Wednesday, December 17, 2014
sambal8.blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Travel Like A Business Owner, Frugally!
People who don't travel much will often think that business
travel is exotic. Interesting cities, nice hotels, restaurant meals all
seems so much better that the everyday "humdrum" existence they live!
Then there are the people who actually travel for business, whose view might be a little different. Longer hours, no home cooked meals, miss their own bed, hotels are all the same when all you do is use them to sleep and shower, restaurant meals get old and then there is the time away from family. Not often mentioned but equally off putting is the exposure to germs and people you might not otherwise choose to meet! Too often you find yourself in an aircraft where invariably you are sitting next to a large person who overflows into your space, and has a very obvious cold!
Now that I have put business travel into context, it IS a valuable, and needed, activity for any business that has multiple locations or even just clients in multiple locations.
Business owners approach travel with the goal of achieving their business needs as effectively and as "cost effectively" as possible! Here are some business travel tips from a business owner:
"Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship." Benjamin Franklin
These are lessons I have learned over the last 18 years owning and operating my own business.
What tips do you have to share?
Then there are the people who actually travel for business, whose view might be a little different. Longer hours, no home cooked meals, miss their own bed, hotels are all the same when all you do is use them to sleep and shower, restaurant meals get old and then there is the time away from family. Not often mentioned but equally off putting is the exposure to germs and people you might not otherwise choose to meet! Too often you find yourself in an aircraft where invariably you are sitting next to a large person who overflows into your space, and has a very obvious cold!
Now that I have put business travel into context, it IS a valuable, and needed, activity for any business that has multiple locations or even just clients in multiple locations.
Business owners approach travel with the goal of achieving their business needs as effectively and as "cost effectively" as possible! Here are some business travel tips from a business owner:
"Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship." Benjamin Franklin
- Book ahead! Last minute travel is costly... and does not allow you to plan your days as effectively as you might.
- Look at travel options... don't go with the same airline all the time just to collect points! In Canada I might travel on Westjet, Air Canada or Porter based on price, convenience and my travel needs for a given trip.
- Be frugal with hotel bookings. Generally it's just a bed and a shower. You don't need the most expensive hotel. I find a reasonable place, convenient to my meetings. I often use sites like Hotwire to get great rates and have friends who use airbnb.
- Limit travel in business hours. I get early morning flights when headed west, and late evening flights when headed east. This means I can maximize my time at my destination. For example if I leave Toronto at or before 7am I can arrive in Calgary or Vancouver around 9am local time, giving me a full day in that city.
- Look after your body. Eat well, get enough sleep and work out. You don't even need a gym to work out! Pushups, ab exercises, squats, lunges, walking the stairs etc. are all good exercise that you can do anywhere.
- Travel with hand sanitiser. In the "germ environments" of planes and hotels it makes sense to act like a health professional. Wash your hands often!
- Travel with supplements. You will likely not get the nutrients you get with your regular diet so bring vitamins, ColdFX even some pain medication. It will help you stay healthier and hence more effective.
- Limit your alcohol intake. It is easy to let this get away from you when you are visiting colleagues and clients in other cities. Exercise some restraint, your body will thank you.
- Take materials with you that will make your travel time effective. Catch up on reading, create a reading file with photocopies or cutouts of articles. Put materials on your kindle, iPad or other reader.
- Travel light. Learn to pack effectively and think through your wardrobe... if you can travel with carry-on luggage only you will save time and aggravation. (Learn to us an iron... there is one in most hotel rooms).
- Spend like it is your own money. As a business owner it IS your own money! Tip appropriately, but not extravagantly. Choose reasonable but not crazy restaurants. Take the team for a couple of drinks, but don't make a night of it.
These are lessons I have learned over the last 18 years owning and operating my own business.
What tips do you have to share?
hptelphone.blogspot.com
Three Steps to Getting on Google
If you want your website to be noticed, you have to get on Google. And if you want to get on Google, you have to make yourself as visible as possible to them and their web crawlers. Then of course once you're on, you're going to want make sure you stay there.
Getting and staying on Google can be broken down into three easily remembered stages:
· Build (on-site SEO)
- How Do You Choose The Best Online Business To Star...
- Hidden Features of Google Search
- How to Make Money Online the Easy Way Without Inve...
- How To Make Money Using wikiHow
- My 5 Favorite Ways To Make Money Online
- Give Your Customers What They Are Looking for
- Why Web Hosting Is Good For Your Business
Monday, December 15, 2014
pesawatair.blogspot.com
Fisher-Price Imaginext Supernova Battle Rover
 |
| >Shop now |
| List Price: | |
| Price: | $109.99 + $14.49 shipping |
| You Save: | $10.00 (8%) |
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by ToySheep.
Please check other sellers who may ship internationally.
- Endless Imaginext Play! The hot wish-list toy that will keep your boy engaged and playing with it for years!
- Turn disk to raise removable space shuttle; pull trigger to fire projectiles from the space shuttle's two launchers
- Use kid-controlled panel to interact with the Rover, triggering SFX, phrases and lights!
- When other Imaginext ships (sold separately) fire at it, the Rover responds with different SFX and phrases!
- Includes Battle Rover, removable space shuttle, storage area, tools and weapons and much more!
usahapesawat.blogspot.com
Getting Deals on Great Houses: Consider Finding a Realty Company to Help
For Sellers
The real estate agent will help a homeowner set a price. This aids the homeowner in not getting ripped off. Plus, it can help the homeowner put the house up for sale for a price that's actually reasonable,
Getting Past Sales Objections
It seems that every time I'm on a sales call I get an objection.
Sometimes it's a concern about the program taking too much time or costing too much. Sometimes they already have taken programs and want to do more with them before moving on or getting more. Maybe they feel that they can't make the decision at that moment and need to consult with their partner.
Bottom line, it's almost never "Sure that sounds great, sign me up!"
As a business owner and, by default, a sales person, it's frustrating.
You know your product or service is amazing. You know that your product or service can help people.
Why don't prospects simply say yes?
The reality is that nobody says YES to any purchase immediately, including you.
Don't believe me? Think about this.
You go to the supermarket for groceries.
You are in the produce section. You look around, what looks good? You head to the apples. Do you get the organic or not? What's the price difference? Which looks better? You decide which type to get and then pick through them to find apples with no blemishes or soft spots.
You see spinach. This should be easy, your entire family enjoys spinach and it's on sale. Then you wonder, why is it so cheap? Better check the date on the package. Are they trying to move it before it goes bad?
You go to the broccoli and then you remember, last time you bought broccoli it didn't get used up and it went bad, maybe you won't get it after all.
Finally you see onions, you grab a few, then stop... you think there may be some left, and you call home and check before you get them.
You move onto the meat department. You see a beautiful roast. It's on sale, but it's still quite expensive. Logically you shouldn't buy it but you really want it. You go for it, even though you know you're going to have to explain yourself when you get home.
Here's the deal, every time you buy something a decision is involved.
You decide if the product is right for you and if it solves the problem you have. You need to trust yourself to use the product. You also must trust the business or person providing the product. And most important, you need to believe that the problem you have, or the desire you are seeking to fulfill is worth your time, energy and money.
This is true even for your "impulse buys". Retail stores are experts at engaging in a sales conversation with you the entire time you are in a store. They hint, they "warm you up," they put products right where you are most likely to have a YES conversation.
And what about those things the things that you just grab off the shelf because they are on your "shopping list"? Well, you already engaged in a sales conservation with yourself and decided to buy it even before you went into the store, although I bet you check the quality of the packaging anyway.
How do you, as a business owner, get people to say "YES"?
First of all know that you are going to hear an objection. The objection is simply the prospects way of engaging in a meaningful conversation with you.
It is never your job, as a business owner and sales person to convince someone to buy from you. It is simply your job to be present with them and help them to make a decision.
It is your job to help them see how your product or service can benefit them. To help them understand how what you are offering is different from something that they already have. To help them prepare for a conversation with their partner, so that they can help their partner understand why they bought it or want to buy it.
Sometimes it's a concern about the program taking too much time or costing too much. Sometimes they already have taken programs and want to do more with them before moving on or getting more. Maybe they feel that they can't make the decision at that moment and need to consult with their partner.
