QNET Expo in Côte d'Ivoire Brings New Business Opportunities for West African Entrepreneurs - PRWeb

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (PRWEB) May 01, 2012

Global direct sales company QNET gave 15,000 budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn more about the company’s diverse range of products and meet with top management at an expo held at Espace Crystal, Abidjan.

The two-day expo, which began on 13 April 2012, saw the launch of QInfinite, QNET’s enhanced version of their proven compensation plan.

“To provide unlimited opportunity for a global community, QInfinite offers eight different income streams, higher payouts and more benefits,” said QNET Executive Chairperson, Donna Imson.

She emphasised that QInfinite is the result of what QNET’s top leaders have learned from 14 years of network marketing, distilled and developed into an effective business plan.

QNET utilises the direct sales business model on a proprietary e-commerce platform to market its products, providing business opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs regardless of social or geographical background.

“What makes QNET so different from other network marketing companies is that we’re truly global – we have more than 5 million customers from over 100 countries around the world,” added Donna Imson.

Since 2007, the company has been working to raise the business community in Africa through large-scale annual events, often attracting thousands of attendees, including the general public, representatives from leading organisations, ministers, international dignitaries, and royalty.

With the aim of helping entrepreneurs become financially independent, QNET conducts training programmes that equip its representatives with vital business skills and product expertise.

The company has long-term plans to continue supporting African entrepreneurs through its proven business model, global network support, regular training, and exclusive products.

About QNET

QNET is one of the world’s fastest-growing online shopping and business communities, with upwards of five million customers and independent distributors around the world. As a global direct selling company, QNET has millions of successful distributors and satisfied customers, e-Stores packed with exclusive lifestyle brands, and an award-winning customer support center spanning the globe in 25 languages.

Established in Asia in 1998, QNET utilises the direct sales business model on a proprietary e-commerce platform to market and distribute its exclusive products. The company specialises in both everyday, consumer brands as well as high-end luxury goods. QNET is a member of the Direct Selling Association in Malaysia, Singapore & the Philippines.

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An Easter visit brings a fresh perspective on business - Financial Times

The following students will share their business school experiences over the current academic year

Ernest Gyimah, European School of Management and Technology
Age: 26
Nationality: Ghanaian
Background: Ernest gained a first class degree in banking and finance from the University of Ghana before joining PricewaterhouseCoopers, working across Africa. He is a Kofi Annan fellow and hopes to contribute to growing small businesses in the developing world.

Mark Partridge, Foster School of Business, University of Washington
Age: 28
Nationality: Dual (US & UK)
Background: A British-American citizen Mark graduated from University College London with a degree in modern history before working as a journalist in Seattle. He hopes on graduation to work in a venture capital firm.

Mihai Danila, Insead (Fontainebleau)
Age: 28
Nationality: Romanian
Background: After graduating with a degree in international business from the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest Mihai moved to the financial sector, working with a private equity fund and most recently as an investment banker in the mergers and acquisitions department of a large Romanian bank. He believes Insead will give him the knowledge he needs to have a greater impact in developing his country's emerging economy.

Aushima Thakur, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
Age: 29
Nationality: Indian
Background: Aushima is a Fulbright scholar and has experience of both the corporate world and NGOs. She is keen to develop successful sustainable models for the world's poorest societies.

Aurélie Metcheka, Global MBA Essec
Age: 25
Nationality: Cameroonian
Background: Aurélie left her native Cameroon aged 19 to study at San Diego State University in the US. where she gained a BSc in accounting. She then worked in inventory control for an accessory company before opting for an MBA. She intends eventually to work in the audit department of one of the big four accountancy firms.

Hajime Sudo, Bradford University School of Management - University of Perugia: Bradford-Perugia joint MBA programme
Age: 30
Nationality: Japanese
Background: Hajime graduated from the Accounting School of Tohoku University, Japan earlier this year. He wants to become an accounting professional and believes an MBA will supply him with a broad and practical management knowledge and enhance his career portfolio.

Al Kennedy, University of Exeter Business School 'One Planet' full time MBA
Age: 43
Nationality: Irish
Background: Al has a masters in visual communication from the Royal College of Art. He has worked with leading companies on environmental projects and is keen to understand how business and brands can create sustainable strategies and innovate for social good.

Kamal Nagi, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Age: 27
Nationality: Qatari
Background: Kamal has a Masters of Engineering degree from Imperial College, London. He hopes to play a senior leadership role in Qatar’s financial and international investment future and is the first Qatari to enroll on Stanford’s MBA programme.

Karenina Loayza, MBA Cass Business School
Age: 27
Nationality: Bolivian
Background: Karenina moved from Bolivia to Wisconsin in the US at the age of 19. She holds a double degree in economics and international relations and has worked in financial publishing. She hopes to make the career switch into the finance industry.

