I’ve recently been brushing up on my market research of the Albany - Schenectady - Troy MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area).  It’s important to keep up on the markets in which you compete. Did you know that Albany is the #1 test market in the United States.  Correct-a-mundo. According to Acxiom’s  last published study in 2004, Albany, NY was the market …

So a semi-thaw has begun in the frozen tundra that is economic activity. Some business owners have reported an increase in productive conversations with potential new clients.  New business is being booked.  There is a small semblance of a smile forming at the corners of their mouths. After many months (for some a couple of years) of absolutely no response …

Many businesses have clamped down on travel budgets by turning to online meetings.  Webex, Gotomeeting, and in-house solutions connect audiences and presenters around the globe from their desks, their laps, and their phones. Of course, there is no real replacement for personal, face-to-face interaction.  But as  cost-consciousness replaces the niceties, online interactivity is on its way to mainstream. Some still …

Is there anything more frustrating than tech problems? You’re cranking out that report right on deadline…in the flow as it were.  Focusing on capturing your best work, you plow through until its done.  Then you lean back, satisfied.  One more look see for typos and spelling errors and then print and deliver. You hit print, enter and then….nothing.  Frozen.  It’s …

It’s almost Olympics time…and American’s are getting back in touch with the sports they never much care about during any other time. So during last night’s figure skating tuneup (for watching it on TV), my friend asked me an interesting question - “If you could be any Olympian, in any sport, what would it be?” “I’d like to be able …