How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying-Business Tips and Tricks

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2010-08-06T23:16:00.000-07:00

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The Secret to Successful Cover Letters

2010-06-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Secret to Successful Cover Letters

The purpose of your cover letter is to introduce yourself to a prospective employer and articulate how you will add value to her firm. Many job seekers feel compelled to focus a meaningful part of their letters on what they hope to gain from the experience of working at a particular firm or in a particular role.

This is at best irrelevant information and should not be included unless it is explicitly asked for (e.g. some educational internships or non-profit opportunities, offering "an experience", may actually encourage this).

It is not that employers do not care about this information, but it is not relevant to the process of deciding whether you should be called in for an interview. It only dilutes your message and may introduce risk, i.e. "I hope to gain intimate industry knowledge so that I can start my own firm."

When describing their skill levels, I often warn job seekers to refrain from using words like "excellent" and "superior" for four reasons:

1. These words are their opinions not mine. I don't want to hear opinions. I want to see facts and examples and formulate my own conclusion.

2. Chances are I have a different, and likely higher, expectation of what it means to have "excellent communication skills" or "superior understanding of business marketing". If there is not corroborating evidence to support these statements, they are likely to go in the "no" pile.

3. These statements of opinion are extra words that make it harder for me to find their relevant skills.

4. If they do make it to an interview, you can be assured that I am going to drill down very hard on this area and see if they meet my interpretation of these words.

BTW, here is an easy fix. Change "excellent" or "superior" to something like "honed my". This simple change makes the statements actions not opinions.

For those of you struggling to formulate a cohesive message in your cover letter, try answering the following question. Generally, this is what recruiters are really asking you to tell them in the letter:

"Please describe for me in one or two paragraphs why you think you will add value to my team. Please give clear examples, not opinions, as to how:

1. Your skills will lead to success in the position we are offering.
2. Your strong character and intellectual capacity will propel you to future advancement."

Good luck!

R. Scott Morris has reviewed thousands of resumes and cover letters and conducted over 500 interviews. He is the author of Polished: Adding Shine to Your Resume, Cover Letter, And Interview Skills.

http://gethiredblog.blogspot.com/

http://www.polishedu.com/

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Sample of a Business Resume As a Model, Not As a Resume Template

2010-06-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

Sample of a Business Resume As a Model, Not As a Resume Template

A sample of a business resume will help you write the resume that will get you interviews. By following the sample resume as a model rather than filling in someone else's resume template, you can write a resume that will grab a recruiter's attention.

How Not to Use a Resume Template

Bottom line: You want your resume to look like you, not like every other person that downloaded a sample resume to fill in. Recruiters and hiring managers will know you filled in a sample of a business resume rather than writing your own. Because they want to find exceptional candidates with originality and problem-solving skills, they'll be happy to pass on you.

Simply, stated, do not copy someone else's language. The templates that simply provide you a sample resume to fill in will not necessarily meet your specific job goals and objectives. Your amazing accomplishments are your own; write about what makes you great.

A Better Use for Resume Templates

Language

When you are looking at a sample of a business resume, think about what makes you want to read more about the person. You can incorporate similar techniques in your own resume, but don't copy. These types of samples can give you an idea of the type of language that will communicate your best accomplishments.

If you are struggling to figure out what will make great resume fodder, as yourself the following questions:

* What was your hardest project, and what did you do that made it successful?

* How did your work on some project help you or someone else do their job better

* Of which project are you most proud? Why are you proud of it?

* What would your boss (colleague, subordinate) say about projects that really helped them out?

By answering these questions specifically, you will choose the best parts of your career history that hiring managers and recruiters want to know about you. You will demonstrate that you have a terrific track record-and you will show how you can hit the ground running on your first day of work.

Resume Format

Resume templates can, on the other hand, help you choose a format your resume. If you have a great career history without significant gaps, find a reverse-chronological sample of a business resume. If you are changing careers, find a functional-hybrid resume template.

Amy L. Adler, MBA, MA, CARW

Amy L. Adler, MBA, MA, CARW, is president and founder of Inscribe / Express and your partner in your job search. She writes exceptional resumes and cover letters that get interviews for savvy job seekers. Inscribe / Express is a full-service career documentation company and provides a 3-day turnaround time for resumes and cover letters. Contact us at 801-810-JOBS to speak one-on-one with a professional resume write.

Inscribe / Express

Site: http://www.inscribeexpress.com

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Top Reasons Resumes Are Rejected - Too Vague and Confusing

2010-06-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

Top Reasons Resumes Are Rejected - Too Vague and Confusing

1. FANCY WORDS: Steve, an energetic businessman in his 40's, works at Sunshine Desserts, a company that makes pudding cups and frozen yogurt. Read the job description he's put on his resume, and see if you can guess what he does:

Account Facilitator, Frozen Food Division: Reporting to Frozen Foods plant manager, responsibilities include: Expediting procedures on plant floor to enhance adherence to desired goals and outcomes, proactively monitoring and overseeing all activities resulting in financial expenditure beyond the scope of the required objectives, acting as a catalyst for technological change, and liaising between all current and future suppliers and associated partners in an evolving yet mutually rewarding working relationship, while seeking a win-win outcome.

What does Steve do? The answer is... I have no idea since I made the whole thing up, including Steve. Why? To illustrate the fact that using a lot of jargon and big words can sound very impressive, yet be completely meaningless. Often, in an attempt to impress hiring managers, job seekers will use every buzzword they know, and write in complicated, convoluted sentences in an attempt to sound educated and intelligent, yet they succeed only in being completely incomprehensible. And incomprehensible resumes get thrown out.

So how can you keep your resume from leaving a hiring manager scratching his or her head and saying, "But what does he do?"

Keep it simple: The point of communication is to communicate. Write your resume in clear, understandable language. Don't use a ten dollar word when a five dollar word will work perfectly. Don't feel the need to say "utilize" instead of "use" or load up your resume with words like "proactive" and "synergy" unless they're the only words that will express your thought. The hiring manager wants to skim your resume in a few seconds to find out what you do, not spend hours reading it like it was a detective novel, trying to piece together the clues.

2. TROUBLED TIMELINE: Another area that can cause a lot of confusion and cause your resume to hit the garbage can is the timeline of your job history. Look at this example and see if you can figure out what this applicant was doing, and when he was doing it:

Jones Widget Company 2006 to present

Account Manager

Smith Sailboats 2006-2008

Sales Rep

Peterson Propellers 2006

Sales Rep

Whammo Fitness Center 2002-2006

Instructor

Vita-health Supplements 2002-2005

Sales rep

No one should have to use a computer to figure out when you worked where, and why. So help them out by at least including a few words explanation when things get complicated. For example, the above job history would benefit from looking more like this:

Jones Widget Company 2006 to present

Account Manager

Smith Sailboats (part-time) 2006-2008

Sales Rep

Peterson Propellers (student 6-week work term) 2006

Sales Rep

Whammo Fitness Center (summer job during college) 2002-2006

Instructor

Vita-health Supplements (part-time during college) 2002-2005

Sales rep

Keep your timeline clear and understandable. Most hiring managers are way too busy to bother trying to figure out what you're trying to say. At the very least, they won't be impressed with your communication skills. At worst, they'll think you're trying to put one over on them by making your job history impossible to follow. Either way, it doesn't look good for you.

3. TOO MANY TITLES: Jason Jobseeker felt that to use ordinary, unexciting job titles was boring. So instead of listing his four job titles on his resume as "Sales Manager," he tried to sound more impressive by going for some variety, and calling himself "Senior Manager, Sales Department", "Account Manager, Department 3", "Division Head", and "Team Leader, Reverse Purchasing." He didn't realize how easily this can backfire.

Your job titles should be as self-explanatory and as consistent as possible. Disguising them with fancy terms could lose you a job: in the above example, an employer rejected Jason's resume, thinking "Too bad he doesn't have more sales experience." He wouldn't have thought this if Jason's job titles had been more understandable.

Keep your job titles clear and understandable. This isn't the place to try and impress the employer - you could end up just baffling him. Two of the most important questions a resume should answer are "Who is this person?" and "What does this person do?" If the answers to these two questions aren't crystal clear, your resume has failed.

So remember - keep your resume simple. Keep it easy to understand. Impress the employer with your achievements, not with your fancy language. This is how you'll get the interview, and then your dream job.

Lorraine E. Wright is the owner of 21st Century Resumes, a company that designs technology-friendly, attention-grabbing resumes and cover letters. She customizes them uniquely for each job seeker, so they stand out in today's crowded and competitive job market. To get a free assessment of your own resume, go to http://21stcenturyresumes.ca.

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Make Up the Perfect Resume For Beautician's Day

2010-06-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

Make Up the Perfect Resume For Beautician's Day

Working as a beautician (also known as cosmetologist) can be a fun and fulfilling vocation that lets you create positive changes for your clients. From manicures and pedicures to hairstyles and highlights, a beautician uses his or her talents to transform a woman into a more glamorous version of herself. Beautician's Day, which falls on near the end of June each year, is set aside to say "thanks" to these professionals of prettiness and even to consider a rewarding career in cosmetology for your own profession.

If you are just getting out of cosmetology school or already have an established career but are looking for a new venue for your talents, an impeccably crafted resume is an important tool used to show you are a "cut above" the competition. Many beauticians haven't bothered to create a resume; so showing up for an interview with resume in hand shows that you are a professional who takes the business of beauty seriously. Incorporate the following resume sections into your beautician or cosmetologist resume and land the job you've been dreaming about.

Summary of Skills: In a concise paragraph, list the years of experience you have and the types of positions held including the major skill sets utilized.

"Licensed beautician with 8 years experience with styling, training and management in a mid-size day spa. Strong skills in creating and implementing special sales promotions. Extensive skills in training staff in new hair, make-up and skin care techniques.

Product Experience: Often, salons and spas will have made arrangements to feature specific manufacturer(s) products; by listing your experience with different brands, you can show that you know the nuances and ins-and-outs of using the specific products. For example:

Shampoos: Redken, Sebastian, Matrix
Perms: Redken, Helen Curtis, Nexxus
Nails: OPI, Solar Nail, Creative Nail
Hair Color: Sunglitz, Redken, Sebastian
Skin Care: Biore, Aveeda

Training Experience: List your experience training others in chronological order including off-site trainings, in-salon trainings, college course work or any other trainings that you have provided. If you are looking for further examples, there are many resume templates that you can use as a starting point for your beautician resume.

2005 - 2010 Lead Trainer, Redken Deco Color
2005 - 2008 Aveeda, Aroma Therapy Instructor
2006 - 2010 Nexxus Perm Specialist

Todd Denning
Resume Locker
Resusme Locker is your career home page. Create, improve, and store your reusme online. Free recruiter blast to thousands of recruiters and free resume upload to over 10 leading job boards at Resume Locker http://www.resumelocker.com.

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Resume Bloopers and Blunders

2010-06-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

Resume Bloopers and Blunders

Looking for a job and finding yourself without a smile on your face? Yes, times are tough and chances of landing job interviews are few and farther between. With more and more laid-off and underemployed workers out there searching for the next good gig, the pot of resume bloopers and blunders has been renewed. You are sure to laugh at these unfortunate choices in wording on the resume caused by spell check snafus or just plain stupidity - just make sure you don't do the same!

Here are my qualifications for you to overlook.
I seek challenges that test my mind and body, since the two are unusually inseparable.
Graduated in the top 66% of my class.
I am a rabid typist.
Excellent memory, strong math aptitude, effective management skills, excellent memory.
I have a bachelorette degree in computer science.
Married, eight children. Prefer frequent travel.
I have recently sold my home and now live in a large RV so I will be able to relocate quickly.
Education: Graduated from predatory school with honors.
Strengths: Superior impersonal skills.
Please explain any breaks in your employment: 15 minute coffee break each day
Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain operation.
I was proud to win the Gregg Typting Award
The company made me a scapegoat, just like my three previous employers.
It's best for employers that I not work with people.

