wedding is different, “he says. “If the bride and groom are happy, it’s a success for me.” Click here to read the article.

Busy Professionals & Babies

babe Question: My husband and I have been dedicated to our careers for over ten years straight; we’re finally ready to settle down, but we’re both in our late thirties and we feel like we’re running out of time. Is it too late in the game to start a family?  To read Asking Dr. O click here.

Building Your Nest Egg

piggyThe reception lights have dimmed, the center-pieces have been taken home, and you’ve checked out of the honeymoon suite when it really hits you: Your lives, once separate, are now one-for better or worse. many newlyweds find themselves reaching this point without having discussed their finances. Many new husbands and wives know very little about their partner’s financial situation, hence the correlation between financial stress and high divorce rates. A few simple financial ground rules may help you keep the romance buring long after the honeymoon eneds.To read Finances for Two click here.

Island Style Indulgences

spaMost people think of a getaway as an escape far, far away from home.  Fortunately for Island couples, Hawai’i is a nearby dream destination; while others spend thousands of dollars and travel over oceans to come, for those who live here, there are several romantic getaway options just around the corner.  To read Hawai’i's Romantic Spa Getaways click here.

Don’t Stress The IRS

irsOutsourcing for Tax Time One of the most stressful moments in business life is receiving a letter from the IRS. When you hold that envelope, your blood pressure rises, your palms sweat, and you ask yourself: What did I forget to pay? Did I fill out my forms correctly? Did I file on time? And, of course: How much is this going to cost me? Click here to read the article.

Scanning The Radar

cardsThe Latest from the World of Networkers I recently sent an e-mail asking 1,500 members of a networking group their thoughts on what’s working in this day and age! Needless to say, I can’t print all of the responses, but I’ve chosen to present a few that clicked with me. Covering everything from online media to industry-specific organizations, here’s what some people had to say about networking… Click here to read the article.