New Business Book, Army of Entrepreneurs Provides Tips on Developing and Growing a Business through Employee Empowerment

NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CJP Communications (CJP), a mid-sized public relations and financial communications consultancy, today announced the publication of Army of Entrepreneurs: Create an Engaged and Empowered Workforce for Exceptional Business Growth (AMACOM; $23 Hardcover), written by the firm's CEO, Jennifer Prosek. The book offers practical advice for companies to build a workforce dedicated to generating new business, creating breakthrough products and services, and sustaining growth.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110224/NY53844 )

This actionable business book comes at a critical time, as companies of all sizes are starting to feel more confident about the economy and business. Recent results from the YPO Global Pulse CEO confidence index show that a majority of CEOs across the U.S. – 61 percent – are starting to feel more optimistic about America's economy and hiring. As the economic climate improves, innovation and entrepreneurship are again becoming the driving force of that growth.  

In Army of Entrepreneurs, Prosek shares the system she developed to make entrepreneurial behavior "business as usual" throughout the ranks of her financial communications firm. This model has enabled the company to grow, even during the height of the recent recession.

"Arming employees with the tools they need to understand the 'business of the business' allows them to develop an owner's mindset and feel a personal stake in the success of the business," said Prosek.  "Treating my employees like partners has fostered an unboxed creativity that has propelled CJP to be one of the top 35 public relations firms in the country."

The "Army" model helped grow CJP Communications to a 75 employee award-winning company with offices in New York, Connecticut and London.  Some of the key themes and practical applications from the Army of Entrepreneurs model include:

• Core Organizational Culture: A culture dedicated to authenticity, commitment to people, commitment to the business, and continuous effort.

• Commission for Life: An incentive program that encourages employees to align their own financial and professional goals with the company's growth and success.

• Educational "Boot Camp": A best-practices training program aimed at educating employees about the business—how it works, their stake and role in it—rather than simply teaching them job-related skills.  

• Recruiting a Talent Pool: Recruit and retain entrepreneurial talent by engaging the staff in talent spotting, taking a creative approach to job creation, and more.

• Overcommunication: Communicate with employees—by weekly blog, e-mail, staff meetings, and conversations—and maximize technology as both a communication strategy and a business tool.

• Reward System: Maintain momentum with the right mix of rewards (including psychological and financial compensation), professional development, and fun at work.

Every step of the plan features anecdotes and case studies illustrating how the AOE model works in real-world business situations, plus research and wisdom from experts in the business community. For business owners looking for a growth engine and corporate managers seeking to increase productivity in their unit, Army of Entrepreneurs delivers an easy-to-follow and cost-efficient way to jumpstart the entrepreneurial zeal that lies within every employee in order to break through to the next level of success.

Find book covers and author photos online at http://www.amacombooks.org/go/art/

About Jennifer Prosek and CJP Communications: Jennifer Prosek is the founder and CEO of CJP Communications, an award-winning international public relations and financial communications consultancy with offices in New York, Connecticut, and London. CJP was named an Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company, has been recognized as one of the "Top Places to Work in PR" by PR News, and was named "Small Agency of the Year" by The Holmes Report. Prosek was named an "Emerging Power Player" by PRWeek magazine.  Prosek is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio and the Columbia Business School.  For more information on Prosek or her new book, Army of Entrepreneurs, visit http://armyofentrepreneurs.com, follow @EmployeeArmy on Twitter or become a Fan on Facebook.

SOURCE CJP Communications