Ruby Tuesday Pick of the Week: International Virtual Assistants Association
Why It’s a Gem: Get Just the Right Amount of Support You Need — No Commitment Necessary

Our lives have become virtual — virtual money (ATM cards), virtual sales clerks (online shopping carts), virtual relationships (texting). So why not virtual assistants? And, as with other forms of technology, the world of virtual assistants is evolving to encompass more industries and skills sets than most brick-and-mortar entrepreneurs might have believed possible. (more…)

Do you know a business that is doing well despite the recession? Does your small business use a company or service that has helped you compete with the big guys? If so, then Lynda wants to hear from you. “Ruby Tuesday” is accepting nominations for companies to profile in the now bi-weekly column, where Lynda Resnick and the executive of the week share their insights into marketing and business solutions for the new economy. Submit your candidate for consideration in an upcoming column.

Need business advice? In “Ask Lynda,” the POM Queen answers your marketing and entrepreneurial questions. Submit your question today.

Ruby Tuesday Pick of the Week: Business Talent Group
Why It’s a Gem: This new piece of human capital infrastructure enables talent to have a different kind of professional life and companies to have the ultimate flexibility

With the business world undergoing a seismic shift, companies need to be nimble to adapt to the ever-changing forces at work. And nowhere is being nimble more important than in any business’ most valuable asset: its workforce.

By monitoring trends in her own career as an executive, Jody Miller identified a highly undeveloped niche – one that hinges on the unpredictable nature of human interactions and personalities – and showed that being flexible could turn unpredictability into profits. (more…)

Ruby Tuesday Pick of the Week: 1% For The Planet
Why It’s a Gem: This mighty little organization makes it easy – and profitable – for businesses to help out the planet

Why are we here? A big question. Businesses should be profitable for their stakeholders and their employees, but in these desperate times, business must also give back. The needs of our society are so great and government is stretched beyond its capacity. A company that isn’t helping to make the world a better place – either through the inherent value of its product or service or through charitable giving – isn’t realizing its potential. “Doing well by doing good” is good for business, too. Because consumers also care that those they do business with are good citizens of the planet.

I’m sure there are many businesses out there that would like to practice this ethic but are unsure of how to go about it. That’s where 1% For The Planet comes in. Read on to learn how this mighty little organization is affecting big changes for our planet, and how your business can join in. (more…)