Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Outstanding Customer Service - The art of saying no


Customer loyalty is a critical success factor for any business. Supporting customers can be a rewarding experience how to answer questions, solve problems and make everyone happy. But no, you run into any situation enables you to solve the problem. The art of saying "No" to a customer is without doubt one of the areas of sales or customer service will develop over time.

The customer is always right? Not always. This is a 100% guarantee that you will run into situations that require you to inform the customer that the product, service or their interpretation of the contract are not accurate, or their level of service does not give them what they want.

Even if a customer is an important aspect of any business, can be a different animal and difficult to tame. Customers are people and may have different opinions, backgrounds and characters. Establishing a relationship with every person on the phone is a skill you will learn how they develop and become more experienced. Unfortunately, some people believe that if they have purchased a product or service company, are entitled to certain things that may or may not be available to them.

For example, if you are supporting a specific washing machine, the customer may use indicates the machine is not performing as expected and the company wants to solve the problem immediately.

A dialog as my go like this:

CSR: Good morning, customer service, this is Montgomery how can I help?

Customer: Yes, I have a problem, the machine does not work.

CSR: I see, can you tell me what's the problem?

Customer: Do not turn on.

CSR: How long have you owned?

Customers: 12 years last month

CSR has purchased the extended warranty?

Client: No, I did not think I needed at that time.

CSR: Unfortunately, the machine is under warranty for 10 years. We can send someone, but it would be a billable service call.

Customer: I see, I think it might be better to buy a new one ... Thanks for your help.

A clear understanding of the problem is essential to make them feel you're on their side and sincere in your desire to help through the issue.

Sincerity is the key to success in understanding the nature of your position. treat them with respect and dignity will go a long way to make them feel you are on their side, but the solution may be beyond your control or not available at all.

Customer sales and service roles are not always easy to perform, but can be a valuable resource to keep the customer satisfied. Exceptional customer service is easier if you are sincere in respect of the customer and their needs .......

Education - Return on Investment 101


Let's simplify things and get back to basics. The investment is a simple process. The aim is to aggravate our seed capital to the highest possible level of each year. The reason that compounding is the goal of every investor has matured because compounding makes the wealth quickly.

If you have ever played with a calculator and recognized as compounding acts, it is known that the higher the compounder, the more distorted the returns. For example, a simple bank deposits, will give a return of say 5% a year. The majority of investors use a bank deposit as a reference point that can be used to compare the opportunity against this basic model. Every investment has a risk and make a bank deposit is the safest of all investments, it is guaranteed by the government.

For this reason it is used as a way to get the opportunity perspective potential investment. 5% is not very significant in terms of capitalization. The majority of investors use 5:10 intervals of time of the year. Allows you to watch two different compounding returns and notice the difference is compounder.

If you start with $ 100 and adds that the capital every year to 5% in 10 years you would have $ 162 at the end of 10 years. But if you double the pharmacist. If you were able to find other ways to invest your money than a bank deposit, but with a standard of reasonable risk, you could multiply that $ 100 for the 10% and in 10 years you will have $ 259 dollars. Notice the effect distorted?

With 5% of market capitalization was $ 62 dollars of added returns. With 10% or twice the value of capitalization, did not double your returns, you have done more. You made $ 159 dollars. You have done more than 2 ½ times more. Interest on interest money grows exponentially. But the real key is that more than 56%
You did compounding rate of 200% (10% versus 5%), but you made 256% returns
(159/62). A full 56% of the expected doubling of the compounder would you give.

The point of this is obvious. The higher the compounder is every year, the most amazing are your results. Many investors work with the equation of risk / reward. The goal is to return as high as you can every year, without actually losing your investment or make a negative return. About 30% to 50% is pushing the envelope and begins to enter the territory of very high-risk investments.

However, there is good reason for a small percentage of your portfolio should be used for high-risk investments and start-ups. When you play the odds, in other words you invest small pieces of money and expect to lose the small amount of money 6 of 10 times, the other 4 pan for astronomical profits. Imagine paying 20 cents for Microsoft stock at the beginning. You could have bought 10,000 shares for $ 2000 This type of risk-taking with a small amount of money is extraordinarily profitable if it is limited to only a small percentage of your entire sheet harbor ....

Where to Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan Massachusetts


In this day and age of skyrocketing medical costs, health insurance is something that can not afford to be without. Here's how to find an affordable Massachusetts health insurance plan.

Exploring the options

Most people get health insurance through their employers. However, if you're unemployed or your company does not offer health insurance, there are still ways to get coverage:

* If you left a job that offered health insurance, look into COBRA coverage. COBRA allows you to remain in the plan including the health of your former employer's insurance for several months at his own expense.

* Look into state health insurance programs. These programs provide health insurance for Massachusetts residents who can not afford private insurance. You can read more about the state of Massachusetts health insurance programs by visiting the website of the Massachusetts Division of Insurance.

* Insurance group from an organization. Employer health insurance plans cost less because you get a lower group rate. The purchase of health insurance through an organization as a group from your college student or a professional you can get the same sort of discount.

If you do not qualify for these options, you can still buy an affordable individual health insurance plan. Many types of individual plans are available: comprehensive coverage, major medical coverage, emergency coverage, short-term coverage, PPO, HMO, and more.

Find Cheap Massachusetts Health Insurance

If you decide that an individual health insurance plan is the best choice, then you need to start looking for an affordable policy. An insurance comparison website is the best place to start. On this website, fill out a form with information about yourself and your health insurance needs. You can then get quotes fast from multiple A-rated companies health insurance.

The best websites even allow you to talk with insurance professionals so you can ask questions and be sure to get the best health insurance plan for your needs and your budget (see link below) .......

The process of Asset Allocation Mutual Funds


Mutual asset allocation funds, refers to the adjustment is made for different classes of mutual funds that exist so that they can enter the description of the investment portfolio. This is done on a regular basis, keeping in mind that the requirements for certificates of funds continue to change with the changing market conditions. The asset allocation process tends to be generally accepted and is not facing a lot of criticism. Many investors are of the opinion that the process involves more than merits demerits.

In the process of asset allocation mutual funds, the two most important factors that are normally taken into account are likely to return and the volatility of each asset class likely to the mutual fund. The volatility of a fund is a significant factor that must be examined from time to time. In order to achieve the most suitable, it is important to develop strategies that are oriented toward risk reduction and improvement of the objectives at hand.

Some common errors that occur and to be treated in the common process of asset allocation of the fund include the above categories, duplication and use of funds is not suitable. For this reason, a three-step process was recommended for the award. Everything begins to come with a suitable plan that captures all the necessary aspects of a fund.

These factors include;
1) The size of the portfolio,
2) The investment period or the frost that is used for activities to mature,
3) The factor of risk for assets and
4) The objectives of return.

Once the plan is in place, the next step is to develop the most appropriate strategy for its implementation. This strategy calls for the allocation of funds by category. Each category should be defined by the objectives and risk tolerance levels which it is subjected. Thirdly, the funds are given a recommendation depending on whether it is loading or non-load types. Funds that are recommended for no-load category are those that are above average in terms of performance, those who adhere to the objectives and operational costs are below average.

Other factors to consider in the process of asset allocation mutual funds is whether the funds are the growth or income oriented. When these factors are combined, we find that the risk factor usually goes down, and there is a tendency for funds to survive a full cycle before they can be reviewed. For a broader asset allocation strategy, the investors' age was brought to the fore and you will find the funds are classified according to different age categories. The age groups will help you determine whether to invest in long-or short-term classes, growth or income oriented .......

Personal Finance tips that ensure you build wealth and achieve financial freedom


It 'good to love yourself and do things that make you happy once in a while, but do not do it over and forget tomorrow. To achieve success in your financial life, you must be able to do the things you need to do whether you like it or not. The sacrifice and discipline are two things that are critical to generate wealth and maintain it. Without these two, it is impossible to achieve, acquire and accumulate anything.

The ability to deny or delay the pleasure is an attribute that must be achieved on the road to wealth creation, and this requires a lot of discipline. The discipline is able to say no when necessary, and do things that sometimes I do not want to do, but you need to ensure your financial life. Many of us have a problem of controlling our spending. The truth is that if you can not control spending, no matter how much money you make will never be enough.

It 's normal that people want or wish for more, no matter how they generate income. You should be able to say no impulse buying and stick to their financial plan. Once you are able to do this, then the next step is to save money in this way over time to achieve financial freedom.

Financial discipline and delayed gratification can be achieved through a system of rewards and punishments to yourself. Set a price for indulging yourself and a reward for having resisted the temptation to spend too much, this is the path to financial improvement. You can also reward after completing something that had to be done.

It 's also advisable to have an accountability partner. Just the simple human desire to appear competent to someone else is enough to control spending, especially when you know that replacing your monthly budget. Furthermore, this will ensure long-term financial security ....

Happiness means wealth


Which is why pursuing to make more money? It is simply because we want to feel better or happier with our lives. We want to ease the financial burden in our lives that in turn will make us feel happier. No matter what we are fighting for our lives, can be ultimately traced back to the pursuit of happiness.

He will bring you riches mean happiness?

