November 9, 2009

Pre-Columbian Wheels

Richard C. Notebaert, former CEO of Ameritech and Qwest International, illustrated how lack of innovation has been an issue for thousands of years: "In a museum at Princeton University, there is a toy from a pre-Columbian civilization. It's a pull-toy complete with wheels. Now the question is, if the craftsmen of the day were able to conceive of and construct wheels for an amusement—a toy—why didn't they take that technology a step further and design carts and wagons? Why didn't they develop tools that would ease their burdens? Many scholars conclude they just never thought of it."

Excerpt from Harvey Mackay's weekly column  He's one of my all time favorite business authors/speakers. Check him out if you aren't familiar with him.

November 5, 2009

Low Cost, High Impact Marketing - Social Media

Well written article  covering the benefits of social media marketing for small business and how to take advantage of the FREE services. Michelle Lanter Smith, CEO of Hi-Impact Marketing & Sales Solutions, is one of the coaches for the American Family Business Accelerator Program. I've learned a lot from the program and would encourage all of you to participate in the next class which begins on 11/18. Click here to learn about the program. It's FREE too!

November 3, 2009

Tracing Cell References

Excel 2003 or 2007

Double click on a cell containing a formula and Excel will highlight the various cells used in the formula. Each step will be bordered in a different color that will coordinate with the formula.
  1. Cell contains formula adding C1 + D5 + G7.
  2. Double click on cell with formula.
  3. C1, D5 and G7 will be bordered with colors that match your formula.