Andrea Nowack, George Washington University
Age: 26
Nationality: American
Background: After studying for a degree in journalism and communication from the University of Oregon Andrea worked for Waggener Edstrom Worldwide in analyst relations. She also has experience as a digital marketing strategist.

Kelvin Chiu, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Age: 28
Nationality: Canadian
Background: A graduate from the electrical engineering programme at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Kelvin has worked as a project manager for Ontario Power Generation at a nuclear plant near Toronto, Canada. On graduation he hopes to work in consulitng. He is a certified personal trainer and fitness professional.

Julia Steinberg, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University
Age: 27
Nationality: American
Background: Julia has a degree in communications from Kent State University. She has worked as a public relations manager for a clothing group for several years but opted for an MBA so that she could make a career transition into marketing and strategy.

Katie Cannon, London Business School
Age: 30
Nationality: British
Background: After studying politics at Edinburgh University Katie embarked on a career in the arts. Aware that her skill set is focused on softer skills she hopes her MBA will give her a broader perspective on business.

Brigitte Roediger, University of Stellenbosch Business School, part time MBA
Age: 26
Nationality: South African
Background: Brigitte has a degree in financial analysis and marketing communications from the University of Stellenbosch. She is the assistant brand manager at Spier Wine Farm near Cape Town and will continue to work as she studies which will allow her to repay her business school loan.

Wesley Cole, Executive MBA Cass Business School, London
Age: 29
Nationality: British
Background: A business systems manager for a recruitment company, Wesley was keen to study for an MBA, whilst continuing to work full time. He hopes to be able to develop his leadership skills and apply them to his career.

Andi Caruso, SDA Bocconi
Age: 27
Nationality: Canadian
Background: Having graduated from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, with a degree in journalism, Andi first studied acting before beginning a marketing career in the hospitality and entertainment industry. She wants to move into business development and strategy.

Suhel Banerjee, Kellogg School of Management
Age: 27
Nationality: Indian
Background: After completing his undergraduate degree in business at Calcutta University in 2005 Suhel joined Google's Hyderabad (India) office in advertising operations, before moving to Gurgaon where he became one of the founder members of the Google India sales team.

Anthemos Georgiades, Harvard Business School
Age: 28
Nationality: British
Background: After gaining degrees from Oxford and Cambridge, Anthemos spent three years as a management consultant at the Boston Consulting Group. He then worked as an economic adviser on the Conservative party's election campaign.

Abhishek Ramanathan, Australian School of Business: AGSM
Age: 29
Nationality: Indian
Background: A graduate in computers and business studies from the University of Warwick in the UK, Abhishek has worked in operations and consulting in the insurance and IT industries worldwide. He hopes to become a management consultant.

Aman Modi, IMD
Age: 30
Nationality: Indian/British
Background: Aman has a BA in accounting and a masters in banking and international finance from Cass Business School, London. With more than eight years of finance-focused experience he wants to move into general management via an MBA.

Ashish Rastogi, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
Age: 32
Nationality: Indian
Background: For the past 10 years Ashish has worked for Infosys in various capacities in the US and India. He wants to build a career in corporate strategy and product marketing. He is studying on the Full Time MBA for executives (PGPex).

View the original article here

New Maui Wowi Hawaiian Franchisee Brings the Fun and Simple Coffee and Smoothie Business to Creswell, Oregon - Seattle Post Intelligencer

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies welcomes Tina Lopez as their newest franchisee to bring all-natural, premium products to Creswell, Oregon and the surrounding communities

Greenwood Village, Colo. (PRWEB) March 21, 2012

Come rain, come shine, Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s newest franchisee now has the flexibility to work where she wants, when she wants, and how often she wants. For Tina Lopez, this was a key component when deciding to begin her own business with Maui Wowi Hawaiian, an all-natural, fresh fruit smoothie and gourmet coffee franchise company. Since retiring, Lopez has decided to live a laidback lifestyle and serve quality products to Creswell, Oregon and the surrounding communities.

“I embrace change and was looking for something fun and a business where I could be outdoors, enjoying the sun and the nice weather or inside when it is not so nice out,” said Lopez. “Maui Wowi gives me the flexibility and supplemental income I’ve wanted. I have the opportunity to choose from a multitude of events and have fun.”

Lopez worked in a leadership position with the USDA, Forest Service in Human Resources for 30 years, until she decided to retire in 2010. Since then, she has been looking for the perfect fit to give her an outlet for her personality and laidback charm. “I am a very energetic individual and know myself well enough to know that I wouldn’t last long being retired,” said Lopez. “I’m ready for the change in lifestyle from business suits and heels to Hawaiian attire and flip flops. Maui Wowi is the perfect franchise for me to invest my future time and energy.”