Bottom line, it's almost never "Sure that sounds great, sign me up!"
As a business owner and, by default, a sales person, it's frustrating.
You know your product or service is amazing. You know that your product or service can help people.
Why don't prospects simply say yes?
The reality is that nobody says YES to any purchase immediately, including you.
Don't believe me? Think about this.
You go to the supermarket for groceries.
You are in the produce section. You look around, what looks good? You head to the apples. Do you get the organic or not? What's the price difference? Which looks better? You decide which type to get and then pick through them to find apples with no blemishes or soft spots.
You see spinach. This should be easy, your entire family enjoys spinach and it's on sale. Then you wonder, why is it so cheap? Better check the date on the package. Are they trying to move it before it goes bad?
You go to the broccoli and then you remember, last time you bought broccoli it didn't get used up and it went bad, maybe you won't get it after all.
Finally you see onions, you grab a few, then stop... you think there may be some left, and you call home and check before you get them.
You move onto the meat department. You see a beautiful roast. It's on sale, but it's still quite expensive. Logically you shouldn't buy it but you really want it. You go for it, even though you know you're going to have to explain yourself when you get home.
Here's the deal, every time you buy something a decision is involved.
You decide if the product is right for you and if it solves the problem you have. You need to trust yourself to use the product. You also must trust the business or person providing the product. And most important, you need to believe that the problem you have, or the desire you are seeking to fulfill is worth your time, energy and money.
This is true even for your "impulse buys". Retail stores are experts at engaging in a sales conversation with you the entire time you are in a store. They hint, they "warm you up," they put products right where you are most likely to have a YES conversation.
And what about those things the things that you just grab off the shelf because they are on your "shopping list"? Well, you already engaged in a sales conservation with yourself and decided to buy it even before you went into the store, although I bet you check the quality of the packaging anyway.
How do you, as a business owner, get people to say "YES"?
First of all know that you are going to hear an objection. The objection is simply the prospects way of engaging in a meaningful conversation with you.
It is never your job, as a business owner and sales person to convince someone to buy from you. It is simply your job to be present with them and help them to make a decision.
It is your job to help them see how your product or service can benefit them. To help them understand how what you are offering is different from something that they already have. To help them prepare for a conversation with their partner, so that they can help their partner understand why they bought it or want to buy it.
5 Skills You Must Master Before Launching a Start-Up
You're on the cusp of that one big idea. It's a time of
excitement, research and discussion. You're itching to jump headlong
into launching your start-up. But before you do, you should pause for a
moment and put your mind to 5 essential skills. Then, once you've
mastered them, the business world is your oyster.
1. The art of networking
'It's who you know, not what you know' may be an overused saying, but it does ring true as you embark on your business venture. At this point, you need all of the contacts you can get. Some will be able to offer advice and expertise. Others may be in a position to help with the logistics, or to simply provide moral support. Either way, it's time to jump on LinkedIn and dig out those old forgotten business cards in the deepest depths of your wallet. Lay your contacts on the table and start talking. You never know what will come of it unless you try.
2. How to build a brand
Image is everything, especially when it comes to business. And there's little point in launching a start-up without understanding how to create a brand. We don't mean any old brand: we're talking a suite of design assets that make a strong statement about your business. Your brand - everything from your logo to your web content - should be memorable, honest and original. Do it right, and it will put you head and shoulders above your competitors, right from the word go. So make it count.
3. Basic financial management
It may not be the most exciting facet of business, but financial management is certainly one of the most important skills you can master before launching a start-up. First, you'll need to register your business as a legal entity. Then, you'll need to put the systems in place to manage your finances - whether that's physical folders, an Excel spreadsheet or nifty accounting software. Learn a few good habits now, and you'll save yourself time and headaches further down the line. So file your receipts, keep a running total of your income and expenditure, and list your assets. Or better still, find a good accountant to do take it all off your shoulders.
4. Get online savvy
From building brand awareness to generating online sales, you should not dismiss the benefits of the World Wide Web. In fact, a strong online presence can give your fledgling business the best possible start in life - so now is the time to get internet savvy. You'll need a website, along with a solid digital marketing strategy to drive traffic. So if you don't know your CMS from your SEO, it's time to gain some online skills. Read blogs, speak to marketing experts (here's where your contact list will come in handy), or even enlist the help of a digital agency. A little time and effort now will go a long way as your business starts to grow.
5. How to measure success
Success may sound like a concept, but there are ways you can - and should - measure it. To start, you'll need a clear idea of your goals. What are you trying to achieve this month; this year; over the next five years? Set up the systems to measure this success - whether it's conversion tracking in Google Analytics, financial forecasts or the growth of your mailing list. Don't take a 'finger in the air' approach - you need focus and precision from the moment you get started. Then, if you begin to veer off course, you can set things right before any damage is done.
So before you launch your start-up, take stock and get skilled up. These five skills won't only stand you in good stead as you begin your venture - they'll provide a sound basis throughout the entire lifespan of your business.
1. The art of networking
'It's who you know, not what you know' may be an overused saying, but it does ring true as you embark on your business venture. At this point, you need all of the contacts you can get. Some will be able to offer advice and expertise. Others may be in a position to help with the logistics, or to simply provide moral support. Either way, it's time to jump on LinkedIn and dig out those old forgotten business cards in the deepest depths of your wallet. Lay your contacts on the table and start talking. You never know what will come of it unless you try.
2. How to build a brand
Image is everything, especially when it comes to business. And there's little point in launching a start-up without understanding how to create a brand. We don't mean any old brand: we're talking a suite of design assets that make a strong statement about your business. Your brand - everything from your logo to your web content - should be memorable, honest and original. Do it right, and it will put you head and shoulders above your competitors, right from the word go. So make it count.
3. Basic financial management
It may not be the most exciting facet of business, but financial management is certainly one of the most important skills you can master before launching a start-up. First, you'll need to register your business as a legal entity. Then, you'll need to put the systems in place to manage your finances - whether that's physical folders, an Excel spreadsheet or nifty accounting software. Learn a few good habits now, and you'll save yourself time and headaches further down the line. So file your receipts, keep a running total of your income and expenditure, and list your assets. Or better still, find a good accountant to do take it all off your shoulders.
4. Get online savvy
From building brand awareness to generating online sales, you should not dismiss the benefits of the World Wide Web. In fact, a strong online presence can give your fledgling business the best possible start in life - so now is the time to get internet savvy. You'll need a website, along with a solid digital marketing strategy to drive traffic. So if you don't know your CMS from your SEO, it's time to gain some online skills. Read blogs, speak to marketing experts (here's where your contact list will come in handy), or even enlist the help of a digital agency. A little time and effort now will go a long way as your business starts to grow.
5. How to measure success
Success may sound like a concept, but there are ways you can - and should - measure it. To start, you'll need a clear idea of your goals. What are you trying to achieve this month; this year; over the next five years? Set up the systems to measure this success - whether it's conversion tracking in Google Analytics, financial forecasts or the growth of your mailing list. Don't take a 'finger in the air' approach - you need focus and precision from the moment you get started. Then, if you begin to veer off course, you can set things right before any damage is done.
So before you launch your start-up, take stock and get skilled up. These five skills won't only stand you in good stead as you begin your venture - they'll provide a sound basis throughout the entire lifespan of your business.
Just How Much Money Will I Make?
Now for something we all enjoy talking about - Money. I don't
mean money to spend, but how much you are going to earn with your
Internet Marketing business. This really is something that's
unquestionably of at least some importance to everyone reading this
today. Let's talk cash. Everyone has read about the many big marketers
on the internet earning huge bundles of cash, perhaps hundreds of
thousands of dollars a year et cetera. I'm also sure you've probably
heard about the many individuals struggling to make just a few hundred
dollars per month.
Please understand you've 'got all the time in the world.' I am well aware that many individuals earn between forty and ninety thousand dollars per year. They aren't super rich, but nevertheless these people have created a great base to work from. The point I am making here is don't set yourself a target of making tens of thousands of dollars per year within a couple of months. There's nothing to suggest this cannot happen, and this isn't to say it can't happen quickly, but the truth is you need to stop setting yourself deadlines, because all this will do is add to your frustration and anxiety of just having so many days or weeks remaining to achieve your goals. Just keep working towards your target, and you will make it happen. Discard any time limits you have set yourself right now.
