Influencer Marketing
Expand your reach and engage with your target audience using this trending technique that blends celebrity endorsements with social media marketing.
Leading High Performing Remote Teams
How can leaders ensure that performance remains high in remote or hybrid-work environments?
Design Thinking
Learn the 5 phases of this problem-solving methodology and switch from technology-centered to user-centered thinking.
Gantt Chart
Invented in the early 20th century, the Gantt Chart is one of the building blocks of modern project management. In this online course, you'll learn how this tool can be used effectively to monitor progress and achieve your team's goals.
Navigating Change Successfully
The working landscape is continually shifting and being disrupted, so how to employees maintain a sense of stability? Listen to CEO and president of Carl ZEISS Japan Stefan Sacre share his expertise on dealing with change in organizations and entire industries.
Halo Effect
The halo effect is often leveraged for marketing and promotion. But as a type of cognitive bias, it can also have a subconscious impact on decision-making in the workplace. Learn why and (how to overcome it) in this online course.
Anchoring and Framing
Want to increase your confidence during negotiations? Master the principles of anchoring and framing to take your negotiation skills to the next level.
ZOPA and BATNA
Understanding ZOPA and BATNA will help you become a better negotiator, create more value, and feel more confident at the table.
Content Marketing
In this course, you’ll learn how compelling blogs, videos, podcasts, and other media can reach customers and drive sales. You’ll also learn steps for creating an effective content marketing plan, and some important ways to measure its impact and success.
Content marketing is a essential digital marketing strategy for companies looking to provide relevant and useful information to support your community and attract new customers.
Get started on your content marketing journey today.
Sustainable Innovation in Times of Disruption: Choices for a Better Society
There are opportunities for progress all around us. The key is to innovate on these opportunities sustainably.
To help identify most effective path forward, you'll need to gain a global perspective to these challenges in an open discussion. How can Japan and the world take action to create a more sustainable, innovative world? Where do you fit in?
It's time to find out.
Social Media & Digital Communications: Impact on Global Public Opinion
Social and digital media have dominated the communications industry for decades. But it's no secret that social media has the power to sway public opinion, and the way in which many companies use these platforms could be seen as manipulative.
What do companies need to be aware of when utilizing social and digital media? How can these mediums be used to better communicate strategically with the world?
Discover what top media and communications experts have to say.
Blockchain
Blockchain is one of the most captivating technologies out there. Learn what it is and how to make use of its opportunities in this short online course.
Mehrabian’s Rule
The 7-38-55 Rule, developed by Albert Mehrabian, suggests that effective communication relies less on the words we choose than on our tone of our voice, appearance, and body language. Learn how to put this theory to use for better communication in business.
Pareto Principle
Your time and resources are limited. Efficiency means learning to prioritize. The Pareto principle (also called the 80-20 rule) can help you identify the best way to use your time for maximum results.
Country Analysis Framework
Overseas expansion requires careful planning. The Country Analysis Framework can help you look beyond an industry-level analysis and reframe your view based on performance, strategy, and context. Try this short course to learn how it works.
SECI Model
The SECI model illustrates how knowledge is created and shared. Learn how to put it to use for best practices, and how the Japanese concept of “ba” fits in to broaden your perspective.
Johari Window Model
The Johari Window Model is a self-awareness framework that helps you better understand . . . you. Learn how its four quadrants can help you identify gaps between how you see yourself, and how others see you.
Sunk Costs
Wondering if you should continue an investment or look for something new? Sunk costs can have a powerful psychological impact on decision-making. Learn how to recognize them to ensure rational decisions.
CAGE Distance Framework
Want to expand overseas? The CAGE distance framework can help ensure you're constructing a solid global strategy in four areas: cultural, administrative, economic, and geographic. Learn how to leverage useful differences between countries, identify potential obstacles, and achieve global business success.
Groupthink
Groupthink refers to group pressure and the perception of consensus which together lead to ill-formed decisions—or even unnecessary risks. Learn to identify the warning signs of groupthink and apply countermeasures in this online course.
Deductive and Inductive Reasoning
Solving problems with the best results means using two types of thinking: deductive and inductive reasoning. In this online course, learn to form a broad premise, make observations, and form conclusions from different perspectives.
Critical Thinking: Hypothesis-Driven Thinking
Anyone can come up with a good idea. The real challenge is putting that idea into action. In this online course, explore how to form compelling, testable hypotheses and bring ideas to life in your own organization.
Critical Thinking: Structured Reasoning
Even a few simple techniques for logical decision making and persuasion can vastly improve your skills as a leader. Explore how critical thinking can help you evaluate complex business problems, reduce bias, and devise effective solutions.
Critical Thinking: Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is a central business skill, and yet it's the one many people struggle with most. This course will show you how to apply critical thinking techniques to common business examples, avoid misunderstandings, and get at the root of any problem.