So if you are chuckling at how dumb some job searchers can be, just remember to proof your own resume several times to make sure it is error-free. You don't want the joke to be on your. In fact, it is better for a fresh pair of eyes, such as a friend or family member, to edit your resume to catch any small mistakes that your eyes didn't catch.

If you don't feel like you have the skills to create a winning resume, check out one of the online resources that offers resume templates or head to a professional career counselor for help.

Todd Denning
Resume Locker
Resusme Locker is your career home page. Create, improve, and store your resume online. Free recruiter blast to thousands of recruiters and free resume upload to over 10 leading job boards at Resume Locker http://www.resumelocker.com

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10 Effective Resume Writing Guidelines

2010-06-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

10 Effective Resume Writing Guidelines

When I finished college, I never had to create a resume (curriculum vitae or CV) as the company where I went for attachment was after my skills. I never had to look for a job at this stage. I simply walked into my first job without applying for it. I had to learn a fast way of creating an effective resume while under pressure when a position arose with a multinational conglomerate 200 miles out of the capital. By the time I saw the advertisement for the job, I had literally 3 days to create a resume and application letter and swiftly get it into the hands of recruitment personnel. I look back at that resume (which I have kept for so many years) and I ask myself "What on earth was I communicating, and how come they hired me?" The resume leaves a lot to be desired. Of the 5 jobs I have had, I was only interviewed once. The rest were a result of people knowing what I can deliver and simply grabbing me. I may not have written that many resumes but I have read numerous encounters with tem as an employer and departmental head. It is important to note that your resume is the first contact that a potential employer has with you. Your resume is your ambassador that speaks well of you in all the organizations you may be courting.

1. You don't need to lie about what you have or don't have - Integrity is measure on the day of the interview and most people forget about what they would have lied about. Interviews simply ask about the contents or information they encountered and especially the information they shortlisted you based on. Sadly people who lie a lot tend to forget what they lied about and hence they are caught up in their own schemes. You don't have to tailor your resume to suit the advertisement. If you always have to do that then chances are that you are not the person they are looking for. If it is not on your original resume then please ignore that job and leave it to more serious and suitable people. Your own chance will come. Gamblers or speculators are treated as such, their resumes are simply shelved or trashed.

2. The shorter the resume the better - People are not interested in long stories, when they want such they visit the nearest library to borrow story books. Be as to the point as possible in your resume. Try by all means to highlight what you have in 3 pages at most. Know the things that "sell" about you and make highlights of those in shorter sentences. You can leave the elaboration for the day of the interview. You will not be selected as a result of your being over elaborate. Sometimes people end up having 6 to 8 page booklets with all sorts of decorations and flowery language. Yes, image is important but more importantly is what you have than what you are purporting to have.

3. Know what to put emphasis on - Most employers are not so keen on personal issues like how many children you have, allergies to specific foods, hobbies etc. Do not waste space volunteering personal information which is of no use to the potential employer. Your resume must be able to communicate the essential information which is your skills, experiences and education background. Some information that you put on the resume may work against you. If you put down such hobbies as surfing the internet, talking to friends, socializing, playing computer games etc then recruiters will get worried that you will not work but just show up to login to the internet and start chatting. Companies have lost enough revenue this way and as soon as you highlight such information, you have disqualified yourself to a greater extent.

4. Clarity is very important - It is not true that you will be selected based on how many big words you use but based on how much the potential employer gets to know about you through your resume. Big words should be left for high school public speaking contests. Use Basic English which is clear. Sometimes people who select you for an interview are not even as technical as you are hence they need to tell what you are about without having to enroll for your first degree to interpret your resume. Bullet points bring clarity than paragraphs of text. Number your headings and subheadings. Leave spaces between headings. Do not be tempted to just squash everything in one page when in actual fact you are simply being over elaborate.

5. Formatting makes the difference - Use fonts that are easy to read. Cursive writing is to be avoided. You do not want to strain your potential employer. You want them to know about you in the shortest possible time. Resumes with fonts that strain people's eyes are usually shelved for "later" scrutiny or trashing. Always use Tab to align your work nicely than use the space bar. Information that is not well structured communicates that you do not pay attention to detail, you are scruffy and lazy. Such attitudes can be deduced from the way you format your document. You cannot have a resume in ALL CAPS and with everything bold. Bold the subheadings and the text below must just be plain text. If you are not computer savvy (which you must be in this every advancing modern society), then I recommend that you hire a typist to type and format your resume.

6. Let there be order on your resume - Follow a logical sequence. As mentioned before people are really interested in your skills, attitudes, experience and education information more than person issues. The sequence I recommend as effective is one that has your name on cover, straight into your skills profile, then experience, the educational/professional profile, your personal data and lastly your traceable references. You are welcome to rearrange this as you see fit. There are a number of resume templates available on the internet. Different countries prescribe different resume formatting techniques hence you need to be sensitive and relevant by following the guidelines from the respective country.

7. How updated is your resume - Always print a fresh copy of your resume which shows everything about you to date. It is annoying for interviewers to then learn that you actually left work 6 months ago and yet your resume communicates that you are still employed. It is tantamount to your resume being labeled as a false document. Always check with your referees if they are still on the same numbers and email addresses you have. All the recent courses attended, all the results recently collected and so on, must be on the resume. Keep an electronic copy which you can append, amend and print on demand than print dozens of "soon to be obsolete" resumes.

8. References add credibility to your assertions - You references must be people who know you and preferably those who were your superiors in the various organizations. This is the reason why you must leave organizations properly and not sneak out like a thief. I keep receiving calls from potential employers of my former employees from all over the world. Sometimes I receive emails and in a majority of cases I receive phone calls. Some employers take references seriously. They want to know why you left and what kind of person you are. Please inform your references about it so that they are ready to answer questions when contacted. Do not surprise people by simply quoting their names and not informing them. It is actually rude and some references may end up giving you a wrong recommendation based on the annoyance they face. They may not even remember you hence the reason to tell them.

9. Create hooks that capture the audience - You could have a paragraph which shows that kind of person you are with books on it. Highlight major or notable achievement, ensure that you feel that they really are or else simply mention them as achievements. Under each sub heading also create hooks by highlight or summarizing key issues under the same point. Highlight your distinctions where applicable. Two people who have done the same degree with the same level of expertise will differ on how many hooks they choose to use or if they ever get to use them at all.

10. Creativity makes you stand out - By creative I am not referring to the fact that you need a graphic designer for your resume. You need to spice up the presentation through terms that you use and modes of distributing the resume. Instead of using usual terms like EDUCATION, you could change that to QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE just as an example. The most common modes of sending a resume are through printed format or through emails. Some creative ways that people are using more and more are: creating an interactive CD where the employer takes a tour of the employee's life and work through visuals and in some cases employees host websites with their resumes. While this is a possibility, always give the option for a printable version of your resume as some may still be traditional in approach. The advantage of an interactive CD and website is that you have the ability to "show" and not simply "tell" people what you have done. You can capture your major achievements and chronicle them in a self managing slideshow (with an auto run facility).

Rabison Shumba is a writer, businessman and philanthropist. Writer of the book The Greatness Manual which you can preview on http://greatnessmanual.wordpress.com. Founder and CEO of Infotech Solutions and Greatness Factory Trust. Rabison speaks about success, leadership, motivation and inspiration. His trust works with disadvantaged school children supporting them with school fees and general livelihood. He also helps to network artists (musicians of all genres) to facilitate information sharing and building of future celebrities. Rabison is well traveled having been to Asia, America, United Kingdom and all over Africa. He is married to Jacqueline Edwards and they have two children. They reside in Harare, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa.

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"Must Know" Words For Customer Service For Every Business!

2010-06-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

"Must Know" Words For Customer Service For Every Business!

What kind of business do you own? Is that a question that you ask yourself as a business owner?

What about the answer you give? Have you thought about exactly what kind of business you really own? Is it a sales business or is it a service providing business? Is it a small business without a connection to customers and clients or is it a business completely driven by the client and customer experience?

As a business owner, you owe it not only to yourself, but also to your clients, your staff, your family and your future to become aware of exactly what kind of business you own and why your in business in the first place!

If you spend time thinking about these two simple questions, most business owners will come to the conclusion that regardless of type of business, almost all are service oriented and rely on customers to grow sales, revenues and income. So why in the world are so few businesses really good at customer service? Regardless of your answers to any of these questions, there is one thing I can guarantee you as a fellow business owner; customer service is the key to being successful!

Customer service is a key component for any business that wants to remain relevant and build long-term relationships. The biggest challenge for most business owners is developing a consistent way to reach and provide great service to their clients while continuing to operate the business on a day to day basis. There are very few education programs that teach quality customer service and often times businesses confuse being available and nice with providing what clients want and need. That myth, and a couple of more, need to be corrected first.

What Customer Service is not...

Simply being available and actually answering a clients phone call is not considered providing customer service. That is called common courtesy! Picking up clients at the airport when they visit your company or escorting them to dinner and showing them your town is fantastic for building relationships, but in the end has nothing to do with true customer service. Confusing customer service with being pleasant or providing the basic necessities of relationship building will leave you confused by the comments your clients will make when they are not satisfied and decide to no longer be a client of your company. In a sales environment especially, learning the difference between relationship building and building a true customer service department or implementing a customer service plan is very important.

Your most vital asset as a business is your client and keeping current clients happy is a lot less expensive than acquiring new clients. Keeping clients satisfied with great service after the point of sale and showing true empathy with their concerns, can not only lead to a growth in sales but also to growth from recommendations and referrals. The best was to ensure quality customer service is to implement and teach your staff the impact of using positive phrases and words when speaking to your clients. After point of sale is when most issues arise that can lead to conflict and unhappy customers, so this is when using the right words and tone with clients can have the greatest impact. Teach these words to you staff and, when in the customer service environment or the opportunity to provide customer service arises, you give your staff the best chance possible to impress and satisfy your clients.

Top Words

"How may I help you..."

"Absolutely..."

"Let me get right to work on that for you..."

"Be assured..."

"I understand..."

"What I will do for you..."

"I will do my best..."

"I will get back to you at this time..."

"You will not be charged..."

"We have several options, let us find the one that works best..."

"For key clients like yourself..."

Teaching your entire staff to listen to your clients in times of distress, anger or resentment and discern what the clients is telling you they need, then implementing the use of these phrases, can lead to high reviews from clients and a higher standard of service.

Chris D. Clothier

Co-Owner of MemphisInvest.com
Director of Sales & Marketing
chris@memphisinvest.com
1-901-751-7191 Local
1-888-771-9998 Toll Free

Chris is an experienced real estate investor who has purchased over 50 properties for his personal portfolio and assisted hundreds of investors with purchasing over 700 homes in the last 5 years. Today, he resides in Memphis with his family and continues to assist investors nationwide with developing their wealth building portfolios.

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Some Notes on Customer Service

2010-06-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

Some Notes on Customer Service

Everyone, whether at work or at home, is your customer because we all have needs and provide services for others. Here are some random jottings of information on customer service from various sources and differing opinions that you may not have encountered before. I shall start with a quote from the book 'How To Win Customers And Keep Them For Life' by Michael LeBoeuf Ph.D:

"What is a Customer?"

"A Customer is the most important person in this office... in person or by mail. A Customer is not dependent on us... we are dependent on him. A Customer is not an interruption of our work... he is the purpose of it. We are not doing a favour by serving him... he is doing us a favour by giving us the opportunity to do so. A Customer is not someone to argue or match wits with. Nobody ever won an argument with a Customer. A Customer is a person who brings us his wants. It is our job to handle them profitably to him and ourselves".

