Red Ditto offers "100 Ways How NOT To Run a Business"

Red Ditto is an interesting blog written by a "previous manager" of startups. Topics are varied, and include workplace gems like:

"Mistake # 41: Is there a reason for your employees to discuss their salaries amongst their coworkers?

Mistake #23: Walk in and tell your boss you are worth it (without proven results)

Mistake #13: Evil bosses!" (13 - can't be a coincidence)

Anyway, check out the blog as they count their way up to 100.

Network Your Way to Job Security

getrichslowly.org guest author Brandt Smith shares his perspective on the importance of cultivating your work connections so that you can respond to unexpected changes in your career. His "Seven keys to a strong network" include:

1. Build it before you need it
2. You must make a deposit before you have the right to withdraw
3. Give more than you receive
4. Be open and genuine
5. Follow up and stay in touch
6. The devil is in the details
7. Your network doesn't end with your contact

Read the full article...

(thanks to The Consumerist for this link)

Coworker Word-of-Mouth Strongly Influences Purchases

WorkPlace Media & BIGResearch: "Americans in the workforce have a significant impact on their coworkers’ consumer shopping behaviors - 96% say they regularly or occasionally give shopping advice to their peers, according to a recent WorkPlace Media survey conducted by BIGResearch.

Moreover, nearly 93% indicate that they seek similar advice from their coworkers before making purchases.

Rising food and gas prices and busy schedules - in combination with a higher-than-ever-before percentage of time spent at work (60% of waking hours) - are driving consumers to consolidate shopping trips and make purchases on their drives to and from work, or during their lunch breaks, the study found."

Read the full article (plus charts) and download the PDF study here.