How to Dream
Join globally renowned author and Columbia Business School professor Dr. Sheena Iyengar as she explains how to approach your dreams with a new perspective. Learn to reflect on what you long to accomplish and what stands in your way.
Logical Thinking
Logical thinking is at the heart of confident, persuasive decisions. This course will equip you with a five-point approach to more becoming a more logical thinker. Learn to classify ideas and distinguish fact from opinion.
Investing & Diversity: The Changing Faces of Venture Capitalists
Is the venture capital industry embracing diversity in investors? Watch global venture capitalists from around the world discuss the state of things and what needs to be done for a more inclusive future.
Servant Leadership
There's more to leadership than driving a team to profit. In fact, there's a word for looking beyond self-interest to prioritize individual growth: servant leadership. Try this course for a quick breakdown of what that is, how it works, and how it can lead to organizational success.
Organizational Behavior and Leadership
Ever wonder what makes a great leader? Whether your role requires leadership or not, understanding organizational behavior is useful for your career. This course from GLOBIS Unlimited can set you on your way.
Leadership vs. Management
Leadership and management are different skills, but today’s leaders must have both. Try out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to understand the difference, as well as when and why each skill is necessary for motivation, communication, and value.
Strategy: Creating Value Inside Your Company
Have you ever wondered why certain companies are more successful than others? The answer is strategy: internal processes that control costs, allocate resources, and create value. This course from GLOBIS Unlimited can give you the tools you need for that strategic edge.
Strategy: Understanding the External Environment
To plan strategy on any level, you need to understand your company's external environment. In fact, your level of understanding can impact hiring, budgeting, marketing, or nearly any other part of the business world. Want to learn how to do all that? This course from GLOBIS Unlimited is the perfect first step!
Using Japanese Values to Thrive in Global Business
Japanese companies have unique cultural, communication, and operational challenges. But they also have values that have led to remarkable longevity. Check out this seminar to hear how these values help earn trust from overseas head offices and develop employees.
Turnaround Leadership: The Differences Between Japan and the West
What's the best way for leaders to communicate a shift in corporate strategy? How do you even know when it's time for such a change? This course explains how Japan might have one answer, Western companies another.
Conflict Management
Conflicts in the workplace are inevitable. But they can lead to positive outcomes if they’re managed well. Check out this online course for a two-step process that can help you manage conflict successfully.
Evernote Founder: How Tech Startups Can Break through in Japan
Can startup models from Hollywood and Silicon Valley succeed anywhere? Phil Libin, cofounder and CEO of startup incubator All Turtles, explains how AI can solve everyday problems to bring products to market.
Women Empowerment: Lessons from Cartier
How can women overcome gender inequality and reach their leadership goals? Cartier Japan CEO June Miyachi shares her secret in this special course from GLOBIS Unlimited.
Marketing: Reaching Your Target
Every company works hard to get its products into the hands of customers. Are you doing everything you can to compete? In this course, you’ll find a winning formula to turn a product idea into real sales. Follow along through the fundamentals of the marketing mix and see how companies successfully bring products to market.
Marketing Mix
Seeing good products into the hands of customers is no easy task. The marketing mix can help. It's a collection of strategies and tactics companies utilize to get customers to purchase their products or services, and is an essential part of the overall marketing process.
The Principles of Negotiation
With the proper skills and attitude, anyone can become a successful negotiator. But first, you'll need to learn the basics to prepare for, assess, and respond to offers for the best results. GLOBIS Unlimited can help.
Negotiation: Creating Value
Want to create more shared value between yourself and your negotiation opponent? Discover how cognitive bias affects the judgment of others. Try this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to master the value of negotiation.
Finding Your Life Purpose with Ikigai
Ikigai can guide you in your quest for self-discovery. Listen to Japanese brain scientist Ken Mogi explain why and how.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Want to leverage Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a leader? Try this short course to see how the theory can be applied in practical work scenarios.
Confirmation Bias
We all subconsciously collect information that reinforces our preconceptions. It's natural . . . but it does lead to a kind of flawed decision-making called confirmation bias. To become more objective and impartial, check out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited!
An Investor's Lesson to Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs have the power to transform societies for the better. But how do you attract investors to start or grow a business? Or to sell one? Check out this seminar for the answers to these and more, straight from a master venture capitalist!
Managerial Accounting
Managerial accounting is a powerful way to measure progress, identify problems, and meet your goals. Check out this course to learn how data-backed decisions can help you run your business.
Finance Basics: 1
For a healthy mix of quantitative planning, evaluation, and management, you need solid decision-making. And finance is the secret sauce! Get the essentials of finance in this two-part course from GLOBIS Unlimited.
