Rising costs: Health care and health care insurance; expense of staying competitive

Diversity: Multiculturism; protecting rights; immigration and legal employment

Globalization: Competing in a global economy; offshore outsourcing; import and export

Image and ethics: Perceived dishonesty and greed among top executives; shortage of good leadership; community accountability

Employee management: Efficiency; productivity; training; motivation; attitude

Technology and communications: E-mail, cell phones, text messaging, voicemail; offshore support; BlackBerry

Technology and business objectives: Growth of Internet advertising and marketing; data security; privacy protection; e-commerce

Constant change: Technologies; business environment; tastes and needs; flexibility and responsiveness

Strategic relationships: Partnerships designed to leverage skills and products; choosing and developing the right partnerships

Growth versus stagnation: Expansion or stability; trends and shifts; overexpansion