Don't attempt to become the richest person on the internet. Remember why you are doing this and make sure this is your primary goal. Don't be unhappy if you aren't as rich as perhaps you hoped within the first couple of months. In conclusion, you can expect to earn just as much as you want to earn by having a professional attitude at all times.
Whether you choose to believe me or not, all of us in this business are special. We possess so many individual skills and in all probability don't even notice it. Take a glance at what creating the average product takes us through.
We plan the product or service, we develop a product, we design and produce an internet site and then we have it hosted, we put in place affiliate marketing programs and payment processors. We write much of our sales material, we advertise our very own products, we maintain our own prospect lists, follow-ups, backend sales, business admin, and customer support. Where ever you look. We do it.
I accept that you may have website designers develop your graphics on your behalf, copy-writers write the sales material and so forth, but when you're in the beginning stages and do not have lots of cash to invest, the whole thing falls in your direction, your skills and your wits.
A very important factor I'd like to get across to you is try to keep things structured. Information overload isn't good, and if you attempt to be the best at everything, you'll wind up tired, distressed, confused and in all probability still no more satisfied. Be gentle with yourself.
It really is all worth the effort. Whether it be extra income you're after, or maybe more time for you to devote to your loved ones, there exists a business of a size, type or technical level that benefits only you.
In the event the reasoning behind this report isn't immediately clear, permit me to explain. In the event you really did examine your motives within your business structure and all that you would like to achieve, everything you're doing, have completed and will eventually do, I now know for sure that you're one hundred per cent totally and completely at ease with your situation. You understand where you're heading. You are aware how you'll get there, and in addition you know very well what you're capable of producing.
Please understand you've 'got all the time in the world.' I am well aware that many individuals earn between forty and ninety thousand dollars per year. They aren't super rich, but nevertheless these people have created a great base to work from. The point I am making here is don't set yourself a target of making tens of thousands of dollars per year within a couple of months. There's nothing to suggest this cannot happen, and this isn't to say it can't happen quickly, but the truth is you need to stop setting yourself deadlines, because all this will do is add to your frustration and anxiety of just having so many days or weeks remaining to achieve your goals. Just keep working towards your target, and you will make it happen. Discard any time limits you have set yourself right now.
Don't attempt to become the richest person on the internet. Remember why you are doing this and make sure this is your primary goal. Don't be unhappy if you aren't as rich as perhaps you hoped within the first couple of months. In conclusion, you can expect to earn just as much as you want to earn by having a professional attitude at all times.
Whether you choose to believe me or not, all of us in this business are special. We possess so many individual skills and in all probability don't even notice it. Take a glance at what creating the average product takes us through.
We plan the product or service, we develop a product, we design and produce an internet site and then we have it hosted, we put in place affiliate marketing programs and payment processors. We write much of our sales material, we advertise our very own products, we maintain our own prospect lists, follow-ups, backend sales, business admin, and customer support. Where ever you look. We do it.
I accept that you may have website designers develop your graphics on your behalf, copy-writers write the sales material and so forth, but when you're in the beginning stages and do not have lots of cash to invest, the whole thing falls in your direction, your skills and your wits.
A very important factor I'd like to get across to you is try to keep things structured. Information overload isn't good, and if you attempt to be the best at everything, you'll wind up tired, distressed, confused and in all probability still no more satisfied. Be gentle with yourself.
It really is all worth the effort. Whether it be extra income you're after, or maybe more time for you to devote to your loved ones, there exists a business of a size, type or technical level that benefits only you.
In the event the reasoning behind this report isn't immediately clear, permit me to explain. In the event you really did examine your motives within your business structure and all that you would like to achieve, everything you're doing, have completed and will eventually do, I now know for sure that you're one hundred per cent totally and completely at ease with your situation. You understand where you're heading. You are aware how you'll get there, and in addition you know very well what you're capable of producing.
How a Bigger Purpose Can Inspire You to Achieve Big Results
In our businesses and work, we have the opportunity every day to take
action and move towards our ideal future. The question is, How many of
us will move towards our ideal future (or vision) while maintaining a
connection to a higher purpose in what we do, versus simply taking
action and going through the motions to achieve our desired end result? I
recently read a study conducted by psychologist David Yeager. He
interviewed high school students in the San Francisco Bay Area about
their hopes, dreams and life goals. Students shared that they wanted
make a positive impact on their community or society and wanted to
pursue careers where they felt they could make a difference.
What was surprising about this study, is that the students who wanted to make a difference, also rated their schoolwork as more personally meaningful. The connection in the study was that students who wanted to make a difference were able to find meaning and purpose in their schoolwork (which in and of itself felt like drudgery on a day-to-day basis) because they could see that their studies would ultimately support them in making a bigger difference in the world. Like the students in the study, we can move beyond our narrow focus on the daily drudgery and challenges in our businesses and instead train ourselves to see the "big picture" and connect to a more meaningful purpose. Then we too, can discover a way to powerfully overcome obstacles. Let me make this more tangible by giving you two examples: Many businesses focus on personal survival and making money. When I first started my business 9 years ago, I was struggling to make money and attract clients. My default way of operating was to take whatever action I needed to take to get clients. My primary focus was on my own personal survival and a strong desire to make more money so I could pay the family bills.Many leaders focus on the level of making requests only.Owners and managers often make multiple requests and tell their employees what to do. And then are surprised when their employees don't follow through, aren't engaged or don't take ownership of the requests.
Both of these examples reveal how we get caught up in "small conversations." The opportunity in each of these situations is to shift to a bigger conversation - from one of content to one of context. Here's what that might look like for each situation listed above: A purposeful leader shifts their focus from making money to being of service to others. I realized that while I wanted to make more money, I had the opportunity to get clear about the primary purpose of my business. For me, what shifted, was when I realized that the purpose of my business was to make an impact and to show leaders how to lead their employees to work as a team to achieve extraordinary results and to make a difference in their business, their community and ultimately the world. My bigger context of making an impact inspired me when I came up against challenges like attracting clients, encountering my fears of public speaking or doing something I had never done before. It gave me a bigger purpose that supported me in moving past my "smaller conversations" around my fears and doubts. With the focus of work shifting to serving others, it was no longer about my personal survival. My desire to be of purpose became my primary driver. The irony is that after I got clear about my bigger purpose, my income more than tripled! 2. A purposeful leader shifts from making requests to making a difference. The opportunity is to support your entire team in making the connection between requests and being of service. Most employees want to work for a business where they feel like they are making a difference. This is something that is deeply ingrained in all of us as human beings.Support your employees in making the connection to a bigger purpose of making a difference for others - namely customers
By Leslie Cunninghamhttp://www.impactandprofits.com
What was surprising about this study, is that the students who wanted to make a difference, also rated their schoolwork as more personally meaningful. The connection in the study was that students who wanted to make a difference were able to find meaning and purpose in their schoolwork (which in and of itself felt like drudgery on a day-to-day basis) because they could see that their studies would ultimately support them in making a bigger difference in the world. Like the students in the study, we can move beyond our narrow focus on the daily drudgery and challenges in our businesses and instead train ourselves to see the "big picture" and connect to a more meaningful purpose. Then we too, can discover a way to powerfully overcome obstacles. Let me make this more tangible by giving you two examples: Many businesses focus on personal survival and making money. When I first started my business 9 years ago, I was struggling to make money and attract clients. My default way of operating was to take whatever action I needed to take to get clients. My primary focus was on my own personal survival and a strong desire to make more money so I could pay the family bills.Many leaders focus on the level of making requests only.Owners and managers often make multiple requests and tell their employees what to do. And then are surprised when their employees don't follow through, aren't engaged or don't take ownership of the requests.
