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Tuesday, 30 June 2009

Strategy Execution Skills

Based on best selling book, Execution, these presentation slides describe the building blocks--leaders with the right behaviors, a culture that rewards execution, and a reliable system for having the right people in the right jobs--that need to be in place to manage the three core execution processes of people, strategy, and operations।

Strategy Execution Presentation Outline:

Redefining Strategy Execution

Three Building Blocks of Execution

Building Block One: The Leader’s Seven Essential Behaviors

Building Block Two: Creating Execution Culture

Building Block Three: The Job No Leader Should Delegate – Having the Right People in the Right Place

Three Core Processes of Execution : Strategy, People and Operation

This brilliant presentation is based on this best selling book : Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan, Execution : The Discipline of Getting Things Done, Crown Business Publication. You can obtain this amazing book here. You can also visit Ram Charan's website here.

Article Source:http://www.studymarketing.org

Managing Brand Equity

The marketing battle will be a battle of brands, a competition for brand dominance। Based on the classic book, Managing Brand Equity, these presentation slides display strategies to effectively manage brand equity. There are four elements of brand equity explored in these powerpoint slides : brand loyalty, brand awareness, perceived quality, and brand associations.

Managing Brand Equity presentation outline:

Key Elements of Brand Equity

Managing and Measuring Brand Loyalty

Strategic Value of Brand Loyalty

How to Improve Brand Loyalty

Managing Brand Awareness

Value of Brand Awareness

How to Achieve Brand Awareness

What is Perceived Quality?

Value of Perceived Quality

Maintaining Brand Associations

This great presentation is based on a landmark book: David Aaker, Managing Brand Equity, Free Press. You can obtain this excellent book here. You can visit David Aaker's website here.

Article Source:http://www.studymarketing.org

Developing Creative Thinking Skills

In business, creativity can help you launch major innovative products and services। This powerpoint presentation is a great ‘how-to’ material on creative thinking. The slides explore tools and techniques that have proven useful for various creativity problem solving situations.

Please Click HERE to download these wonderful powerpoint slides

Creative and Innovative Thinking Skills Presentation Outline:

Understanding Creativity and Innovation

Conceptual Blocks of Creativity: Constancy, Compression and Complacency

Three Components of Creativity : Expertise, Inner Motivation and Creative Thinking Skills

Tools for Defining Problems and Creating Innovative Ideas

Strategies to Develop and Sustain a Creative Work Climate

Some Lessons in the Slides:

Types of Innovation :

Business Model Innovation involves changing the way business is done in terms of capturing value e.g. HP vs. Dell, hub and spoke airlines vs. Southwest

Process Innovation involves the implementation of a new or significantly improved production or delivery method.

Product Innovation, involves the introduction of a new good or service that is new or substantially improved. This might include improvements in functional characteristics, technical abilities, ease of use, or any other dimension.

Service Innovation, is similar to product innovation except that the innovation relates to services rather than to products

This excellent presentation is based on this reference:

David Whetten and Kim Cameron, Developing Management Skills, , Prentice Hall. You can obtain this fine book here

Article Source:http://www.studymarketing.org

Strategic Planning for Managers

This well-designed presentation offers a concise explanation of the most important concepts and techniques in Strategic Management। Designed for professionals in fields of strategic planning and competitive strategy, this powerpoint presentation explores a sound introduction to strategic planning, focusing on the basic concepts and their applications to the management field.

Please Click HERE to download the powerpoint slides

Strategic Planning for Managers Presentation Outline :

Five Tasks of Strategic Planning

Factors Shaping the Choice of Strategy

Three Tests of Best Strategy

Analyzing Industry Environment and Crafting Competitive Strategy

Strategy Implementation and Execution

Total number of presentation slides : 53 slides Some Lessons in the Slides:

A company's strategy represents management's answers to such fundamental business questions as : whether to concentrate on a single business or build a diversified group of businesses; whether to cater to a broad range of customers or focus on a particular market niche; whether to develop a wide or narrow product line; how to respond to changing buyer preferences; how big a geographic market to try to cover; how to react to newly emerging market and competitive conditions; and how to grow the enterprise over the long term.