In a sense, yes. The best definition of wealth is simply the well-being. When you ease the mind and a real purpose in your life, you will feel richer. And this feeling is very likely to make better decisions and bigger contributions. And guess what? This usually means more money in your pocket.

But we should pursue happiness more aggressively dollars. Happiness is what those dollars mean to you, so instead of undertaking the representation of what you want, get what you want. Making money and the acquisition of wealth is only one aspect of life.

To feel truly happy, you should become more than just dollars. Love, affection, respect, contribution are all things that multiply the effect of feeling happy. And guess what? You will have more free time to acquire these things if they are bound to work more hours and more just to gain more money.

There is nothing wrong with trying to get more wealth. You just have to remember that wealth is simply being. And the more the wealth you have in your life, you will be happier .......

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

2009 Personal Tax Returns - New tax breaks


It 's that time of year again, where Canadians must file their personal tax returns for the year 2009 no later than April 30, 2010. There have been several new tax breaks for 2009 that you should know. These new tax incentives will increase the tax refund!

# 1. Basic Personal Amount

The basic personal amount has increased to $ 10,320. This means that the first $ 10,320 of income is exempt from tax.

# 2. Spouse or Common-Law Partner Amount

The spouse or common-law partner amount is increased to $ 10,320. This tax credit is available for the higher income spouse / common law partner. However, it reduced the net income of the spouse / common law partner. For example, if the spouse has a net income of $ 3,000, then the amount available to your spouse claim as a credit is $ 7,320.

# 3. Home Renovation Tax Credit

You can claim a tax credit for renovations made to your home. The tax credit applies to renovations made after January 27, 2009 which are in excess of $ 1,000 to a maximum of $ 10,000. You should consult your accountant to Toronto to see if they are eligible for this tax credit.

# 4. Home Buyers Plan

The maximum amount you can take charge of your RSP is free to purchase a house has been increased to $ 25,000 for the year 2009. This tax incentive is known as the floor of the home buyer. However, you must repay the full amount you originally retired to the RSP in a period of time. The annual repayment is equal to 1/15th of the amount initially withdrawn. You do not have to do a refund for the year of withdrawal, or the following year.

# 5. First time home buyer tax credit

The tax credit first time home buyer $ 5,000 is available to first time home buyers who want to live in the house they buy. The credit is available only for homes purchased after January 27, 2009....

Electricity suppliers business - better prices for business


The demand for electricity from a business in general superior to that of a typical residential user. While the first response is to sign an undertaking to easily and blindly for a business class account with the company for electricity in the city, there are several suppliers of electric energy business focused only on business needs. The choice, or at least whereas one of these suppliers, may be a cost savings tool. It can also allow to negotiate the best conditions in other areas.

Companies like nailing the long-term customers, and this is especially true for commercial electricity suppliers. It's part of human nature: people do not like to work harder than they should, and companies that sell a product reusable and consumption would be very or rather be guaranteed a customer rather than having to go out there and get a new customer. Even consumers prefer to work less and get a guaranteed contract apparently. However, the best bargains in power blocking occur within the minimum possible and keep your options open. In terms of electricity, is usually at least one year.

Shopping used to be quite expensive when you compare the buyers of electricity business. The Internet has taken part in the work it, but the comparison must be made more accurate. Term requiring a rate should be noted, as well as rates of time-peak and peak and your own business hours of operation. A state public utility commission Web site can be a valuable resource when you begin to compare.

Even after examining the list of suppliers of electricity business that interest you, you can still watch the billing terms and the terms of the contract. As regards the first, you may want to ask for a bill as to understand exactly how they charge what they read and what it means to each charge. And for them, said there is a very good, "if they have paid a lawyer to write, it might be a good idea to pay a lawyer to read it." And ask questions. When the bill is due, and when the bill is sent? What are the terms of a disconnect soon? If a company can not or will not give you the answers you need, shop around some more. '

Finding the right company to do business with suppliers in the field of electricity business can often get a bit 'of time and effort. Invariably, though much higher score than simply going with the biggest name of the city and blindly sign a contract. Businessmen are in business to make money, and this means making sure that every kilowatt counts for billable hours .......

How to make sense of Stock Market News


When you hear a news anchor on TV to talk about new developments in the stock market, which usually include words such as Dow Jones or the NASDAQ, FTSE or in their relationship. What do these phrases and abbreviations mean?

These terms refer to trade in a society where it is reported. A company must be traded for its shares to be traded publicly. After the company's shares are released to the public in an Initial Public Offering (IPO), are then available to the public to be traded on exchanges. New York Stock Exchange is probably the largest market share in the U.S., while the FTSE holds that honor for Europe.

When people ask "how the market is doing What are the latest developments?" they intend to ask how the stock market index is performing. Market indexes are the key indicators for the performance of any market share.

An index, in its simplest, is the cumulative stock prices of companies operating divided by the number of shares traded for an average indicator of stock market performance. Examples of popular market indexes in the United States are the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq Composite and the SandP 500.

The Dow Jones lists the securities of 30 companies, ranging from food giant McDonalds to bankers like Citigroup to entertainment companies like Disney.

The Nasdaq Composite registered 5,000 companies from different sectors, but its mainly focused on technology stocks.

The SandP 500 measures the stocks of 500 of the largest public companies. They are categorized as the largest in terms of their market value. The SandP 500 is actually considered a pretty solid indicator of the overall performance of the stock market because they cover companies from a broad base of industries.

Indices are the basis of the market. New investors are often advised to invest in these "blue chip" stocks that are traded on one of three scholarships mentioned above because they offer great stability and the possibility of a regular dividend income over time.

Some of the most popular on the international market indices include the FTSE (UK), Nikkei (Japan), the Hang Sang (Hong Kong), DAX (Germany), the ASX (Australia) and the CAC (France).

Since the indices give a snapshot of the great stock market, are used as indicators to evaluate the performance of the market. Novice investors who not only invest in individual securities may also invest in mutual funds, stocks that are representative of a certain stock market index. Mutual funds are marginally safer investments, because they combine actions that perform much the same way, and is professionally managed.

You now have a better understanding of the stock market, a new vision of the index and a take on the issues that informed investors beginners. This knowledge will help you make sense of financial terminology heard every day on TV and read in the papers so you too can become a savvy investor.

Frozen embryo transfer (FET)


If you have considered in vitro fertilization (IVF), then you may have questions about what will happen to the extra embryos in the process. If you have extra embryos after a new round of in vitro fertilization procedure, then you can choose to have embryos frozen. This allows you to save the embryos for future attempts to conceive. Embryos can be cryogenically frozen for a maximum of ten years.

The frozen embryo transfer (FET) is considered a non-invasive or minimally invasive procedure. Frozen embryos can be thawed and then implanted into the uterus. If you have problems with the ovaries, or ovulation, then FET might be a good option for you when you are considering the options of infertility treatment. If you have problems with uterine based realization of a pregnancy or other ailments, then FET can not be for you. Consult your infertility specialist infertility treatments on what might help to conceive.

Many couples are very concerned about what happens to their embryos during in vitro fertilization procedure. Educate yourself on how FET can be very comforting and informative. In the course of IVF, the man gives the woman donates sperm and eggs. The two are combined in a laboratory environment and in particular clinical circumstances to create many embryos (fertilized eggs) as possible. The embryos were studied for viability. Those that develop most normally are selected as those most likely plants. You and your doctor will decide how many embryos to transfer and how many will be cryopreserved.

After the viable embryos were selected, will be placed in glass tubes. A cryoprotectant is added to the tube. This maintains the safe embryo during the freezing process by not allowing to form ice crystals inside of an embryo. The embryos and cryoprotectants tubes are placed in a special freezer cooled with liquid nitrogen. Are slowly cooled to -196 degrees Celsius one.

When you are ready to use your frozen embryos will be thawed at room temperature, usually the day before the transfer. The cryoprotectant will be completely washed off during a series of soakings solution. Subsequently, the embryos are heated up to body temperature and mixed with half solution.

Your body will be monitored for timing the system optimally. Normally, three or four embryos will be transferred simultaneously to increase the chances of system. You will need to discuss how many embryos to transfer with your doctor's infertility. Your follicles will probably be suppressed with medication, and your uterine lining will be developed with other drugs. Ultrasound helps the doctor determine the best time to transfer embryos.

Embryos can be easily transferred through the cervix and directly into your uterus. This is a minimally invasive procedure only slightly uncomfortable. The cervix is ​​very likely to allow access of the transfer catheter without difficulty or pain. You may experience some mild discomfort and cramping during and after the procedure. The success rate depends on your individual condition, so you should discuss your chances of a successful pregnancy through FET with your reproductive endocrinologist before starting any type of infertility treatment .......

Copier lease or purchase - perfect?


The copier market is one of the most flourishing business and sales records show that over 1.5 million copiers sold in the market every year. However, companies often must spend a large sum to buy copiers. An average business copier can cost between $ 5.000 and $ 10.000 and can go up to $ 40,000 for the most advanced model. Considering the figures of cost and problems such as maintenance associated with copiers, it is inevitably necessary to decide whether to buy or rent a photocopier.

The main things to consider when buying a copier is the capital involved, the maintenance unit and the problem to be overcome when other models. Since the copier industry is technology driven with advances growing next day-by-day, a time investment for a copier can never guarantee peace of mind for the buyer. The model that was purchased several years ago can become obsolete now. This brings us to the only other option - leasing.

