Discover the best approaches for making business decisions Today's business leaders have to face the facts you can't separate leadership from decision making. The importance of making decisions, no matter how big or small, cannot be overstated. Decision Making For Dummies is a candid resource that helps leaders understand the impact of their choices, not only on business, but also on their credibility and reputation. Designed for managers, business owners, and anyone else who makes tough decisions on a daily basis, this guide helps you figure out if the decisions you're making are the right ones. In addition to helping you explore how to evaluate your choices, Decision Making For Dummies covers ways to receive support for decision making, delves into various decision-making styles, reviews the importance of sifting through data and information, and includes information on ways to engage others and make decisions collectively. Being in charge can be challenging, but with this guide, you don't have to go it alone. * Discusses the effects of decision making and outlines the considerations that must be made to gain trust and confidence * Demonstrates ways to communicate particularly sensitive decisions, and offers approaches for making bold decisions that challenge the status quo * Delves into the risks and benefits of certain decisions, and shows readers the best ways to evaluate choices * Outlines smart strategies for engaging others and drawing them into the decision-making process Crucial decisions need to be made every day in the business world, so there's no time to waste. Make Decision Making For Dummies your primary resource for learning to choose your actions wisely and confidently.

The fast and easy way to understand and implement Six Sigma

The world's largest and most profitable companies--including the likes of GE, Bank of America, Honeywell, DuPont, Samsung, Starwood Hotels, Bechtel, and Motorola--have used Six Sigma to achieve breathtaking improvements in business performance, in everything from products to processes to complex systems and even in work environments. Over the past decade, over $100 billion in bottom-line performance has been achieved through corporate Six Sigma programs. Yet, despite its astounding effectiveness, few outside of the community of Six Sigma practitioners know what Six Sigma is all about.

With this book, Six Sigma is revealed to everyone. You might be in a company that's already implemented Six Sigma, or your organization may be considering it. You may be a student who wants to learn how it works, or you might be a seasoned business professional who needs to get up to speed. In any case, this updated edition of "Six Sigma For Dummies" is the most straightforward, non-intimidating guide on the market. New and updated material, including real-world examplesWhat Six Sigma is all about and how it worksThe benefits of Six Sigma in organizations and businessesThe powerful "DMAIC" problem-solving roadmapYellow, Green and Black--how the Six Sigma "belt" system worksHow to select and utilize the right tools and technologiesSpeaking the language of Six Sigma; knowing the roles and responsibilities; and mastering the statistics skills and analytical methods

"Six Sigma For Dummies" will become everyone's No. 1 resource for discovering and mastering the world's most famous and powerful improvement tool. Stephen Covey is spot-on when he says, "Six Sigma For Dummies is a book to be read by everyone."

Improve your project management skills and accomplish more in no time at all In these days when projects seem to be bigger and more challenging than ever before, you need to make sure tasks stay on track, meet the budget, and keep everyone in the loop. Enter Project Management For Dummies. This friendly guide starts with the basics of project management and walks you through the different aspects of leading a project to a successful finish. After you've navigated your way through a couple of projects, you'll have the confidence to tackle even bigger (and more important) projects! In addition to explaining how to manage projects in a remote work environment, the book offers advice on identifying the right delivery approach, using social media in project management, and deploying agile project management. You'll also discover: What's new in project management tools and platforms so you can choose the best application for your team How to perfect your project management business document with an emphasis on strategy and business knowledge Details on the shift from process-based approaches to more holistic, principle-based strategies focused on project outcomes Examples of how to turn the strategies into smooth-flowing processes Best practices and suggestions for dealing with difficult or unexpected situations If you're planning to enroll in a project management course or take the Project Management Professionals Certification exam, Project Management For Dummies is the go-to resource to help you prepare. And if you simply want to improve your outcomes, this handy reference will have you and your team completing project goals like ninjas!