Company strategies concern how to grow the business; how to satisfy customers; how to outcompete rivals; how to respond to changing market conditions; how to manage each functional piece of the business and develop needed organizational capabilities; and how to achieve strategic and financial objectives.

This brilliant presentation is based on this great book: Arthur Thompson and Strickland, Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases, McGraw Hill. You can obtain this excellent book here

Article Source:http://www.studymarketing.org

Monday, 29 June 2009

Credit Cards For People With Bankruptcy

After going through a rough time trying to settle your debts while fighting bankruptcy, probably the last word you want to hear is bad credit. However, you can easily and effectively rebuild your credit worth records and continue enjoying credit facilities as though you were never bankrupt. This could only be possible with a credit card for people with bankruptcy.

This will however require that you be a lot more careful by making sure that you pay all your bills on time and without delay. You may be wondering whether you should go for the secured or the unsecured credit card after bankruptcy. In as much as it is more advisable to go for the unsecured ones, not all of them will work in your favor.

Some of them may seem to charge attractive rates that you can afford and keep up with, but others have hidden charges behind them like account set up fees and commissions. Others will also charge you some fees once your credit worth increases and you are better able to run your finances positively.

It is important to note here that secured credit cards will never do you any good as far as rebuilding your credit is concerned. Remember that you are never discharged from your list of debts once you have filed for insolvency. Secured cards tell you that you can never get away with any unpaid debts and such creditors will b after your neck till you pay to the last coin. Be informed before making any choices.

Peter Gitundu Researches and Reports on Bankruptcy. For More Information On How To Deal With Bankruptcy, Read More Of His Articles Here DEALING WITH BANKRUPTCY You Can Also Add Your Views About How To Deal With Bankruptcy On His Blog Here DEALING WITH BANKRUPTCY

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Gitundu

Secured Credit Cards After Bankruptcy

If you have just been cleared from bankruptcy and you wish to continue acquiring assets, services and other goods on credit, you will need to avoid the pitfalls that led you into bankruptcy in the first place. You should start with credit cards that are secured against default.

Note that there are secured and unsecured credit cards. If your memory serves you right, you will remember that secured credit cards were never discharged from your list of debts when you filed for insolvency. Such secured creditors will come after you and they may even take away your possessions to cover up for the debts.

Unsecured credit cards are the best because if you happen to go into bankruptcy again, they may be among the debts that might just have to be forgiven. Note that this is not a guarantee though. On the other hand, some of the unsecured credit cards have their own way of ripping you off your earnings.

Credit cards for people with bankruptcy have charges on them that you have to pay to enjoy the credit services. For example there are those for which you have to pay monthly ledger fees. As much as the amount may seem small when calculated for the month, at the end of the year you will find that you are paying so much unnecessary money in those bills. On other cards you will be charged interest, participation fees and a range of other fees. Tread carefully lest you find yourself insolvent again.

Peter Gitundu Researches and Reports on Bankruptcy. For More Information On How To Deal With Bankruptcy, Read More Of His Articles Here DEALING WITH BANKRUPTCY You Can Also Add Your Views About How To Deal With Bankruptcy On His Blog Here DEALING WITH BANKRUPTCY

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Gitundu

Bankruptcy Judges

Bankruptcy is very much in the news nowadays and with good reason. The last year has seen so much activity in the US, especially with rising foreclosures that you would be forgiven to believe that the single largest news maker emanating out of the US has been bankruptcy not only in corporate America but also among individuals. Most bankruptcy lawyers and counsel firms are now in great demand. The economic scenario has meant that even judges have no respite as they have to oversee and look at so many cases and the number of which has not been seen since the time of the Great Depression way back in the 1930s.

