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Ambassador Barbara Barrett, appointed today as interim president of the Thunderbird school in Arizona, is not your usual dean appointment.

Given that Thunderbird used to be a US aircraft base, it is perhaps fitting that she was the first civilian woman to land in an F/A-18 Hornet on an aircraft carrier and has trained as an astronaut – she was the backup spaceflight participant for the Soyuz TMA-16 flight to the International Space Station.

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On the diplomatic front she was senior advisor to the US Mission to the United Nations and US Ambassador to Finland.

Her management expertise includes being president and chief executive of the American Management Association, as well as being the first female chairmen of the Thunderbird board.

She will replace Thunderbird President Ángel Cabrera, who last month announced he had accepted the role of president at George Mason University, in Virginia, at the end of April.

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That’s it:  Internet Cafes!  Coffee houses!  Meeting spots!

Here’s the logic.  When the economy is down, adults go back to school to learn more so they can get better jobs.

So colleges, city colleges, universities, tech schools, etc., all get really crowded.

Most internet cafes are located near such places of learning.  Ergo, more business.

At least that is what my local no-name coffee house proprietor told me.  I tried to get a nice cup o’ on Sunday, and every single coffee house I visited was so crowded that I couldn’t get in the door.  Jammed. Waitin Read more…

Jan 9, ’12 3:24 PM Author Stefan Töpfer Categories Business Checklists, Business Checklists, be eco-friendly Tags environment, green, small business tips, top 5 tips

The top 5 tips weekly post is always full of hints and tips for small, home & micro business owners.

1. Use energy efficient lighbulbs in your workplace and take advantage of natural light wherever possible.

2. Recycle any waste that is generated by your business. Try to also reduce your waste output wherever it is possible by cutting down on needless waste like paper cups.

3. Encourage teleworking within your business if it is possible to do so. Th

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Will your startup ambitions become a reality in 2012?

In a recent study 70% of Americans indicated they want to start their own business but many never take the leap because of lack of knowledge and direction.

Let’s face it, starting a business can be intimidating and risk of the unknown is one major hurdle that few are willing to deal with.

With a job there tends to be this perception of security and certainty. You show up for work, do your job, and get a paycheck.

But in today’s economy, job security is nonexistent, and more and more people are embracing the idea of owning their own businesses. Business ownership and being in control of one’s income is the assurance that people are looking for.

Unfortunately, for the people who do make the leap and start a business, a large majority fail within five years according to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

I bring this up because one of the major causes is lack of funding. While

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In spite of all the economic gloom, MBA and Masters in Management recruiters are surprisingly upbeat about their hiring prospects for 2012, according to a survey conducted last month by the Graduate Management Admissions Council.

The report contains two pieces of good news. First the number of companies planning to hire management graduates next year is higher than this year. Second, those recruiters who already hire are planning to hire more.

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According to the data, the number of companies planning to recruit MBA graduates in 2012 is 28 per cent higher than in 2011. For master in management degrees the figure is up 42 per cent. Some 22 per cent of companies are expected to hire more MBAs than they did this year and prospects for masters students are higher too.

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I thought ballet had nearly disappeared from existence.  And then Stephen Colbert had a duo from the American Ballet Theater (an excellent troupe, by the way) on his show.  And tonight I saw an ad for a ballet school, way out in the middle of nearly nowhere.  So there is hope.

And there are also tango sessions, and hip hop hullabalos, and jive, and folk dances from around the world. I guess as long as people can move, they will dance.  And that is so good.

And if your dance studio is in need of a dance studio business plan, especially for financing, well we got you covered (even out in the middle of nearly nowhere).  It is surprising how much a good dance studio costs to set up, and why, so don’t assume that your banker just “knows” why you need the financing.

A dance studio business presentation needs to be surprisingly specific.  The term “build out” won’t do.  You need $XXXX to install a dancer’s floor, one with natural bounce, to protect the health of your students.  You need wall to wall mirrors to help students learn better.  Whatever it is that you specifically need for your specific type of dance studio, do set it out.

So, what’s stopping you?  Go create a slew of dance studios!  The world needs you!