Midweek Reading: Luck, Training, and Job Descriptions
How much of a role has luck played in your career? Successes like Warren Buffett and Fred Wilson openly credit luck for almost all of their success, but many others refuse to admit luck plays any part at all. Is there a right balance to strike? (New York Times)
Many economists believe worker training programs are essential for the modern economy, but no one trusts government training programs and companies are reluctant to spend their own money on the programs. What are some possible solutions to this conundrum? (The Atlantic)
The language you use in a job description can make a big difference in who applies. Analysis of various job fields found a clear distinction between postings that attracted largely women applicants and those attracting mostly men. Consciously using more gender-neutral terminology can attract a different group of applicants—and fill jobs faster. (New York Times)
A perfect business name has to run through the eye of a needle—unique, but not too complex. Creative but not too contrived. Modern but not simply trendy. Learn the thought process behind many successful entrepreneurs’ business names. (Forbes)
While the overall number of federal job-discrimination claims has declined over the past decade, the number of caregiver-discrimination suits (by working mothers, fathers, and other familial caregivers) has tripled, and with a greater success rate than other claim types. What can companies do to better manage these workers? (The Atlantic)
Fewer young people are starting businesses, and experts suggest a big reason for that is the burden of large student loan debt, which makes bootstrapping a new business even more difficult than it already is (New York Times)
More small businesses were sold in 2016 than in any year since BizBuySell began tracking this data in 2007. Factors in the increase include economic growth, aging business owners, and available financing. (Washington Post)
Collaboration drives results. Learn some of the specific benefits of incorporating more collaboration into your business. (Small Biz Trends)
Proper product planning can make all the difference between a success and an expensive failure. Need an example? Consider the Microsoft Zune, which was discontinued five year ago and whose music files will no longer even play after March. (Entrepreneur)
Inc.’s annual report on the state of entrepreneurship finds a conflicted small business economy: sales and profits are up, but confidence is down and uncertainty is up. (Inc.)
Delegating is an important part of succeeding in business, but it has to be done right—with clear communication and follow-up. (Huffington Post)