Bankruptcies are no longer taboo or a dirty word in US life. People are going into debt just like that and if a company like GM could go under, well anyone can. Bankruptcy judges are appointed by the US federal court for a period of 14 years and they are appointed in the circuit of the district where the judge is stationed. There are a total of 94 judicial district courts in the US and this system can be traced back to the decree in 1979 of the US Congress. In most courts, bankruptcy matters are decided upon by judges and their say is final. An appeal on a decision by such a judge can go to the district court and in some cases to a appellate panel.

This is a sensitive issue that impacts so many Americans. It is estimated that more than 900,000 Americans file for bankruptcy annually and this is really no mean number. Add to it the families of the affected and you have more than 4-5 million people affected by it and the pain and the hassles that people face. It is quite important to give it the care and concern that it deserves so that the problems and trauma of people may be mitigated. This is extremely significant an crucial in this day and age in the US.

All of our articles are originals, if you liked this, check out Bankruptcy in Arizona for similar information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chad_R_Fisher

5 Things to Do Before Declaring Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy should always be the last resort. It is one of those things that you just can't undo and as a result should be treated very much as the last thing to consider rather than one of the first. So, if you're thinking about declaring bankruptcy consider the steps below before you make such a big decision.

1. Make a list of all your debts

Before you can figure out how to solve your debt problem, you need to know exactly how much money you owe. That means getting a list of all the people you owe along with amounts and interest rates. That way you know who to pay off first!

2. Cut down on unneeded expenses

At the same time as you list your debts it is probably a good idea to write out what you spend each month on things that you just don't need. For example eating out when you could eat in, going for a beer each night instead of having friends over for a can or two.

3. Get Use your friends and family to support you

If you let people know what you're doing and what you're going through they can offer you help and advice - especially when times get tough.

4. Liquify assets

When you need money to pay off debts it is time to take a long hard look at your asset list. See what you can sell and see if you can release money from your property through releasing the equity in your property via refinancing.

5. Get debt counseling

Talking to an expert who has seen many people in a similar situation to you is a great way to get someone else to look at your debt plan and review it. This will give you piece of mind and help you know if you're on the wrong path.

Click on the link to apply Debt Consolidation and let an online expert help you with your Debt Reduction today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Santhana_Chann

Involuntary Bankruptcy

When individuals decide to start a business, they often turn to creditors for help with the start-up costs, build-outs, and setting up the new business to start generating revenue. In the beginning, these creditors are often very supportive of the new business and are optimistic about its potential for growth. Unfortunately, if the business model fails or the revenue streams begin to dry up, the same creditors who were so helpful at the beginning may take steps to force the business into bankruptcy.

Creditors typically would prefer that a business experience successful growth in the market and be able to repay the debts in a timely fashion. If the business fails to meet its financial commitments, the creditors may look to recover as much money as they can, even if it means sending the business into involuntary bankruptcy.

Involuntary or "forced" bankruptcy can be requested by creditors looking to recover financial investments in a business or company. This action is often taken if a business becomes seriously delinquent on its credit or loan payments, or if a custodian was appointed within the previous 120 days. Involuntary bankruptcies are usually considered under Chapter 7 provisions and are usually started by the creditor filing a petition to a U.S. bankruptcy court clerk.

Once the petition and summons are filed, the debtor typically has 20 days to file objections to the claim and the case will go to trial. If no objections are filed, bankruptcy proceedings will continue without delay. If the case goes to trial both sides will have to present their sides of the case and the debtor will have to prove that payments were made, or may have to show a plan of action for repayment to avoid bankruptcy.

Involuntary bankruptcy usually requires a certain amount of debt and a certain number of creditors to successfully go into effect. Many businesses that are facing serious financial struggles opt for voluntary bankruptcy in order to ease the financial burdens. Involuntary bankruptcy may be invoked when several creditors work together to force a seriously delinquent borrower into bankruptcy.

Business owners facing involuntary bankruptcy have the right to object to forced bankruptcy summons and are allowed to state their case in a court of law. It is important to consult an experienced bankruptcy attorney if you have any questions regarding the law and bankruptcy proceedings.