On a course I did some years ago we learnt that, "customer care is what the customer thinks it is". But who is your customer? Your customer, according to Brian Tracy, is anyone who is dependent upon you for something. If you are in middle management your customers are your boss and those below you who report to you. If you are a worker on the front line your customers are those above you and the people who purchase from or use your company's services. If you are the boss then all those below you are your customers, as well as your external customers. "If you are the boss, your boss is the customer"; Brian Tracy. This is why customer service MUST start at the top for a company to truly be successful.

"Consistently providing a level of service exceeding the customer's expectations until it becomes a standard". Sign on the wall of a Norwich recruitment agency.

If you were to ask someone what the purpose of a business is they would probably say to make money, to make a profit. But that is only secondary. The true purpose of a business is to obtain and keep customers. In Peters' and Waterman's book 'In Search of Excellence' they describe how the top 5% of the Fortune 500 companies of the United States of America have an absolute and total obsession with customer service. In other words the very best of the best got that way through a total dedication to customer care. Thinking of everyone as a customer helps our self-improvement. Here are a few more tips from Michael LeBoeuf:

1. The secret to winning and keeping customers is to reward them.
2. To win new customers ask the golden question: "What's the unmet want?"
3. To keep them for life ask the platinum questions: "How are we doing?" and "How can we get better?"
4. Whenever you have contact with a customer you are the company to that customer.
5. Concentrate on helping customers buy what is best for them.
6. The five best ways to keep customers coming back are: Be Reliable, be Credible, be Attractive, be Responsive and be Empathetic. "Reliable care" keeps customers coming back.

I will finish with my favourite quote about customer care:

"Those who enter to buy support me. Those who come to flatter please me.
Those who complain teach me how I may please others so that more will come.
Only those hurt me who are displeased but do not complain. They refuse me permission to correct my errors and thus improve my service".
- Marshall Field. Business leader and philanthropist.

Edward Davey has been interested in Personal Development for over 20 years and is the author of "Stress Free Dentistry. The easy way to overcome your fear of going to the dentist" available at http://www.lulu.com. He is also an occasional blogger at http://www.phobiacoach.blogspot.com. He is a qualified Hypnotherapist, Masseur and Aromatherapist and is a trained practitioner of NLP, EFT, Reiki and Reconnective Healing. He has also trained in Life Coaching.

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Small Business Owners - Do You Really Value Your Customers?

2010-06-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

Small Business Owners - Do You Really Value Your Customers?

I just had an unpleasant experience with one of my online vendors and I'm steaming mad. It's a classic example of what NOT to do if you care about your customers and want to keep them. Long story short, it was time to renew an annual service I've been using for many years. Typically, it's a simple, automatic process; I get an email saying I've been renewed - done.

Not this time, apparently they had an old expiration date on my credit card. Trying to correct it started a cascade of multiple, frustrating, international email correspondences that lasted over 10 days (no billing department phone number available). The unresolved outcome culminated in my credit card getting "locked out" which I didn't discover until I was in the grocery store, with a cart full of food and a declined credit card. Can you feel my blood pressure going through the roof?

Enough ranting - the point I want to make is - your customers are the most valuable aspect of your business and they need to know it. How likely do you think I will be to refer future business to this company, let alone do future business with them myself?

When was the last time you really thought about the kind of experience your customers were having while doing business with you? And, I'm not only talking about when there was a problem! What defines the kind of outstanding customer service that will make your customers want to stay with you and send business your way?

I'll give you a hint- it takes more than just being nice. Sure, the staff at the company I was dealing with was very nice but being nice isn't enough - it takes intention, training and a company culture committed to providing excellent customer service that permeates every aspect of what you do.

Be Your Customer

Step into your customers shoes. Experience for yourself every aspect of what your customer sees, feels and hears when interacting with your company. Stand in line, call your billing department. What is it like to visit your website or read your collateral materials with fresh eyes? Is yours a company that's easy and a pleasure to do business with?

Keep Your Promise

Does what you put out there into the world match what your customer is receiving or perceiving? Every interaction involves a promise. Some of them are direct; your product actually works, and some of them are subtle, your waiting room inspires peace and tranquility to support the body work you offer. Keep your word to you customer, after all it's your integrity on the line.

Respond Fast

Don't let your fear of conflict make you procrastinate in handling difficult situations. A speedy and direct approach to resolution builds good will. Making a customer wait for communication only adds to their frustration and dissatisfaction. Get over your fear of criticism and put the customer first.

Be Systems Focused

It's been demonstrated by leading edge organizational consultants that the lion's share of company problems are system not people related. In my case, the system problem was the customer service department was domestic and the billing department was over seas and there was no ability for the two to access each others data OR communicate by phone with each other. Clearly a system problem. Review your systems and make sure they are efficient and customer focused. Are you unknowingly making your customer jump through hoops because the system seems like a good idea to you?

Empower Your People

As they say, the fish stinks from the head down. It has to start with you, the owner. You need to set policy and model the kind of culture and interaction you want your customers to experience. You also need to commit to providing excellent customer service to your internal customers - your staff. If you treat them well; they will treat your customers well. Train them; make sure they are empowered to put customer service first.

Value Complaints

As hard as it may be to hear difficult feedback from customers, it's the greatest gift they can offer you. See if you can make a shift from dismissing complaints to welcoming the dissenting voice. If you can stay open and truly interested in learning what your customers want and need you will be assuring your own success. A company needs to stay agile and passionate about delivering what is truly needed or wanted in the marketplace not what it thinks the marketplace needs or wants.

I challenge you to take an in depth look at your customer service policies and culture and find out if you REALLY value your customers.

It's YOUR life...imagine the possibilities!

Helaine Iris helps overwhelmed small business owners take control of their time and finances so they can double their revenues with less stress. Featured in numerous publications, including "O" The Oprah Magazine Helaine's dynamic, personal coaching style helps entrepreneurs accelerate their businesses with tools that empower, build financial success and create personal transformation. To receive a free copy of her report Learn How to Finally Break Through Overwhelm, and Become a Prosperous, Stress-Free Business Owner, go to http://www.pathofpurpose.com/thank-you-for-requesting-your-free-report/

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

The Top Benefits of a Phone Answering Service

2010-06-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Top Benefits of a Phone Answering Service

What happens at your company when a customer or client calls with a question? Many businesses simply have answering machines and voicemail that they use, and they get back to the customer at their earliest convenience. Customers want to be able to speak with someone though, and most of them will not want to deal with a voicemail. If you want your customers to remain happy, you might want to consider hiring a phone answering service.

Benefit #1 - Less Hold Time

When you have a third party company that is dedicated to answering your phones, your customers will enjoy a lower time on hold. Anyone who has ever been on hold knows how frustrating and tedious it can be. Choose a company that offers a low hold time.

Benefit # 2 - Happier Customers

You will find that your customers are happy, and they will perceive you as more successful, when you have a phone answering service. Rather than simply going to voicemail, they will have the opportunity to speak with someone about their issue. If the problem warrants it, you will be able to call the customer back quickly.

Benefit #3 - Take Care of Business

With a dedicated team answering your phones, you will be able to do all of the other tasks that make your company run. This gives your time to streamline other processes, improve your products and services, and make your company even more successful. A phone answering service is an invisible assistant that can make life much easier.

Benefit #4 - Round the Clock Service

When you choose a company that is able to answer your phones 24hrs a day, you will not have to worry about missed calls, customer crises, or vanished opportunities. All of your messages will be easy for you to retrieve no matter where you are and no matter what time of day it is.

Benefit #5 - The Price

If money is of concern, then you will be happy to know that choosing a service to answer your phones does not have to break the bank. It is far cheaper to hire a company to take care of your phones than it is to hire a team of new employees.

The above are just five of the many benefits that you will find when you hire a phone answering service for your company. See what other services the company offers and what other ways your business might be able to benefit.

TeleMessagingUSA provides professional answering services to companies looking to improve their customer communications. TeleMessaging USA has been providing telemessaging and business answering services to businesses for more than 15 years and provides after hours, weekends, holiday and peak answering services.

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

Contact Management Software - Another Way to Streamline Your Business

2010-06-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Contact Management Software - Another Way to Streamline Your Business

The best suited answer in building contact information of enterprises id strengthening its corporate management software. This provides variety of way in order to create a current database that your company can use in your operational management. It includes formal and well presented contact information such as addresses and telephone numbers of prospective clients, current customers, employees, associates, business colleagues and other personal relationships. This contact management software aids the management to electronically encode and check the profile of their consumers. It is basically electronically driven, since the information management of a massive number of people is involved in the company transactions. It is also available in two types, the devoted in house software and web based applications. The major advantage of this software in a companies endeavor for success is its ability to increase efficiency of the company with competent information management.

It is also considered as an extension of marketing tool since it can aid the company in analyzing the sales, marketing and customer services with centralized and enclosed information. It is also use as a tool to increase customer loyalty of your client since you have a database often you will be able to get attach to their direct needs. It accepts a team teamwork strategy and rationalizes the sales and marketing processes to be more effective for the benefit of the company's growth. It has special tools for collection and analysis of information. It easily organizes the data gathers and set ups priority for future activities. It also has a built in competent tracking mechanism to supervise the conversion of their customers and employees. This is an integrated tool for the business and pursues incorporated communication facilities such as email, phone, fax and SMS to provide automated communication based on information in the contact list.

Contact management software has a user friendly interface with several customizable features that depends directly to the kind of the company. It stores the confidential data and information of your customers. You can personalize the content of the software to make it easier to deal with. It also bid diverse models of pre-formatted business documents, such as letterheads and faxes. It efficiently improves the overall operation of the business as well as the customer relationship which is deemed significant.

Through this software you can easily analyze and translate your sales depending on the preferences and information you have inculcated in the Contact Management Software.

Tips on How to Start an Inflatable Castle Business

2010-06-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

Tips on How to Start an Inflatable Castle Business

Numerous individuals have the aspiration of starting their own business so that they have the ability to be their own boss and choose how much they want to earn each year. The trouble is that so many individuals will not do the proper type of research that will help them to know what type of products individuals want to buy. One that is becoming popular is the inflatable castle business.

People will rent these or even buy these for birthday parties, festivals, and holiday gatherings. Kids cannot get enough of them and it helps to keep them consumed for hours at a time. It can cost a little bit of money to start the business - but with the proper tips and thoughts you can be making a good profit during the first two years.

The first thing you must do is create a budget that you must stick to. In this budget you must write down how much you will spend for each inflatable castle, everyday expenses that will be made, promotional material, insurance policies, and other equipment you might require.

Choose the type of blow ups you wish to sell. Try to have a variety of sizes for both young and older kids to use. The castles themselves will eat up a great deal of money - especially if you purchase the themed ones. However, these will be what brings in all the customers. No matter what you decide on make sure that they are all dependable to utilize.

Now that you have the product you have to advertise your business. Use fliers, bulletin board systems, websites, and news paper ads. Call individuals you know and ask them to refer others. Offer deals and specials to bring in new customers. Make sure you tell them that you are able to deliver, take down, and put up inflatable castles that they rent.

It is important to learn a few things if you plan on starting an Inflatable Castle Business. For this you need to know what to sell and how to take down and Install Inflatable Castles.

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

The 5 Simplest, Cheapest and Easiest Money Making Ideas for Your Online Business

2010-06-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

The 5 Simplest, Cheapest and Easiest Money Making Ideas for Your Online Business

Essentially there are 5 tremendously powerful methods to make money online. These methods were not always available but have only become available due to the large amount of internet commerce being conducted each and every day online. While it is possible to make money, and lots of it, using other methods, these are in my opinion the best for 3 reasons. First, they are some of the cheapest methods around. Imagine running a business for an entire year where your total cost was less than $1 a day. Secondly, these methods are fast to implement. Some of the methods can have you up and running in hours, if not only a day or two. Lastly, these ideas are simple. When it comes to working online, simpler is better and complex is dead.

