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Paul Mitchell's Key to Success

Thirty years ago, a celebrated hairstylist and a struggling salesman had a vision of a company catering specifically to hair salons. They started their business with a loan of US$700. Today, the company, John Paul Mitchell Systems, Inc., is perhaps the most recognized name in the beauty industry, boasting 100 trademarks, and products in over 100,000 U.S. salons and 80 countries. Churning out US$900 million in revenues every year, John Paul Mitchell Systems has also set up more than 100 beauty schools around the world.

The success did not come easily, though. The founders, Paul Mitchell and John Paul DeJoria, encountered a setback at the onset when a friend unexpectedly pulled out US$500,000 of funding. The economic recession in the U.S. at that time put a double whammy on their plan. To get through these financial difficulties, cost reduction was the top priority. The partners went for simple black-and-white product packaging, which turned out to be the company's iconic look.

When “No” Is the Only Answer

Most of us want to be amenable at work, but we're often put in positions where we want to say “no.” Indeed, sometimes it's the only real option. When refusing a request, diplomacy is important, especially when dealing with managers. Here are some tips on how to give your boss a polite brush-off.

● Spell Out Your Priorities

資料來源：biz 互動英語電子報

Nokia: Playing Catch-up

The new CEO assembled the company's workers and informed them that their whole outlook was wrong. He put them on the spot, asking which of them used their competitors' products. Tentatively, several hands went up. The CEO was dismayed. However, his disappointment was not due to his employees' lack of faith in their own products. On the contrary, he had hoped more of them would be sizing up the competition.

The company in question is Nokia. The CEO is Stephen Elop, a Canadian who in September 2010 became the first non-Finn to helm the communications corporation. “I'd rather people have the intellectual curiosity to understand what we're up against,” Elop said of employees' reluctance to try iPhones or Google Androids. He has good reason for this attitude.

Howard Schultz Brews Change at Starbucks

When Howard Schultz established Starbucks in the 1980s, he reinvented the coffee experience, offering gourmet coffees and a special relationship with customers. Two decades later, in dire need, the company called him back to reinvent that experience again.

In 2007, Starbucks was struggling, a victim of both the bad economy and its own rapid growth. Expansion over the previous three years had doubled the number of locations to more than 16,000. In the process, many people felt the company had commodified its business, watering down its special coffee experience. What's more, chains including McDonald's were entering the gourmet coffee market, offering new competition.

The Power of Positive Thinking

We all feel a little low now and then, but it's important to bounce back from these slumps. Figuring out how to change your outlook is not always easy. Let's take a look at some ways to dispel negative energy and start thinking positively.

Identify the Problem Areas