Both of these examples reveal how we get caught up in "small conversations." The opportunity in each of these situations is to shift to a bigger conversation - from one of content to one of context. Here's what that might look like for each situation listed above: A purposeful leader shifts their focus from making money to being of service to others. I realized that while I wanted to make more money, I had the opportunity to get clear about the primary purpose of my business. For me, what shifted, was when I realized that the purpose of my business was to make an impact and to show leaders how to lead their employees to work as a team to achieve extraordinary results and to make a difference in their business, their community and ultimately the world. My bigger context of making an impact inspired me when I came up against challenges like attracting clients, encountering my fears of public speaking or doing something I had never done before. It gave me a bigger purpose that supported me in moving past my "smaller conversations" around my fears and doubts. With the focus of work shifting to serving others, it was no longer about my personal survival. My desire to be of purpose became my primary driver. The irony is that after I got clear about my bigger purpose, my income more than tripled! 2. A purposeful leader shifts from making requests to making a difference. The opportunity is to support your entire team in making the connection between requests and being of service. Most employees want to work for a business where they feel like they are making a difference. This is something that is deeply ingrained in all of us as human beings.Support your employees in making the connection to a bigger purpose of making a difference for others - namely customers
By Leslie Cunninghamhttp://www.impactandprofits.com
Unique Ways To Generate Leads In Any Business
Over the years I have run many websites. When I first got started
I struggled greatly with bringing in leads to each of my sites I wanted
people to visit. These included in range from eBay auctions, affiliate
programs, websites I built, materials I wanted to sell and blogs.
I locked myself up with something called paralysis of analysis. Many ways to overcome this barrier to meet it straight on and make mistakes. I made a ton of mistakes along the way. I spent thousands upon thousands trying to figure out exactly what I was supposed to be doing. I picked up books on marketing, social media and watched many video on places like YouTube.
I am finally to a point where I am able to generate leads in various methods. They will go to where I send them and they tend to be very targeted for the niche. That is the beautiful thing about some of these techniques is that you can use them for almost any industry.
Let me start with the most obvious field. Social media is a must in this society of technology. Every business can interact with social media using various methods. One is to go post in different groups that are dedicated to that niche or industry. Respond to topics that people discuss on different forums. Become an authority in that area you are choosing. If you run into a situation where you can't find a group about your subject on a specific social media it will be time for you to become that authority.
When you first open a group or section of the social media dedicated to your niche just post information for a while. After some time when you have built enough followers the next step is to post some form of advertisement that you work in that niche and this is where they can go check out what you do.
Local marketing has become an out dated model. It is nice for a ground business but because most of what I talk about is online I will show you how to use local marketing to attract people to your website. I was driving around a while ago and saw a sign stating that they would help build a website starting at $700. My jaw dropped when I saw this. To this day the guy keeps putting signs up so I know they are actually making sales.
Okay so that is with something called bandit signs. They are those signs you see at corners or at lights. They normally have a phone number but more and more are having website addresses for people to go check out. Perfect for a person who is just starting or in need of more work.
Never forget the power of a flier. I know this is crazy simple but in all actuality it works. Don't just put them on cars or buildings though. Put them in high traffic areas preferably what your target market might see. This could be a sign in a grocery store, at a sporting event, at a college or even at a car wash. It really all depends on what your target market is.
Here is a more unique way to attract more visitors to your business. Hold meetings that have a specific purpose in your niche. You can make meetings happen almost anywhere even in public venues like coffee shops and bars if you are more of the drinking type. Figure out something to talk about and host a meeting weekly or monthly.
Toastmasters is a great place to practice speaking if you are not fluent yet. They are all over the place here in the US but generally there are speaking groups all over the place. Find one on ads either in a place like Craigslist, Meetup or check the companies websites. This is also a great place to network with people which may help your business. Remember that we are built upon the shoulders of giants.
Free local ad venues can sometimes be found. If it is a certain kind of ad a lot of times the companies do not charge of local papers, especially local papers online. They are struggling with keeping up with the Jones' and would be glad to have your business in any way, shape or form.
Yet another way bring in more customers would be to have articles written in different online databases or press releases. I would avoid trying to pay a whole lot into this as this is more about getting your name out there and circulated. Press releases I would have done for websites that help people to succeed in various areas of their life.
These are just a few of many ways that can be one best way to find leads for almost any business.
I locked myself up with something called paralysis of analysis. Many ways to overcome this barrier to meet it straight on and make mistakes. I made a ton of mistakes along the way. I spent thousands upon thousands trying to figure out exactly what I was supposed to be doing. I picked up books on marketing, social media and watched many video on places like YouTube.
I am finally to a point where I am able to generate leads in various methods. They will go to where I send them and they tend to be very targeted for the niche. That is the beautiful thing about some of these techniques is that you can use them for almost any industry.
Let me start with the most obvious field. Social media is a must in this society of technology. Every business can interact with social media using various methods. One is to go post in different groups that are dedicated to that niche or industry. Respond to topics that people discuss on different forums. Become an authority in that area you are choosing. If you run into a situation where you can't find a group about your subject on a specific social media it will be time for you to become that authority.
When you first open a group or section of the social media dedicated to your niche just post information for a while. After some time when you have built enough followers the next step is to post some form of advertisement that you work in that niche and this is where they can go check out what you do.
Local marketing has become an out dated model. It is nice for a ground business but because most of what I talk about is online I will show you how to use local marketing to attract people to your website. I was driving around a while ago and saw a sign stating that they would help build a website starting at $700. My jaw dropped when I saw this. To this day the guy keeps putting signs up so I know they are actually making sales.
Okay so that is with something called bandit signs. They are those signs you see at corners or at lights. They normally have a phone number but more and more are having website addresses for people to go check out. Perfect for a person who is just starting or in need of more work.
Never forget the power of a flier. I know this is crazy simple but in all actuality it works. Don't just put them on cars or buildings though. Put them in high traffic areas preferably what your target market might see. This could be a sign in a grocery store, at a sporting event, at a college or even at a car wash. It really all depends on what your target market is.
Here is a more unique way to attract more visitors to your business. Hold meetings that have a specific purpose in your niche. You can make meetings happen almost anywhere even in public venues like coffee shops and bars if you are more of the drinking type. Figure out something to talk about and host a meeting weekly or monthly.
Toastmasters is a great place to practice speaking if you are not fluent yet. They are all over the place here in the US but generally there are speaking groups all over the place. Find one on ads either in a place like Craigslist, Meetup or check the companies websites. This is also a great place to network with people which may help your business. Remember that we are built upon the shoulders of giants.
Free local ad venues can sometimes be found. If it is a certain kind of ad a lot of times the companies do not charge of local papers, especially local papers online. They are struggling with keeping up with the Jones' and would be glad to have your business in any way, shape or form.
Yet another way bring in more customers would be to have articles written in different online databases or press releases. I would avoid trying to pay a whole lot into this as this is more about getting your name out there and circulated. Press releases I would have done for websites that help people to succeed in various areas of their life.
These are just a few of many ways that can be one best way to find leads for almost any business.
How to Monitor and Control the Cost of Downtime for Delivery Work
Any company, especially those that are involved in the time-dependent
business of doing delivery work, wants to avoid experiencing downtimes
as much as possible. But delays and mishaps are a fact of life for every
business, so the proactive way to face such delays is to accept that
they can and will happen, and to work around such downtimes. The
following are three of the most important ways to do so.
Understand What Is Involved in the Downtime
When doing delivery work, experiencing downtime must be thoroughly quantified-you cannot simply dismiss it as just some afternoon or a few hours of wasted time. You should know exactly what has been delayed and the exact costs of those delays - not to mention paying personnel for an undelivered job, or compensating customers for failure in keeping your end of the responsibility. Every instance of downtime can be itemised according to a number of factors, and each such factor has a cost assignable to them. For example, how long was the downtime in hours? How much you should have earned on a per hour basis, considering other factors such as operational expenses, driver salary, and other details?
Know the Causes of Downtime
Downtime occurs for a multitude of reasons, and most of them are preventable. For example, equipment-related downtime (your haulage truck conks out on the road just when you're doing delivery work) could have been prevented with regular and meticulous equipment inspection. There are also those that may be the fault of your personnel (your truck has been towed because the driver parked it illegally, or that you were not informed about the impending expiration of registration papers, incurring otherwise avoidable fines and suspension). On the other hand, although there are those that are more or less unpredictable (road accidents or downtimes caused by so-called "acts of God"), that does not mean they cannot be quantified. For every instance of downtime, you should gather as much data as possible, then work on that data to determine not only the possibility of avoiding such a downtime in the future, but also to further improve your operation.
