Customer Relationships
Do Rigid Job Titles Restrict Your Team’s Performance?
Over the years, I have noticed how many people get attached to job titles, particularly in their letters and on their business cards. Some are in the game for a…
Family
Spikes in College Applicants Show American Youth’s True Colors—Red, White and Blue
Since Planting Acorns evolved primarily as a forum to discuss views, encounters and takeaways from my professional life, it’s rare that I have the occasion to mention my family. With…
Read MoreCustomer Relationships
Business Leaders: We Hear All the Talk, But Are You Listening?
In my opinion, good listeners are continually refining their skills of attention, empathy and most of all, reticence. Listening comes more naturally to some, while others have to work hard…
Leadership
Construction Trend: Quick Issue Vendor Liens and Lower Subcontractors Insurance Limits
From my perspective, these tough economic times have had an impact the unwritten rules that long governed the way construction businesses operate. Case in point: the vendors employed by subcontractors…
Community Service
Super Bowl Success: Traveling Through Tragedy Makes Customers Valued Friends
As I sat in my living room last Sunday evening and watched the New Orleans Saints become the world football champions, I couldn’t help but think back to the days…
Conservation
Actions Speak Louder than Words: Corporate Philosophy Actualized
Anyone can talk a big game. It seems that in the name of public relations, lots of business leaders are talking up green initiatives, corporate responsibility and the importance of…
Conservation
Fire: Nature’s Preservation Tactic and Business’ Opportunity to Evolve
Last week when I was at the University of the South, Sewanee, I traveled through the new Spencer Wing of Woods Laboratories on the campus. I found myself in the…
Conservation
Water Preservation 101: Points on Collaboration and Education
Last week, I attended the Cahaba River Society’s (CRS) annual meeting. I’ve been a board member for about a year now. The Society protects our beautiful river and facilitates public…
Local Craftsmen
How a Side Trip Whet My Appetite for Good Cuisine
There’s no better way to bring friends, family or client relationships together than by savoring a good meal in each other’s company. That’s made my interest in the culinary world…
Commodities Pricing
How to Spend Wisely When Choosing an HVAC System
HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) systems have evolved and gotten better with technology. Matching system requirements with the need and with quality will always trump the bells and whistles….