The main advantage of leasing copier is that the investment of capital needed to buy a new machine can be saved. The amount can be used for creative purposes as enhancing your customer service, recruitment of new services, etc. As the leased copiers pay-per copy basis, the total cost involved is very limited.

Photocopiers are offered by the rental company that services the same and your company does not have to worry about finding the service personnel for the equipment. Other advantages are the saving of direct taxes as the leased equipment is considered a tax-deductible overhead expense. The option to upgrade obsolete equipment with a new one is completely affordable. If you are satisfied with the performance of the machine, leasing companies give you the option to buy the equipment or renew the lease period. You can also simply return the product back if you are finding the device is no longer necessary.

These advantages would certainly make you go for the plan copier lease. Nothing is better than leasing for a trouble-free use and maintenance of copiers and other technologically advanced equipment .......

Find Repo Cars For Sale - Bargain Hunting For Cars


Everyone wants a deal when they are looking for a car, especially when looking to buy a used car. We've all been there, in search of local cars, looking for that one precious gem of a car that was left and forgotten. The car they are just trying to get off the lot, at any price. Well, there's a better way. You can always be looking for repo cars for sale and save a lot of money. Here are some reasons why it is a good idea from car repossessed.

1. Prices - is not always true that the car repos for sale will be sold at a discount, but are sometimes willing to sell the car for the payoff. This can really work in your favor. Just remember that a bank is not in business to sell cars, they just want to get back the money you have paid for the car in the first place.

2. Often rotating Photo - If you can not find the car you want quickly recovered do not worry, repossessed cars are always showing for sale. Do not rush to buy, sit back and wait for the perfect car to enter and for sale.

Keeping an eye on the repossessed cars in your area, and maybe even have a way to control the car in other areas you will be sure to find the car that is right for you. The purchase and sale of repossessed cars is big business and you might even find that something you would do to do some 'money on the side .......

Ten things you should know about Life Assurance


1. The main reason for buying life insurance is to ensure that your loved ones are cared for in the event of your death.

2. Life insurance policies are calculated by underwriters that determine the amount of money needed to replace your income in the event of your death.

3. Life insurance is typically purchased to cover the cost of the mortgage re-payments, and other bills, in case of death of persons responsible for paying the mortgage; special policies under which premium costs reduce the amount of mortgages is reduced, these are known as mortgage life insurance.

4. Insurance policies vary their fees for maintaining the policy, and the amount to pay the death or termination of the contract (the insured amount), depending on some characteristics of the contractor (s), including age, sex , health and employment.

5. Three types of life insurance policy to exist; Term Assurance is a contract that lasts for a fixed term and aims to provide financial protection against death; All life is similar to making a financial investment, a premium is paid at specific intervals and is designed to provide the sum insured in the event of death or a specified later date; Endowment Assurance is similar to whole life insurance, however, these policies mature, which means that after a certain period of time the sum insured is payable If the contractor (s) are dead. For both types of insurance the past, there is a chance to surrender the policy at any time in order to receive a lump sum, the amount being determined by the length and amount of the premiums so paid.

6. Life insurance is very difficult and expensive to obtain after the age of 70, usually, the older you are the highest premium rates will be.

7. Generally, people who smoke are offered very high premiums, this is because smoking is considered very high risk.

8. For a sum assured payable to an individual in case of death, the policy must be active at the time of the event.

9. Many policies offer health insurance coverage Terminal, and will pay out in case of terminal illness, once a doctor has certified that death should be within 12 months.

10. The minimum period for a policy of life insurance is normally a period of 2 years, although most of the policies for the last between 20-25 years or more.

Life insurance should be considered as a necessary feature of your financial arrangements, which will provide you with peace of mind that your family will be cared for in the event of your death .......

Monday, September 10, 2012

Tips for buying stocks


As I have invested my money around the world, I met people from diverse cultural backgrounds and education, most of these people were losing money in the stock market, with the exception of a few who had almost the same way of thinking, even if have lived in different continents and never met before.

I realized that making money from stocks is not a skill, but rather a way of thinking or mentality. Any person of average intelligence and background of moderate to invest can make good profits from the stock market simply have this mentality.

This article aims to give advice for the purchase of stocks so that you end up with the mentality of those who make a lot of money from stocks.

Tips for making money from stocks

* Buy what you know: Never buy a stock because you heard that its price will rise, parents, friends and even brokers are good people but most of them will give you incorrect advice which results in wasting your money.

* Do not worship cards: Technical analysis is only useful to determine the time to buy something you already intend to buy, depending on technical analysis alone and you are ruined.

* Avoid frequent trading: I met a lot of day traders, but I've never met someone that capital gains realized during the period of five years. I have seen some do 50 on gains in a few months and few years later he went broke. Day trading is gambling, frequent trading is like a coin flip, so be sure to avoid both.

* Buy and hold: When you find a good opportunity to hold on to it, most people who trade to sell their stocks when they earn 5% or more, if they waited for a few months could have been sold with 40% and 50% of the profits. When you buy a good stock to allow him to raise the price of holding on to it, at least for a few months. With the first sale of the stock price reaches its potential will be wasting your time and minimizing your profits.

* Avoid diversification: Warren Buffet, the richest man in the world that has made his money from investments once said that diversification is good only for those who do not know what they are doing, if you are sure that you know five good actions then have confidence in themselves and distribute the money among themselves instead of buying random thirty companies that you know nothing. Diversification can reduce returns scientifically especially when you believe that stocks will rise in price from a few good percentage .......

How to write your first press release


If there was a task that could be done to let others know your business quickly, would you do? The fact is that most people do not implement a simple press release. It could be fear of the unknown? In this simple article, I hope to clarify some of these unknowns in order to move a step forward in growing your business.

INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC

The purpose of a press release is to inform others. Simply, it is news that will provide the public with the benefits of what you are trying to accomplish. Your goal is to please the public with the information you are providing.

NOT 'a sales letter

If you're planning to sell a product or service, you may have a sales letter. If you have an offline or online, the main purpose of it is to convince readers to buy what you have. Although it might seem like a story, a sales letter is not a press release.

SO WHAT'S 'THE DIFFERENCE

When you start to think about the structure of a sales letter, you can start thinking about the AIDA formula. Your attempt to draw attention, create a little ', the desire to interest, and finally hit the reader with a sales pitch. Now, what if you take out the pitch, that "call to action"? You still provide no value to the reader? If so, you can easily have a press release.

WRITE YOUR FIRST PRESS RELEASE

The first thing you want to do is learn from existing releases. You can review a local newspaper to find some news items worthy of notice. Another tactic is to review sites on-line press release as PRweb.com.

After reading the press releases, then think about how, when, what, why type of questions that apply to your product, service, or whatever you want to inform people about. It might be easier for you if you start writing this on a piece of paper right now. Very often I find the act of writing down thoughts can work wonders.

So after you write the answers to "your" questions down, think about your target audience. Sometimes this step is often overlooked. What do you think your target market is interested? Remember, you are trying to inform your readers. If your questions and answers are all over you, most likely will not form the bridge of information you want to transmit....

Planning is the key to owning a laundry


Have you thought about and decided to start his own business. You know you want a business that is mostly recession-proof. There are many, but a particular business costs less to finance than most, especially the recession is proof, requires no employees except the owner who will save you a fortune, requires very little inventory and provide the owner with an unlimited number of franchise opportunities.

Owning your own laundry mat business can be a financial boon. And the laundry mat business can reap the returns on investment equal to 40%, which is almost unknown in most other businesses. And the best part is that a laundry is a basic need in any area. Another advantage of owning a laundry mat business customers provide nearly all the work, saving a small fortune in payroll and employee benefits. Of course, the possibilities are virtually endless franchise.

Planning
If you want to own your own laundry mat business, planning is the key to success. If you do not have the capital to fully fund your shop, you will need to borrow from a financial institution. To qualify, you must demonstrate the need for a laundry in the area of ​​your choice. We hope that you have chosen wisely. But this should not be too hard, like a laundry room is required in almost every neighborhood, especially one with a large apartment community. You will need to show the lender with a financial statement that crosses at least 10 years. You will need to check with your lender to find out what they need in the prospectus.

Increase profits
There are many ways to increase profits in the lingerie industry for innovative entrepreneur. However, not too greedy. If you set the machine prices too high, customers can simply go to a different laundry. I know an owner who offers free washing and drying a customer a week. Customers do not know what day free washing and drying will occur, thereby increasing business through the work week, which may be a bit 'slow at times.

Another way to increase profits is to provide laundry services for your customers. Offer to do laundry for them by charging so much per pound with minimum poundage. The washer normal may contain from 10 to 15 pounds, per load. At $ 0.75 a load, a minimum of 10 pounds would you give for $ 7.50. Drying cost about $ 1. You just made $ 2.50 more than the customer would have spent to do their laundry. This service is great for construction workers who are single. Of course, that will require you to spend time at the store every day. But you must do so in any case to keep clean linens. Nobody wants to do the dirty laundry in a laundry.

Owning your own laundry mat business can be very profitable, especially if you franchise. The average laundry mat owner owns about three laundries. Therefore, research and plan, and will be a great success .......