Maui Wowi Hawaiian completed a successful transfer of agreement from an existing Franchisee to Lopez, which included one mobile event unit and one catering unit. The mobile event unit, called a Ka’anapli Cart, will allow Lopez to work an endless list of events and venues such as community youth athletic clubs, tournaments, festivals, and flea markets. Her additional catering unit will open up the doors to even more opportunity to work private functions like graduations, weddings, and corporate events.

Within the next two years, Lopez aspires to be serving the ‘Aloha Spirit’ all across Oregon with her Ka’anapali Cart, catering unit, and the addition of a concession trailer that will give her more options to work indoors or out. “To me, the opportunities are endless,” she said.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian specializes in serving premium products with island flair that include all-natural fresh fruit smoothies, gourmet Hawaiian coffees, and decadent espresso beverages. They can be found at events, venues, kiosks, and fixed retail locations, with franchise opportunities in the U.S. and internationally.

About Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies:
Before the days of big Hawaiian resort hotels and fiberglass surfboards, surfers spent long, lazy days partaking in the tasty waves of the North Shore beaches. As the legends of the surfers grew, many were drawn to the healthy, carefree lifestyle of Hawaii. Since 1982, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has been spreading the ‘Aloha Spirit’ across the world with its premium Hawaiian coffees, all-natural fresh fruit smoothies and authentic Hawaiian products. From event carts, mall kiosks and stand-alone retail locations, Maui Wowi Hawaiian operates 605 units worldwide. For more information about Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s flexible, low cost franchising opportunities, visit http://www.mauiwowifranchise.com.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/3/prweb9310478.htm

View the original article here

New Maui Wowi Hawaiian Franchisee Brings the Fun and Simple Coffee and Smoothie Business to Creswell, Oregon - YAHOO!

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies welcomes Tina Lopez as their newest franchisee to bring all-natural, premium products to Creswell, Oregon and the surrounding communities

Greenwood Village, Colo. (PRWEB) March 21, 2012

Come rain, come shine, Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s newest franchisee now has the flexibility to work where she wants, when she wants, and how often she wants. For Tina Lopez, this was a key component when deciding to begin her own business with Maui Wowi Hawaiian, an all-natural, fresh fruit smoothie and gourmet coffee franchise company. Since retiring, Lopez has decided to live a laidback lifestyle and serve quality products to Creswell, Oregon and the surrounding communities.

“I embrace change and was looking for something fun and a business where I could be outdoors, enjoying the sun and the nice weather or inside when it is not so nice out,” said Lopez. “Maui Wowi gives me the flexibility and supplemental income I’ve wanted. I have the opportunity to choose from a multitude of events and have fun.”

Lopez worked in a leadership position with the USDA, Forest Service in Human Resources for 30 years, until she decided to retire in 2010. Since then, she has been looking for the perfect fit to give her an outlet for her personality and laidback charm. “I am a very energetic individual and know myself well enough to know that I wouldn’t last long being retired,” said Lopez. “I’m ready for the change in lifestyle from business suits and heels to Hawaiian attire and flip flops. Maui Wowi is the perfect franchise for me to invest my future time and energy.”

Maui Wowi Hawaiian completed a successful transfer of agreement from an existing Franchisee to Lopez, which included one mobile event unit and one catering unit. The mobile event unit, called a Ka’anapli Cart, will allow Lopez to work an endless list of events and venues such as community youth athletic clubs, tournaments, festivals, and flea markets. Her additional catering unit will open up the doors to even more opportunity to work private functions like graduations, weddings, and corporate events.

Within the next two years, Lopez aspires to be serving the ‘Aloha Spirit’ all across Oregon with her Ka’anapali Cart, catering unit, and the addition of a concession trailer that will give her more options to work indoors or out. “To me, the opportunities are endless,” she said.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian specializes in serving premium products with island flair that include all-natural fresh fruit smoothies, gourmet Hawaiian coffees, and decadent espresso beverages. They can be found at events, venues, kiosks, and fixed retail locations, with franchise opportunities in the U.S. and internationally.

About Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies:

Before the days of big Hawaiian resort hotels and fiberglass surfboards, surfers spent long, lazy days partaking in the tasty waves of the North Shore beaches. As the legends of the surfers grew, many were drawn to the healthy, carefree lifestyle of Hawaii. Since 1982, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has been spreading the ‘Aloha Spirit’ across the world with its premium Hawaiian coffees, all-natural fresh fruit smoothies and authentic Hawaiian products. From event carts, mall kiosks and stand-alone retail locations, Maui Wowi Hawaiian operates 605 units worldwide. For more information about Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s flexible, low cost franchising opportunities, visit http://www.mauiwowifranchise.com.

