““Innopreneurs:” Tips For Success During A Recession” by Duncan Stewart (Business XPansion Journal, September 2009). Another round up to keep you focused and on the straight and narrow. Chances are you’ve heard these before but it’s always helpful to get another nudge.  Now that the summer is over and the kids are back to school it’s time to get back to business.

The AU faves:

3) Make it a no-brainer to try your product.

4) Find money in unexpected places.

7) Now is the time to finally invest in the latest productivity technology.

8) For better marketing results, go direct.

These are just the highlights. It’s up to you to consume the rest.

“Influence Others To Take Action” by Stacey Hanke (Business XPansion Journal, September 2009). Another page from the School of When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Revist, Refine & Re-Attack. If things are slower today than you’d like use that time wisely, use it to invest in the future. Even if tomorrow isn’t that much better than today at least you and your company will be. Relatively, that will translate into better times.

While we’re on the subject of influence… “Influencer – The Power to Change Anything” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillian & Al Switzler (McGraw Hill) raises some interesting points. I won’t say I’m thrilled with the quality of the writing itself (i.e., how well the ideas are presented) — just stick to the ideas / concepts. If you believe what they say then there’s the potential for  some simple game changing lessons. Worth a go if you’re looking for something to stir the gray matter a bit.