Effective Downtime Management
You can pull out your hair and scream whenever your company is hit by downtime, or you can do the proactive thing, which is to control the damage, minimise the costs as much as possible, and ensure that every party (you, your personnel, and the customer affected) walks away from it largely unscathed. On your part, you can tourniquet the damage by providing equitable compensation to an affected client. If you're a company that does regular delivery work to certain clientele, you must go out of your way not only to apologise to the affected customer (customers are people, and they remember and appreciate a nice, human gesture better than if you'd just fire off a type-written missive), but also to provide some compensation. A good example would be Amazon, the massive online retailer: whenever there's a delay or some sort of downtime that affects the timely delivery of an item, the company refunds the cost or includes a gift that is deemed to retain customer loyalty and good will
By Norman Dulwichhttp://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norman_Dulwich
Understand What Is Involved in the Downtime
When doing delivery work, experiencing downtime must be thoroughly quantified-you cannot simply dismiss it as just some afternoon or a few hours of wasted time. You should know exactly what has been delayed and the exact costs of those delays - not to mention paying personnel for an undelivered job, or compensating customers for failure in keeping your end of the responsibility. Every instance of downtime can be itemised according to a number of factors, and each such factor has a cost assignable to them. For example, how long was the downtime in hours? How much you should have earned on a per hour basis, considering other factors such as operational expenses, driver salary, and other details?
Know the Causes of Downtime
Downtime occurs for a multitude of reasons, and most of them are preventable. For example, equipment-related downtime (your haulage truck conks out on the road just when you're doing delivery work) could have been prevented with regular and meticulous equipment inspection. There are also those that may be the fault of your personnel (your truck has been towed because the driver parked it illegally, or that you were not informed about the impending expiration of registration papers, incurring otherwise avoidable fines and suspension). On the other hand, although there are those that are more or less unpredictable (road accidents or downtimes caused by so-called "acts of God"), that does not mean they cannot be quantified. For every instance of downtime, you should gather as much data as possible, then work on that data to determine not only the possibility of avoiding such a downtime in the future, but also to further improve your operation.
Effective Downtime Management
You can pull out your hair and scream whenever your company is hit by downtime, or you can do the proactive thing, which is to control the damage, minimise the costs as much as possible, and ensure that every party (you, your personnel, and the customer affected) walks away from it largely unscathed. On your part, you can tourniquet the damage by providing equitable compensation to an affected client. If you're a company that does regular delivery work to certain clientele, you must go out of your way not only to apologise to the affected customer (customers are people, and they remember and appreciate a nice, human gesture better than if you'd just fire off a type-written missive), but also to provide some compensation. A good example would be Amazon, the massive online retailer: whenever there's a delay or some sort of downtime that affects the timely delivery of an item, the company refunds the cost or includes a gift that is deemed to retain customer loyalty and good will
By Norman Dulwichhttp://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norman_Dulwich
Can Fear and Threat Ever Promote Performance?
Modern management theory says that working environments based on fear
and threat ultimately hamper performance; that reward and recognition
encourages the desired performance.
This has been amply backed up by the neuroscience. The brain operates two separate thinking systems, as defined by the Nobel Prize winning Professor Daniel Kahneman: a rational system that is slow, measured, and voluntary; and a more primitive, emotional system, which is faster, involuntary, and driven by core beliefs.
The theory says that activating the emotional system will lead to fear and threat responses from the brain - more primitive responses that are essentially survival instincts. Leading by reward and recognition promotes engagement, activates the pleasure centres in the brain, and ultimately produces a better response from people.
It's certainly a healthier and more enjoyable way of working... but are there ever circumstances when fear and threat can lead to better performance?
High-stakes performance
We've all witnessed sporting events where the 'favourite' fails spectacularly. Maybe it's missing an easy putt on the eighteenth hole, shanking a penalty into the stands in a vital shoot out, or falling off the high beam in Olympic gymnastics.
Whatever the circumstances, elite professional athletes who have trained all their lives for this defining moment of their career, can and do 'choke'. It has nothing to do with ability or skill level, it's just that the pressure gets to them.
University of Chicago psychologist and author Sian Beilock says that choking "is worse performance than you are capable of precisely because there is a lot on the line."
A recent study by neuroscientists at John Hopkins University looked at potential reasons why this happens. The main focus of the study was whether it is the prospect of huge gains that creates the pressure that affects performance? Or the expectation of huge gains? Does the motivation for succeeding affect performance?
The study compared the performance of people who are loss-averse (who hate losing more than they love winning) with those who are motivated by the rush of winning more than the pain of losing.
26 adults between the ages of 20 and 30 learned a short but difficult video game requiring precise hand control. They were then asked to play the game while having their brains scanned by MRI, and told what the stakes for each round were: losing $100, gaining $100, or anything in between, based on their performance. Participants were also separately tested by questioning to assess their level of loss-aversion.
The study found that participants who cared more about winning 'choked' when they stood to lose something significant; conversely those who hated losing the most 'choked' when told that they stood to win the most.
Participants with high loss aversion, when faced increasing losses, didn't 'choke' even when the potential loss was at its maximum ($100). These people did fail when offered $100 reward though. For those with low loss aversion, performance improved with increasing prospective gains and increasing prospective losses, but declined when threatened with the maximum loss ($100).
In other words, being too attached to winning can cause 'choking' as easily as being too scared of losing.
Limitations and discussion
Of course there are limitations to a study of this nature. Firstly the potential gains and losses cannot be recreated accurately. Comparing performance in playing a game (where the real threat of failure is low) to performing in a final or other major sporting event is not an accurate simulation of the pressures involved. Results should therefore be interpreted with caution.
However, the study is still interesting in that it opens up the idea about 'framing' tasks for leadership. If you understand whether people are more motivated by the love of winning or the fear of losing, it can help 'frame' tasks to encourage better performance under pressure. There is no 'one size fits all'; it depends on the person.
The lead study authors said: "We found that the way we framed an incentive -- as a potential gain or loss -- had a profound effect on participants' behavior as they performed the skilled task, but the effect was different for those with high versus low aversion to loss."
If someone always plays to win, they may perform better under pressure when the 'threat' element is downplayed; while for loss-averse people, a task may be better framed by what they stand to lose
By Mark R Stephenshttp://www.neuropowergroup.com.
This has been amply backed up by the neuroscience. The brain operates two separate thinking systems, as defined by the Nobel Prize winning Professor Daniel Kahneman: a rational system that is slow, measured, and voluntary; and a more primitive, emotional system, which is faster, involuntary, and driven by core beliefs.
The theory says that activating the emotional system will lead to fear and threat responses from the brain - more primitive responses that are essentially survival instincts. Leading by reward and recognition promotes engagement, activates the pleasure centres in the brain, and ultimately produces a better response from people.
It's certainly a healthier and more enjoyable way of working... but are there ever circumstances when fear and threat can lead to better performance?
High-stakes performance
We've all witnessed sporting events where the 'favourite' fails spectacularly. Maybe it's missing an easy putt on the eighteenth hole, shanking a penalty into the stands in a vital shoot out, or falling off the high beam in Olympic gymnastics.
Whatever the circumstances, elite professional athletes who have trained all their lives for this defining moment of their career, can and do 'choke'. It has nothing to do with ability or skill level, it's just that the pressure gets to them.
University of Chicago psychologist and author Sian Beilock says that choking "is worse performance than you are capable of precisely because there is a lot on the line."
A recent study by neuroscientists at John Hopkins University looked at potential reasons why this happens. The main focus of the study was whether it is the prospect of huge gains that creates the pressure that affects performance? Or the expectation of huge gains? Does the motivation for succeeding affect performance?
The study compared the performance of people who are loss-averse (who hate losing more than they love winning) with those who are motivated by the rush of winning more than the pain of losing.
26 adults between the ages of 20 and 30 learned a short but difficult video game requiring precise hand control. They were then asked to play the game while having their brains scanned by MRI, and told what the stakes for each round were: losing $100, gaining $100, or anything in between, based on their performance. Participants were also separately tested by questioning to assess their level of loss-aversion.