5 Simple, Cheap and Easy Money Making Ideas.

ONE. Making Money the Google Cash Way.
Google Cash is a term coined by Chris Carpenter. In his amazing eBook, he teaches you how to start a profitable advertising business by using Google Adwords to promote products to web searchers on the Google search engine. The strategy is simple. You create ads to attract interested people. When they click on your ad you are charged for that click. The visitor is directed to your site where you can sell them products. The advantage is you get to leverage the Google traffic. You can purchase clicks for as low as 5 cents. Lastly, done properly, you can test dozens of different ads and campaigns allowing you to perfect your selling system.

TWO. Making tons of money selling someone else's stuff.
Affiliate marketing is the manner in which you market a product for someone else, known as the merchant. In return for providing a qualified buyer, the merchant agrees to pay you a commission. The beauty of this type of business is that you can take advantage of hot products; you can easily create a large cash flow by setting up dozens of small income streams promoting hundreds of products. In other words, the business is scalable. Once you learn to make money selling a product for one merchant, you can reproduce that for another. For this to work, the critical step that you need to master is getting traffic. You can use the Google Cash method or start your own site. Getting traffic, either inexpensive or free will be the lifeblood of your business.

THREE. Turn Treasure into Dollars with eBay.
In case this is your first week using the internet, I will briefly explain eBay. They are the world's largest online auction system. People from all over the world, lots of people, using it each and ever day to sell everything from toasters to Hummers. In order to make money on eBay, you research what is selling at the moment; source that product for at great price and then start creating auctions. Of course, that all sounds easy, but the truth is there is a lot of work involved, especially if you have to ship all those products from your house. If you are organized, can research or can use the software to do that research for you, and can negotiate with suppliers than you can really make money with eBay.

FOUR. Drop Ship It.
The thought of storing boxes and boxes of products at your house may have you running away from eBay. Thank goodness there is something called Drop Shipping. A drop shipper is a wholesaler who will sell you their products at near wholesale prices and ship them directly to your customer. World Wide Brands maintains a directory of wholesaler and drop shipping companies giving you access to over 2 million products to sell on eBay. The good news is that once you have access to your own products, you can now use the first three methods to market them. Do you see the power now? Maybe you used the first two methods to market someone else's product. Now you can get a better profit margin by drop shipping your own products using these same methods.

FIVE. Write yourself rich.
The first 4 methods involved selling someone else's products for a commission or profit margin. If you want to make the most money, you have to produce and sell your own products. An exceptional item to sell online is information. In particular, eBooks, software, audio and video products have incredible profit margins. But, you think, you have no writing skills. What are you to do? Easy, hire people to do the work for you. This is an amazing way to leverage the skills of someone else. Pretend you have an idea for a new software program. There are many resource sites where you can hire people to work for you. Depending on your product idea, you can get the software coded for $100, $200, maybe even $300. Then the product is yours to resell. You can keep 100% of the profits. You can do the same thing writing a book. Writing is not that hard. Maybe you produce a newsletter. You could combine your articles into an informational eBook. As with software, you can even hire a ghost writer to do the work for you. Once you have your product, you can enlist the power of a site like Clickbank to help you sell it.

There you have it. The 5 best ways of making money online. It is now up to you to master one or more of these ideas. A great idea is to start with one method and become masterful at it. Next, spread out to another and then another. Next thing you know, you will have streams on income flowing into your business.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com

Making Money With Facebook: Get Your Thoughts Together

2010-06-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

Making Money With Facebook: Get Your Thoughts Together

‘Hobbies turning into vocation and then lead the way to success and harmony, our strengths can be utilized in the utmost realization. Due to the technology driven society there is a constant need for change. It has been observed that hundreds and thousands of working people around the globe. It is proven that no on has ever experienced anything more stimulating than now. There is no limitation on what the person wants to do like crafts or just about anything creative to selling ones ideas without having to look for anyother place other than ones computer. As anyone can just make money on the internet it is becoming more and more popular. More and more people are now discussing the topic of making money with facebook. The trends are changing fast and times might change to making people get more virtual and not go for the physical shopping.

Initially to start with it is an accepted fact that making money online has always involved a lot of commitment and proper planning. It is possible that one can make cash through the marketplace at Facebook. The concept of selling things and making money with facebook is surely worth doing. Anything can be sold here ranging from books to an AC. There are many free applications available on facebook that can be used to make your facebook profile more professional and worth visiting.

Facebook also permits showcasing ones ads and make money out of it. It is essential that one has a balanced approach to this website as it is not a complete business website. There are many victorious people now due to the use of Adsense and PPC advertising techniques. You can also permit the companies ads to be placed on your facebook page. This thought inspires promotion various schemes to each other. If you have a long list of friends on your profile, then they would surely be willing to check out what product you are promoting. It eases the process of making money as commissions by selling others products. Only time will reveal its increased importance in future given the kind of gush this technique is giving right. Facebook has a lot of such applications that help one to make money on it.

If you are a software developer, then you have got another way to make money on facebook. One can certainly make a lot of sales if only their application is very good. Facebook has over 250 million users. Therefore, you can take advantage of this widening network

There is no end to the discussion however we need to keep on exploring more so as to successfully keep on making money with facebook. Author is an avid writer on money making topics like making money with facebook and make money through facebook.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com

The Best Money Making Ideas

2010-06-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

The Best Money Making Ideas

Many people have been hit by the recessionary trend and have been rendered jobless. Every body is determined for some further cash lately as dwelling bills have gone by means of the roof. The internet is an ideal avenue for earning profits however it's worthwhile to be guided correctly by somebody who is aware of concerning the intricacies involved in web based business. You would get your concepts from which is a dependable website that repeatedly offers useful info on the net primarily based businesses. You would be amazed at the simple money making ideas steered by this website which might work wonderfully. When you've got a pc with internet connection at residence then you can get home based mostly business ideas from that work properly and produce you constant returns. Affiliate internet marketing is recommended as top-of-the-line money making ideas by this website. An individual could use his close circle of buddies and relations to begin this business that needs no investment. He might sell a product or service of a company by appearing as a middleman. Initially he might sell to his close circle but soon the contacts would enhance and he would be promoting to an ever widening circle of customers. He can be paid a handsome fee for his sales. The commission can be paid as a share of sales and so the earnings could be extra as the gross sales quantity increases. There is no restrict for the earnings and so the financial desires of the one who sells the products would be achieved fairly soon. Sensible ideas to promote the products and services sooner and earn more cash every month are provided by the web site . It's urged that linking the services and products to the particular person's own website or blog would produce better results. A person could also use these money making ideas to be secure from scamsters on the web.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com

About The Author:

I love to write more articles.

How to Stay Focused in Online Business

2010-06-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

How to Stay Focused in Online Business

By Alexander Osias

Like social networking sites, internet marketing is very common these days. It is the reason why more and more businessmen are now trying their luck in online marketing. Although the aspiring web-based business owners are serious with their goal- to make money online- there are still time when they can't control themselves and get tempted to spend more time in extracurricular web surfing than doing things related to their business.

If you're planning to build an online business, make sure you are capable of controlling yourself from temptations; or else, you want to lose the chance to make bunch of money in web-based marketing. If you want your dream online business to be successful, focus your attention in improving and promoting your site to gain more sales. The following are helpful tips for people who are keen in joining social networking sites but want to venture on web-based marketing.

Tip #1

Before opening the internet browser, make sure you have a list of things to do, which are all related for your business. As much as possible, avoid surfing the net without the list on your hand. This will surely help you focus on doing tasks for your business and avoid useless web surfing.

Tip #2

Set a time frame for each task included on your list. For instance, set 10 to 15 minutes for reading emails. Remember, set enough time to do all the tasks and avoid setting too short time limit. Also, refrain from rushing when doing the tasks. Instead, do them easily and carefully.

Tip #3

Reward yourself with additional web browsing time once you've already done with your tasks. Enjoy participating social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, or Plurk after finishing your work for the day.

Tip #4

Always keep in mind that you need to treat your web-based business like an actual one. Avoid vacuuming, washing the dishes, or doing any household chores during the time scheduled for doing your obligations in online marketing.

By doing the simply but helpful tips mentioned above, you can be one of those who tried and succeed in internet marketing without compromising your right to enjoy participating social networking sites. Remember, the success of your business depends on your hard work.

Alexander Osias works as a marketing specialist for a company that specializes in background check. With his expertise in the said field, he makes sure that his company can provide comprehensive results every time you have to avail their services through the net.Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Osias

Do's and Don'ts While Shopping Online

2010-06-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

Do's and Don'ts While Shopping Online

By Jennifer Rybel

Online shopping has become the first preference for all of us when we need to buy something. We prefer to buy online rather than to go to the local mall, wander around in the midst of crowd, wait in the long queue for your turn to pay the bill, and end up with parking trouble at the end of it all. But, when it comes to online shopping, whether you are actually buying, just browsing or comparing prices and products its fun, fast and easy. The only part that you need to pay attention to is the security measures while making the purchases and funds transactions. If one is careful and uses a few smart shopping tips and security tools, then shopping online can be just as safe as shopping at the mall.

There are certain "Do's" and some "Don'ts" when it comes to online shopping and making monetary transactions. These "Do's" and "Don'ts" should be kept in mind while making purchases using coupon codes, promo codes and several sites offering online cash back and rebates. These Do's and Don'ts are:

Do:

1. Basic Groundwork: If you're shopping on a website for the first time, then take a moment to read about the website. Before clicking on buy, read the terms and conditions that are given in small letters before purchase and transactions happen. If you are using coupon codes, promo codes or cash back, then you should be more careful in reading the conditions.

2. Prefer to Pay by Credit card: Online payment services offer some protection as well. While making your online payments you should always give your credit card first preference as it increases the degree of security. And even if your Credit card is misused or stolen, the law will facilitate in reducing your financial liability to a minimum.

3. Prefer to Buy from an Encrypted website: An encrypted website secures your fund transfers by coding your personal information.

4. Read Policies before purchase: It is a good habit to read terms and conditions and website policies before making any online purchase. A secured and trusted website always disclaims their policies in direct and obvious words. Never jump to buy the products without reading policies of the website seller.

5. Use Latest Computer security tools: Your computer system should always be equipped with the latest antivirus and security tools that effectively prevent malware and spy ware from damaging your computers.

6. Always check your bill statements for purchases made: Last but not the least always check your credit card statement for that month to reconfirm the amount you paid for the online purchase.

Don't:

1. Buy from spammers: Be alert to those e mails that give you instant cash back and discounts on providing Credit card information. They are generally spammers and scammers looking for a quick buck. It's always a risky deal.

2. Pay by debit card, cash, or wire transfer: Try to avoid paying from Debit card or cash until and unless it is inevitable. As it would directly take funds from your bank account and there is no liability of the bank if fraud occurs.

3. Buy from uncertified websites: your personal and financial information should not be at risk at any point. Don't compromise & buy from uncertified websites where hackers are waiting to track your information to deceive you.

4. Buy from a web site that you're not comfortable with: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. At any time you don't feel comfortable buying from the website, abort the process right there. Sometime intuition is more reliable then what we see.

5. Forget to scrutinize your new purchase on delivery: As soon as you receive your order check it completely and if you find any defect communicate to your seller immediately for replacements or refunds.

Hope and wish you a Happy online shopping experience.