For more information regarding involuntary bankruptcy, visit the website of Boston bankruptcy attorney Joshua Spirn & Associates.
Joseph Devine

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine

Bankruptcy, Debt and Spendaholics

Debt constitutes the worst possible problem. It is something that can keep you awake night after night and render you helpless to deal with other more immediate problems like paying attention to your children or concentrating on your work.

Debt is a disease that affects everyone since the economy nose dived into one of the worst financial disasters since the Wall Street Crash. It is at the top of everyone's worry sheet and likely to stay there for some time.

Debt may be seen by those suffering from its effects as an impenetrable wall that is impossible to tackle without expert help and thankfully, these days such help is readily available in the form of financial advisors and debt managers; experts whose job is to restructure financial commitments and make them manageable.

Bankruptcy becomes necessary when such measures have been tried and either put into effect too late to make a difference or refused for any numbers of reasons which might range from habitual financial irresponsibility to being totally without assets or income to offset debts.

Although bankruptcy is an unpalatable avenue to explore, the traditional stigmas of bankruptcy are no longer as invasive upon one's social acceptability as they once were. Many famous people are celebrated bankrupts and tend to wear their bankruptcy as an outward sign of being colourful.

The inconveniences of bankruptcy tend nowadays to be just that; credit restrictions put in place to prevent the bankrupt person 'from themselves'. In many cases, these restrictions have absolutely no real effect because the bankrupt person simply relies upon their partner for a healthy credit rating, and so the circle continues...

The new bankrupt is a person considered to be just another victim of the credit crunch and as such not to be blamed for financial incompetence. The credit crunch is carrying the can for a number of financially irresponsible characters of limited intelligence who borrowed indiscriminately from companies that displayed a woeful lending policy just prior to the worst economic freeze in history.

The next ten years will be interesting as savers continue to struggle saving because it is what they do and borrowers continue borrowing for the same reason. They cannot stop and change the habits that have become ingrained over years of living 'on tick'. Responsible spending is a lesson that is hard to learn for someone who is a serial shopper and even in the credit crunch consumers are being encouraged to find a spending vehicle in whatever way they can to prompt some movement in the gridlocked markets.

Debt Settlement
We can help you get relief from credit card debt much faster than you may believe possible with debt settlement and debt negotiation tactics, providing both debt relief and debt consolidation alternatives, while avoiding bankruptcy, and helping you to minimize creditor phone calls and harassment. American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC): Get Rid of Debt today and Prevent Bankruptcy

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Nathan_J._Marvin

Key Disadvantages of Bankruptcy

Without fully understanding the disadvantages of bankruptcy, a lot of people will file for the "protections" it offers. In most cases, filers believe that bankruptcy clears the slate. Without a complete knowledge of bankruptcy provisions, a lot of borrowers actually find themselves in a deeper financial rut than before they filed. After all, as a last resort, bankruptcy was created to penalize everyone involved, including you. With that in mind, you should have a thorough understanding of the disadvantages of bankruptcy before you file.

As a leading disadvantage of bankruptcy, the fact that a discharge will not always clear all debt is one that is often overlooked by borrowers. That's right; in some cases, even after a trustee has liquidated your assets and repaid creditors, you could still owe others whose debt was exempt from the bankruptcy discharge.

Another disadvantage of bankruptcy is that you not only lose your existing property, including (in some cases) real estate, automobiles, investments and other personal belongs, but your rights to future property. In most cases, "future property" can include winfalls such as an inheritance.

Where Chapter 7 is considered, you will need to be committed to your decision for at least seven years. This is because a bankruptcy discharge is irreversible, meaning you cannot repay any unpaid debt after the bankruptcy has been discharged. As a result, your credit score will suffer and most lenders will not entertain granting you additional credit, even if you have the means of repaying that credit several times over.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be filed for almost any amount of debt. The one restriction is that debtors cannot file another petition within six years of their last bankruptcy discharge.

Another often-overlooked disadvantage is that bankruptcy will take a mental and physical toll on filers. Since a discharged bankruptcy creeps up regularly over time, a discharge can actually have traumatic effects on filers.

