Downsizing Detroit: How They Found the Money to Shrink and What We Can Learn

by Alison Bates

Cities like Detroit can find the funds and initiative to make downsizing work by identifying as many stakeholders and potential partners as possible, writes Alison Bates, who thinks that "right-sizing" is the right move for the city.

The reality of Detroit is nearly common knowledge by now. The number of residents has been steadily decreasing since 1950, when at its apex the population was nearly 2 million. Right now, about a third of the city lays vacant. Detroit Free Press writer Stephen Henderson points out that "property tax revenues have fallen $10 million since 2003. Income tax receipts are down $13 million". The Motor City now suffers the highest unemployment rate in the nation, with over 25% of residents out of work. The loss of tax revenue means less money for schools, police and fire protection, and all other municipal services that sustain a city and make it inhabitable.

To read more about how Detroit has downsized itself, please read more  here.

The Importance of Networking and Making Connections
 by Justin Gifford

At some point, each of us has probably been invited to some form of "Business After Hours" or have attended a conference or workshop where there was a networking component before or after the event. What we may not have realized is the potential that these events have for us. Networking is often a very cost effective way of telling people about you and your business. Rather than having to spend lots of money, networking relies instead on personal commitment and also provides people with a more personalized experience by allowing them to interact with you directly. People are more likely to remember this interaction they had with you much longer than they would an ad that you placed in a local publication.

To learn about different methods of networking and some helpful tips, click here.

Embracing the Three "C"s

 by Justin Gifford

If you do a quick search on any search engine, you will find many sites of people who say that they can tell you the essential tools or strategies you need to ensure success. The problem is that all of them list different tools and strategies! Every organization and business is unique so that it is not surprising that you will find a different list of items for different types of entities. If you search for the "seven C's", you will find pages related to leadership, communication, consulting, learning and even more specialized topics like web design and coaching. What I have discovered is that there are three fundamental "C"s that will not guarantee success (and be wary of anything that promises that) but will lead to a more productive and rewarding experience working with your company or organization.

To read about these three "C"s, please click here.