Business Motivation for Getting America Back to Work

The Biz Desk
What a year it’s been in business! As some companies continue to hang on for dear life, others are still pulling in good numbers. A few years ago the auto industry was on the skids. They were closing down dealerships and scaling back manufacturing. But now they seem to be on the up-and-up.

Ford Motor Company is riding high in the U.S. even after not taking bailout funds from the government. The year in review is a good time for considering:

1. Core – Think about what makes you strong and what for you is of central importance
2. Floor:- Make plans to travel the distance starting from where you are right now
3. Explore:- Develop your resolutions, move into new directions, make tough decisions
4. D’jor:- Savor the joys of the holidays and the successes of the past season.

The holiday season can be a tough time for people who’ve experienced a job loss or some other personal loss. From a business perspective even after repeated financial loss Ford is again making strides. Let the end of year festivities be a celebration and motivation towards your next destination.

The Biz Desk invites you to post your comments below or you can send a personal note on Facebook or Twitter to @DocCunningham; on Linkedin to @DOCCommunications.

Work Life
Warren Buffett is one of the richest men on the planet. He’s built his wealth through business investments. His rise to the financial mountaintop has been for the most part slow and steady. He has a knack for buying low or making purchases for which others are saying no. It’s the way he approaches his investment decisions.

Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway company holdings include GEICO, Fruit of the Loom and Pampered Chef. Most times he goes for underrated, under-funded companies that offer great untapped potential. Buffet’s career journey might represent the frugal and unglamorous sides of business but has been built around the fundamentals:

• Keeping the boss happy (himself)
• Upgrading his visibility
• Providing a higher level of service
• Finding more room to grow

Even as many industry insiders debate whether print media is losing its muscle, Buffet’s company recently bought an Omaha Newspaper group which makes you think he sees value that others don’t.

Life’s Work
These days Buffett is being quoted by many politicians. It’s often said that the current tax rate makes him pay less in taxes than his secretary. It’s one reason he’s open to the idea of the rich paying their fair share. But not every politician is on board with that idea.

He also raised eyebrows when he signed a pact to give away most of his wealth to charity and other philanthropic causes. Buffett life’s work reminds us of the fact that you can’t take it with you. A large portion of his portfolio is being earmarked for the Bill & Malinda Gates Foundation.

Street Talk – (Social Commentary driving change!)
Newt Gingrich has been rising in the polls recently. Some believe it’s because he’s gained some of the Herman Cain supporters. Others think it’s just his turn for having “15-minutes of fame” in the Republican field. His comments about “poor kids working as janitors” made a few people hot under the collar.

Some politicians keep saying that President Obama is pushing “class warfare.” In one corner you have rich politicians beating up on the poor. Who’s in the other corner? They make it appear as if the poor are beating up on the rich. So, is this class warfare or is it just politicians doing social-class bullying?