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It’s not hard to validate the oft-expressed observation that sales is typically the sole responsibility of autonomous agents. Companies advise their salespeople that they will be held accountable for outcomes, not activities. They are paid commissions — and sometimes only commissions, with no fixed salary. And they are encouraged, in most cases, to manage their territories, their accounts, and their sales opportunities as if they were, well, their own.
Read: “Companies Should Stop Paying Sales Commissions”
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In an indication that the U.S Federal Reserve is reevaulating its monetary policy amid turbulence in the financial markets, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said the central bank was considering cutting interest rates below zero as a way to stimulate the economy.
The Fed in December raised short-term rates after keeping them near zero for seven years and was expected to follow up with four, 25-basis-point rate hikes this year. But in testimony before Congress Thursday, Yellen said the Fed is studying the feasibility of imposing negative rates.
Read: “Yellen Says Fed Looking at Negative Rates”
Yellen Says Fed Looking at Negative Rates
The FOMC wants to be prepared in case it needs to reverse course and make monetary policy more accommodative, Chair Janet Yellen told Congress.
CFOs on the Move: Week Ending Feb. 12
Coca-Cola Bottling, Hyatt Hotels, W.R. Grace, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Manpower, Evite, Greenbrier, Healthcare Realty, Trimble Navigation, Xcel Energy
U.S. Retail Sales Start Year on Strong Note
Spending rose a higher-than-expected 0.2% in January as shoppers apparently shrugged off stock market turbulence.
Companies Should Stop Paying Sales Commissions
Commissions aren’t necessary to motivate salespeople, and in fact they’ll be more productive with a straight salary, author says.
Paragon Offshore to File Bankruptcy
The oil services provider is the first energy-related company to seek court protection this year as low oil prices continue to hit the industry.
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