Justin Livingston
Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies
877-849-6992
Email Information

View the original article here

Latest Google Search Revamp Brings Opportunities For Local Businesses - Searchengineland.com

Recently, Google announced (and Search Engine Land intensely covered) what is being described as the most significant revamp to date of their basic search tool.

To sum it up from the start, the changes will likely provide local businesses with the ability to merge aspects of their search optimization and social media strategies into a unified approach via Google+, the company’s new social network.

The new opportunities presented by the revamp will undoubtedly deliver unprecedented search visibility for the products and services of proactive local businesses over time. Their success will be dictated by two basic needs: generating buzz about their offerings on Google+, and creating an effective business page on the site.

According to the company, Google’s new ‘Search Plus Your World’ offering “transforms Google into a search engine that understands not only content, but also people and relationships” through three basic ways:

Further personalizing results: users are now able to find personalized information – including Google+ photos and posts from themselves and their friends – within their basic Google.com search results. Additionally, they can tab out personalized results featuring content from those they’re connected to on Google+.Raising profile visibility: users can immediately find people they’re close to or might be interested in following in Google+, both in autocomplete and resultsRaising people and pages’ visibility: users can find Google+ profiles and pages related to specific topics or areas of interest via basic search, and follow them instantly

More personalized results will enable local businesses to more easily get found by users searching for keywords related to their products and services.

For example, a hungry user searching “hamburger” in their Google search could come across a post from one of their Google+ friends talking about the great meal they just had at [your] local diner.

Not only will the post get your diner’s name right in front of the hunger user – showing up right within top search results on the page – it will have added value because it came from their friend, whose recommendation they most likely trust. And right there, you could very easily have a new customer.

Raised visibility for Google+ profiles and pages via Google search could also help your local business attract new customers.

As the above example shows, users searching for simple topics like “shopping” are presented with recommendations on pages to follow in a “People and Pages on Google+” section. And as we know, once a Google+ page is followed, each time a user searches for something related to or mentioned on that page, it will receive increased visibility with the user.

It will be interesting to see how this feature builds over time. For example, I wonder if a traveling user searching “Bed & Breakfast + [location of your B&B]” will one day see your B&B’s page appear in that section. It seems that placement will be based on how prominently your page ranks in terms of followers with other pages reached by the same keywords.

The full impact of Google’s new search offering and its heavy reliance on Google+, which itself is still in its infancy, is not yet clear. But what you can bet on is that your local business will significantly benefit from high visibility on Google+. Actions you can take now to stay ahead of the competition include:

Create a Google+ business page. It’s simple, free, and a no-brainer.Incorporate your business’s Google+ page into its online presence – including its website, blog and other social media channels – as well as its advertising and offline materials.Similar to your business’s approach with other social media channels like Facebook and Twitter, encourage customers to follow your Google+ page for special announcements and deals.Update your business’s Google+ page constantly with new information, whether its links to articles relevant to your business or photos of new products, not only to keep your page relevant with customers but also to increase the number of keywords that users can search and reach you through. For example, had Domino’s Pizza not posted about its stuffed cheesy bread offering, the hungry user may not have seen it when they searched and ordered from someplace else. And obviously the newer the post, the better visibility it will receive.

Most importantly, keep your eye out regularly for additional recommendations on what your business can and should be doing to leverage Google’s new search tools. This will surely be an evolving topic that will affect how customers find you.

Opinions expressed in the article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land.

Related Topics: Local Search

View the original article here

Alorica Brings 200 New Jobs to Mobile - Consumer Electronics Net

Company News: Page (1) of 1 - 01/19/12January 19, 2012 --

CHINO, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 01/19/12 -- Alorica (www.alorica.com), a leading provider of customer management outsourcing solutions, announced today they are immediately hiring 200 call center positions in Mobile, AL. The jobs will be in addition to the existing Alorica work housed in the Saraland site. The new Alorica facility will be located at 1210 Hillcrest Road in west Mobile and opens early February. The positions are to support an expanded business opportunity with an existing client.

"Alorica is excited to bring more jobs to the Mobile community," says Andy Lee, Chairman and CEO of Alorica. "Our company's growth means more opportunities for our clients, the communities in which we reside, and for our employees." Alorica has nearly 20,000 employees in 40 global locations with annual revenues of $600M. The company is the 10th largest outsource provider in the world. "Bringing more work to Mobile means helping people during difficult times and offering career development opportunities for enhanced professional growth experiences," added Lee.

The company will be continuing a career fair next week to make job offers on the spot.