The study found that participants who cared more about winning 'choked' when they stood to lose something significant; conversely those who hated losing the most 'choked' when told that they stood to win the most.
Participants with high loss aversion, when faced increasing losses, didn't 'choke' even when the potential loss was at its maximum ($100). These people did fail when offered $100 reward though. For those with low loss aversion, performance improved with increasing prospective gains and increasing prospective losses, but declined when threatened with the maximum loss ($100).
In other words, being too attached to winning can cause 'choking' as easily as being too scared of losing.
Limitations and discussion
Of course there are limitations to a study of this nature. Firstly the potential gains and losses cannot be recreated accurately. Comparing performance in playing a game (where the real threat of failure is low) to performing in a final or other major sporting event is not an accurate simulation of the pressures involved. Results should therefore be interpreted with caution.
However, the study is still interesting in that it opens up the idea about 'framing' tasks for leadership. If you understand whether people are more motivated by the love of winning or the fear of losing, it can help 'frame' tasks to encourage better performance under pressure. There is no 'one size fits all'; it depends on the person.
The lead study authors said: "We found that the way we framed an incentive -- as a potential gain or loss -- had a profound effect on participants' behavior as they performed the skilled task, but the effect was different for those with high versus low aversion to loss."
If someone always plays to win, they may perform better under pressure when the 'threat' element is downplayed; while for loss-averse people, a task may be better framed by what they stand to lose
By Mark R Stephenshttp://www.neuropowergroup.com.
Secrets of Bonding 46: Turn Iron Into Gold
When contractors apply for Performance Bonds, the underwriting review
always includes a financial analysis along with other elements.
Two key components of the financial analysis are Working Capital (WC) and Net Worth (NW). WC is a measure of short term financial strength. NW is the ultimate value of the company upon liquidation.
The inspiration for this article came from a new bond account recently submitted by one of our agents. The company is a trade contractor, the kind that normally performs their own work rather than subcontracting. This means their financial statements should show appropriate levels of labor, plant, and equipment.
In this case, the Profit and Loss Statement (P&L) showed sales in excess of $10 million, not a small company. The Balance Sheet showed an acceptable amount of WC, but NW was low - resulting in some weak ratios.
Another element caught our attention: On the Balance Sheet, the net value of the equipment asset was only $65,000! This made us wonder how a company could perform $10 million in sales with so little in physical resources.
There could be a couple of explanations:
Two key components of the financial analysis are Working Capital (WC) and Net Worth (NW). WC is a measure of short term financial strength. NW is the ultimate value of the company upon liquidation.
The inspiration for this article came from a new bond account recently submitted by one of our agents. The company is a trade contractor, the kind that normally performs their own work rather than subcontracting. This means their financial statements should show appropriate levels of labor, plant, and equipment.
In this case, the Profit and Loss Statement (P&L) showed sales in excess of $10 million, not a small company. The Balance Sheet showed an acceptable amount of WC, but NW was low - resulting in some weak ratios.
Another element caught our attention: On the Balance Sheet, the net value of the equipment asset was only $65,000! This made us wonder how a company could perform $10 million in sales with so little in physical resources.
There could be a couple of explanations:
- They could be subcontracting most of their work. This is unlikely, however, because they themselves are subcontractors. Typically there is not enough profit to share between two firms. A review of this company's P&L statement did not indicate extensive subcontracting.
- They could be renting almost everything (instead of owning). This doesn't sound like a practical approach with sales as high as $10 million, and the P&L did not show high rental expenses.
- The equipment could be substantially depreciated resulting in a low net value on the Balance Sheet. This did turn out to be the scenario in their case.
How To Take Care Of HDPE Pipes
A high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is primarily designed to
aid in the transportation of water and sewerage. For the pipe to last
for a long time, you need to take good care of it. Here are ways on how
to take good care of it:
How to take care of HDPE pipes
When it comes to installation, you should ensure that the units are properly installed. As rule of thumb you should ensure that you install them in accordance with the instruction of the manufacturer.
Two of the most common ways of installing the pipes are: directional bore method and open trench construction. For ideal results, you should ensure that the pipes are installed by a qualified technician.
You should never drop the units in a trench or force them through a directional bore upon "pull-back." This is to avoid damaging the pipes.
When transporting the pipes, you should be cautious and ensure that you don't damage them. The best materials to handle the pipes are: ropes, fabric or rubber protected slings and straps.
If you want to lift the pipes, you should use two slings that have been spread apart. You should avoid using chains, hooks, or cables that have been inserted into the pipe ends.
When storing the units, you should ensure that you store them on level ground that is free of sharp objects which can damage the pipe. If you are planning of stacking the pipes, you should ensure that the units you stack together don't deform the bottom layers.
If the ground is not ideal for storing the pipes, you should consider using wooden sleepers. The sleepers should be spaced in such a way that there is no deformation of the pipe at the point of contact with the sleeper or between supports.
When connecting the units to auxiliary equipment such as valves, tanks, and pumps, you should ensure that the connection is properly done. For properly connection to take place three things must take place:
These are some of the ways on how to take care of a HDPE pipe. To be certain that the pipe is of high quality you should ensure that you buy it from a reputable store. When installing the unit, always ensure that the work is done by a qualified professional.
How to take care of HDPE pipes
When it comes to installation, you should ensure that the units are properly installed. As rule of thumb you should ensure that you install them in accordance with the instruction of the manufacturer.
Two of the most common ways of installing the pipes are: directional bore method and open trench construction. For ideal results, you should ensure that the pipes are installed by a qualified technician.
You should never drop the units in a trench or force them through a directional bore upon "pull-back." This is to avoid damaging the pipes.
When transporting the pipes, you should be cautious and ensure that you don't damage them. The best materials to handle the pipes are: ropes, fabric or rubber protected slings and straps.
If you want to lift the pipes, you should use two slings that have been spread apart. You should avoid using chains, hooks, or cables that have been inserted into the pipe ends.
When storing the units, you should ensure that you store them on level ground that is free of sharp objects which can damage the pipe. If you are planning of stacking the pipes, you should ensure that the units you stack together don't deform the bottom layers.
If the ground is not ideal for storing the pipes, you should consider using wooden sleepers. The sleepers should be spaced in such a way that there is no deformation of the pipe at the point of contact with the sleeper or between supports.
When connecting the units to auxiliary equipment such as valves, tanks, and pumps, you should ensure that the connection is properly done. For properly connection to take place three things must take place:
- Polyethylene flange should be thermally butt-fused to the stub end of the pipe
- A 316 stainless steel back up ring should mate with a 316 stainless steel flange
- 316 stainless steel bolts and nuts should be used
These are some of the ways on how to take care of a HDPE pipe. To be certain that the pipe is of high quality you should ensure that you buy it from a reputable store. When installing the unit, always ensure that the work is done by a qualified professional.
How to Train Your Voice to Be More Charismatic
There is an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal, by
the same title, about the charismatic influence your voice can have in
your professional life. Having analyzed the voices of leaders in
countries such as Brazil, France, and Italy, scientists have found that
those who exhibited charisma "use their voices to dominate, rouse and
influence a large audience."
By analyzing the voice and speech patterns of various political leaders and CEOs, they discovered that there were two areas which strongly influenced how these speakers were perceived by audiences. Both the depth of the voice as well as the ability to be expressive were the two most common characteristics of charismatic leaders.
As an example, they discovered that "CEOs with lower-pitched voices typically manage larger firms, make more money and last longer on the job than higher-pitched peers, studies at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business have found."
The scientists also found that speaking with expression - which means varying your pitch throughout your delivery is as important as the quality of your sound. I refer to this as color - the life, the emotion, and the animation you express by means of your vocal variety, facial expression and body language.
While none of this information was new to me, it is interesting that they seemed surprised by their findings. Let me ask you. Would you prefer to listen to a deep, resonant voice or one which is high-pitched, squawky, or shrill?
The title of the article, however, was misleading because they did not discuss how to train your voice to be more charismatic. So I will. There are two things you must do to improve your voice and speech patterns:
By analyzing the voice and speech patterns of various political leaders and CEOs, they discovered that there were two areas which strongly influenced how these speakers were perceived by audiences. Both the depth of the voice as well as the ability to be expressive were the two most common characteristics of charismatic leaders.
