Kids and Gadgets

In a recent NPD Funworld study, kids are using PCs at age 5, CD and DVDs by age 7, and MP3s and digital cameras by age 10.

Network for the Big Jobs

Only 20% of new hires networked for their first job; by contrast, 72% of those earning more than 100k annually found a job by knowing somebody (Fortune, April 2005).

Small Business Owners Seek Advice

Where do small business owners seek advice? Answer: Individual mentors (coaches) 52%, social networks 51%, trade associations 44%, business advisers 36%, internet 31%, chamber of commerce 27%. Skills business owners would like to improve: customer service 71%, marketing 67%, financial planning 49%, decision making 45%, negotiations 42%, human resources 29% (WSJ)

Massachusetts Tops Venture Capitalists

Top five states for venture capital invested per capita: MA (424.5), CA (261.9), WA (140.4), NH (112.3), CO (96.4) from Fortune, Mar 05.

CEO Knockdown

Former CEOs headed to court include: Walter Forbes (Cendant), Ken Lay (Enron), Jeffrey Skilling (Enron), Richard Scrushy (HealthSouth), Dennis Kozlowski (Tyco), and Mark Swartz (Tyco). Look for more heads to roll as directors get more involved with financial matters.