15 management practices that promote a positive return performance


If effectively manage employee performance, you should do more than issue a performance evaluation or to conduct discussions on the required performance. It should be the creation of an environment that encourages employees to willingly and continuously give you their best performance on an ongoing basis. But how do you create this kind of environment?

Here are 15 practical to start with:

1. Provide information on your organization's practices and procedures. Ensure that employees understand the rules "written" and "unwritten".

2. Provide information on the programs of your organization and promotion processes, learning and development. Ensure that employees have a clear and realistic about what it takes to succeed and excel in your organization.

3. Share your organization's mission, vision, and / or values ​​statements. Tell employees how they help organizations succeed in these areas.

4. Share your organization's strategic goals and objectives of the group. Report the employee objectives to the achievement of strategic goals and group.

5. Provide clear expectations of performance. Let employees know what to expect, as we expect, and WHY 'is expected.

6. Provide timely and adequate training on new jobs and activities. Ensure that employees receive the necessary instructions and materials to make new work.

7. Provide timely and appropriate information on daily activities, assignments, both general and major projects. Ensure that employees receive the necessary instructions and materials to do their current job.

8. Provide timely and specific feedback on performance unsatisfactory. Tell employees what went wrong and what they must do well.

9. Adoption of appropriate and timely measures to help employees improve unsatisfactory performance. Provide training or other institution of performance-improvement strategies.

10. Reinforce the positive benefits. Give timely and specific feedback when employees meet or exceed expectations.

11. Provide opportunities for employees to improve their knowledge, learn new jobs, and expand their capabilities. Encourage participation in formal classroom or other types of development activities.

12. Eliminate workflow factors that have a negative impact on positive performance. Consider things like how the work is received, how the work is distributed, how the work is reviewed, and how the work is approved.

13. Eliminate the factors that have a material negative impact on positive performance. Consider things such as equipment operation, availability of equipment, the amount of work, and the type of resources.

14. Delete links related factors that have a negative impact on positive performance. Take prompt action to correct inappropriate comments, behaviors or actions.

15. Give employees feedback "in progress" performance. Let employees know how their behavior impacts on the achievement of objectives, the workloads of other people, and their personal workloads.

Performance Management is a continuous process

Think about it. There will probably get performance "continues" giving employees positive assessment "a" and performance discussion with "a" performance. Instead, you have to do things to ensure that employees and continued willingly give you their best performance. These things involve giving employees what allows them to do a good job, and eliminate what prevents them from doing a good job. This is what performance management is all .......

Building Alliances Leads to Business Success


The best way to achieve success in a competitive market is to conduct business with those they know and trust. The success is based on building meaningful relationships with customers who love what they do and the desire to contribute to blow the horn. The best concepts are networking and marketing, these are the fastest routes to business success.

Cold calling, direct mail and other traditional marketing methods do little to build relationships, just anger and frustration. How often do you make cold calls? And when was the last time you talked to an insurance agent millions of dollars that cold calls?

Today's sales professional requires techniques that help to accentuate and differentiate from others. In a culture where social networks proliferate, the only real network is built between a client and business professional. Customers enjoy the candor and the knowledge that is shared by a supplier. To this end, there are several methods that help marketing professionals.

Networking

Truly the best professionals in the sales network constantly. Selling professionals by nature require constant engagement with others to understand the trends of business and meet new opportunities. For over 27 years attend at least one or two networking events per month and I can measure these businesses. Sure, there's a plethora of associations and network organizations, choose those that are close to your position and aligned with the company. Review the local newspaper for the functions that interest you and attend as a guest, but to go. If your competitors are not attending. Others may not know your business with only a shingle hanging in the wind.

Referrals

The correct etiquette networking and the sale involves the acquisition of reference. Like many professionals to gain agreement to close an order ask for horror! Business is driven by the ability to ask for new businesses. If customers are satisfied with your work and willingly provide others may need to get your value. The best way is to look for referrals when you are first engaged with the customer and are in that emotional high. More importantly you want to ask when you are in the bill, because this is the best time to be top of mind. After sales is not an option in a few words, out of sight out of mind.

Another key element to remember is that there is strength in numbers, the more you get the most complete of the pipeline. There is a story of a professional insurance that you will visit customers and do not leave without three new references. Even if the client provided with one or two, the agent did not leave until he received three or more. Needless to say, the agent retired an extremely wealthy individual.

Follows up on referrals

It may seem pragmatic, yet there is much evidence to illustrate that a myriad of professionals who do not get follow-up. Friends, family, and customers typically provide these nuggets of gold, so it is essential that you follow up. Call immediately after receiving a contract or verbal agreement conceptual. Be sure to remember the person you referred to and indicate their enthusiasm for working with you.

Positive attitude

Good networking professionals have a positive attitude. Do not carry bags with them nor show negative feelings when things go wrong. There is the story of a professional business that has greeted everyone with "I am awesome!" By chance did so again by trying to fight a debilitating disease. People like doing business with positive people.

Enthusiastic / Energy

Remember the donkey from Winnie the Pooh-Eye Or? This poor donkey is as unhappy as I know something. Sometimes listening to him is pretty depressing. This is true with human relationships. People want to be around hot, people under stress. Many may feel the emotion of those around them. If you want to be a memorable networker, review your image, so we are excited about the event, the people and your business. People feed on positive energy, enthusiasm is the fuel for networks, alliances and differentiation.

Reliable

Candor is the most fundamental question in the current business environment of today. Ironically, an important feature for companies constantly discussed is ethics. Frightening as it sounds, there are many everyday examples of those who try to buck trends and momentum, while the gain non-compliance. Consumers enjoy doing business with trust relationships.

Good listening skills

Remember a time when you were with someone who is at a cocktail party or other event, and the person who spoke and never come up for air? He has not bothered? Customers have engaged with professionals who can provide value to understand the needs and listening. Customers clamor for solutions not prescriptions and the best people to understand the art of listening. Use techniques such as open and closed questions and a pause to really understand how to assist.

Enjoys helping

It 'better to give then receive. Those who will want to acquire first. Similar to the tenth, professionals need to deliver the content to get something. Think of tips, techniques and references that you can provide. This technique is a great opening to build relationships because others will identify with your willingness to provide useful information.

Sincere

Avid athletes concentrate on CORE. Basically this is the system on which all the muscles and symmetrical principles assist in building a body nutrition. Sales and core networking exercises too. One of the muscles of CORE is sincerity. The differentiation is based on a sincere desire to build relationships, become personable and assist coexisting needs. The admiration is built based on trust and willingness to assist. Dale Carnegie has described this work of his now famous, "How to Win Friends and Influence People". Specimens key: 1) speak in terms of the interests of the person and 2) Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely.

The key to building business and success is producing things that others do not. One needs to find ways to overcome the noise and become visible. With increasing global competition and a shift in the industry asking for operators who sell there is a need to become exceptional. There is also the question of work smarter not harder to achieve the required results. Refrain from tired sales methods do not work and start new strategies that can get the prizes and make a great performer! ...

Interview of Human Resources - Mistakes to Avoid


The interview of human resources is often the first step in the process of job interview.

It 's also one of the steps that researchers of jobs tend to look like is irrelevant. Job seekers who treat the interview as HR negligible risk losing jobs.

I lost count of how many times I helped a job candidate prepare for a job interview and had to convince them that the interview of human resources who are preparing for is what they actually need to take seriously.

Many people seem to think they are smarter that the HR person is going to talk with and think that will confuse them with technical jargon and bluff their way past HR to get the hiring manager.

If they do not move beyond the HR interview for various jobs you applied for membership, you must understand the differences between interviews with the HR interviewer and hiring manager.

HR is brought into the interview process to represent the company and to determine whether or not you are a fit for the organization.

Here are some things you should consider when preparing for an interview with Human Resources.

1. Human resources may prevent you from getting hired.

I have seen cases in which the agent prevents the HR hiring manager to hire someone who has the hiring manager wanted. HR can have a significant contribution to the recruitment process in some companies and in some cases may be the last word on whether or not you get hired regardless of whether or interview with them before the last and no matter how bad you want the hiring manager .

2. The interview with Human Resources will evaluate your suitability to join the company.

Before a company invests potentially tens of thousands of dollars (or more) to hire, they are going to make sure it fits within the organization. If you can not answer questions about yourself, because you want to participate in society and other HR-type questions why would you hire? The questions may seem trivial to you, but not the HR person interviewing you, trust me.

3. Understanding how human resources can help you get the job.

I saw some representatives of Human Resources telling me the phone that you particularly like one candidate over another and basically tell me they're going to try to guide the hiring manager to that candidate and away from what he does not like as much. They are not necessarily play favorites, simply decided that the candidate fits the company better than another. HR may be your lawyer if you take them seriously.

4. People hire people they like.

All things being equal, a company will be someone like that over someone they do not like much. When two candidates are equal in all areas, a company will assume the person they feel will be better integrated into their organization. It 's really that simple. A good performance during the interview, Human Resources can only help your chances of getting the job.