As an example, they discovered that "CEOs with lower-pitched voices typically manage larger firms, make more money and last longer on the job than higher-pitched peers, studies at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business have found."
The scientists also found that speaking with expression - which means varying your pitch throughout your delivery is as important as the quality of your sound. I refer to this as color - the life, the emotion, and the animation you express by means of your vocal variety, facial expression and body language.
While none of this information was new to me, it is interesting that they seemed surprised by their findings. Let me ask you. Would you prefer to listen to a deep, resonant voice or one which is high-pitched, squawky, or shrill?
The title of the article, however, was misleading because they did not discuss how to train your voice to be more charismatic. So I will. There are two things you must do to improve your voice and speech patterns:
- Use your chest cavity to power and amplify your voice. Most people do not use their chest as a vocal resonator, instead relying on their throat, voice box, mouth and nasal cavities to do all the work.
- Speak with emotion if your voice is a monotone. Should this apply to you, you must first give yourself permission for your emotions to be heard and seen. A flat or boring voice does not sell.
Is Your Word Your Law? The Actual Blueprint to Success
Do know anyone who never does what they say they will? Are they
successful or are they broke? On the flip side, do you know someone who
always does what they say? They always return the phone call or the
email and the take their commitments seriously? One way to tell if
someone is, or will be successful in business and in life is if they
follow through and keep their word. The follow through could be
commitments to others or commitments to yourself.
Your word to others:
The investment community is a pretty small place. As you do deals and go to meetings, you tend to run into the same people over and over. By the time you get to the top of your game, you would have done business, in some fashion, with most of the other players in the industry.
It takes years to build a solid reputation. That reputation could be ruined in less than a day. For example, I know many real estate wholesalers that were not honest with their buyers. They end up selling a bad deal or two, and not disclosing issues with the houses that they were aware of. Once this word got out, they were out of business.
At our recent Denver Success Summit we had a property management company commit to buying all the attendees a drink at our networking happy hour. This is someone that has participated in several of our Success Summits and someone that we trusted. There was a miscommunication about him speaking at the event, and he got upset. We thought we had it worked out, but he decided not to show up and to not participate in the happy hour networking event. That means we had to take care of it.
The fact that we had to cover the cost was not a big deal. In fact, we were happy to do it! What bothered us was that he let us down. Clearly we cannot trust his commitments going forward, so he will not be invited back. He said that he expects about $100,000 in profit from our last event with all the new clients he picked up. If that is a real number, he is potentially giving up $100,000 in profits by not covering a $500 bar tab. That does not seem worth it to me.
We get a lot of business and close a lot of deals because we do what we say. We are sometimes too harsh on the front end, but truth is not always easy to hear. It has always been our business model to be brutally honest with our trusting clients, and to always return phone calls and emails. Those simple steps have separated us from our competitors. That is no different in any other business. Too many companies and individuals fail at the follow through, and they are destined to mediocrity because of it.
Your word to yourself:
There is very little in this world more important than being honest with yourself. You cannot change who you are or accomplish what you want until you are. This is true with the reality of where you are now and where you are headed. This is also true with your promises.
I work off of a task list each day. I am writing this article because my task list tells me to. Once something finds its way on my list, I find a way to get it done. It is that simple. Me writing it down is my commitment or promise to myself to do the task, no matter how big, how small, or how scary. No matter what! Things do get bumped to the next day or a later day, but they never come off the list until they are done, and I never stop working until my task list is clear.
For this reason, I am able to accomplish anything I want. I first just need to determine what it is I want and make a plan to get there. I break the plan down to action items and then I write those items down. Again, once they are written down, the mission gets done.
It is so, so important that you always follow through. If you are not sure you can get something done, don't commit to it. Keep your word, keep your reputation, and keep enjoying your success!
Your word to others:
The investment community is a pretty small place. As you do deals and go to meetings, you tend to run into the same people over and over. By the time you get to the top of your game, you would have done business, in some fashion, with most of the other players in the industry.
It takes years to build a solid reputation. That reputation could be ruined in less than a day. For example, I know many real estate wholesalers that were not honest with their buyers. They end up selling a bad deal or two, and not disclosing issues with the houses that they were aware of. Once this word got out, they were out of business.
At our recent Denver Success Summit we had a property management company commit to buying all the attendees a drink at our networking happy hour. This is someone that has participated in several of our Success Summits and someone that we trusted. There was a miscommunication about him speaking at the event, and he got upset. We thought we had it worked out, but he decided not to show up and to not participate in the happy hour networking event. That means we had to take care of it.
The fact that we had to cover the cost was not a big deal. In fact, we were happy to do it! What bothered us was that he let us down. Clearly we cannot trust his commitments going forward, so he will not be invited back. He said that he expects about $100,000 in profit from our last event with all the new clients he picked up. If that is a real number, he is potentially giving up $100,000 in profits by not covering a $500 bar tab. That does not seem worth it to me.
We get a lot of business and close a lot of deals because we do what we say. We are sometimes too harsh on the front end, but truth is not always easy to hear. It has always been our business model to be brutally honest with our trusting clients, and to always return phone calls and emails. Those simple steps have separated us from our competitors. That is no different in any other business. Too many companies and individuals fail at the follow through, and they are destined to mediocrity because of it.
Your word to yourself:
There is very little in this world more important than being honest with yourself. You cannot change who you are or accomplish what you want until you are. This is true with the reality of where you are now and where you are headed. This is also true with your promises.
I work off of a task list each day. I am writing this article because my task list tells me to. Once something finds its way on my list, I find a way to get it done. It is that simple. Me writing it down is my commitment or promise to myself to do the task, no matter how big, how small, or how scary. No matter what! Things do get bumped to the next day or a later day, but they never come off the list until they are done, and I never stop working until my task list is clear.
For this reason, I am able to accomplish anything I want. I first just need to determine what it is I want and make a plan to get there. I break the plan down to action items and then I write those items down. Again, once they are written down, the mission gets done.
It is so, so important that you always follow through. If you are not sure you can get something done, don't commit to it. Keep your word, keep your reputation, and keep enjoying your success!
How to Tap the 'House-Buying Generation'
A few weeks ago, the National Association of REALTORS®
(NAR) reported that despite an improving job market and low interest
rates, the share of first-time buyers fell to its lowest point in nearly
three decades.
NAR added that this is preventing a healthier housing market from reaching its full potential.
Well, anyone who knows me knows that if anything, I'm an optimistic guy. This news doesn't discourage me in the least. And it shouldn't discourage you either. Why? Because research points to an upcoming generation of first-time homebuyers who will make you glad you're in real estate. The generation? Millennials - those born in the early1980s to the early 2000s.
A new report from Nielsen and the Demand Institute is dubbing Millennials as the "the house-buying generation."
The report says Millennials will spend around $2 trillion on home purchases and rent in the next five years. Today there are only about 13 million Millennial households in the U.S., but by 2018 that number will rise to 22 million. More than eight in 10 plan to own their own home someday. And the suburbs and areas surrounding large metropolitan areas are going to remain important destinations. The report adds: "Communities that can fuse the best of urban living (e.g., convenience and walkability) with the best of suburban living (e.g., good schools and more space) will thrive in the coming decade."
So the question becomes, how do you reach Millennials? Here are a few tips:
Think search - Younger buyers start the home-buying process via internet searches. Google reports half of all Millennials in the United States visited real estate websites this summer. Investing in search engine optimization is likely money well spent. And, register your business on local business directories and review sites so you can be found online. Also, choose a technology partner that offers responsive web design solutions such as Homes.com.
Think mobile - So exactly how did those Millennials search real estate? Mostly on their mobile devices. In fact, a full 26 percent of younger buyers who ultimately purchased a home, found that home via a mobile device, according to NAR. Be sure your website and all digital communications are viewable on mobile devices.
Think testimonials - Millennials don't trust advertising so they look to more trustworthy sources. In fact, 95 percent reported their friends are the most credible source of information. Take time to get testimonials from clients and use them in all of your communications.
Think social - Millennials spend an average of 3.2 hours a day on social media, so stay active on these channels and share helpful content that prompts them to engage with you and become an advocate.