Interested candidates should apply online at www.aloricajobs.com prior to visiting the career fair to complete an application and take an assessment test. Applicants must have a high school diploma (or GED); possess general computer knowledge and customer service skills in order to be considered for employment. Inbound Customer Service Representatives will make $9.00 hour and will be provided paid training. Candidates must pass a background check and drug screening test. Only full-time positions are available.

ALORICA CAREER FAIR

WHEN: Monday, January 23 - Friday, January 27
8:30 am - 6:30 pm

WHERE: Homewood Suites by Hilton Mobile

530 Providence Park Drive East, Mobile AL 36695

Hired applicants will be expected to go through a five-week paid training session conducted Monday - Friday from 6:00 am - 2:30 pm or 3:00 pm - 11:30 pm. The first training class begins on February 6, 2012 at the new call center on Hillcrest Road. Alorica offers a comprehensive benefits package, paid-time off and tuition reimbursement.

About Alorica
Alorica is a leading provider of customer management outsourcing solutions spanning the entire customer lifecycle. From customer acquisition and sales, customer care and support, to logistics and fulfillment, Alorica offers a seamless customer experience across all service channels. Alorica's award-winning Business Process Outsourcing services span both the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) sectors across all industries for Fortune 1000 companies. Headquartered in Chino, California with over 20,000 employees in 40 domestic, nearshore, and offshore customer management centers, Alorica offers the proven industry experience and know-how to provide a total customer management solution. For more information, please visit www.alorica.com.

Alorica Contact:
Danel Kuhlmann
Alorica Marketing Communications Director
Email: Email Contact
951-662-1670

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A New Year Brings New Opportunities With College Pro - Yahoo Finance

LONDON, ON--(Marketwire -01/17/12)- Having a hard time picking a good new year's resolution? Becoming a student entrepreneur probably wasn't on your list, but it should be. College Pro offers you the chance to manage your own painting or window cleaning business where you learn skills and real-world experience that cannot be taught in the classroom. Being able to run a business is an opportunity that has provided college students and recent graduates fantastic results for over 40 years.

Since 1971, College Pro Painters and Window Cleaning has been the premier student-run painting and window cleaning company in North America. College Pro offers students and recent college graduates the opportunity to own and operate a painting or window cleaning franchise in their local communities on a seasonal basis. The Franchise Manager program offers you a chance to put into practice what you have been taught in the classroom...and more. Through the Franchise Manager program, participants learn valuable hands-on skills including leading a team of employees, marketing to potential clients, following sales leads, balancing budgets, and working directly with clients. In other words: everything you need to know about running a business!

The College Pro franchise opportunity has been aptly referred to as a "real-world MBA" because there is simply no other job opportunity or internship that can prepare a young student entrepreneur for life after school. Being able to say that you are an aspiring entrepreneur is one thing; actually running your own business is something that very few college or university students can claim on their resume. One of the most important assets that you can take away from College Pro is the confidence to tell recruiters, interviewers, and employers that, although school was a huge part of your success, running your own business means you have the confidence and experience you need to get the job done. Meghan O'Connell, former College Pro Franchise Manager, clarifies this point:

"It was an emotional roller coaster at times, but the experience that I have gained is invaluable. I feel confident that I could start out a job in marketing, advertising, financial planning, organizational management, event planning, accounting, distribution, or human resources and be well equipped to succeed. This adventure, that started with trying to find an internship to add to my resume, has put me in a place where I can go into any interview and feel confident in my abilities, and be able to point directly to my business' success."

In today's extremely competitive job seeking environment, having confidence in yourself and your skill set is invaluable, especially when your skill set prepares you to take on many challenges that face less prepared graduates. Out of all the skills that the College Pro franchise opportunity can teach you, alumni indicate that the most important skills are the ones that can only be learned through experience.

"I can, without any shadow of a doubt, express to you that the learning & experience you could gain as a College Pro franchisee is beyond any college degree, or any internship out there," said Jeff Wall, President of Handyman Connection and former College Pro Franchise Manager. "The experience and training that I received opened numerous doors for me in my career that would not have been open if not for becoming a College Pro franchisee."

College Pro offers you the opportunity to learn new skills and provide you with experience that cannot be found anywhere else, yet can be transferred to almost any business environment. The professional relationships and networks that are built during a summer with College Pro can last a lifetime and prove to be more valuable than any summer job or internship you have previously had.

With the new year in mind and graduation just around the corner, start thinking about how College Pro Painters and College Pro Window Cleaning can provide you with the opportunity to reap a lifetime of benefits from a summer of hard, satisfying and, ultimately, rewarding work.

About College Pro Painters:
In business for 40 years, College Pro is a North American student painting and window cleaning company that offers residential painting and window cleaning services during summer months in local communities. Student franchise managers and general managers have participated in charity events and donated services equating to over $900,000 to improve community spaces and housing in underprivileged areas across Canada and the United States. The company's core purpose, 'together, realizing potentials,' uniquely mentors and challenges students to become successful community and business leaders.