5. Do not assume your HR representative does not know what you know.

Unless you know the person interviewing you or Human Resources if you have not seen a copy of your resume, as you can tell what they know and what we do not know? Do not assume you will not understand your business or profession or to confuse them by using technical jargon. For all you know, could have done your job in the past and be very familiar with your work. They can interview people with your skills regularly so you think you can mention confusing technical terms and expressions may end up costing you when they see right through .......

Six Sigma is necessary to have the support of upper management?


The short answer is "Yes!"

The answer is: "Yes, and here's why."

Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of work in which management does not fully understand the value of the account or invest the time and effort required for quality improvement? This experience is certainly not rare. You really know the value of support to upper management, you're in a business climate that supports the improvement of processes from top to bottom.

Top management support for Six Sigma is crucial in two areas. First, the power and scope of Six Sigma requires a significant commitment by the organization. This requires support from management to overcome the departmental barriers. Secondly, any kind of change within an organization will meet some resistance, either intentional or just by virtue of inertia. When upper management is behind the change, the resistance can be countered and overcome.

You can not take the Six Sigma with an apathetic attitude. Can not be implemented piecemeal. Six Sigma is not for amateurs. If you are, you're in deep, and you're in for the long haul. Of course, for real and lasting improvement of processes, so it should be. Without a commitment of 100% of the program management of Six Sigma, Six Sigma becomes another "program management".

There will always be resistance to the changes introduced in an organization, and change requires continuous support, encouragement and monitoring by top management to overcome this resistance. There are many ways for projects to fail, and it is always convenient to blame the new tool. If you look hard enough, though, if Six Sigma fails, the failure is clearly the fault of management. If management really has the eye to the customer and is intent on providing quality products and services, then Six Sigma is a good choice to keep everyone focused.

Everyone can agree that the continuous improvement process is worth it, but getting the dedication of time and money to do it is often difficult. The support of upper management is an absolute requirement for quality. The leader of the agenda, rules, and authorize the resources. Without genuine commitment of management, your company's Six Sigma will be difficult if not impossible, to achieve a lasting improvement. Management buy-in is necessary but not sufficient. Leaders must literally pave the way and inspire people to get involved and play their role.

When your senior management on board, may oversee the implementation of Six Sigma effort. They can respond appropriately to both successes and roadblocks. Six Sigma may not be the silver bullet by itself, but must have full support and commitment from all levels of the organization. There are many other methods of quality improvement that have the ability to help organizations. One of the fundamental differences between them and Six Sigma Six Sigma is that it recognizes the need for a comprehensive organizational support and dedication.

Thus, Six Sigma is ideal for projects that require cross-functional groups, and the solution is not evident in the foreground. Upper management needs to understand that the implementation of Six Sigma need to be more prevalent in an organization of isolated projects. Management also plays a crucial role in the Six Sigma focus towards a broader application. Management formed the essential elements of Six Sigma methodology to select the projects that are aligned with business goals. Then, these managers must select and mentor Six Sigma project leaders called "Belts". Belts in turn mentors to others who share their skills and seek to continuously improve themselves, those around them, and the organization as a whole. Mentoring Six Sigma concept and the insistence on the senior management buy-ins are great ways to focus issues concerning the implementation of Six Sigma throughout the organization. When the upper management can contain up Six Sigma as the method by which an organization defines and implements the change in its whole structure, it is significant and lasting change comes .......

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Secrets of Great Customer Service - Follow these 6 simple tips


Good customer service is one of the most important part of your business. It 's important to get regular customers, the backbone of most companies. And unhappy customers are always quick to spread their misery. So here are some tips on customer service:

1. Be polite and use appropriate style.

This is a must. Your customers will respect you more if you act and sound professional. And many people also take offense at being addressed familiarly.

2. The customer is always right.

This is an old saying, but always true. The problem may be at fault or the customer's side, but you should never say this outright. If this is a problem with him, tell him the steps to solve the problem and to be understanding. And, if the problem is on your side, do not be afraid to apologize and explain the problem, if the situation merits.

3. Offer a refund if the problem is too serious.

Some customers will not dare ask for a refund, even if it is appropriate, given the situation. Tell them something that will pay them if they wish, even if you have a clear guarantee displayed on your site.

4. Be willing to go the extra mile.

It's the little things that count. When you can do more than asked not to be afraid, your customers will love you for it. For example, you can use images, screenshots and samples to answer a question rather than just describe with words, or send a thank you note written by hand with your physical products.

5. Make your customer feel comfortable asking questions.

Answer all the questions that are received promptly and politely. The fact that they can not take part in your latest promotion or buy your latest product is no less important to their application. It may be less profitable for you, but your customers could not care less about these things. Who knows, they might be planning a big purchase, or would have if they had been treated well.

6. Always follow-up if you expect a problem.

It is not necessary to follow your customers every step of the way. But if you notice a problem, or simply answering a question is particularly complicated, it is best to make sure that everything is resolved before moving forward. Making it easier to contact you if there is still something wrong....

5 Tips for Small Business Consulting - Franchise Marketing Made Easy


If you are a consultant or external to an organization of small business franchise, you are constantly looking for ways to help your clients improve their marketing efforts to increase revenues.

The value of marketing efforts for the franchise must be measured both their cost-effectiveness and their results in terms of sales growth for the organization. Greater cost-effectiveness can be achieved by implementing best marketing systems. These systems must be designed to minimize the time required from headquarters to oversee the management of the local affiliate marketing campaigns, both must contribute to increased visibility of the headquarters is in the countryside and to increase brand consistency throughout the organization.

Here are 5 tips for small business consulting franchise marketing easier:

Tip # 1: Unifying the brand image in all franchises using consistent collateral: fast-growing franchise organizations often find themselves quickly out of their marketing systems that have worked so well during the early stages of growth. The modus operandi for marketing within a franchise organization has to change when the organization goes from 10 to 50 points or more, but unfortunately many organizations fail to keep pace with its growth. One of the most dangerous consequences of such rapid growth is the loss of control of the brand image due to individual members who take on the task of managing their marketing campaigns that use the collateral against the organization. Therefore, it is important to advise the customer to find a way to unify the brand image of companies throughout the organization.

Tip # 2: Put the power of ordering direct mail and promotional products into the hands of affiliates: Leaving the individual franchisees control their own independent campaigns, direct mail, it gives them the power of mail to whoever they want whenever they want. However, while doing so would be giving up economies of scale associated with centralized direct mail and promotional products sourcing. The best thing for growing businesses of your client, then, is for them to continue to empower their members to maintain direct control of their campaigns, but at the same time it is necessary to help the client find to simplify ' fulfillment of direct mail through a single source.

Tip # 3: contract directly with vendors across the enterprise, in order to exploit opportunities to purchase volume: advising customers to contract directly with suppliers who meet their orders and print promotional items, which are helping customers to reduce costs Operating giving them the opportunity to take advantage of the opportunity to purchase the volume.

Tip # 4: Centralize generation mailing list for the control of the highest quality, many individual members have very specific ideas on how and to whom they want to mail coupons and other offers. And, all rights, should maintain control of this process. At the same time, franchises tend to have varying degrees of attitude to the management of the lists. And, often the data mailing list which is sourced locally is poor, full of errors and outdated. By centralizing the generation of mailing lists, but at the same time allowing affiliates to choose their own price list and quantity of selected demographic, the organization of your customers will enjoy greater ease of generation of the list and the highest response rates.

Tip # 5: automate the entire ordering process to minimize delays and errors associated with human interaction: Finally, the customer will benefit from the creation of an Internet-mediated, automated system that allows franchisees to run customized direct mail and promotional goods campaigns the features only the approved corporate guarantee. This system allows centralized control of the business office of your customer and complete visibility ordering habits of individual members, but also safely leave the decision making about the specifics of each country in the hands of local affiliates.

When performing consulting small businesses for franchise organizations in the field of marketing, it is important to inform your customers about how to improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of organization-wide marketing. At the same time, the recommendations should find ways to empower local franchisees to manage their marketing campaigns on their own terms .......

Bamboo Flooring Review - Selecting the Best Brand for You


Why Bamboo?

Bamboo flooring offers a good option if you want to install something unique and wonderful about your plans. On the basis of revision, it is found that the floors are installed with this type of flooring has a certain glow that are not found in other types of flooring. It 'comes in different shades that provide adequate choices for homeowners and home builders to choose from. It 's also suitable for different rooms of your home, from public spaces like the kitchen and living room, in private spaces, as well as the bedrooms and bathrooms. Best of all, bamboo flooring product is more eco-friendly around, be collected every four years or so and easily cultivated. Most products are imported from China, whose production is tightly regulated to maximize sustainability.

Brands of Bamboo Flooring

By submitting this review involves the mention of some of the most popular brands of bamboo. Included in the list are the wood and Bamboo Panda EnviroChoice, with the first one that has to be collected every six years to increase its durability and stability. Look for comfort, try the Premium Green Bamboo prides itself on never ask waxing, while Springwood offers a product line that is suitable for installment on heated floors. Westhollow products are considered fashionable and so is Woodstock, which has bamboo flooring that is colored with natural tones and charred beyond, as providing the homeowner with a variety of choices. All these brands are available in prefinished which results in lower stresses in the part of the installation program.

