Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to our seminar on starting a new business. I thought we’d try something a little different today. Instead of examining business plans, mission statements and the like from successful businesses, we will be reviewing the anniversary blogs of Global Traveler magazine, which this month is celebrating five years in the publishing business. The monthly magazine, which calls itself “The independent source for business travelers,” has seen consistent growth in that time. The handout now being passed out will give you the numbers. Let’s focus, though, on these entries which have been posted this past month by various staffers involved with the production of the magazine. They detail their experiences; some have apparently been involved from the beginning, while others have only recently joined the team, or “family,” as many of them like to refer to the staff. Take some time to read through them, and then let’s discuss what you see as recurring themes which might indicate how Global Traveler has attained its status . . . . All right, first impressions? Yes, you in the back? Yes, the publisher, Francis Gallagher, is described in many blogs as being both very hard working and fun loving. He does seem to have had a very clear vision from the beginning of the kind of product he wanted to produce, doesn’t he? Mr. Jenkins, you note that he pulled in people he knew well that also have both a good sense of humor and a fine work ethic. I would have to add that it seems that as the staff grew in number, the key was continuing to hire talented, dedicated individuals whose reputations and personalities fit the needs and the, shall we say, “unique” atmosphere of the business. There is the repeated use of the term “family” which, considering that these people work in a variety of places apart from each other most of the time, is quite remarkable. What are some other terms or ideas which are repeated throughout these entries? Passionate . . . dedicated . . . unconventional . . . committed . . . respected — and respectful . . . supportive . . . unbiased . . . responsive to readers . . . flexible . . . certainly, independent. Very good. And as many of you have noted, again and again the concepts of hard work mingled with having fun, and encouraging individuals to stretch themselves and explore new territory (literally and figuratively) rise to the fore. Well, that takes us to the end of today’s class. Any final thoughts or questions? Yes, Ms. Mayfield? Are they hiring? I’m afraid I don’t know, but we should all be so lucky. Patty Vanikiotis, proofreader