Jennifer Rybel is a Marketing Associate at Pennyful.com. Pennyful.com is an online coupons & cash back shopping portal designed to simplify your shopping experience, maximize your savings, and make sure you have an exciting and comfortable experience every time you shop online. The whole process is simplified and made enjoyable, and it's quite addictive really. Pennyful.com has great features that other such website do not have, and it's surely worth a visit. Pennyful.com assures that your online shopping experience is safe, secure & transparent.Always remember, shop smart when you're shopping online. It's the smart thing to do, and it's easy. Your shopping journey is enjoyable and secure at Pennyful.com

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

2010-06-30T09:26:00.002-07:00

The Number 1 Secret of Success

Do you know what one of the key secrets of success is - what makes people successful in business, sport or any other aspect of their lives? Let me come back to that in a minute.

Ever since I discovered that I wasn't invincible and that my body would fall apart over time, I've been a member of a gym. I've attended regularly over the past fifteen years and my body deterioration is almost being kept in check.

However I've always noticed a lot of new faces at the gym, some of which seem to disappear over a short period of time. Most gyms and health clubs have a high turnover of members or "churn" as the marketing people like to call it. One club I know of loses around fifty members a month and has to work hard to sign up that number just for the business to stand still.

It's not that these gyms offer a poor service, on the contrary - it's because the members - "give up."

New members join to lose weight or to get fit. They then torture themselves on the rowing machines and all the other instruments of agony. If, after a few weeks of sweat and pain, they don't see any visible result - they give up.

You're probably away ahead of me on this; because the key secret of success that I mentioned earlier is this - NEVER EVER GIVE UP. This is what separates the winners from the losers in business, in sport and in life - this is what success is all about.

If you have a mountain to climb either literally or figuratively and you reach an obstacle - don't give up. Find another way round - even go back a short distance and come at the situation from another direction.

Whatever it is you're trying to achieve, whatever success you want - never give up! Make mistakes - fall down - get up - fall down - but get up and try again.

So there you have it - If you want success remember what Winston Churchill once said - "Never - Never - Never give up!"

Discover how you can generate more business without having to cold call!
Alan Fairweather -"The Motivation Doctor" - is the author of "How to get More Sales Without Selling" To receive your free newsletter and free ebooks, visit: http://www.howtogetmoresales.com

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Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above. If you need additional articles, check out my article archive for fresh, new content you can use on your website or in your ezine - FREE http://www.howtogetmoresales.com/Free%20stuff.htm

Source: http://www.websition.com/

2010-06-30T09:26:00.001-07:00

Sustaining Growth in Your Business

What gets measured gets done.

How do you keep your business growing? How do you ensure the health of your business and your personal income against threats from competition, market cycles, commission payout changes, regulation of all kinds, and the human threat of complacency?

The answer isn’t to run faster on the same treadmill. The laws of physics say you can maintain a steady speed and still accelerate by changing direction. Since you’re already traveling at top speed in your business and personal life, you can get the acceleration you need by making small changes in the direction you’re taking. It’s hard to foresee what those changes will be, but they will reveal themselves if you regularly devote some time to thinking and working on your business, not just in your business. A professional is constantly learning and improving through reading, professional education (an annual requirement in some professions), research etc. Coaching is a very personal and effective means of keeping a perspective on what’s happening and “noodling” with someone else what your growth options are. Without a second perspective you sometimes “can’t see the forest for the trees.” The top professionals in sports and business have a coach or mentor they trust to help them improve their game.

I use a simple set of questions with my clients. These questions focus attention on the gap between what clients know and what they do. Whether my coaching is only once a month or as often as once a week, these questions apply. Try them yourself -- or with a coach -- to see their power.

Self-Coaching Questions
Begin by writing the completion of these “Sustainment Statements” every week. I recommend a weekly period to give them urgency and to help maintain your momentum. Feedback on a weekly basis is more effective than it is over a longer period of time.

Sustainment Statements

For the next week I will …… (Be very specific)

So that ….. (What is the outcome and benefit?)

The results will look like this ….. (If you can’t describe it, how will you know it happened?)

After the first week you ask, “What have I done to make progress in …”

How well or how much did I do (rate yourself 1-5)

What will I do next? __________ (pick your next step toward a certain goal or direction)

So that …

The results will look like this …

Next, find someone to “check your homework.” Who is going to keep you on track? I began offering a tickler service to clients who want to do self-coaching in addition to using my regular coaching services. Repeating this questioning process weekly will make weekly improvements to your business. If you want to make regular progress, get someone or something you are accountable to weekly.

About the Author

Bob Lodie is a speaker, business strategy coach and consultant to financial advisors. He is author of Three Steps to Million Dollar Production and Personal Success from the Inside Out. He can be reached at bob@boblodie.com or direct at 310-552-6064

Source: http://www.websition.com/

Making Money By Outsourcing

2010-06-30T09:25:00.001-07:00

Making Money By Outsourcing

So you are thinking to yourself "how can I expand my operation, do more business and make more money?". If you are thinking this right now and are in the web design or webhosting fields then Outsourcing might be for you. Now this is not to say that other companies or businesses can't do outsourcing work. The reasons I give web design and webhosting as examples is they are sort of related. You can't have a site up without hosting in return you really don't need hosting unless you have a site up.

Now you may be thinking what steps do you need to get started on expanding via outsourcing. Well the very first thing for you to do is to see if you have a good clients base where you are:

-Unable to keep up with the work.

-Unable to do the work yourself(in the case you run a website that gets alot of request but have no knowledge in website design).

-Can do website and graphic works but you have no clue about programming.

Anyone of these situations can leave you looking to outsource your business. Especially when you design websites but can not code them in anything but html(which your clients might need it coded in php and mysql). Not being able to offer your clients a complete solution may cause them to go another developer. Which in turn can cause you to lose projects in the $X,XXX range.

Now that you have decided to turn to outsourcing, you need to find a reliable team of developers. Whether they are website designers, programmers or both. You will need to know that they can do the work, are reliable and trustworthy. Make sure when you do this search that you follow these simple rules and check on some things. Such as:

-Make sure you can contact them multiple ways and that they will contact you back in a reasonable amount of time.

-Get samples of their work.

-Ask for references.

-Get their rates.

-Find out their years of experience.

-Make sure they are willing to sign a contract.

-Find out how much work they can handle, what languages they program in, as well as their team size.

-It is all right to give them a deposit but limit it to 25-50% and don't pay anymore until the project is complete. If you want to break it down into milestones you can, but do it in either 10% or 20% increments. Make sure the milestones are set out in the contract.

These things will protect you.

The next thing you are going to want to do before taking on any projects is start with a test project. This will allow you to try out your new team as well as see what type of markup on projects you will get. This will definitely show you what problems if any you might face with the new team. It will also show you if there is a significant enough markup for you to make it worth your time to outsource.

The final step you are going to need to do is to put in place a fluent system to monitor clients, emails and your team. This will definitely help when updates are needed to be done. A project management system will allow your clients and your team to talk to each other without revealing any personnel contact information. Which will save you from having your clients stolen from you. Also make sure you monitor all contact so that you can be sure you can trust who you are doing business with.

Just remember to take outsourcing one step at a time.

Anthony Jewell has over 6 Years experience in the Web & Graphics World. You can visit my business at http://www.logo2d.com

Source: http://www.websition.com/

How To Improve Business Results

2010-06-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

How To Improve Business Results

Every person managing a business aims to be successful. Success is defined in their own terms, with each person establishing unique goals, whether those goals are meticulously well defined or less well articulated. But success is not just reaching the goal at the end of the process, it also involves how well we are doing along the way.

One thing is certain. Success does not just happen; it comes to those who are able to use their environment and shape their circumstances to allow them to achieve the results they want. Two things are apparent. Success entails knowing firstly, where we are going and secondly, where we are now. In having goals it must be said that the more clearly defined the goals are, the easier it is to develop the means to achieving them. In business, goals are defined by establishing clear business objectives. The means to reaching those objectives is defined in a strategic business plan. This is an important tool no business should be without. After all, "nobody plans to fail, they just fail to plan".

To establish where we are along the way, we must be able to quantify our objectives and develop a method to measure our performance on the same basis. One of the major measurement tools in business today, the profit and loss statement, is derived from the double entry bookkeeping system used by accountants. This system was developed in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, however it was not fully documented until a Franciscan monk named Luca Pacioli published a treatise on it in the year 1494. The system in use today is virtually unchanged from that described by Pacioli 500 years ago. For many small businesses, this system of accounting is the only measurement tool they use. For most, financial statements produced from this system are presented in a form that has been developed for the benefit of the taxation department and other users who are external to the business, such as bank managers and external shareholders. This means that as management tools they are of limited use. After all, how many other 500 year old tools do you use in your business?

In recent years there has been a number of advances in this area. Just as having objectives more clearly defined improves our ability to reach them, measuring performance more specifically enhances our ability to identify ways to improve results. One way to achieve this is simply to measure performance more often. The traditional annual financial reporting sought by small business owners, has been shown to be a less than adequate tool for managing performance. The business owner would see the accountant at the end of the financial year to find out how the business performed for the previous year, by which time it was too late to do anything about the result. More frequent financial reports provide the opportunity to identify negative trends earlier and take appropriate action. However this is still a reactive, rather than a pro-active, approach.

In order to use the environment and actively shape circumstances to our own advantage, we need to first have specific objectives and then receive feedback as quickly as possible after the event. The more specific that feedback is about unique aspects of the performance, the more precisely we are able to pin-point areas to create improvements.

Like that other ancient invention, the wheel, the double entry accounting system has not yet outlived its usefulness. It just needs to be used more appropriately for this modern era. We need to use the information that can be derived from this system as the raw materials for the management tools that are now available, the end product being useful performance measurements that give us the information to be able to make intelligent management decisions to improve performance, rather than rely solely on gut feelings and intuition.

When we boil it all down, most performance improvement comes about by being able to achieve a competitive edge. This means we need to discover a way to intervene, to affect the circumstances or create an environment that is slightly more favourable to our point of view. The most common outcome we seek is to create a situation which is more economically advantageous to us.

Accountants have always told us we need to increase our revenues and reduce our costs. There are now management tools available to help us find practical ways to do this. Our goal in management is to find ways in our business to become more effective and productive. One new tool has been developed, namely, ACTIVITY BASED COST MANAGEMENT, which allows us to focus on the key factors that drive the business. To reduce costs or increase value, there needs to be a management accounting focus, rather than the old financial accounting approach. Under conventional accounting, costs are recorded by category, e.g. wages, rent, advertising, power, etc., and then allocated to profit centres (products, floor space or labour hours) on some arbitrary basis.

Under ABCM, costs are measured for specific activities and are allocated according to the factors which cause the costs to be incurred. ABCM can be used to make better decisions about product costing, or to calculate customer profitability or to analyse labour productivity. By using the activity based information generated, we are able to identify opportunities to eliminate waste and improve effectiveness.

Relevant performance measurements give us the ability to make more intelligent management decisions.

While this can be a more sophisticated technique than is required in the smaller business, the method can still be adapted with positive effect. By generating more frequent conventional financial reports and analysing the data provided within those reports in greater depth, valuable information can be gleaned.

Establishing clear targets for productivity and obtaining regular and timely feedback on performance will provide managers of even the smallest of businesses with the tools to improve business results.

The real key is to take some time off from the activity of doing business and spend a small amount of time in planning and analysing the results. By doing this, problems will be identified before they have the chance to create long term adverse effects. Competitive advantages will also be brought clearly into focus, allowing the manager to implement more effective strategies and achieve more positive results.

Improving business results is something we all strive for. It makes good economic sense to use the latest tools in all areas of our businesses, rather than rely solely on conventional tools produced in a bygone era.

Permission is granted to use this article in any e-zine, website or other publication as long as the article is not changed in any way and full attribution is given by including the resource box with the web address.

About the Author

Greg is Managing Director of Progressive Business Solutions Limited, a business development consultancy firm which has branches in Wellington and Auckland, New Zealand. Greg is the creator of a unique business development program that his firm uses to assist business owners to transform their businesses from a state of dependency on them, to a state where the business works so well that they don't have to.