Whether you want to break into this burgeoning industry, or you simply need to plan an event and don t know where to start, there s something for all would-be event planners in Event Management For Dummies. Packed with tips, hints and checklists, it covers all aspects of planning and running an event from budgeting, scheduling and promotion, to finding the location, sorting security, health and safety, and much more. Open the book and find: * Planning, budgeting and strategy * Guests and target audience * Promoting and marketing events * Location, venue and travel logistics * Food, drink, entertainment and themes * Security, health and safety, permissions, insurance and the like * Tips for building a career in event management

Make a difference with company culture Organizations around the world are looking for the "secret sauce" to create strong company cultures--and this book lets you in on what you can do to share the same culture that drives places like Google, Southwest, and Wegman's to succeed. Inside, expert author on corporate culture Mike Ganino distills company culture down to the four core elements that you need to consider when making any business decision. Packed with real-world examples and practical approaches to help you build a culture that drives performance, increases bottom line results, and creates brands that people talk about and remember, this is the book you'll want to keep close by as you create your own unique culture. Implement and manage cultural change effectively Apply key principles to achieve organizational goals See how new technologies influence organizations Retain employees and attract new talent With this helpful guide, you'll boost your company's culture in no time!

If you have a business or a nonprofit organization, or if you're the one responsible for information systems at such an operation, you know that disaster recovery planning is pretty vital. But it's easy to put it off. After all, where do you start?

"IT Disaster Recovery Planning For Dummies" shows you how to get started by creating a safety net while you work out the details of your major plan. The right plan will get your business back on track quickly, whether you're hit by a tornado or a disgruntled employee with super hacking powers. Here's how to assess the situation, develop both short-term and long-term plans, and keep your plans updated.

This easy-to-understand guide will help youPrepare your systems, processes, and people for an organized response to disaster when it strikesIdentify critical IT systems and develop a long-range strategySelect and train your disaster recovery teamConduct a Business Impact AnalysisDetermine risks to your business from natural or human-made causesGet management supportCreate appropriate plan documentsTest your plan

Some disasters get coverage on CNN, and some just create headaches for the affected organization. With "IT Disaster Recovery Planning For Dummies, " you'll be prepared for anything from hackers to hurricanes

Win more new business today New business is the lifeblood of every company and this book expertly guides you through the process of securing more than your fair share of it. If you're a salesperson in the trenches looking for inspiration, this book offers real-life advice on improving your customer-facing skills to win more new business. The structured approach presented inside will have you walking the walk, talking the tallk and closing more deals in no time! Inside * Know your subject * Be an active listener * Make a great first impression * Present solutions * Stay on-brand and on-message * Prospect effectively * Overcome objections * Structure the deal

Benefit from values-based leadership Values-driven organizations are considered by some to be the most successful on the planet. They have high levels of engagement, generate higher earnings, and are more profitable by having an inclusive, multi-tiered strategy. It's a win-win! In Values-Based Leadership For Dummies, you'll get a fool-proof plan for putting the principles of values-based leadership in action--which will inspire and motivate others to pursue what matters most. With many Baby Boomers edging toward retirement, the largest generation in history, the Millennials, will be taking over the reins and stepping into leadership roles. They've suffered through the difficult economic times and corporate scandals of the early 2000s and they want things to be different. Inside, you'll get the framework for adopting the principles of values-based leadership that will help Millennials--and any member of any organization--thrive: utilizing the tools of self-reflection, actionable grace, agility, and a commitment to lead responsibly. Establish leadership positioning and company culture steeped in values Foster employee engagement on all levels Inspire greater performance while creating real impact socially and economically Increase the ability to remain competitive and relevant during times of change Harness the passion and commitment of the millennial workforce Whether you're in an entrepreneur, entry-level position or a CEO, employees at any level can benefit from leaning into values-based leadership--and this book shows you how!

Develop a winning business proposal Plan and use a repeatable proposal process Use tools and templates to accelerate your proposals Get the intel on bids and proposals Congratulations! You have in your hands the collected knowledge and skills of the professional proposal writer without having to be one! Inside, you'll find out how to unlock what these professionals know and apply it to your own business to improve the way you capture new customers and communicate with existing ones! Inside...* Develop a great proposal * Focus on the customer * Know your competition * Plan your approach * Use tools and templates * Write persuasively * Overcome misconceptions * Expand your skills * Avoid proposal killers

Give your business the edge with crowd-power

Crowdsourcing is an innovative way of outsourcing tasks, problems or requests to a group or community online. There are lots of ways business can use crowdsourcing to their advantage: be it crowdsourcing product ideas and development, design tasks, market research, testing, capturing or analyzing data, and even raising funds. It offers access to a wide pool of talent and ideas, and is an exciting way to engage the public with your business.

"Crowdsourcing For Dummies" is your plain-English guide to making crowdsourcing, crowdfunding and open innovation work for you. It gives step-by-step advice on how to plan, start and manage a crowdsourcing project, where to crowdsource, how to find the perfect audience, how best to motivate your crowd, and tips for troubleshooting.