Unfinished and hand scraped

However, when you want your flooring to match colors of products of wood and wood elements around your home, try the brand Far East unfinished. This particular floor allows you to have complete control as to the ideal color and shade is suitable for inside your home. Although labor intensive, this type of bamboo flooring is well worth the effort and expense, if you're a discriminating person. The revision of bamboo flooring will not be complete if the hand of the Ming Dynasty label scraped bamboo flooring is not mentioned. The products of this manufacturer withstand unusual texture scraped by hand by Chinese artisans. However, expect to spend a little 'to his offer this brand is not as wide as the other manufacturer of bamboo flooring.

Comparison with other flooring

When you read a different opinion of bamboo flooring found in magazines and the internet, you know that bamboo has the same hardness as most wood products have. It is also easier to clean than hardwood and only requires regular sweeping. Some homeowners, however, recommended to use a micro-fiber mop dampened with a solution of vinegar and water to remove stubborn dirt ....

How to define business goals


Because a good business relationship rely on having some common business objectives?

As you attend networking events, you will gradually find ways that make it easy for you to mingle and be heard. Your message will need to be clear, focused and consistent each time. You will find that many of the people you met at an event attended by the other vai. These are the people who will probably form some sort of connection with. And 'these people can work together to reflect on the best networking events to attend and those who have not panned out. This is also a way to initiate new business relationships. If he had not found anything in common with them before, now you have something to discuss. You can ask questions regarding the type of activities they are looking for and that their best customer. You can also find out more about their business objectives and how they can mesh with what you are doing right now. The ultimate goal is to get the first appointment to explore the possibilities. They want to do business with you what you want to do business with them

Once you focus on commonalities between each company and shared among individuals, the business relationship has a chance to form. They are not selling at this point, you're simply trying to establish a good business relationship. Each of you can try a little 'of what the other has to offer, in order to test the waters before the report can be solidified.

The activity word "pain" is regularly flaunted in marketing and sales areas and at times has meant very little. Most organizations do not reveal their pain to anyone but an insider. If you are able to form a solid business relationship within the company, then you will be closer to find out what improvements the company is fighting for .......

Knowing Franchising - How to Start a Franchise Business Style


If you are thinking of opening a new business then you should look at franchising. There are a lot of positive benefits for the purchase of a franchise. You will have a brand that people are aware of and will not hesitate to get in and buy from you.

First you should educate yourself on which companies are most successful franchise. The key to making money with a franchise is to have a good brand name and a better location. You want to be a place where there's lots of traffic and not too many other similar businesses.

Then you want to set a budget, because this will help you know what you can afford. It's not that you want to spend time looking at franchising McDonald, can not afford it. It 'better to have a budget and then make a list of companies included in that budget.

Starting a new business can be challenging and have a partner such as a franchise can really help. You may find that opening of its actions may be cheaper, but you will not get support and be recognized that comes with a franchise.

Remember that when you made the decision to go into business for yourself then you should look at all your options. Buying a franchise can be great idea because you will have a ready made business. The brand can help to generate income immediately after you open the doors .......

Five reasons why CEOs should not hire a consultant Diversity


Those of you reading this are probably thinking that I'm some kind of right wing conservative who is against affirmative action and diversity. You may also feel that I am a closet supporter of Ward Connerly's opponent of affirmative action and founder of the American Civil Rights Institute, which in my opinion is a misnomer, both in name and mission. In fact, I am a strong supporter of affirmative action and a great supporter of the need for diversity in the workplace. It may be surprising that the diversity training and consulting Affirmative Action is part of my consulting activities. In fact, in my thesis - thanks to Michelle Obama's references to our thesis are now in vogue - I have discussed at length the need for business initiatives and diversity programs, if they wanted to be employers of choice for minorities.

So with that background of support because I do not write because you should hire a diversity consultant? It 'a fair question, and I have five - even if there are more than five - reason why I think of you as a CEO should not.

Reason One: The human resources manager said it should:

Many HR managers believe that attracting the best talent the company has to demonstrate that values ​​diversity and embraces differences. They believe that the best way to do this is to hire a consultant diversity. They mistakenly believe that those expert in the field of diversity management and with a little 'training and awareness will' get it 'and become a haven for top diverse talent to rush to work for your company. If the HR manager tells you that you need to do some training and awareness, you need to ask, awareness around this. Just what are we training people to be aware of? Your company may need to visit the theme of diversity, but as the leader of the company, you must consider how this will impact the entire organization. Doing a little ', the awareness is not going to deal with dynamic organizational problems. For the formation of diversity to be effective, must go beyond the typical areas of race, sex, and the inclusion you will have to do with the impact it has on corporate culture. To make the concept of diversity work, you will need the support of your entire management team working together to integrate into your overall business strategy. Thus, without understanding the organizational impact that diversity will have with the senior management team any suggestions from your HR manager to hire a diversity consultant now would be premature.

Reason two: The results of survey of employee satisfaction:

Employee satisfaction surveys are fascinating but not always well understood. You can get a wealth of information from them and misinterpret it could end up working on the wrong problem. If the Director of Human Resources takes you, the results of a recent poll, and he starts talking about how you see people are concerned about the lack of diversity in the company. As CEO, you need to challenge the Director of HR in detail on its interpretation of the results. Depending on what the survey was designed to measure the CEO must know the context of how data is interpreted. The results can provide an indication of a potential problem, but you need to know if this is an isolated situation, or really a symptom of deeper problems. Without further investigation would not go out and hire a consultant diversity because of a first employee satisfaction survey on time. If you feel a problem really exists, then as CEO should lead the charge to find out how deep this problem goes. It starts with you first no direct relationship with the hiring of a consultant diversity.

Reason Three: To get some magazine list:

If any member of your staff comes in with a copy of an article on how the competition has made a list Best Company for African-Americans, Hispanics, women, or any other group. They also suggest that it might be a good idea to hire a diversity consultant how your company can make the list next year. Thank you for bringing the article to your attention and if you know the CEO of the company call and congratulate them for the premium, but do not rush out and hire a diversity consultant to get on a list. As CEO, you should ask your management team because it is important for the company to be in some magazines best places to work list. How about this list is going to contribute to profitability and increase customer loyalty. In addition to these questions, ask him to hire a consultant diversity as this action will improve accountability, communication and teamwork within the company. You should then kindly of him walking from your office while he instructing that the next staff meeting is expected that he would be willing to discuss this with the rest of the staff. But do not stop there. A meeting of the leadership of your team to share the article with them and ask them the question, as a society, we do not know how our employees feel of color to work for this company? What is preventing women and minorities to advance? What are we doing as a team, to encourage minorities to come to work for this company? Do not be swayed to think it necessary to hire a diversity consultant to find the answers to these questions. Make your management team do the work, get back to you, and tell you how it intends to address the problem.

Reason Four: Are Global

Say you plan to open offices in Japan, Sweden, Brazil, and London. You sit with your senior staff, and discussion of marketing and sales turns to cultural differences and norms of doing business in each of these countries. Your EVP of Sales and Marketing suggests hiring a local firm to enter and have a diversity of their consultants to do a half-day discussion on how to deal with cultural differences. For all sitting around the table this seems like a good idea. Once everyone has offered his opinion on the fairness of hiring a consultant diversity and welcome everyone to embrace the idea. It's like the CEO need to look at all the eyes in the streets and tell them in terms of content and this is not happening. When sales and marketing strategy does not include plans to bring the people familiar with the country bringing people over or spend time in the countries you plan to open offices, then hiring a local consultant to the diversity a half-day session on culture, norms, and values ​​they give little value, may actually do more harm than good. This is more than just understanding the rules and values. I suggest as the CEO, he takes a bold position and delay the roll-out until they have had the opportunity to spend time and effort to understand what it will take to sell and market in these countries.

Reason Five: It will make you look good in the community:

Do not waste your time or money to take diversity consultants if you have a well thought out and comprehensive business case for diversity in your company. If the only reason why you are taking, diversity is a consultant to look good in the community, does not work and people will see it for what it's worth, a fiction. If you want diversity to work in your company then as CEO you will be a copy. It begins with the development of an agreed business case for diversity and takes action on your part, as the CEO of the company and retain the personnel directly responsible so that direct reports are held responsible. If someone on your staff suggests taking a variety consult to do this for you, please thank them for the suggestion, but tell them before you bring any diversity consultants, we feel that together as a team that can and will start prepare the ground work for developing a business case for diversity. Diversity is of no value if the only reason is to get people to talk nice to each other, or you are trying to solve an isolated problem. As CEO, you want diversity to work because it has the fiduciary responsibility to mange and use effectively the activities of your company. This means ensuring that all people regardless of their sex, race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, or age have the opportunity to contribute to the success of the company. In summary, I realize that this may be a bit 'controversial and intuitive for those inclined to support diversity. Then, save the rotten tomatoes, cabbage and eggs and sending e-mail for a later time. Because if this article has inspired you through products like rot to me (figuratively speaking of course) then I did my job, because it means that you are thinking of five reasons why you should hire a diversity consultant and that is the subject of My next article.

Timothy A. Wilson in 2008 .......

Saturday, September 8, 2012

SBA Offer in Compromise - How to Close a Business


If you are reading this and thinking to yourself "great, you can help me pay off my debt, but how do I close my shop?" This is the article for you.