Visit Greg's site: http://www.small-business-success.ws

Source: http://www.websition.com/

How Starting A Part Time Internet Business Can Yield A Full Time Income

2010-06-30T09:23:00.002-07:00

How Starting A Part Time Internet Business Can Yield A Full Time Income

Most people spend their day traveling from home to work and back home again slogging really hard at their offices. The reason why you remain as poor as you are is that the boss takes a slice of the profits by leveraging on your work done for them. Now before you get bitter, why not start your own internet business part time and turn the tables on society and become the boss of your own business for once. This article explains how starting an internet business in your part time can allow you to make money online.

Leverage on the internet

When I market anything online, this is seen by everyone in the English speaking world online. Can you imagine the reach of online advertising today? Google the largest search engine company now became big because of advertising. By starting an internet business, you too can take part in this new global market and make money from it.

In addition, making money on the internet means that you can make money while you sleep. That’s why some internet marketers make massive amounts of money online but all this wealth is well hidden from the Forbes and Tattler International Magazines.

Leverage on systems

When people first started to market they did telemarketing and sales was dependent on the person making the phone calls and the training they did. This limits the amount of sales to the number of people who pick up calls. Today with the advent of the internet and marketing systems, I can have literally hundreds of people visiting my website and when they signup to learn more, I can leverage on automated systems to followup with them and encourage them to make a purchase.

Leverage on other people’s time

The combination of the internet, mlms and two tier affiliate programs has brought with it the unprecedented ability to make massive amounts of money by leveraging on the power of a downline or affiliate program. These basically allow you to make money whenever your affiliate or downline sells your product for you. Once you have an established system and your downline follows your success, you can then notice that the more you work, the more people follow you and the more money you make. Massive I would say as the more sales people in your team, the more money you will make.

In conclusion, the internet represents a large market for internet marketers and those intending on starting an internet business. Only if you have the determination, zeal, the right program and the right system will you be able to make money online. An internet business therefore represents the best way today to make money from your home even while you are sleeping.

Joel Teo is the successful owner of several successful internet business ventures. Click here to learn how you can start your own successful internet business today. http://www.massive-profits-online.com

Source: http://www.websition.com/

Eight Key Steps to Building B2B Major Account Client Alliances

2010-06-30T09:23:00.001-07:00

Eight Key Steps to Building B2B Major Account Client Alliances

Audiences who saw the fabled Broadway musical, Chorus Line, marveled at the intricate timing and seamless interaction of the dancers as they mastered the choreographer’s precision steps after many false starts in rehearsal.

At the final curtain, the stage is crowded with dancers whose images are multiplied by mirrors strategically placed about the stage.

That’s a tough scene to match.

In many ways one can view the Chorus Line as a metaphor (sans mirrors) for orchestrating enduring major account relationships, which at their optimum, are enduring alliances.

This is a dance, not of two partners, but of many partnerships developed between business entities. A figurative chorus line of relationships that require timing, integrated movement, anticipation, and occasional improvisation played before a senior management audience expecting considerable return for the cost of the production.

With proper direction and judicious investment of resources, a major accounts initiative can become a resounding revenue hit.

How do you recognize a major account hit in the making?

· When your product or service is perceived as an integral part of the customer’s business process, i.e. when “you” and “they” become “us.” Bill Voltmer, vice president of global sales for Factiva, the online information aggregator, looks for an integrated relationship between the account team and the client. Bill believes that “when all is said and done, it is the discipline of the account team to have a live account plan which is documented” that drives and sustains the major account relationship.

· When account plans are supported by a measurable, systematic approach which functions as an identifiable common language within and between supplier and client organizations. One method to build the shared planning process is the “Alliance Relationship Model”*, a proprietary process which tracks four developmental account relationship stages, focuses with the client on its business drivers as well as intangible influences and offers a quantifiable measure of the account team’s effectiveness. The model interprets Miller Heiman’s “Successful Large Account Management” guideposts for navigating the major account landscape. It also helps the account team examine the specifics of relationship development as it relates to the customer’s specific, critical needs.

· When the relationship supports a mutually beneficial long term competitive advantage in the form of accelerated growth rates, operating economies and increased market share. Here, the client relationship emerges as a strategic partnership, an actual alliance. This is a far cry from the predictable transactional steps of a commodity sales process. Clear client communication, focused interaction and a strategic mindset are essential to achieving a distinct competitive advantage for both partners.

What are the eight precision steps expected from your lead account performers to set and maintain the tempo of a major account relationship?

Your account team leaders should be expected to deliver

· Client acknowledgement and acceptance of elevated account relationship
· Definition of the mutual benefits or shared value dimension
· Agreement on client’s short term and strategic business objectives
· Identification and commitment of supplier resources in support of those objectives
· Joint client/supplier planning
· Supplier and client C-level buy-in and participation
· Routine evaluation and re-alignment
· Account management continuity

How to measure account team success?

Short of a standing ovation, Phil Hecht, global vice president of sales and strategy development for AT&T’s Signature Client Group, believes that “differentiated value” is at the core of a successful major account alliance relationship and the key to gaining a competitive edge. In his view, the value equation includes not only the long term positive impact of a product or service deliverable to the client, but also the value of best practices that the major account team brings to its own company as well.

Equally as important, according to Hecht, are the internal resources available to major account teams. “Owners of major account organizations need a tremendous support structure to feed its sales talent with business intelligence to understand industry dynamics. Given the significant potential rewards equally significant risks, major account leaders need to be particularly vocal about the resources required to anticipate and respond to client opportunities.”

The Payoff

Financial payoffs to both client and supplier alliance partners can be substantial. Such performances not only reap the loudest applause, they also become long playing hits as they

· Increase wallet share across the client enterprise
· Contribute to production economies
· Accelerate product or service innovation
· Elevate sales and account management performance standards
· Establish vertical market CRM leadership
· Gain a measurable competitive advantage

Now that's really a touch act to follow.

*Alliance Relationship Model is a quantifiable major account performance model developed by the author. Thomas J. Baskind welcomes inquiries at tbaskind@lexien.com and (914) 682-2069. Lexien Management is an affiliate of D.E.I. Management Group.

Thomas J. Baskind is a Managing Partner at Lexien Management Consultants. His career includes leadership roles in general and sales management, advertising, public relations, financial services, consulting and vendor relations. He has served in executive positions at world-renowned organizations such as CBS Inc., Lexis-Nexis, Dialog, the Thomson Corporation and Deutsche Bank. Tom's expertise spans sales process development, major accounts modeling and sales, effective negotiation, prospect management and large account management.

Source: http://www.websition.com/

Double Your Income Automatically

2010-06-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

Double Your Income Automatically

It is a common known fact that it is far cheaper to keep an existing customer then it is to acquire a new customer. With this fact in mind you need to do everything possible to keep your existing customers happy and find complimentary products to offer your existing customers.

If you are a Mortgage professional why not offer your clients mortgage life insurance as well? Many of today's home buyers depend on the income of both spouses to pay the Mortgage. By offering Mortgage life insurance you are helping to fill a need, You have already built up their trust by getting their mortgage business why not offer them Life Insurance as well.

If you are a Real Estate agent most of your customers already trust you with the biggest investment they will ever make their houses. Why not offer them investment products? Many real estate agents are the ones chasing down the lenders and pushing those Mortgages thru. In many states it is perfectly legal to earn a commission on a home sale or purchase and the Mortgage that goes with it as long as you file the proper disclosures.

We have a business here in town that offers to help new homeowners get set up with Phone service, Cable or Satellite TV Service, High Speed Internet, Alarm service and trash service. Many of these companies will pay you either a one time commission or better yet a monthly residual for referring them clients. Why not offer to help your Home Buying Clients a service by giving them a packet with information about the different Phone Companies, Cable and Satellite companies, Alarm companies and then offer to help them with the leg work after they decide which ones. Some will pick the ones you get commissions on others won't. By allowing them to choose among all the alternatives you stand to make a small commission every now and then and at the same time provide your clients with an added service they can't get elsewhere.

About the Author
Mike Makler Offers Financial Services (Mortgages,Life Insurance, Annuity) in Florissant Missouri which is in North St. Louis County Missouri Just Across the Bridge from St. Charles Missouri

Call Mike at 314 398-5547

Visit Mike's Web Page:
http://ewguru.com/finance

For Missouri Specific Insurance and Loan Questions:
http://ewguru.com/Mo-Finance

Get Mike's Newsletter Here
http://ewguru.com/fin-news

Source: http://www.websition.com/

2010-06-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

Can NLP Help or Harm Your Business?

What are your thoughts about NLP? Are you curious about how it might work for you and your organisation? Have you had bad experiences of it and NLP’rs? This article gives you some ideas about how it might work in a measured way rather than claiming it is the answer to all things!

The simple answer to the above is, “both”! It depends on a number of things. Perhaps the first thing to explore is your reaction to seeing those three letters put together? If someone tells you they are an NLP practitioner do you search for your cross and garlic cloves? Do you welcome them and want to know more?

In this article I want to cover four key aspects:

Why knowing more about NLP and its uses might be useful for you and others in your organisation.
What NLP is and some of the key principles.
How it has been used in some organisations.
What you might be able to do with it in the future.

Although I have been involved with NLP, and using it in work and other parts of my life for over 10 years I am not one of the evangelists nor do I believe it is a panacea! I am not aiming to defend NLP. I have my own views about what it is and how it can work for those who want to learn more about it – but I can offer no empirical evidence for these and do not intend to. Over that time I have realised that it can help most people, and in many different ways. Whether improving the communication and influencing skills of individuals; enabling managers and leaders to operate more effectively; giving sales and customer service people more options when dealing with the wide range of prospects and clients, helping teams to work together, providing tools to address problems or providing everyone with a better understanding of themselves – the list is not limited to particular disciplines or groups.

One of the biggest problems with NLP is its name!! Neuro Linguistic Programming is hardly the branding of a smart marketing team! Apart from being somewhat “user-unfriendly” the last word often carries negative impressions for many. Without giving the whole history, suffice to say that the original developers of NLP, Richard Bandler and John Grinder, were involved in mathematics and linguistics. Much of what they identified and developed was based on the work of well-known linguistics experts – one of whom (Alfred Korzybski) had already used the term neuro-linguistic in his work. The principle is that the “neuro” is to understand how we process and think about things, the “linguistics” is to consider the words we use and the clues within those, and finally, the “programming” is how we have generated the patterns within ourselves and keep running the programmes. (As in computing – even if the instructions within the programme to do not appear to be relevant or make sense.) The key is within this last part and the following definition builds from it: NLP is a set of guiding principles, attitudes and techniques that enable you to change behaviour patterns as you wish."

A fundamental premise of the early work done by Bandler and Grinder was that they wanted to study people who were excellent and to identify what the specifically they did to achieve this. They wanted to be able to break this down and identify the specific elements – and then teach or impart these to others in order to improve their performance. (Hence, a simpler definition which stated that NLP was “the study of excellence”.) From this early work a number of tools and techniques were created, some were adapted from different disciplines, and others have been developed by people such is Robert Dilts.

Many of these tools and techniques can be very powerful. This, in turn, can lead to the accusations of NLP being “manipulative”. First question – how do you define the difference between manipulation and influence? Second point, is a chisel a murder weapon when in the hands of Michelangelo and he is sculpting “David” or “The Pieta”? Yes, in the wrong hands, NLP has a lot of manipulative tools, especially when you see some of the websites and others about “Mastering the Art of Seduction” etc!! It has to do with the integrity, and intention, of the user.

