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‘Crowdsourcing’ and global work will become central to US business and society says Ross Dawson, author of new book on how businesses can get results from crowds

American companies will soon hire millions of designers, coders, writers, marketers, and other skilled people from all over the world, says Ross Dawson, co-author of the just-released book Getting Results From Crowds: The definitive guide to using crowd-sourcing to grow your business.

"The shift to global work is not a problem for the US, it is a massive opportunity. The future of the economy depends on us embracing crowdsourcing. Companies must get good at creating value with crowds."

‘Crowdsourcing’ describes how companies tap the collective capabilities of experts around the world, ranging from small businesses engaging overseas coders and designers through to multinationals such as IBM and Procter & Gamble drawing on many external contributors to generate the innovation that drives their success.

More than 75% of the US workforce is in the service sector. As bandwidth soars, high value services can be done anywhere on the globe, exposing almost all US workers to both competition and new opportunities, and fundamentally changing the way businesses operate.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/12/15/prweb9045470.DTL#ixzz1hU7pdM5q

Entrepreneurs often wear every hat. Problem is, few entrepreneurs have tried all those hats on before they start a company, so sometimes they fit very poorly—if at all.

Since the best way to learn is by doing, here are five jobs every budding entrepreneur  should hold, even if just for a few months. The lessons learned last a lifetime.

1. Sales. A business without customers isn’t really a business. That’s why every business owner is in some way involved in sales. An entrepreneur who lacks basic sales skills faces major challenges. If you can’t clearly explain the logic and benefits of a decision or action—because that’s what “sales” really means—you’ll find it almost impossible to land financing, establish partnerships, motivate employees… and most importantly, land your first customers.

Sell something. Sell anything. If possible, work solely on commission. You’ll quickly overcome any shyness and hesitation when your income is a direct result of your effort and sales skills—which as an entrepreneur it definitely will be.

2. Fast food. Most franchises employ rigorous process control: operating procedures, best practices, efficiency standards, etc. Fast food is all about control—especially in terms of how employees perform their jobs. Even the most freewheeling businesses need some level of control and standardization to ensure customer needs are consistently met.

Read more: http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/5-jobs-every-entrepreneur-should-have-before-starting-a-business.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+inc%2Fheadlines+%28Inc.com+Headlines%29#ixzz1hU7GTrHO

Lean 101 Workshop | February 16
Are you interested in becoming more profitable?

World Class companies use these LEAN MANUFACTURING principles to gain a competitive edge and higher profit. Join other Leading Manufacturers in Northern Nevada at a Lean Workshop & reinvent PROFIT MAKING OPPORTUNITIES. Salvage lost profits that already exist in your company through this popular “hands on” simulated Workshop.

The purpose of Lean Manufacturing is to strengthen manufacturing firms by reducing material waste, time and processes.

Quick ROI:

· Lower Labor Cost       · Customer Satisfaction
· More Throughput         · Higher Quality
· Safer Work Place       · Less Inventory
· Less Scrap                  · Neater Work Place

Outcomes:

• Learn how to get rid of the 8 common sources of waste.
• Use a “hands-on” Workshop to experience the Transition to LEAN.
• Develop a “specific” project for your Company as a class project.

The Workshop is designed for Owners, Operations Managers, Supervisors, Lead persons, line workers & others who contribute to efficiencies in the Factory or Office.

February 16, 2012 – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (Come early for a complementary continental breakfast)

UNR – Nell J. Redfield Building A (South Reno), Rooms 202 & 206
18600 Wedge Parkway (Wedge Pkwy & Mt Rose Hwy), Reno, NV 89511

$299 per person (includes training materials, continental breakfast, and lunch)
Discounts available for multiple attendees

For More Info, Please contact Sandy Haslem, (775) 784-1935, shaslem@nevadaie.com

In 2011, entrepreneurs and startup activity sprouted up everywhere. Not coincidentally, the Bay Area, New York, Boston, Austin, Portland and every college town from Abilene to Gainesville is fostering young, eager minds. The millennial generation is proving it can create companies — and thus, jobs — that solve real problems.

Trends like these are quickly impacting how young people relate to and absorb education. These days, higher education is a dynamic and increasingly digital environment — and some are questioning the relevance of the traditional educational institution at all. Here’s a look at some of the big changes in tech and funding that have shaped education in 2011.

1. The UnCollege Movement Begins

Former CEO of PayPal and venture capitalist Peter Thiel maintains that entrepreneurship is best learned outside of higher education, through real-world experience. He created the 20 under 20 program to demonstrate that the best and the brightest students can find success without college.

One of the recipients, Dale Stephens, is writing a book and speaks about the idea that college isn’t the only pathway to success.  Anya Kamenetz, journalist for Fast Company, followed up her book DIY U by publishingThe Edupunks Guide to a DIY Credential, sponsored in part by the Gates Foundation.  How soon will society and employers accept un-collegians as readily as they do grads? 

Read entire article here

In many ways, 2011 was the year when previously overhyped technologies suddenly became mainstream (you may not have noticed because you were too busy checking BBM). Gadgets that had been at the top of everyone’s “Trends” lists for the past two or three years finally started making it onto people’s Christmas lists, too. The social changes promised by the rise of “SoLoMo” (social-local-mobile) became felt when they supported enormous social upheaval during the Arab Spring. Here are 5 of the many ways in which technology changed the world in 2011.

1. The smartphone became mainstream
Remember it seemed like the world was ending when the BlackBerry network went down a few months ago? That’s because BlackBerrys are the new Nokias — everyone has them.
Around 30% of the world now owns a smartphone. Smartphones are no longer just for geeks and businessmen — they’ve become indispensable digital companions for anyone who can afford them (and that barrier is being lowered all the time).

Read entire story here