Think helpful - In the last tip, I mentioned helpful content. For Millennials, this is vital. Millennials are prudent and take more time than other age groups to research their next home - often starting their search six months in advance of buying. That means they're seeking relevant and helpful information. Be sure your communications provide valuable information about the home-buying process. Consider offering new home buyer guides and mortgage checklists.
Think video - If a picture is worth a 1,000 words, then a video is worth 2,000 words. Millennials like videos - it's no wonder YouTube is now the second largest search engine. Google says real estate videos on YouTube were viewed 13 percent more in 2014 than in 2013. Be sure to offer virtual tours and other video footage when you can.
Let me hear from you. How much have you thought about Millennials as a group? How is your marketing geared toward this generation? What can you start doing to appeal to and capture more Millennials?
NAR added that this is preventing a healthier housing market from reaching its full potential.
Well, anyone who knows me knows that if anything, I'm an optimistic guy. This news doesn't discourage me in the least. And it shouldn't discourage you either. Why? Because research points to an upcoming generation of first-time homebuyers who will make you glad you're in real estate. The generation? Millennials - those born in the early1980s to the early 2000s.
A new report from Nielsen and the Demand Institute is dubbing Millennials as the "the house-buying generation."
The report says Millennials will spend around $2 trillion on home purchases and rent in the next five years. Today there are only about 13 million Millennial households in the U.S., but by 2018 that number will rise to 22 million. More than eight in 10 plan to own their own home someday. And the suburbs and areas surrounding large metropolitan areas are going to remain important destinations. The report adds: "Communities that can fuse the best of urban living (e.g., convenience and walkability) with the best of suburban living (e.g., good schools and more space) will thrive in the coming decade."
So the question becomes, how do you reach Millennials? Here are a few tips:
Think search - Younger buyers start the home-buying process via internet searches. Google reports half of all Millennials in the United States visited real estate websites this summer. Investing in search engine optimization is likely money well spent. And, register your business on local business directories and review sites so you can be found online. Also, choose a technology partner that offers responsive web design solutions such as Homes.com.
Think mobile - So exactly how did those Millennials search real estate? Mostly on their mobile devices. In fact, a full 26 percent of younger buyers who ultimately purchased a home, found that home via a mobile device, according to NAR. Be sure your website and all digital communications are viewable on mobile devices.
Think testimonials - Millennials don't trust advertising so they look to more trustworthy sources. In fact, 95 percent reported their friends are the most credible source of information. Take time to get testimonials from clients and use them in all of your communications.
Think social - Millennials spend an average of 3.2 hours a day on social media, so stay active on these channels and share helpful content that prompts them to engage with you and become an advocate.
Think helpful - In the last tip, I mentioned helpful content. For Millennials, this is vital. Millennials are prudent and take more time than other age groups to research their next home - often starting their search six months in advance of buying. That means they're seeking relevant and helpful information. Be sure your communications provide valuable information about the home-buying process. Consider offering new home buyer guides and mortgage checklists.
Think video - If a picture is worth a 1,000 words, then a video is worth 2,000 words. Millennials like videos - it's no wonder YouTube is now the second largest search engine. Google says real estate videos on YouTube were viewed 13 percent more in 2014 than in 2013. Be sure to offer virtual tours and other video footage when you can.
Let me hear from you. How much have you thought about Millennials as a group? How is your marketing geared toward this generation? What can you start doing to appeal to and capture more Millennials?
Anti Slip Floor Coating Can Be an Important Option in Many Companies
Many factories will have a cement floor in them. Many stores will
have tile or some type of shiny floor in them. It does not matter what
type of floor a building has if it is slippery, therefore, anti slip
floor coating should be considered as an option to make sure that people
are not falling in these areas.
Not every company will use the same products to keep their employees and customers safe. Using a floor coating, they will have to make sure that they keep the area is clear when it is scheduled to be put down on the floor. This coating is going to have to be applied to clean, dry floors. They should not have any peeling surfaces either.
Some applications of this will include walkways and other places. This is something that is going to be very important to consider. There are a lot of different places that this can be put down over the top of floors. It does not require a lot of work other than cleaning up the surface so that there are not any loose pieces or chipped paint.
There are many different colors that can be chosen when picking out this kind of floor coating. Every company is going to want to have a different color. It is very helpful for showing people where the walkways are and much more.
In any kind of industry, a fall can hurt. It can cause injuries that can take months or even years to heal, if it heals at all. This is why it is very important to make sure that precautions are taken to ensure that people are not falling.
Every color can have a different meaning for people. There are many different types of things that can influence the color that is chosen. Every industry will have a different color that they will want to choose.
There are many different reasons in each industry that a floor could become slippery. It is not necessarily caused by the operations of the business. It could be caused by the type of floor too.
Floors can also get worn down in spots. This can make the surface very smooth. It can also make it a good place for water to run if there is a leak some place.
This is something that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Not everyone has the option of tearing up the floor and fixing it in a more permanent way. This can be very costly and something that most people cannot afford without some planning, including companies.
The anti slip floor coating will let them temporarily fix the area so that people are not falling. It is something that people can do quickly also. The floor coating can be replaced easily if it starts coming off.
Making sure that floors are not slippery is very important. Coating that is on them will have to be able to stay stuck down where it is required. This is something that needs to be done by cleaning the surface of the floor before applying this coating.
It does not matter what color is used, because it will all work the same in keeping the floors safe. Anti slip floor coating is going to work no matter what color it is, because that has no effect on the durability or anything else other than the color of it. Every business owner will want to have this product on hand if they can. It is something that is going to be extremely important in protecting anyone in the area from slip and fall accidents.
Not every company will use the same products to keep their employees and customers safe. Using a floor coating, they will have to make sure that they keep the area is clear when it is scheduled to be put down on the floor. This coating is going to have to be applied to clean, dry floors. They should not have any peeling surfaces either.
Some applications of this will include walkways and other places. This is something that is going to be very important to consider. There are a lot of different places that this can be put down over the top of floors. It does not require a lot of work other than cleaning up the surface so that there are not any loose pieces or chipped paint.
There are many different colors that can be chosen when picking out this kind of floor coating. Every company is going to want to have a different color. It is very helpful for showing people where the walkways are and much more.
In any kind of industry, a fall can hurt. It can cause injuries that can take months or even years to heal, if it heals at all. This is why it is very important to make sure that precautions are taken to ensure that people are not falling.
Every color can have a different meaning for people. There are many different types of things that can influence the color that is chosen. Every industry will have a different color that they will want to choose.
There are many different reasons in each industry that a floor could become slippery. It is not necessarily caused by the operations of the business. It could be caused by the type of floor too.
Floors can also get worn down in spots. This can make the surface very smooth. It can also make it a good place for water to run if there is a leak some place.
This is something that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Not everyone has the option of tearing up the floor and fixing it in a more permanent way. This can be very costly and something that most people cannot afford without some planning, including companies.
The anti slip floor coating will let them temporarily fix the area so that people are not falling. It is something that people can do quickly also. The floor coating can be replaced easily if it starts coming off.
Making sure that floors are not slippery is very important. Coating that is on them will have to be able to stay stuck down where it is required. This is something that needs to be done by cleaning the surface of the floor before applying this coating.
It does not matter what color is used, because it will all work the same in keeping the floors safe. Anti slip floor coating is going to work no matter what color it is, because that has no effect on the durability or anything else other than the color of it. Every business owner will want to have this product on hand if they can. It is something that is going to be extremely important in protecting anyone in the area from slip and fall accidents.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
internetlangka.blogspot.com
LEGO Movie 70816 Benny's Spaceship, Spaceship, Spaceship! Building Set
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- Includes 4 minifigures with accessories: Benny, Robo Emmet, Space Wyldstyle and Robo Pilot, plus an Astro Kitty figure
- Spaceship features opening cockpit, 2 spring-loaded laser shooters, 4 flick missiles, extendable wings, spring-loaded space cannons, 2 stud blasters
- Also has triple exhaust booster, control room with opening roof, computers, hammer and wrench, satellite dish, 2 spacebots and translucent elements
- Watch The LEGO Movie to see all your favorite characters in action! Benny's Spaceship measures over 4" high, 20" long and 16" wide
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