Basic Accounting: Financial Analysis
Want to compare your performance vs. a competitor? Or evaluate a potential vendor? Then you'll need to conduct a financial analysis. This course will teach you how to use three financial statements and evaluate financial performance in terms of profitability, efficiency, soundness, growth, and overall strength.
Career Anchors
What drives you to be good at your job?
Career anchors are based on your values, desires, motivations, and abilities. They are the immovable parts of your professional self-image that guide you throughout your career journey.
Try this short GLOBIS Unlimited course to identify which of the eight career anchors is yours!
Digital Marketing Psychology to Transform Your Business
How does digital marketing really differ from traditional marketing? How is social media changing things really? And what's going on in Asia?
Pyramid Structure
Having the pyramid structure in your communication toolkit can not only help you approach a problem, but convince others that your solution is valid. Break away from linear thinking and test your logical thinking with this course from GLOBIS Unlimited!
Leadership with Passion through Kokorozashi
The key ingredient to success? Passion.
Finding your kokorozashi will unify your passions and skills to create positive change in society. This GLOBIS Unlimited course will help you develop the values and lifelong goals you need to become a strong, passion-driven leader.
AI First Companies – Implementation and Impact
AI is changing the way companies operate. How do you structure teams to increase efficiency?
Technovate in the Era of Industry 4.0
Is Industry 4.0 is the next step of human evolution human civilization? Dr. Jorge Calvo seems to think so. Join him to learn how the past can help you set goals for an exciting future of digital innovation.
Technovate Thinking
Business leaders of tomorrow need to harness the power of technology and innovation. That means understanding algorithms and how they drive business results. Discover opportunities to make technology work for your competitive edge.
Product Life Cycle
Every product takes a natural course through the market—there's a how, when, and why customers adopt products at different stages. Check out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to find out how a product you use every day is part of this cycle.
Logic Tree
Logical thinking is the most valuable asset any business professional can have. That's why logic trees are such a valuable tool—they can help you identify a problem, break it down, and build it back up to a solution.
MECE Principle
Using the MECE principle can help ensure you categorize without gaps or overlaps. Check out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited for a practical demonstration of how it works!
With a background in corporate telecommunications, Lisa S. Jones was no stranger to business. Still, even she couldn’t predict the total cost of quitting her day job and starting her own company.
After her mother’s death, Jones was struck by the brevity of her mother’s funeral rites—seven seconds is all they lasted, and though she intended to speak, she found herself unable to communicate anything at all.
Driven by those empty seven seconds, Jones made it her purpose to honor her mother by building a business communications legacy. When she realized exactly how stagnant and uniform email marketing was, the opportunity became clear. Years later, EyeMail Inc., the only company that integrates auto-play video into email at under 15kB, was born.
Now that EyeMail Inc. has successfully been in business for more than fifteen years, Jones is full of guidance for how to launch an idea into an actual business.
Know what you’re getting into.
According to the US SmallBusiness Administration, only half of all businesses will survive their first five years, and 25% will withstand their first fifteen. The ones that succeed have founders who committed even in the face of brain-breaking stress levels.
“There is a huge mental shift when you decide to take 100% ownership of your journey,” says Jones. “It’s one thing to dream about taking that next step, and another to do it. You have to have tough skin.”
Until you have startup capital, you can easily find yourself working 60–80-hour weeks. Jones spent years working full time on both EyeMail Inc. and her corporate job. This kept her up, on average, until about 3:00 a.m. most nights, “running off of adrenaline and that fire of relentlessness.”
Even when you’ve left your day job, Jones warns, you can’t slack on the self-discipline and accountability.
“I remember the first week I got my hours back, I was in shock. Like, I wanted this freedom—now what do I do with it? I had to be accountable for my time and be efficient with the hours I gained. I had to set a strict schedule to still get up at 7:30 a.m. That’s self-discipline.”
But it’s not just a problem of responsibility. The loneliness of being a founder is well documented, and Jones said she experienced it, too.
“Your journey can be a very lonely place. People don’t talk about that a lot, but it’s so important to know. You’re building something, and everybody else might not get it.”
If you think you have the resilience to withstand these conditions, starting a business might be for you. But before you get started, you need to make sure you know how to emotionally recharge.
Emotionally sustain yourself.
Jones repeats a particular Rocky quote like a mantra: “The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows.” You have to have strategies to get through the tough times.
In other words, keeping your nose to the grindstone must be balanced with self-care.
“Taking time out for a mental break—not only reading books, but talking to mentors or even a therapist is important too,” Jones says. She emphasizes that therapists can be a real resource. “There’s nothing wrong with talking to a neutral party about your life as part of your roadmap. If you have a dream, you have to find that motivation that keeps you going.”
And she’s right: finding your source of resilience is vital. According to research from North Carolina University, entrepreneurial resilience usually results from a strong sense of identity or commitment to an idea.