In many cases, the stress from bankruptcy will result in relationship problems, including martial breakdown and divorce. Ultimately, this worsens the financial impact of bankruptcy, leaving bankrupt individuals feeling even more beaten down and defeated. Such relationship stress can also lead to problems within shared social circles and, not surprisingly, bankruptcy also increases the probability of substance abuse. In fact, the feelings of "loss" are greatly enhanced among bankrupt individuals.

Such feelings of loss, defeat and trauma often make managing regular relationships with other family and friends difficult. The difference in opinion among friends and family, combined with the feelings of guild and shame, often alienate bankrupt individuals from those who have been closest to them.

Despite the disadvantages of bankruptcy, some advantages exit for borrowers who are overwhelmed by tremendous debt loads. One of the biggest advantages is that borrowers who are looking to file for bankruptcy must enroll in a credit counseling program. This program can teach many borrowers how to manage their finances and, in some extreme cases, can help borrowers avoid bankruptcy altogether. However, when there are no other options available, borrowers should consider bankruptcy... as a last resort.

Chris has more than 16 years of experience in the financial services industry, having helped thousands of clients fix their personal finances. As the author of the Help Fix My Finances e-book, he contributes Debt Consolidation Opinions at Debt Consolidation Opinions.com and maintains a debt-free blog at HowToRepayDebt.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Blanchet

Are Reverse Mortgages Better Than Bankruptcy?

It's always wise to carefully evaluate all of your options before making a financial decision. That's especially true when it comes to bankruptcy because of the long-term consequences, and there are many options that people consider including reverse mortgages. What exactly is a reverse mortgage and is it a good idea for paying off your debt?

Reverse mortgages are loans that specifically target senior citizens and involve using their home equity. You must be at least 62 years old to receive a reverse mortgage.

Let's say you own a $200,000 home, and you own it free and clear (which means you don't owe the bank anything anymore). You can borrow a certain percentage of the equity in your home, and that amount will be paid to you at a specified time such as on a monthly basis. You won't have to make any mortgage payments, and nothing has to be repaid until the senior citizens move or die. (You don't necessarily have to own the home free and clear, as some lenders will simply use whatever equity you may have.)

This might sound like a fantastic bargain, but remember that the loans have to be repaid eventually. If you don't repay them, then the lender can take over the house and leave your heirs with nothing. If you don't have any children or grandchildren that will inherit your house, this may not be such a bad idea. You could use the money as income and not worry about what will happen to your house when you pass on.

Otherwise, you need to be very careful about this option. If you want to bequeath the house to someone you love, then that loan has to be repaid at some point. Also, you need to make sure that you're dealing with a good lender and not someone who pushes or tricks the elderly into making decisions that are not in their best interest. A reverse mortgage may also change how the government views your benefits like Social Security and Medicaid. The rules change from time to time, so you should look into this as well.

If you want to keep your home but have a large amount of debt, bankruptcy may be the better option. We're not saying this is always the best option, but the point is that you can wipe out debt while protecting your home (depending on the homestead exemption in your state and how much debt you owe). You shouldn't be so quick to put up your house as collateral in order to pay unsecured debt like credit cards and other financial obligations.

Don't let the fear of your debt take over your life. Get the facts about bankruptcy and learn how to get control of your debt. To learn more about reverse mortgages better than bankruptcy visit us at http://personalbankruptcyquestions.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Rodriguez

Sunday, 28 June 2009

Think Marketing - Essentials of Marketing

Essentials of Marketing Management serves as an overview for critical issues in marketing management। These powerpoint slides analyze the marketing process and give managers the foundation needed for success in marketing management.

