20 Lessons small business owners everywhere can learn from the death of an 85 year old company. On May 29, Bear Stearns turned itself into history. It is also part of her-story — mine. Back in 1976, I was recommended to work at the Bear, never thought I’d get the job, and yet the Bear took a major risk of hiring me (it was 1976, I’m a “girl,” you know; back then, women working at trading desk was an enigma – even in NYC.). Ace Greenberg was the Chairman then and he always said that the reason for the company’s success was that the foundation of the company was heavily invested in all the PSDs it hired

It takes as much energy to wish as it takes to plan. -- Eleanor Roosevelt. So where do you start all planning processes? What steps should you take to turn your dreams of a life, career or business and make it happen? When do you know when to change what you've dreamed up to something better? Start here. 1. ASSESS WHERE YOU ARE & WHERE YOU WANT TO BE You've heard it said many times, if you don't know where you are or where you want to go, you may end up living someone else's life. There are many free assessments on the web that you can complete that will help you assess your career or