Five Ideas: Getting Business Done in 2012

Experts share strategies for success

The economy is in upheaval. Technology and the way we work are rapidly changing. So how do you create strategies for success in 2012? See what these experts are saying about current trends, and read their suggestions for surviving, and thriving, in business this year.

“Think of building a six-year plan and asking your team, 'What could we be doing at the end of the last year of our plan?' It’s amazing the different answers you get. Six years from now? Holy cow, we could be doing all kinds of cool stuff. And then once you agree on where you're going, working backward from the goal is a lot easier. But to do that, you always need to keep strategic context.” —Mark Hurd, Oracle President

“I really encourage people to stop being so overscheduled. They need to block off time for themselves where they’re disconnected on purpose: no email, no cell phone, no texting, no connections at all so you can have a pocket of quietude to think. And the point during that time is to be engaged in disciplined thought. Pockets of time for disciplined thought — where you’re fully awake and present but uninterrupted — are as important as sleep. When am in my home office, the way I start my creative time is by reaching behind my computer, unplugging my cable and throwing it across the room. Then I go into my creative bubble — it may be for an hour or six hours, but it’s usually two to three.” —Best-selling business book author Jim Collins

“Don't get caught up in the buzzwords. Look past the coolness factor and figure out how things directly impact the business. A Twitter account might increase sales, but old-fashion supply-chain management might move the needle even more. Put a little money toward innovation, and invest the rest toward improving the basics.” —David Dorf, Senior Director of Technology Strategy for Oracle Retail

“Develop a new skill, whatever way you learn best. I learn best by playing with the technology, reading documentation, and then asking questions. Others prefer instructor-led training, and others like to Google around and figure stuff out. It doesn’t really matter how you do it, just that you realize that everybody can use another means in their skills toolbox. My personal goals this year are skill improvements for big data and the model clause in SQL.” —Database guru Tom Kyte

“With popular usage pattern of Smart devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and tablets, Blackberry and Android devices among employees, organizations need to provide flexibility to integrate with their corporate systems to enhance productivity. Oracle has already provided apps interface and enabled access to the corporate network and apps with VPN access to manage and maintain security. ” —Alakh Verma, Director, Platform Technology Solutions, Oracle