Please click HERE to download these wonderful powerpoint slides

Essentials of Marketing Management Presentation Outline :

Marketing Mix and Key Marketing Activities

Developing Market Segmentation

Product Planning and Development

Promotion Mix : Advertising, Publicity, Personal Selling and Sales Promotion

Distribution Planning and Pricing Strategy

Some Lessons in the Slides :

Consumer Analysis : Examination and evaluation of consumer characteristics, needs, and purchase processes

Product Planning : Development and maintenance of products, product assortments, product positions, brands, packaging, options, and deletion of old products

Price Planning : Outlines price ranges and levels, pricing techniques purchase terms, price adjustments, and the use of price as an active or passive factor

Distribution Planning : Establishment of channel relations, physical distribution, inventory management, warehousing, transportation, allocation of goods, and wholesaling

Promotion Planning : Combination of advertising, publicity, personal selling, and sales promotion to drive sales revenue

This expansive presentation is based on this excellent reference: Joel R. Evans and Barry Berman, Marketing in the 21st Century, Atomic Dog Publishing. You can obtain this excellent book here


Managing Customer Service

If the true face of any organization is its customer service people, then nothing is more important than the training of these crucial employees. These powerpoint slides offer a comprehensive approach for busy managers and trainers seeking to motivate their people and equip them with the tools they need to excel in this essential role.

Please click HERE to download these amazing powerpoint slides

Managing Customer Service Presentation Outline:

Understanding Quality Service and Service Culture

Five Elements of Quality Service

Key Skills for Quality Customer Service

Building Productive Communication with Customers

Applying Customer Focused Behaviors

Addressing Customer Different Behavior Style

Steps to Resolve Service Breakdown

Total number of presentation slides : 59 slides

This brilliant presentation is based on the following references:
- Robert W. Lucas, Customer Service : Skills and Concepts for Success, McGraw Hill. You can obtain this excellent book here.
- William B. Martin, Quality Customer Service, Crisp Publication. You can obtain this excellent book here.

Blue Ocean Strategy

Based on best selling book, Blue Ocean Strategy, this powerpoint presentation provides a systematic approach to making the competition irrelevant। Examining a wide range of strategic moves across a host of industries, these presentation slides highlight the six principles that every company can use to successfully formulate and execute blue ocean strategies.

Please Click HERE to download these amazing powerpoint slides

Blue Ocean Strategy Presentation Outline :

1. Blue Ocean Vs. Red Ocean Strategy

2. Blue Ocean Strategy Tools

3. Strategy Canvas and Four Action Framework

4. Six Principles of Blue Ocean Strategy

5. Formulating Blue Ocean Strategy

6. Executing Blue Ocean Strategy

Some Lessons in the Slides:

Head to Head Strategy

Focus on rivals within industry
Focuses on competitive position within strategic group
Focuses on better serving the buyer group
Focuses on maximizing the value of product or service offerings within the bounds of its industry
Focuses on adapting to external trends as they occur

Blue Ocean Strategy:

Looks across alternative industries
Looks across strategic group within industry
Redefines the industry buyer group
Looks across to complementary product and service offerings
Participates in shaping external trends over time

This brilliant presentation is based on this excellent book : W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne, Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant, Harvard Business School Pres. You can obtain this fine book here. You can visit Blue Ocean Strategy website here.


Creating an Effective Marketing Plan

Whether you're starting a new business or launching a new product line within a company, you won't be able to succeed without a clear plan that defines your goals and how you will achieve them। These great presentation slides equip you with the knowledge, tools, and techniques you'll need to develop marketing plans like the pros.

Please click HERE to download the powerpoint slides

Marketing Plan Presentation Slides Outline :

Key Elements of Marketing Plan:

Outline or Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Situation Analysis

Crafting Marketing Objectives

Developing Marketing Strategies

Formulating Marketing Tactics

Determining Marketing Plan Budget

Sample of Marketing Plan

This excellent presentation is based on this excellent book: Marian Wood, Marketing Plan Handbook, Prentice Hall. You can obtain this excellent book here


Marketing Strategy

A marketing strategy outlines the manner in which the marketing mix is used to attract and satisfy the target market(s) and accomplish an organization's objectives These presentation slides comprehensively cover key types of marketing strategy: from market strategy, product strategy, promotion strategy, to pricing strategy.

