People pay hundreds, nay, thousands of dollars to gain leadership insights that will catapult their careers forward. If you like your wisdom wrapped in the wackiness promulgated by muscle-headed motivation speakers, you may end up spending thousands more treating the burns on your feet after a hot coal walk. But that’s another topic for another day.

The thing about leadership lessons is they can come from the most unexpected sources, which is something you have to be aware of so they don’t rush right past you.

Should You Create A Sales Dream Team?
Since customers are fielding buying teams, does it make sense to assemble your top salespeople into a Dream Team? Harvard Business Review addressed the issue of making star teams out of star players. You’ll find it here...

Freewheelin’ With the Funnelholic
While researching our Jan-Feb cover story on marketing automation, we came across Funnelholic.com, a lively business blog written by consultant Craig Rosenberg. We got him on the phone to talk more about the topic. You’ll find that conversation here.

Dan Pink Says We’re All In Sales Now
In his new book, “To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others,” the best-selling author says we’re all in sales to one degree or another. So what does that mean for those who do it for a living? Our extended Q&A with Dan Pink is here.

12 Things Salespeople Would Like To Tell Their Managers
Smart managers want to know what’s on the minds of their best performers. More often than not, good judgment prevents the harshest criticisms from reaching managers, but Mark Hunter (www.TheSalesHunter.com/blog) shares 12 things salespeople would like to tell their manager.

21 Business Blogging Tips
Social Media Examiner (www.SocialMediaExaminer.com) invited 21business blogging experts to share a top tip for better blogging. The list is getting rave reviews. You can find it here.

The Social Media Conversation
Scott Stratten is one of those rare talents whose writing about business and smart management is both educational and entertaining. He reimagines the dreaded ROI of social media conversation in a video here.

Fay Beauchine discusses motivation programs
Fay Beauchine has seen the concept of employee engagement and workplace motivation evolve over a long career at Minnesota-based Carlson Companies. Canadian-based Aimia purchased the Business Loyalty Division that Fay leads, but she is still plugging away making workers more enthused about what they do. She discussed motivation programs with SMM here.