The easy way to take control of project timelines, resources, budgets, and details Project manager, meet your new assistant! Once you discover Project 2016 you'll be amazed at how efficient and effective the project management process can be. Written by an expert author who knows project management processes backward and forward, this friendly, hands-on guide shows you how to get started, enter tasks and estimate durations, work with resources and costs, fine-tune your schedule, set baselines, collect data, analyze progress, and keep your projects on track. How many times have you heard people in the office mutter under their breath, 'These projects never run on time?' Well, now they can! Project 2016 For Dummies shows you how to use the latest version of Microsoft Project to create realistic project timelines, make the most of available resources, keep on top of all those pesky details, and, finally, complete your project on time and on budget. Easy! * Fully updated to reflect the latest software changes in Microsoft Project 2016 * All-new case studies and examples highlight the relevance of key features of Microsoft Project 2016 * Exposes the correlation between what project managers do and how Microsoft Project 2016 supports their work * Covers working with calendars, using and sharing resources, budgeting, gathering and tracking data, and more If you're a time-pressured project manager looking to make your life and your projects easier, Project 2016 For Dummies shows you how to get things done!

Manage and improve your organization's agile transformation Adopting an enterprise agile framework is a radical organizational change, and this book will help you get there without ever breaking a sweat. In Enterprise Agility For Dummies, you'll discover how to successfully choose and implement the right framework based on your organization's own unique culture. Organizational culture is one of the most overlooked challenges when trying to make a change to enterprise agile, and there are lots of resources out there that claim to have the perfect, one-size-fits-all solution. Luckily, this book takes a neutral stance and covers popular organizational change management techniques that you can implement to suit to your unique needs. Packed with step-by-step instruction and complemented with real-world case studies, this book offers everything you need to know in order to embrace a more agile mindset. Understand the benefits of an agile approach Pick the best enterprise agile framework for your organization Create a successful enterprise change management plan Let Enterprise Agility For Dummies help you optimize your business processes, and watch your productivity soar.

Use storytelling to influence people and move them to action Need to get your point across? Get staff on board with change? Foster collaboration? Increase sales? Strengthen employee engagement? Build customer loyalty? Drive innovation and creativity? Capture best practices? Align people around a goal? Grow your business? Business Storytelling For Dummies can help you do this and more. Pre-order your copy today through Amazon! Discover: * Expert advice with real-world examples * Proven case studies, tips, and templates * How to get results by capturing, crafting, telling stories, and more

Drive your food truck business to success While food trucks may not be the new kid on the block anymore, it's a segment that continues to swell and there's still plenty of room for growth. If you have your sights set on taking your culinary prowess on the road, Running a Food Truck For Dummies, 2nd Edition helps you find your food niche, follow important rules of conducting business, outfit your moving kitchen, meet safety and sanitation requirements, and so much more. Gone are the days of food trucks offering unappealing prepackaged meals, snacks, and coffee. In today's flourishing food service industry, they're more like restaurants on wheels, offering eager curbside patrons everything from gourmet tacos and Korean BBQ to gluten-free pastries and healthy vegan fare. Whether you're the owner or operator of an existing food truck business looking to up the ante or a chef, foodie, or gourmand interested in starting your own mobile restaurant endeavor, Running a Food Truck For Dummies has you covered. * Create a food truck business plan to set yourself up for success * Stay profitable by avoiding the most common operating mistakes * Harness public relations and social media to build your following * Grow from one truck to multiple trucks, restaurants, or a food truck franchise Packed with the latest information on legislation and ordinances, securing loans, and marketing to the all-important Millennials, this one-stop guide helps you cook up a well-done food truck venture in no time!

Find workplace success There are some things that will never go out of style, and good business skills are one of them. With the help of this informative book, you'll learn how to wear multiple hats in the workplace no matter what comes your way--without ever breaking a sweat. Compiled from eight of the best Dummies books on business skills topics, Business Skills All-in-One For Dummies offers everything you need to hone your abilities and translate them into a bigger paycheck. Whether you're tasked with marketing or accounting responsibilities--or anything in between--this all-encompassing reference makes it easier than ever to tackle your job with confidence. Manage a successful operation Write more effectively Work on the go with Microsoft Office 365 Deal with marketing, accounting, and projects with ease If you've ever dreamed about being able to juggle all your work responsibilities without ever dropping the ball, the book is for you.