For me, one of the most powerful applications of NLP was using it on myself. It helped me to know me even better, to recognise that I could develop even more flexibility in my actions and interactions and to take more responsibility for my own thoughts and actions. There is a particular model used within NLP called the Neurological Levels of Alignment (or Logical Levels) which can help in a wide variety of ways, and I have found of great benefit for me – and with individuals and groups within clients. (Get in touch to ask for a diagram.) Although some analysts happily take it apart and disprove it – in my experience it works! Basically, make the changes closer to the centre and they will be more long-lasting.

Applications in the workplace

"NLP could be the most important synthesis of knowledge about human communication to emerge since the sixties" Science Digest

There is no limit to where NLP, or parts of it, can be applied. From writing advertising copy to customer service people handling phone calls, managers motivating their people or sales people developing their skills to win over more customers, the limits are within the mind of the users.

Although NLP has many “direct” business applications, I believe that its most powerful use is for individuals to improve their self-awareness and to develop greater skills in their self-management, communication and interpersonal dealings. It can help improve their Emotional Intelligence. The 5 Pillars of NLP (expanded from 4!) give a good indication of what it is. Outcome thinking, sensory acuity, flexibility, rapport and state management, cover what the key elements are – and offer a caveat about the potential for jargon! Taking each of these:

Outcome thinking: - being clear about what you want to achieve, the aims or goals that you want. This can cover long, medium and short-term outcomes. Fundamentally, it is about doing things for a reason.

Sensory acuity: - paying attention to what is happening and the signals you are receiving. The better you can become at this, noticing changes in voice tone, small shifts in body language, the actual words people are using or even eye movements, the more you can understand the other person and how tune into them. (Those of you who are familiar with the concept of “eye accessing cues” and “representational systems” may like to know that in strict research terms they do not score highly as predictors. However, it does pay to improve our ability to pay attention to others!)

Flexibility: - “If you continue to do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got”. If something is not working – do anything else! We can become creatures of habit, yet good communicators and influencers are those who have developed more habits so that are not stuck in particular ways of operating.

Rapport: - the ability to develop a sense of mutual understanding, to tune into the other person and they feel as though you are on their wavelength. This does not have to equate to liking each other.

State management: - taking control of your own emotions, responses and attitudes. The start point for this is to accept responsibility for these, and then to recognise what you can do to generate the “state” you want for the context.

By using a number of the tools within each of these, we can find ways to enhance our own skills in working with others or shift our attitudes within ourselves. For me, this is the start point for using NLP and not just acquiring some tools and techniques to use on others!

Management and leadership

Many organisations use SMART as their approach to setting goals and objectives. How effectively does this work? There is a technique within NLP which is referred to as “chunking” or “stepping up and down” which can be very useful – and does not have to be mutually exclusive to SMART. For many people the SMART goal is not compelling or motivating in itself for various reasons. It may seem too big or far away and all they can see are potential problems. It could be that it is not giving enough of a challenge or payoff. By “moving” the goal it is possible to both make it compelling and to create an action plan for getting started and working towards it. The fundamental process is shown in the figure and might look very simple. It is, and it is also very powerful, especially when the manager resists the temptation to make suggestions.

There are many aspects of NLP which are very useful for dealing with others. For managers and leaders, these can be beneficial when coaching their team members, getting teams to work together, creating and communicating the way forward and enabling them to be more motivated. Going beyond those for a change, there are some really useful tools for handling problem-solving challenges or managing change. The good thing with these, is that they can be used alongside more conventional management tools and add strength to a manager’s skills-set. Combining these with attention to the specific words and language can lead to insights for moving forward or overcoming problems. An example would be to use an approach called “SCORE “. It is worth adding here, that many NLP approaches work more effectively when “experiential” rather than conceptual. In this case, putting bits of paper on the floor and moving around them encourages different thinking, despite moving some managers outside their comfort zones!

SCORE is not highly complex – and goes through:

S – ymptoms What is happening right now which we want/need to change?
C – auses What are the reasons for this? Which are the key ones?
O - outcomes What do we want to have instead of the present situation?
R - esources What do we have available (people, skills, or whatever)?
E - cology Will the outcomes, and using the resources, fit our culture?

(Sorry, there had to be some jargon for it to be an NLP approach!)

Sales and negotiation

This is probably an area where many organisations feel that NLP can make a difference and, indeed it can. Certainly the range of communication and interpersonal tools can be very beneficial when added to a seller’s armoury. Mind you, many top sellers are probably using these without even knowing that they are NLP! Do remember, the majority of NLP tools are not novel. They have been developed by breaking down what excellent people do and presenting it back as stand-alone tools or techniques.

The obvious start with sales development is to widen people’s ability to get into rapport quickly, especially with the more “difficult” prospects. This can be achieved in a number of ways. The fundamental idea of matching and pacing (ie, being like the other) is an area which does encourage the “manipulative” label. It is something we all do naturally when we feel in rapport with another – just look around you at work or outside. How many people do you notice who appear to be mirroring each other or moving as though choreographed? However, it is useful to be aware of how you can use this, especially when you sense that you are “out of synch” with someone. Care is needed though, as clumsy matching and mirroring will come across as insincere.

Another thing that can be very useful for sellers is to use the “alignment” model mentioned earlier. I have found that helping people to make sure their “identity” fits with the job empowers them. From here, a significant aspect is to address people’s beliefs and to bring out any limiting beliefs they may have. It is difficult to sell with integrity if you have limiting beliefs about your product or service, or the organisation – or if you are being asked to do anything which conflicts with your values. When using this with a group of potential sellers in a bank in Saudi Arabia we were able to help some change their beliefs and become very successful whilst one or two who did not want to and felt their values were being challenged were better suited to being moved to other roles.

When these areas are aligned, the sellers can also be helped by learning to manage their state. They have to be able to be handle themselves in a variety of situations and often operate in a relatively isolated way. Knowing how to reconnect to a positive or confident state (or whatever they need) is a great asset.

Understanding how to put yourself into another’s shoes can be another plus for sellers, or negotiators. Not only does it reinforce rapport, it can help when putting together the sales case and making sure that your offer matches their requirements. Learning something about language and language patterns can be useful. It can improve questioning skills and, as you get the answers, it will increase your understanding of their real issues, concerns and wants. There is even the option of learning to be “artfully vague” and starting to use hypnotic language and suggestion, although the ethics around this might be questionable!!

Most sellers are familiar with the idea of finding buying motives and hot buttons and suchlike. Well, NLP has another approach that can give you an even more powerful way of doing this. You can even find out things about the way prospects make buying decisions that they don’t even know! From this, you can present your sales case using the appropriate language to increase your chances of success. There is a whole area around “meta-programmes” which can benefit you here. A commonly used way of working with these is from Language and Behaviour Profiling. For example, in conversation you can establish whether someone prefers to make buying decisions for themselves or do they seek reassurance from others. Think about how that can help with the presentation. (The question is “How do you know when you have made a good buying decision?”)

For sellers and negotiators learning to “reframe” can be important in many situations. Handling objections or blocks can be made easier with this. Another time it is useful can be dealing with internal functions and their own bosses!

Customer Service

Whether people are handling customers on the phone or face to face, they are often having to deal with varying degrees of irritation or anger.

Learning

to manage their own state can be really important! Also, developing the ability to not only look at things from the customers’ situation but also from a more objective, dispassionate view can help to smooth things over and to focus on solutions.

Getting rapport quickly is key for this role. If training people on the phone, getting them to learn to match voice tone, volume and speed can be a great asset. They can diffuse anger and complaints quickly. Developing their listening skills to calibrate the changes in tone or pitch, or to pick up specific words can not only help them resolve issues more quickly, it can also improve their enjoyment of the job.

Using good questioning to change the state of the customer can help. Shifting them from a complaint frame to focusing on the outcome they want can benefit everyone and take the heat out of things. There are various options to achieve this and good customer service people are practising many of them anyway!

Summary

This has only scratched the surface of where NLP can help in the business world. There are so many examples of where it has helped. Encouraging top teams to work together more efficiently and creating a clear vision for the organisation. Doctors have been known to use certain language patterns to help their patients recover more quickly and with less need for medication. As a personal effectiveness tool, learning to change or adapt limiting beliefs can help you manage your time more effectively. Recognising what are your own values and their priorities can help you to handle pressure better and be more resistant to stress. Understanding your own language preferences can help you to become more flexible in presenting your messages, formally or informally, to appeal to a wider audience more of the time.

I can go on and on. There are ways NLP can harm your business too. The saying, “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing” springs to mind”! Just being familiar with one or two concepts can do more harm than good. On the other hand you do not have to have everyone becoming Practitioners or beyond. What does make NLP useful is when it becomes part of everyday life and work – and not just a toolkit to delve into. As with anything in life, whatever aspects or tools are implemented will be most useful when used with “unconscious competence” – and this means learning the fundamentals, practising them and sticking in there until they just happen.

Yes, there are charlatans out there. Some will promise to train your organisation, your sales team, your trainers or whoever in a couple of days. Hmmm, beware! They can give a flavour only. In my opinion, NLP is a great thing when used with integrity and becomes a part of the way you operate. It is not an answer for every circumstance, nor can it be forced upon anyone. It can be fun to learn more. It can help your business or organisation in more ways than you can imagine. It can help to change your own life – and improve it, if that is what you want.

Suggested reading:

Words that Change Minds – Shelle Rose Charvet, ISBN: 0-7872-3479-6
NLP Business Masterclass – David Molden, ISBN: 0- 273- 650165

Useful link: Association for NLP

Graham Yemm a founding partner of Solutions 4 Training Ltd. During his years as a consultant he has worked with a variety of major companies in the U.K., Europe, USA, the Middle East and Russia in Sales, People and Management Skills. He has had many years of experience tailoring programmes to address organisational issues around sales, account management, negotiations, sales management and customer service – especially focusing on the communication and personal skills aspects.

Graham is a Master Practitioner of NLP and was involved with setting up and running “The Business Group”, which promotes uses of NLP in organisations. He is an accredited trainer for the LAB profile programme – “Words that Change Minds”. His personal enjoyment comes from helping individuals to take more responsibility for their own actions– freeing them to feel they can make more choices about their lives. Contact, http://www.solutions4training.com/ or +1483 480656

Source: http://www.websition.com/

Business Stress and its Causes

2010-06-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

Business Stress and its Causes

What is Business Stress?
Business stress is felt during times of conflict, pressure, loss, illness or anxiety. It describes the frantic pace of business life. Everyone reacts differently to stress. Some people can cope and take it in their stride; others find the pressure too much and buckle under. Much of the stress, anxiety, and the sense of overload that people carry is because they feel their lives are out of control. Stress seems to come from the perception that our life feels overloaded.

In medical terms, stress is your body's physical reactions to change, which is not always bad. It is said that a little bit of stress is good for our well-being and exercises our faculties. However today's stress caused by business activity can have a detrimental, psychological or emotional effect on our health.

What Causes Stress?
Business stress is a common result of fear - fear of uncertainty and insecurity. When working within a large company your fear may come from dealing with your boss, or from handling requests from management. It may arise from the uncertainty about your job and what performance expectations are required of you. It manifests itself in the feelings of insecurities that your job may not even exist tomorrow.

Many people experience business stress in large organisations. Often they will look at going into business on their own account, to reduce this workplace stress. Before you can free yourself from workplace-induced stress, you need to identify the source of the stress and explore ways of dealing with it. You cannot attribute stress to the fact that you have a difficult boss or that management do not understand the needs of workers.

Workplace induced stress arises from 2 sources:

Psychological.
It is often said that some people are just born worriers and it would be fair to say that there are many people with experience and skills who simply do not fit into the category of true entrepreneurs. That is, they should not be self-employed because their makeup may not handle the stress of looking after their own destiny in business.