Jones’s source of strength was her commitment to creating a legacy in honor of her mother. Her mother’s photo, always close at hand, revitalized her when nothing else could.
What will revitalize you in your darkest moments?
Prepare financially.
Making sure you’re financially prepared is the next step.
“I started to prepare financially before leaving my day job, being more conservative about where I spent my funds.” This usually meant staying in or skipping things like manicures. “It’s amazing how dollars add up for little things you do. I had to be very diligent about my spending.”
This isn’t something you can do last minute. If you hit fundraising bumps, you’ll need a financial cushion comfortable enough to go without a paycheck for a time.
Remain flexible.
Sometimes life throws you curveballs, and you have to pivot. Part of this is preparation, but part of it is knowing how to turn curveballs into opportunities.
The timing of Jones’s exit from her corporate telecom position wasn’t exactly planned. After stunning the executive audience with EyeMail at a major national business conference in Las Vegas, she was socially snubbed at work and threatened with investigation. She had informed her company of her participation ahead of time to avoid any conflicts of interest, but it seemed her entrepreneurial spirit was only admired in theory.
It was time to leave, but Jones wasn’t as ready as she wanted to be.
“I still needed my corporate job for the monthly paycheck,” she said of that time. “[But] I thought about my next step. I had to make a pivotal decision, and I decided it was my season. If I could be strong and present in front of those 18 companies, then I could be strong and represent my own brand.”
Shortly after, she quit her day job and launched EyeMail Inc. full time.
Use relationships as emotional fuel.
Networking means finding supporters of both you and your idea, as well as building a safety net of mentorship to fall back on. Especially for people who don’t socialize naturally, Jones suggests joining online seminars.
“Watch what others do,” she suggests “How do they engage? What are their social hobbies? What are they doing to give back to the community? You might find that you have a connection there. Finding that connection binds and grows that relationship. Many people discount those non-business connections, but they’re so important.”
And for Jones, “meeting new people” means more than just attending the same event. If you want to actually meet someone, she says, “look them up on LinkedIn and say, ‘You know, I saw you at so-and-so event. I would love to further connect.’ It’s very important to step out of your comfort zone to meet new people.”
But Jones echoes the words of her mentor and retired NBA player Maurice Evans in cautioning that not all advice is good advice. Or, as Evans puts it, “Not all air is clean.” Take care to discern who is genuinely looking to support you and who may be looking to take advantage.
“When I was still in corporate,” Jones recalls, “there was a multimillion-dollar brand that took an interest in EyeMail Inc.. They loved it. But this company basically ended up trying to rip me off. It was a mess. The president had signed my NDA, but it didn’t matter. People can tie you up financially because they have more money. I’m glad it happened early in my journey. I learned to be more guarded about my technology.”
Having genuine supporters will lift you up in moments of doubt, and learning to recognize what air is clean will help protect you.
Make relationships that benefit you strategically.
Relationships can also act as shields against bad actors or launch points for growth—and these relationships don’t have to be a client/provider relationship, either.
Jones was very motivated to make strategic, prestigious acquaintances. “[Nearly having my technology stolen] inspired me to say, if I’m going to build a relationship, let me build a relationship with the biggest brand and technology. I want to align with a partner that’s so big that if something goes right or wrong, I’ll be okay.”
So Jones began pursuing relationships with one of the top names in tech: Microsoft.
“I started researching Microsoft and found their Women in Tech initiative. I decided that wherever Microsoft was going to be for this initiative, I would fly there. I would be at the conference, event, whatever it was.”
Her perseverance paid off. Microsoft grew into an advocate for EyeMail Inc. and, years later, a client.
Strategic relationships set the stage for EyeMail Inc.’s official launch, too. By creating a pro-bono EyeMail for the president of the local Greater Women’s Business Council chapter, she not only helped an organization important to her, but also connected with the Fortune 100 businesses on the board.
“Five days later, I got a call back from the president. She said, ‘Lisa, I think it’s about time you launch your company officially. Time Warner just asked how they could find out more about EyeMail Inc..’ As a result of that time and connection, Time Warner was our very first client.”
When creating strategic relationships, Jones says, you have to think, “how I can create a network so that if I touch one, it’ll affect many?”
More than that, you need to be persistent—you can’t drop connections after you’ve made them. That means keeping a sustained and genuine interest in the lives of your contacts and customers. You can’t fake it.
Go for it.
Not everyone has the strong business background Jones did. That doesn’t mean you’re out of the game, but you probably have a lot of research ahead of you. In fact, that may be true even if you do have a background in business.
“There have been plenty of days that I wanted to say, you know what, I’m done. I’m tired. It’s too much opposition. A younger me might’ve quit long ago, but because I tied building my business to a purpose, I knew I was going to create a legacy.”
Building a business is tough, but with drive, wisdom, and perseverance, you can make it.
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