Marketing Strategy Presentation Outline:

Market Scope Strategy

Market Entry Strategy

Product Strategy

Promotion Strategy

Distribution Strategy

Pricing Strategy

* Total number of presentation slides: 65 slides

This expansive presentation is based on this excellent book: Subhash Jain, Marketing Planning and Strategy, Prentice Hall International. You can obtain this excellent book here.

Article Source:http://www.studymarketing.org

Saturday, 27 June 2009

Michael Jackson: A life on television

Michael Jackson was a TV star too -- the cartoon, the specials, the music videos, all enhanced his legend.
Michael Jackson was the first great pop star whose career was shaped by television -- not merely showcased by it, like those of Elvis Presley and the Beatles, but inseparable from the medium. He was indebted to it and influenced it in turn. Across his four-decade career, he was often someone to listen to, but he was always -- for better and sometimes for worse -- something to see. A lifetime of pictures came back into focus on the day of his death, as cable news outlets ran bits of old videos and Facebook bloomed with links to YouTube clips.

He first appeared on TV in 1969, on "The Hollywood Palace" and "The Ed Sullivan Show" at the time of the Jackson 5's debut single, "I Want You Back." The sound of that single is astounding -- like Jackson's moonwalk, it seems to deform time. But the song told only part of that story: There is the dancing and the colorful funk of the costumes, and above all there is the face of Michael Jackson, the face of Things Beginning. The song is about a loss, but there is only elation in his performance. Watching that "Ed Sullivan" appearance now, he looks fearless, clear-eyed, beautiful and in charge. That he was only 11 years old -- you couldn't ignore it, and it was completely beside the point.

A family-friendly family band then, before they became a thing of tabloid fascination -- expressed in a 1992 TV movie, "The Jacksons: An American Dream" -- the Jacksons were made for television, and appeared there often in the twilight of variety. (They also became an animated cartoon, like the Beatles before them.) But as time went on, as Michael grew taller and unpredictably different, they seemed momentarily to fade. Things were changing, but you couldn't see where it would lead.

That was settled on the night of the 1983 TV special "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Forever," in which he appeared with his brothers, but also, for five minutes, claimed the stage for himself -- performing a song not released on Motown, "Billie Jean," seizing upon the occasion to remake himself utterly. (He had already begun to remake himself physically.)

The appearance replayed the look and moves of the song's video; he wore a suit of spangles, a fat white glove, pants cut short to show his ankles and make his long legs look even longer. The dancing was encyclopedic, one move following hard on another: spins, crouches, kicks, Bob Fosse angles, Gene Kelly silhouettes, and of course the brand-new moonwalk. But the smile of the happy kid or the earnest entertainer was gone, replaced by a pleading anger that would thereafter become the dominant note in his self-presentation. It was a beginning, and it was also somehow the beginning of the end.

His influence and importance were still to grow, nevertheless. Fame multiplying into superstardom, Jackson not only broke the color line at MTV, which, having styled itself as a visual version of white FM radio, had declined to play videos by black artists, he changed music video itself. He amplified its scale, with ambitious, long-form, cast-of-dancing-dozens mini-movies whose influence is still seen today. You can argue the artistic merits of "Thriller," with its corps of zombies, or "Beat It," with its "West Side Story" rumble, but they brought storytelling and Hollywood production values to what had been a medium of glorified infomercials.

As his personal strangeness began to eclipse his music, as his public career diverged from his private life, he became a person seen and not seen. The videos showed you a person in control, or at least desperately asserting it; the news clips showed you a man in a mask, running scared. A 30th anniversary CBS special in 2001 showed bursts of energy, but he had become ghostly long before he died, pale and paper-thin and skeletal.

And yet the spirit of that first "Ed Sullivan" date sustains: On Monday night's premiere of the fourth season of "America's Got Talent," the EriAm Sisters offered "I Want You Back" as an audition piece, with 11-year-old Haben Abraham taking the lead, alive and excited and at the beginning.