Just like opening a business, closing a business requires a plan. The difference between the closing with a plan and without a closure plan is similar to the difference between jumping from a plane, with or without a parachute: it is going down in both cases, but careful planning can be the difference between crashing into a pile of fire against slipping for a soft landing.

Some tips to avoid a clash of fire:

Do not be a ghost - When business is going badly, the tendency is to want to run and hide, especially from your lender. Non Ignoring your banker is the surest way to come his way. Having a banker who loves is a precious commodity. Having a banker who does not like you can make it difficult or impossible to settlement discussions. Return calls, letters, e-mail. It could mean the difference between success and resolve a legal judgment made against you.

Save Your Pennies For That Rainy Day Upcoming - Once the business is closed and businesses were liquidated, its time to do your bidding settlement. We can only propose a transaction if you have something to offer, so once you know for sure that there will be closing and the search for a solution, start stashing away cash and looking for ways to raise money to bid. Friends, family, home equity loans, and credit cards are typical sources of cash.

Get Your Ducks In A Row - The time to decide what your strategy should be upfront settlement will make a concrete offer. If you work with a professional like DLA, you can determine what the best strategy might be, and what is more likely to be approved by your lender and the SBA. There's nothing more disappointing than for a borrower when they do everything that the bank demands, only to have their settlement offer rejected by not knowing the parameters of the process of entering OIC, and not have a backup plan.

Ask permission before having a sale closing - While the idea of ​​cutting prices to raise money may sound good in theory, make sure the lender is OK with it. If they think they gave away the store (and their warranty), you can get an earful from your banker. Even worse, you may be able to compensate for the difference between what you sold the items and what the bank thinks they were really worth.

Settle with who Can - Many manufacturers will settle with you if you can make a cash offer. To tie these outstanding, you may be able to save the headache of call origination and personal judgments.

Play Nice with the owner - Next to your lender SBA, the landlord may be held as successful as you go, as they are losing years of rent that was expected. In order to minimize the damage, try to find a qualified tenant for the space. When I finally quit, leaving the space "broom clean" so that the owner is not locked to clean up your mess .......

Staff retention at your Non-Profit - Whose responsibility?


At most companies and many small non-profit plan, there is no retention of staff, no one has been appointed as the Managing Director of Conservation. As a matter of fact, many organizations see turnover almost like a badge of honor, "our place is so difficult to work, most new people will not survive." It 's an approach that gives a left-handed compliments to the staff that remain. But what some organizational leaders are beginning to realize is that (a) the turnover is expensive (b) the turnover in the products makes bad results and (c) the turnover can be reduced.

Let's be clear about one thing, the goal is not to keep all staff. Sometimes turnover is not a bad thing. Turnover can bring new ideas in the organization and turnover of under performers gives the organization the opportunity to improve its human resource capacity.

However, when the revenue starts to exceed 20%, and we know of non-profit organization that sales figures triple, three things are starting to have a negative impact on organizational performance. (1) organizational resources begin to be disproportionately devoted to recruitment, selection and initial training. If you think turnover costs by 5% of basic salary or 50%, make no mistake about it, the inability to retain qualified and dedicated organization costs money, money that could be replaced by other critical needs. (2) The program or the product begins to suffer. In the short range errors by inexperienced personnel begin to occur, and in the long run, customers or consumers of services are kept in their progress because they are always confronted with new people moving in and out of their lives. (3) result Unfilled jobs in an extraordinary burden on the existing staff, supervisors do not control, are filling coverage holes, everybody is wearing the most "Hats" and the burden of mandatory overtime causes a level of disruption in their personal lives to get staff that exceeds the value of the payment they receive.

But who in the organization is responsible for getting this situation under control? As someone with over 40 years of experience in human services leadership, I believe that the inability to retain employees shows a lack of leadership responsibilities. To me it means that no one has bothered to tell the security staff who are responsible for maintaining the highly skilled work for them. Supervisors must understand that they must be committed to the success of their direct reports.

Here's what usually happens. For organizations with high turnover of rental-decision is often a hurry, someone is needed to cover a shift tomorrow, as it turns out, almost all to do with a normal temperature. The next phase is the initial training package that is normally given to new employees during their first five days on the job. The net result of this training is that staff were introduced about 5 times more than they could absorb and the employee leaves the experience confusing, at best. From it the new employee is thrown into the thick of things and is much more of a sink or swim proposition.

Within a month or two the new employee begins to have performance problems. Surprised? It should not be. Good chance that the new employee was not a good match for the organization, in the first place. It 's very likely that the new employee has not been given a good overview ... or no control. No one has ever explained to the supervisor that staff performance is his / her responsibilities. And then comes the really sad. Once the performance begins to fall, it usually continues to fall until the employee is located outside the organization voluntarily or involuntarily. There seems to know very little to reverse poor performance ... once it starts to descend on as normal.

Depressing as this sounds, the fix is ​​relatively easy for leaders who are determined to see things change. Do three things:

1. Rewrite the job description of Supervisors and include language that clearly states that their performance will be evaluated partly on their ability to develop loyalty among skilled people working for them. Be prepared to enforce it. This should apply to all supervisors of the organization, supervisors of senior officials able to model the desired behavior for their peers at the junior level.
2. Treating supervisors as supervisors. Involve them in the hiring process. After all, if you want to be responsible for the performance and loyalty of their staff, which should be given a voice to those who will be assigned to their work units.
3. Finally, recognize that supervisors have a tough job, give them training and support they need to learn new skills and supervisory behaviors that can be used consistently, day after day.

You can reduce staff turnover, if you are determined to do it. It 's much more on the involvement, support and recognition of quality work than it is about money. Do not give in to sales, develop your plan to keep employees that add value to your organization, customer satisfaction surveys that reflect a much more positive views of their organization, not to mention the money you save .......

Activity Team Building - Spin Mind - Brainstorming, Problem Solving, sviluppo del pensiero creativo


Mente Spin

Scopo: Brainstorming, sviluppo del pensiero creativo, problem solving squadra.

Partecipanti: 10 - 25 (possono essere più o meno vedere di seguito per alcuni suggerimenti di variazione)

Orario: 10 - 45 minuti

Materiali di consumo: schede, penne o matite, tavole rotonde

Preparazione:

Rompere il gruppo in squadre di 3 - 5 partecipanti. Chiedete a ogni gruppo di 3 - 5 partecipanti di sedersi a tavoli rotondi separati (le tavole rotonde di aiuto anche se non sono necessari).

Posizionare una grande pila di schede al centro di ogni tavola rotonda

Avere l'argomento o idea di essere "buttato giù" scritto su una lavagna bianca o di potere diapositive punto - "Cosa possiamo ..." Che cosa si può fare per ... "ex". Come possiamo comprendere meglio le esigenze dei? i nostri clienti? "," Cosa si può fare per migliorare la qualità di questo prodotto? "," Come possiamo aumentare la nostra produttività? "

Flusso:

Chiedete a ogni gruppo di 3 - 5 partecipanti di sedersi ai tavoli. Ogni partecipante riceve 5 schede bianche. Le carte rimanenti (~ 100) sono posti al centro del tavolo.

Spiega che questa sarà una sessione di brainstorming che sarà individuale e come squadra base. All'interno di una sessione di brain storming non ci sono risposte giuste o sbagliate e nessuna idea è off limits.

I partecipanti avranno due, cinque tondi minuti a scrivere poiché molte soluzioni possibili sulle schede idea - uno per ogni scheda (una idea scritta su una scheda). Se si utilizzano più le cinque schede prendere un'altra carta dal mazzo centro.

Dopo un idea è scritto sulla carta indice del partecipante SLAMS la scheda indice in giù sul tavolo a faccia in giù alla loro destra (viso è lungo il lato che l'idea è scritto). Lo SLAM è importante - il suono e la vibrazione di sbattere la carta sul tavolo aggiunge una sensazione tangibile alla "Spin Mind" che rende l'attività più divertente!

Se a un certo punto un partecipante non può pensare di tutte le soluzioni alla domanda topic possono prendere una carta dalla cima dei partecipanti si accumulano alla loro sinistra. Hanno 3 opzioni prima di sbattere la carta verso il basso per il loro diritto;

a) Basta SLAM in basso a destra dopo aver letto e prendere un'altra carta da sinistra ...

b) Leggilo, essere ispirata da essa, SLAM giù a destra e prendete una carta in bianco scrivete la vostra ispirazione ... poi sbattere la scheda idea di destra ...

c) Leggi, aggiungere ad esso con una domanda o un commento, poi sbattere giù prima di afferrare un'altra carta da sinistra ...

Chiedere ai partecipanti di continuare fino a quando non sente il fischio del treno, campana, ecc ..

Una volta round 1 è completo - il facilitatore raccoglie tutte le schede idea (di tutte le squadre) e li mescola. Il facilitatore li distribuisce in modo uniforme le carte idea indice per le piccole squadre. Chiedere ai partecipanti di ogni squadra per distribuire le carte idea indice tra i membri del team e metterli a faccia in giù davanti a ogni partecipante.

Round 2 - Inizia lo stesso 1 ° turno - questa volta se il partecipante raggiunge un blocco idea che prendere una scheda idea dalla pila di fronte a loro - poi lo SLAM alla loro destra. NON finché tutte le carte provenienti da tutto davanti 1in dei partecipanti se ne sono andati il ​​partecipante può prendere una carta dalla loro vicini palo a sinistra.