Find College Pro Online:
http://collegepro.com/

http://www.facebook.com/collegepro

http://twitter.com/#!/college_pro

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1856450

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Project Portfolio Management (PPM) Brings Opportunity to CIOs in 2012 - CMSWire

Call it what you like — SharePoint, Intuit, Central Desktop — project portfolio management is here to stay. A few months ago, Gartner predicted that the role of Project Portfolio Management (PPM) would begin to evolve from just managing business projects to managing value and change. As business strategies transform to focus on both people and technologies, PPM has the potential to help the enterprise get things done.

A recent article published by Alex Adamopoulos, CEO and Paul Dolman-Darrall, Executive Vice President for Global Delivery and Strategy at Emergn, an international PPM and agile consultancy based in London, lists 5 reasons why PPM will matter to CIOs in 2012. Among them, the authors cite improvements to workflow and idea sharing, as well as increased alignment between IT and the bottom line.

Much of the discussion centered around PPM and its integration into the enterprise is very similar to ones focused on elements of social business. But are they necessarily one and the same? In her article “Social Business Success in 2012: Simplicity is the Key,” my colleague, Chelsi Nakano, writes

Social Business tools facilitate communication — they make it easier to have and to come by, but they can’t be depended on to fully actualize it."

We’d argue that PPM is similar because it still relies on manual processes to get the work done. That’s not to say that its presence doesn’t bring some benefits. Both Adamopoulous and Dolman-Darrall are correct when they say

IT involvement earlier in the lifecycle will contribute to better decisions and choices made with the business. It will improve visibility into necessary investments and resources required to meet demand and will allow a more transparent environment for how things get done."

When it comes to selecting the right PPM tool, it’s important to understand the ways it can add value to the project management process. Most offices have their own methods of tracking assignments but may lack elements that encourage knowledge-sharing and cross-promotion. As a result, Emergn calls on PPM to add trust and integrity into the process. They write

… a CIO who gets IT involved earlier in the portfolio management process and embedded more will also help craft a working model that has much better checkpoints and gateways for decision-making and therefore result in a framework with more integrity and less bureaucracy."

It behooves IT to get involved in many cross-departmental initiatives from eDiscovery to marketing to vendor selections, but their presence is not usually welcomed. IT has an image problem, but their guidance and expertise can help companies avoid bottlenecks and imminent risks, as well as help save money, time and energy. It’s not surprising that IT needs to add PPM to their long list of things they need to embrace. According to the authors, by inserting themselves into the process earlier, 

it will improve visibility into necessary investments and resources required to meet demand and will allow a more transparent environment for how things get done."

The secret to PPM success in 2012 seems to do more with the role of CIO than with actual technology. Emergn agrees, writing that “CIOs who look at portfolio management as a lifecycle that permeates the whole business have an opportunity to be more strategic and insightful.” If the IT department aligns with business strategies, it will be poised to bring great things to life in 2012.

Project Portfolio Management (PPM) Brings Opportunity to CIOs in 2012

Call it what you like -- SharePoint, Intuit, Central Desktop -- project portfolio management is here to stay. A few months ago, Gartner predicted that the role of Project Portfolio Management (PPM) would begin to evolve from just managing business projects to managing value and change. As business strategies transform to focus on both people and technologies, PPM has the potential to help the enterprise get things done.

View the original article here

A New Year Brings New Opportunities With College Pro - Market Wire

SOURCE: College Pro

LONDON, ON--(Marketwire - Jan 17, 2012) - Having a hard time picking a good new year's resolution? Becoming a student entrepreneur probably wasn't on your list, but it should be. College Pro offers you the chance to manage your own painting or window cleaning business where you learn skills and real-world experience that cannot be taught in the classroom. Being able to run a business is an opportunity that has provided college students and recent graduates fantastic results for over 40 years.

Since 1971, College Pro Painters and Window Cleaning has been the premier student-run painting and window cleaning company in North America. College Pro offers students and recent college graduates the opportunity to own and operate a painting or window cleaning franchise in their local communities on a seasonal basis. The Franchise Manager program offers you a chance to put into practice what you have been taught in the classroom...and more. Through the Franchise Manager program, participants learn valuable hands-on skills including leading a team of employees, marketing to potential clients, following sales leads, balancing budgets, and working directly with clients. In other words: everything you need to know about running a business!

