Obama, George H.W. Bush Unite to Support Volunteerism
CNN
Some issues, it seems, still transcend America's increasingly bitter partisan divide. President Obama attended a community service forum at Texas A&M University hosted by one of his Republican predecessors, former President George H.W. Bush. The two leaders met at Bush's presidential library to celebrate almost two decades of work from the Points of Light Institute, which was founded with Bush's encouragement in 1990 to "encourage and empower the spirit of service," according to the group's Web site.More

Be Directive
Well-Centered via Energize
Policies should clearly tell people what is expected. While one would hope for complete compliance with all policies, it is obvious that compliance with some policies is much more important than compliance with others. It is appropriate, therefore, that some policies be more strongly worded and more authoritative than others. For example, there are some policies for which the imperative mood - a command - is entirely proper.More

Should You Upgrade to Windows 7?
TechSoup
Advanced and novice users alike have given Windows 7 overwhelming positive reviews. Microsoft's latest operating system offers wide-ranging benefits, including improved program compatibility, better search functionality, and more flexible security options. Moreover, if your users are already using Vista, they will be comfortable with Windows 7's interface. Yet upgrading your operating system is a complex undertaking, one that requires planning, deliberation, and user buy-in. More

Be Alert for These Credit Card Fraud Tip-Offs
Susan Ward via About.com
Brick-and-mortar businesses are in the front line of the credit card fraud battle. One way that your business can help prevent credit card fraud is by ensuring that all your staff are aware of the suspicious behaviors that may indicate someone’s about to try paying for a purchase with a counterfeit or stolen credit card. Some credit card fraud criminals will be nervous and edgy, an obvious giveaway. But according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Bankers Association, you should also be wary of credit card customers who do any of the following.More

Economy to Impact Two-Thirds of Families this Holiday Season, According to NRF Survey
The National Retail Federation
Retailers are about to embark on the holiday season of the serious bargain hunter. According to NRF's 2009 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, U.S. consumers plan to spend an average of $682.74 on holiday-related shopping, a 3.2 percent drop from last year’s $705.01.More

Keep Your Regulars Happy
Entrepreneur
Some small business owners are so focused on attracting new customers they forget to take care of the ones they already have. And neglected customers will certainly be ripe for the picking by the competition. Bob Green, president of advertising agency The Verdi Group, offers some easy and inexpensive ways to make sure your regulars keep coming back - and get some more along the way.More

Smart Retailers Fight Walkaways at the Checkout
Retail Customer Experience
Smart retailers are digging in and making the necessary investments to boomerang out of this recession and, hopefully, win over the customers of their struggling competitors. One of the largest areas for investment among winning retailers is the checkout queue.More