Chiedere ai partecipanti di continuare fino a quando non sente il fischio del treno, campana, ecc ..

Una volta round 2 è fatto il facilitatore raccoglie tutte le schede idea.

Cosa fa il facilitatore che fare con tutte le idee di quei indice di carte?

Leggi attraverso di loro - ci saranno duplicati diverse - durante la lettura attraverso le idee del facilitatore in grado di creare categorie per una ulteriore discussione o scegliere le migliori 10 idee per discutere ulteriormente.

Facilitazione Suggerimenti:

La SLAM rende questo "Spin Mind" di attività ancora più efficace.

Incoraggiare i partecipanti a continuare a muoversi! Si tratta di una veloce attività percorso LOUD - se non hanno idee afferrare l'uno alla sua sinistra - ho visto le idee si fanno strada intorno ad un tavolo da 10 a 15 volte.

L'idea alla base del 2 ° round è quello di strizzare davvero fuori le idee e per incoraggiare l'intero spettro dei pensieri.

Variazione:

Questa attività può essere utilizzato per molti scopi:

Ciò che è stato ottenuto dal nostro tempo insieme?

Che cosa stiamo andando a fare in modo diverso in ufficio domani?

Che tipo di caffettiera dobbiamo comprare per l'ufficio?

Dove si trova la famiglia per andare in vacanza quest'anno?

Quali sono le qualifiche per il nostro nuovo socio?

Quali sono i vostri obiettivi e le aspettative di questa formazione?

Qualsiasi domanda o problema che voi e il vostro team si trovano ad affrontare (che si desidera avere la squadra e gruppi in ingresso) può essere utilizzato nel Spin Mente.......

Video Games - 7 Ability to save all your safety needs of drivers in the game!


The world of video games is one of the largest and most profitable fields in programming. Games like "Grand Theft Auto 4" and "Need For Speed" top the list of most played games on any console. Part of the appeal of these games is their realism when it comes to driving a car.

Video game programmers could use their talents to teach children how to drive responsibly?

A case against video games is that unconsciously teach our children the street is a place of fun, when it should be focused on safety. The argument is that video games give children an advantage for the hand-eye coordination as they learn at an early age.

If programmers focus on the latter topic, and video games can have positive effects, may be able to work with games that promote safe driving habits, while entertaining the masses.

Focus - One of the problems young drivers face is the ability to concentrate on the road. With a video game that simulates various aspects of driving, a student could actually gain confidence and learn to pay attention when they are in the driver's seat.

Seat belts - Another aspect that could be implemented is a way to make their seat belts fail-safe in the game. For example, the game can not be started until the safety belt has been set.

Speeding - Young drivers often feel a sense of immortality, when they first get their license. By implementing a strategy for running speed down, programmers can use a point system in their game. When a driver exceeds the speed limit you lose a point, that affects their total score in the game.

Skids - Know how to recover from a skid is an excellent thing to have when you are just starting out on the road. Using a simulation to regain control of the vehicle could save the life of a new driver.

Impaired Driving - When you try to explain what it is like to be harmed, does not seem to register with a lot of young drivers. With this in mind, a video game could simulate the way the guide, while it is really compromised. In this way, young drivers can see how fast a vehicle can spin out of control.

Prevention - Most drivers will have to avoid some kind of accident, weather or animals. With advanced technology that was developed in the last two years, video games have become better in the graphics industry. Now we have video games in high definition quality and this could be perfect for the training of young drivers on how to look for the street, avoid animals, and to avoid serious accidents.

Weather - Teaching a student how to drive in the summer you can not teach them how to drive in a snowstorm. With a video game can imitate successfully a rain or snowstorm and strong winds. This could revolutionize the way new drivers are fully prepared for any kind of weather that could cause an accident.

Video games are becoming more advanced, as the years pass. The games that allow our children to crash cars, speed on the roads, and make a sport of the people running it might be better spent to teach them the responsibility that comes with driving a car. With video games focus more on driver safety, we may see fewer accidents and give new drivers the opportunity to avoid becoming a statistic .......

Home Based Business Internet Marketing


These days everyone wants to make money on the Internet, but not many are able to do so. The reason is pure and simple - do not know how to reach their specific target audience and impress. Here is where the steps of marketing on the Internet comes in.

However, marketing online or offline, is a continuous process and manage a successful business you need the necessary skills and time to resume. Some prefer to focus on running your business while specialists do the marketing. This is why there is a growing demand for Internet marketing in the cyber world.

The world is full of choices, and you can select any market from safety pins to a sophisticated online software. It 's up to your creativity and resources to choose what and who you want on the market. Those of you who want to start small and set-up your online marketing career with a little investment you can opt for affiliate marketing, which has emerged as the most popular way of advertising on the Internet.

An affiliate program is nothing more than marketing products or services of others by simply providing a link to the vendor's site from your website. Attract as many people as possible to your site and get them to click on web links of the supplier. Whatever the sales from your materialize website are registered through a monitoring system, and you get a commission on every sale. Thanks to aggressive marketing of these companies, you might find a handful of suppliers who are eager to recruit more customers if you can promise. Internet marketing is a lucrative career choice for those who have an aptitude for marketing, whether direct or affiliates. For those of you who think big and have considerable resources, training, sophisticated marketing skills, you can target online marketing services to other companies.

There are no rules of thumb for success as an Internet marketer. Only the ability to identify and reach a target for your customer in a unique, scalable and cost will make you stand out among the myriad of Internet marketers flooding cyberspace with their services .......

Business Networking is like an orange tree


Recently, my 5 year old son told me he wanted to plant an orange tree in our backyard. Excited about his new interest, proudly took him to the nursery to buy a small tree to plant. "When the oranges grow, Dad?" he asked as I was watering the tree. "It will take some time," I said. "We have to water the tree every few days, and in a few weeks, you will begin to grow oranges."

Of course, my 5-year-old son has no idea how much time is 2 weeks. The next morning, he rose from his bed and eagerly ran to the back window, looking oranges. He came into my bed and woke me up. "Dad, how come the oranges are not grown up yet?" "It will take some time," I said. "You must have patience."

By the third day I realized that maybe plant a tree has not been the best pastime for a 5-years. At his age, is all about instant gratification - when my wife and I promise to buy him a toy, we know we must do it for him immediately. When we make plans to go on vacation, make sure not to talk about it until a few days before. One can not help a child to wait a few weeks to go to Disney World.

Personal networking is no different. When I joined my local Chamber of Commerce several years ago, I wanted instant gratification. When I showed up at a networking event, I expected the phone to ring the next day. As my son, I wanted instant results and had no patience to wait. As a networker, I was too immature to understand that great things could happen later.

After all, other marketing techniques do not take longer. Print advertising, telephone solicitation, and direct mail - if done properly - leading to immediate results. Personal networking requires more time, and therefore requires a greater level of patience and maturity. However, the quality of business received from the network is far superior, because nothing beats a personal reference. If done properly and with patience, the results could be phenomenal.

The concept is simple - know the people, and these people know more people. With the introduction of myself to someone, my hope is not just that I'll get business with that person, but maybe they know someone (or few) I can do business with. The more people who know the services you provide, the better. It may take some time until someone needs my service, but when someone knows or does, I know you will call me.

It really works! Some of my best customers came to me as a referral from someone I know. When I need a service, I think that I know personally that performs that service. If I can not think of anyone, ask someone I trust for a referral.It 's so simple, but not always clear how effective networking can be. So keep at it - as I know my son will be in awe at the sight of that tree because it produces oranges, I know I will be delighted with the fruits of your labor .......

Branding - It can make a difference?


Most consumers do not pay much attention to branding. They just stick to brands that have become synonymous with their daily lives, and so many people underestimate the power associated with a trademark authority. Have you ever purchased a product over another one of equal value, simply because it was from a more reliable? If you're buying habits are like mine, then the answer is yes.

What's in a name?

The development of a unique and appealing brand involves more than just a simple pick a name from a hat. A strong brand will evoke a range of positive emotions, and should inspire confidence in your product or service.

It 'also important to keep your brand simply because potential customers may have trouble remembering the name of a brand too complicated. You also want your brand to be unique. A hallmark is what separates you from the competition. If the mark is too similar to one of your competitors, people may confuse the two, leading to a decrease in sales / revenues.

Brand Exposure

Always communicate your brand identity to your target audience. Everything you say and do, from how to answer the phone, the way you format your e-mail messages should reflect the brand image. Use the color scheme and logo on all printed materials from letterhead to invoices. Your website should also reflect your company brand image. It 's always important to constantly seek new ways to incorporate your company logo and colors. The more your potential customers are bombarded with your brand companies best suited to continue their patronage.

The development of brand loyalty

Brand loyalty is an important aspect of any marketing activity of enterprises. Typically, potential customers will have a choice of products and services within the industrial segment, and a successful company will encourage customers to re-purchase a particular product or reusing a specific service.

Many companies develop brand loyalty by offering incentives such as discount vouchers and frequent customers. In addition, another common technique used by many companies online is to gather information about their customers' buying habits to better customize future advertisements and promotions .......