Some people simply sail through the challenges and pressures that come with being self employed, while others already have chronic fears, insecurities and other anxieties and should seek professional assistance in some areas of their business, or make a decision to get out all together.
External.
This comes from the very nature of a competitive global environment. There is no room for mediocre performance and in some industries it is definitely the strong that survive. Stress that comes from within a business organisation may arise from conflicts between employees or from reaction to challenges to the authority of a superior, or it could arise from the lack of cash to pay the bills, or the loss of a contract that a business was depending on.

Do we need Stress in our Lives?
The experts tell us that we all need a certain amount of stress in our lives and that the benefit is psychological, mental and physical. This may surprise most of us but they say it is quite true. When you think about it, without stress life would be quite dull and unexciting. Stress adds a bit of flavour, as well as a challenge, and gives one the opportunity to excel, or push beyond the normal limit.

The problem arises when there is too much stress. This can seriously affect the well being of the person involved. The trick is to ensure that whatever stress exists in a business environment, it should be moulded to be beneficial rather than detrimental.

We cannot avoid stress; it is with us from the time we get up in the morning, to the time we sleep at night. As humans, we are involved in activities during the day, which will affect our emotions or wear down our mental or physical abilities.

Stress is unique and personal to each person. What one person finds stressful another finds relaxing. Some people have a very high stress level and perform well under pressure cooker conditions, while others cannot endure even a small amount of pressure.

Excess stress causes physical illnesses such as high blood pressure, ulcers and other types of ailments. One of the best ways to help stress in our lives is to ensure that the body gets sufficient physical exercise, rest, and discipline in the amount and type of foods eaten.

StartRunGrow (http://www.startrungrow.com) is a global online information organization that specializes in creating, developing and marketing business help information specifically with the aim of "making business easier" for entrepreneurs around the world. The StartRunGrow objective is to become a dominant player in the business help arena providing end to end solutions for the millions of small and medium businesses worldwide who continue to struggle daily with the difficulties of starting, running and growing a successful business.

Source: http://www.websition.com/

Business Planning for College Students and First-Time Entrepreneurs

2010-06-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Business Planning for College Students and First-Time Entrepreneurs

More and more students, both in undergraduate and graduate institutions, are deciding to launch their own ventures upon graduation rather than taking the traditional route of working for another firm. Likewise, more and more individuals are leaving their jobs to fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams.

While these ventures may ultimately be very successful (e.g., Google and Microsoft were both launched by students), they face certain challenges in their business plans and capital raising processes. The foremost challenge is overcoming the lack of experience of the management team. A classis chicken-and-egg problem presents itself – the management team has no past company successes to point to, and can’t prove itself unless given the opportunity to launch the business. While this problem is nearly always the case for graduating students, it also presents itself to many entrepreneurs, particularly those who are launching their first ventures.

To overcome this challenge, these ventures must represent themselves as having a great team by attracting a stellar management team and/or advisors. By attracting a quality management team, even if the team will not start until after financing, it gives investors that confidence that the plan will be properly executed. It also proves that the entrepreneurs have the ability to “sell” others on their vision. The management team need not be complete before seeking capital, since additional members will most likely be added after capital is raised. For instance, shortly after Google raised capital from Sequoia Capital and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Omid Kordestani left Netscape to accept a position as vice president of business development and sales, and Urs Hölzle was hired away from UC Santa Barbara as vice president of engineering.

Attracting high-quality advisors builds great credibility since if respected individuals are willing to risk their reputations by taking an advisory position, the venture must have some merit. Advisors can also help with the execution of the business and sometimes will also provide the needed capital. In Google’s case, when no major portal was interested in partnering with or funding the company, Larry Page and Sergey Brin were able to convince Andy Bechtolsheim, one of the founders of Sun Microsystems, to become an advisor and investor. Bechtolsheim contributed the initial $100,000 to the company.

Even if the venture is able to attract quality management teams and advisors, it will always be at a disadvantage versus other ventures headed by entrepreneurs who have “been there, done that” successfully in the past. To compensate for this, these ventures must really know their customers, know their market and know their competition. By possessing an in depth knowledge of the external factors that will effect the company’s success, the entrepreneurs can both create a solid business strategy and convince investors that an opportunity really exists. If the opportunity truly exists, then investors know that even if the venture is initially mismanaged, then they can hire additional managers later to put it back on course.

In summary, when students or first time entrepreneurs, begin developing their business strategies and plans, they must compensate for the management deficiencies they possess versus established entrepreneurs. By doing this and showing a comprehensive knowledge of their market, these ventures can level the capital raising playing field. Fortunately, these ventures can point to a long list of other successful companies which were launched by students and/or first time entrepreneurs, most notably Google and Microsoft.

As President of Growthink Business Plans, Dave Lavinsky has helped the company become one of the premier business plan development firms. Since its inception, Growthink has developed over 200 business plans. Growthink clients have collectively raised over $750 million in financing, launched numerous new product and service lines and gained competitive advantage and market share.

Source: http://www.websition.com/

What Every Service Provider Ought To Know About Writing A Business Plan

2010-06-30T05:07:00.000-07:00

What Every Service Provider Ought To Know About Writing A Business Plan

It’s easy to lose sight of what needs to be communicated to prospective investors when writing the various sections of a business plan. Successful business owners/entrepreneurs use each section of their business plan to work up interest, to present arguments and, most important, to build trust and confidence.

How To Earn The Trust Of Skeptical Investors…

Usually some sort of upfront investment precedes starting or expanding a business, whether it be time, energy or cash. If you plan to raise cash from investors, you must get prospective investors comfortable with putting their money into your hands.

To start you must understand that investors simply want to select the best investments, period. This means choosing businesses that earn a high enough rate of return on investment to offset the risk of the investment. That said, deciding what is a good opportunity is an investor’s number one challenge.

That’s why investors thrive on information. Good information - good decisions, bad information - bad decisions. But, investors are often asked to invest funds with little reliable information. This, combined with the difficulty of deciphering the information they do get about various investment alternatives, leaves them fearful of getting into an awful deal and skeptical of the deals being presented.

To get comfortable with an investment, prospective investors want to see results and evidence. They want to be educated about the investment opportunity and the investment options available to them. But, they won’t accept this education at face value; they want to see the evidence that supports it. Even for niche businesses.

Investors use this education to expand their research and use the evidence they gather to develop their expectations. In the end, investors merely want the opportunity that they select to match the expectations they have developed.

When investors object to an investment the objection is usually of the “Educate me…” type. Tell me your story, show me your numbers, and then prove it. Prospective investors want information that they can validate, options and risks that they can see, and to be educated about your specific business. They want to hear why you and your team are the ones that can produce the projected results.

If your business plan “educates” prospective investors on these issues, you’ll win their trust. When that happens, its time to…

Build Investor Confidence - Show Why Customers Will Award Their Business To You Rather Than Other Service Providers…

Investors invest money in businesses based on expected cash flows. To create cash flow, you must first win business. That’s why it is important for your business plan to show investors why customers will award their business to you at a price that allows investors to earn an acceptable return on their investment.

When potential investors begin evaluating a service business plan, they are likely to be skeptical of your ability to consistently win business. In their minds your prospects need someone to do something for them. Something that your customers either don’t know how to do, don’t want to do, or don’t have to do.

Service provider business plans must convince potential investors of two things. First, that the customer’s pain of not having this “something” done or the pleasure of having this “something” done is so great that it compels the prospect to act. Second, that the customer is willing to pay to have this “something” done.

Potential investors in service type businesses expect that your customers are feeling confused about which service provider is the best at providing the solution you offer. They may also perceive your market as saturated with so much information…some of it true and some of it not so true…that customers are finding it difficult to decipher the information they have about each solution.

As a result, investors in service type businesses often picture skeptical customers with fresh memories of negative service experiences. Moreover, they suspect that your potential customer’s biggest fear is getting awful service.

To overcome this, your business plan must show investors how you plan to successfully educate prospects about your solution and convince them that you can deliver the expected results. It must present the evidence you’ll use to convince customers that you will do the job right, do it right the first time, and won’t fix what doesn’t need to be fixed. It has to explain how you will educate the prospect about the service and the options available to them in a way that they will understand and trust.

Your plan must convince investors that you can win over prospective customers who are likely recovering from a negative experience in your market space…customers who have been promised the ultimate solution only to be disappointed. It must provide details about how the principles and techniques chosen to market your service enable customers to view you as honest. It has to help investors see how the chosen delivery method for your service ensures customer satisfaction.

The business plan must also convince investors that customers can verify the service results you promise and that prospects can easily compare the results to other alternatives. This proves to investors that prospects can determine the superiority of your service and it shows them how you differentiate your services from other service providers.

Points For Service Providers To Address In A Business Plan

In summary, if you’re a service provider trying to attract investors, these are the points you must address in your business plan:

How and why prospects will pay you to do something for them rather than your competitors.
How and why they will have less hassles and it will be easier for them to do business with you rather than your competitors.
How and why customers will trust doing business with you rather than your competition.

When you address these points in a business plan with verifiable evidence to back them, potential investors will have to conclude that they would be foolish to invest in any other service provider but you.

Mike Elia is a chief financial officer and an advisor to venture capitalists and leverage buyout specialists. His business plan ebook "Business Plan Secrets Revealed" shows how to make your business the most appealing investment choice to venture capitalists, bankers, and other business investors. For his free business plan guide click here.

Source: http://www.websition.com/

Increase Business Profits - Ten Ways

2010-06-30T04:56:00.000-07:00

Increase Business Profits - Ten Ways

How do you increase business profits? Answer the following questions carefully, and you'll have a good start.

1. Can you increase the average sale? A restaurant with 25% profit margins might make 50% on additional sales to existing customers (less labor to bag one large order than two smaller ones). Asking "What would you like to drink with that?" works, and it's just a start.

2. What's the least expensive way to get a customer? Before you spend another thousand dollars advertising to get new customers, could you get as much business by spending a few hours contacting previous or existing customers?

3. What low risk ideas can you try? I once sent a letter to several visiting basketball teams, inviting them to visit our restaurant, and giving the coach a free meal as an incentive. The cost? Two dollars. The pay off was two busloads of customers. At that rate, you could increase your business profits even if nine out of ten ideas fail.

4. Have you tested prices? I knew a store that sold a product for a $1.05, that cost them $1.00. At a price of $1.20, it is doubtful that they'd lose half their sales, but if they did, they'd still make twice the profit. Some things even sell better at a higher price. Test.

5. Can you measure your advertising results? How do you know that you're not spending more for a customer than they're worth? Coupons, customer surveys and other methods of measurement are a must.

6. How do you know your customers are satisfied? The worst restaurant meal we ever ate went down without a comment, but we never returned to that restaurant. Maybe the owner should be talking to the customers.

7. Can you enhance the percieved value of your product? Years ago, I sold walking sticks for $10 at flea markets, and $20 at craft shows. Sometimes location alone can enhance the percieved value of a product. What else can you do?

8. What are similar businesses doing? See what your successful competitors are doing. Can you do the same?

9. What other products can you sell? There's a reason stores have candy and magazines near the checkout. Extra sales are a great way to increase business profits.

10. Can you use your customers as salesmen? Word of mouth is a start, but what other ways can you get your customers to bring their friends to you?

These were culled from a longer list. I call it "stolen business ideas," because I can't credit the original authors. I took them where I found them over the years, with grattitude, but without notes.

Steve Gillman has been studying every aspect of money for thirty years. You can find more interesting and useful information on his website; http://www.EverythingAboutMoney.infoSource: http://www.websition.com/

Welcome to The-Business-Explorer.blogspot.com

2010-06-30T04:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome to The-Business-Explorer.blogspot.com

Welcome Friends to my blog

You will able to know many information on business, money making, resume making, business plan and many more. In this blog some important money making tips have placed. I think money making tips would be very beneficial for you. Never more frustrate about your business because I tried to give some information here. You will be benefited by this.
If you have any question or any thing you have share with me then just mail me in this e-mail
sazibtg@gmail.com.
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