The College Pro franchise opportunity has been aptly referred to as a "real-world MBA" because there is simply no other job opportunity or internship that can prepare a young student entrepreneur for life after school. Being able to say that you are an aspiring entrepreneur is one thing; actually running your own business is something that very few college or university students can claim on their resume. One of the most important assets that you can take away from College Pro is the confidence to tell recruiters, interviewers, and employers that, although school was a huge part of your success, running your own business means you have the confidence and experience you need to get the job done. Meghan O'Connell, former College Pro Franchise Manager, clarifies this point:

"It was an emotional roller coaster at times, but the experience that I have gained is invaluable. I feel confident that I could start out a job in marketing, advertising, financial planning, organizational management, event planning, accounting, distribution, or human resources and be well equipped to succeed. This adventure, that started with trying to find an internship to add to my resume, has put me in a place where I can go into any interview and feel confident in my abilities, and be able to point directly to my business' success."

In today's extremely competitive job seeking environment, having confidence in yourself and your skill set is invaluable, especially when your skill set prepares you to take on many challenges that face less prepared graduates. Out of all the skills that the College Pro franchise opportunity can teach you, alumni indicate that the most important skills are the ones that can only be learned through experience.

"I can, without any shadow of a doubt, express to you that the learning & experience you could gain as a College Pro franchisee is beyond any college degree, or any internship out there," said Jeff Wall, President of Handyman Connection and former College Pro Franchise Manager. "The experience and training that I received opened numerous doors for me in my career that would not have been open if not for becoming a College Pro franchisee."

College Pro offers you the opportunity to learn new skills and provide you with experience that cannot be found anywhere else, yet can be transferred to almost any business environment. The professional relationships and networks that are built during a summer with College Pro can last a lifetime and prove to be more valuable than any summer job or internship you have previously had.

With the new year in mind and graduation just around the corner, start thinking about how College Pro Painters and College Pro Window Cleaning can provide you with the opportunity to reap a lifetime of benefits from a summer of hard, satisfying and, ultimately, rewarding work.

About College Pro Painters:
In business for 40 years, College Pro is a North American student painting and window cleaning company that offers residential painting and window cleaning services during summer months in local communities. Student franchise managers and general managers have participated in charity events and donated services equating to over $900,000 to improve community spaces and housing in underprivileged areas across Canada and the United States. The company's core purpose, 'together, realizing potentials,' uniquely mentors and challenges students to become successful community and business leaders.

Find College Pro Online:
http://collegepro.com/

http://www.facebook.com/collegepro

http://twitter.com/#!/college_pro

View the original article here

A New Year Brings New Opportunities With College Pro

LONDON, ON--(Marketwire -01/17/12)- Having a hard time picking a good new year's resolution? Becoming a student entrepreneur probably wasn't on your list, but it should be. College Pro offers you the chance to manage your own painting or window cleaning business where you learn skills and real-world experience that cannot be taught in the classroom. Being able to run a business is an opportunity that has provided college students and recent graduates fantastic results for over 40 years.

Since 1971, College Pro Painters and Window Cleaning has been the premier student-run painting and window cleaning company in North America. College Pro offers students and recent college graduates the opportunity to own and operate a painting or window cleaning franchise in their local communities on a seasonal basis. The Franchise Manager program offers you a chance to put into practice what you have been taught in the classroom...and more. Through the Franchise Manager program, participants learn valuable hands-on skills including leading a team of employees, marketing to potential clients, following sales leads, balancing budgets, and working directly with clients. In other words: everything you need to know about running a business!

The College Pro franchise opportunity has been aptly referred to as a "real-world MBA" because there is simply no other job opportunity or internship that can prepare a young student entrepreneur for life after school. Being able to say that you are an aspiring entrepreneur is one thing; actually running your own business is something that very few college or university students can claim on their resume. One of the most important assets that you can take away from College Pro is the confidence to tell recruiters, interviewers, and employers that, although school was a huge part of your success, running your own business means you have the confidence and experience you need to get the job done. Meghan O'Connell, former College Pro Franchise Manager, clarifies this point:

"It was an emotional roller coaster at times, but the experience that I have gained is invaluable. I feel confident that I could start out a job in marketing, advertising, financial planning, organizational management, event planning, accounting, distribution, or human resources and be well equipped to succeed. This adventure, that started with trying to find an internship to add to my resume, has put me in a place where I can go into any interview and feel confident in my abilities, and be able to point directly to my business' success."

In today's extremely competitive job seeking environment, having confidence in yourself and your skill set is invaluable, especially when your skill set prepares you to take on many challenges that face less prepared graduates. Out of all the skills that the College Pro franchise opportunity can teach you, alumni indicate that the most important skills are the ones that can only be learned through experience.

"I can, without any shadow of a doubt, express to you that the learning & experience you could gain as a College Pro franchisee is beyond any college degree, or any internship out there," said Jeff Wall, President of Handyman Connection and former College Pro Franchise Manager. "The experience and training that I received opened numerous doors for me in my career that would not have been open if not for becoming a College Pro franchisee."

