Before the financial crisis, mortgages kept banking thriving. Once the crisis hit, however, earnings fell dramatically. Mortgage lending today is a completely different game. According to Boston.com: “Bank of America, the country’s second-biggest bank, reported Wednesday that mortgage originations jumped over a year ago- up 18 percent to $21 billion. But the mortgage unit still… Continue Reading
Around 11,000 business books are published every year in the U.S., according to 800CEOREAD CEO Jack Covert. In a recent article for Forbes.com, Erika Anderson discussed the business-related advantages of writing a good book. First, she defines a good book as one that is grammatically correct, understandable, engaging, and that contains ‘clearly stated, useful ideas.’… Continue Reading
Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, recently called for additional action as Europe continues to grapple with debt and the U.S. struggles with an impending fiscal crisis. Lagarde claimed that the world economy is faring worse than even the more pessimistic expectations. Though the European Central Bank and European governments have taken several… Continue Reading
The International Monetary Fund projects slow global growth as the euro zone’s situation worsens and other economies remain threatened. It states that the world economy will grow a total of 3.3% this year. This is the slowest since the recession in 2009. “A key issue is whether the global economy is just hitting another bout… Continue Reading
General Motors has been expanding its staff throughout the U.S. Its project continues with their latest announcement, revealing plans to hire up to 1,500 workers for a computer technology center in Michigan, north of Detroit. According to Boston.com, “it is part of a move to bring 90% of information technology in-house, which GM believes will… Continue Reading
In these turbulent economic times, successful businesses stand out like a sore thumb. Creative, ambitious observers feel that they too could have launches such an attractive franchise, if only they had put their minds to it. However, it takes more than just a good idea to build any business; it requires, patience, research, good people… Continue Reading
Oil prices dropped below $91 per barrel this week, mirroring the falling stock markets as economic outlook takes a turn for the worst. According to BusinessWeek, “Benchmark crude was down 59 cents to $90.78 a barrel by midmorning London time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract dropped 56 cents to… Continue Reading
Carroll County Times’ Mark Luterman recently wrote an article discussing the most successful entrepreneurs in today’s economy. He explained that the best business owners thrive because “they see challenges as opportunities.” Most entrepreneurs do not, however, and their responses are often detrimental to their businesses. Luterman offers three tips: When you’re mentally paralyzed with fear,… Continue Reading
USA Today’s Rhonda Abrams recently discussed a common problem among small business owners- the addiction to business adrenaline. Of course, the ability to handle crisis situations and challenges is a must when it comes to management, but Abrams claims the thrill may actually push entrepreneurs to create their own obstacles. She lists a few ways… Continue Reading
Yes, the economy is in the doldrums and all that, but it doesn’t mean some great companies with good business sense can’t succeed, even in a downturn environment. Down in the Sunshine State in Fort Myers, two entrepreneurs have been controlling the pests in Lee County, Florida, on their own for the past five years,… Continue Reading