Jerry Osteryoung
Jerry Osteryoung is a consultant to businesses—he has directly assisted over 3,000 firms. He is the Jim Moran Professor of Entrepreneurship (Emeritus) and Professor of Finance (Emeritus) at Florida State University. He was the founding Executive Director of the Jim Moran Institute and served in that position from 1995 through 2008. His latest book, coauthored with Tim O’Brien, “If You Have Employees, You Really Need This Book,” is a bestseller on Amazon. Email Jerry @ jerry.osteryoung@gmail.com
Latest
Building Consensus as a Manager
Having an empowered staff is so important for every organization. An empowered staff feels some responsibility for all the business decisions, and managers should be encouraging this in as many ways as possible—especially with Millennials.
Zappos: A Business Model You Can Learn From
Zappos is known for shoes and a very liberal return policy, but I think every type of business can learn something from its unique corporate culture.
Return Policy and Sales
A return policy is a crucial component of any sales and marketing strategy. However, so many businesses forget how important it is to their ability to sell products and services.
Training Staff is the Key to Success
Training is one of those things that managers frequently cut when dollars and resources are scarce. However, I believe regular training is so necessary if employees are to remain current and effective in their job requirements.
Nepotism is Not a Good Policy
Many firms have had success hiring relatives of employees. That said however, I believe not employing family members really is the best policy for so many reasons. Hiring family members is just wrought with difficulty.
Making Each Customer Feel Special
In the dictionary, “special” is defined as “better, greater or otherwise different from what is usual.” In business, it is so important to make sure each customer feels special, as this generates a great competitive edge.
Establishing Your Core Values
At the heart of every successful organization are its core values. A company’s core values are those principles or guiding lights that each staff member shares—those commitments they consider most important in their lives.
How Business is Like Tennis
I am often asked what it is like to own and run a business. I normally make a tennis analogy because playing tennis is something I really enjoy and it really just seems to fit.
Reputation Risk
A business’ reputation affects its success in so many ways. Employees want to work for a company that has a great reputation just as people want to buy from one. The best companies understand their reputations are among their most valuable assets.
Sweat the Details
Details are so important when running any business. If you are not managing every minute detail, critical things end up falling through the cracks.