College Pro offers you the opportunity to learn new skills and provide you with experience that cannot be found anywhere else, yet can be transferred to almost any business environment. The professional relationships and networks that are built during a summer with College Pro can last a lifetime and prove to be more valuable than any summer job or internship you have previously had.

With the new year in mind and graduation just around the corner, start thinking about how College Pro Painters and College Pro Window Cleaning can provide you with the opportunity to reap a lifetime of benefits from a summer of hard, satisfying and, ultimately, rewarding work.

About College Pro Painters:
In business for 40 years, College Pro is a North American student painting and window cleaning company that offers residential painting and window cleaning services during summer months in local communities. Student franchise managers and general managers have participated in charity events and donated services equating to over $900,000 to improve community spaces and housing in underprivileged areas across Canada and the United States. The company's core purpose, 'together, realizing potentials,' uniquely mentors and challenges students to become successful community and business leaders.

Find College Pro Online:
http://collegepro.com/

http://www.facebook.com/collegepro

http://twitter.com/#!/college_pro

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1856450

View the original article here

A New Year Brings New Opportunities With College Pro - msnbc.com

LONDON, ON — Having a hard time picking a good new year's resolution? Becoming a student entrepreneur probably wasn't on your list, but it should be. College Pro offers you the chance to manage your own painting or window cleaning business where you learn skills and real-world experience that cannot be taught in the classroom. Being able to run a business is an opportunity that has provided college students and recent graduates fantastic results for over 40 years.

Since 1971, College Pro Painters and Window Cleaning has been the premier student-run painting and window cleaning company in North America. College Pro offers students and recent college graduates the opportunity to own and operate a painting or window cleaning franchise in their local communities on a seasonal basis. The Franchise Manager program offers you a chance to put into practice what you have been taught in the classroom...and more. Through the Franchise Manager program, participants learn valuable hands-on skills including leading a team of employees, marketing to potential clients, following sales leads, balancing budgets, and working directly with clients. In other words: everything you need to know about running a business!

The College Pro franchise opportunity has been aptly referred to as a "real-world MBA" because there is simply no other job opportunity or internship that can prepare a young student entrepreneur for life after school. Being able to say that you are an aspiring entrepreneur is one thing; actually running your own business is something that very few college or university students can claim on their resume. One of the most important assets that you can take away from College Pro is the confidence to tell recruiters, interviewers, and employers that, although school was a huge part of your success, running your own business means you have the confidence and experience you need to get the job done. Meghan O'Connell, former College Pro Franchise Manager, clarifies this point:

"It was an emotional roller coaster at times, but the experience that I have gained is invaluable. I feel confident that I could start out a job in marketing, advertising, financial planning, organizational management, event planning, accounting, distribution, or human resources and be well equipped to succeed. This adventure, that started with trying to find an internship to add to my resume, has put me in a place where I can go into any interview and feel confident in my abilities, and be able to point directly to my business' success."

In today's extremely competitive job seeking environment, having confidence in yourself and your skill set is invaluable, especially when your skill set prepares you to take on many challenges that face less prepared graduates. Out of all the skills that the College Pro franchise opportunity can teach you, alumni indicate that the most important skills are the ones that can only be learned through experience.

"I can, without any shadow of a doubt, express to you that the learning & experience you could gain as a College Pro franchisee is beyond any college degree, or any internship out there," said Jeff Wall, President of Handyman Connection and former College Pro Franchise Manager. "The experience and training that I received opened numerous doors for me in my career that would not have been open if not for becoming a College Pro franchisee."

College Pro offers you the opportunity to learn new skills and provide you with experience that cannot be found anywhere else, yet can be transferred to almost any business environment. The professional relationships and networks that are built during a summer with College Pro can last a lifetime and prove to be more valuable than any summer job or internship you have previously had.

With the new year in mind and graduation just around the corner, start thinking about how College Pro Painters and College Pro Window Cleaning can provide you with the opportunity to reap a lifetime of benefits from a summer of hard, satisfying and, ultimately, rewarding work.

About College Pro Painters:
In business for 40 years, College Pro is a North American student painting and window cleaning company that offers residential painting and window cleaning services during summer months in local communities. Student franchise managers and general managers have participated in charity events and donated services equating to over $900,000 to improve community spaces and housing in underprivileged areas across Canada and the United States. The company's core purpose, 'together, realizing potentials,' uniquely mentors and challenges students to become successful community and business leaders.

Find College Pro Online:
http://collegepro.com/

http://www.facebook.com/collegepro

http://twitter.com/#!/college_pro

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1856450

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View the original article here

NAIFC brings in tourists, positive exposure - Rhinelander Daily News

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