A surprise to many business owners or leaders is the fact that their customers are not their most important asset. The most valuable asset you have in your company is your well-trained staff.
Happy and committed employees will build and maintain a strong customer base; disgruntled team members will do just the opposite.
Some of the most successful companies today have created employee models that seem frivolous and expensive, but the return in incalculable. Creation of a workplace Corporate Culture that is respectful of your employees while maintaining the bottom line is large part of your success. It guides how employees think, act, and feel.
Companies like Apple Computer, Ing, and Zappos have gone to extremes for their employees; you can even bring your dog to work. The fall-out from this is the line of talented people waiting to work for them. You can get the same results, on a smaller scale, with creative benefits that they'll value more than money. Studies have shown that money is rarely the prime motivator. Comp days, flexible schedules, production bonuses, wellness programs, unique, customized incentives, or at least a R&R area all lead to happy productive employees. In absence of these things, words of praise, respect, and compassion will work well. Empowerment is the key.
In turn, your employees will go out of their support to you. They will want to be knowledgeable, helpful, empowered, and courteous, This translates to an atmosphere where shopping, or whatever, is a pleasant experience. These customers and clients will tell their friends and that the word will spread.
These concepts should not be reserved for your management or sales staff. They should be applied to everyone from the janitor to the boss. Your goal is success and this is a very important component.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Tax Time
It is now time to gather your receipts and accounts; the dreaded tax time. Have you already spent the big return that you think you will be getting? Or maybe you are scrambling to pay an anticipated bill. This could be the last year that you will have to live this nightmare. With just a little bit of adjusting you could owe nothing and get nothing. Coming out even is the goal.
Contact your boss or HR manager to change your W4 form Adjust the number deductions so that the right amount of taxes are withheld; not too much and not too little. There are two benefits to following this system; you will not have to deal with the stress of tax time, and you are likely to increase your take-home pay.
Check you return carefully. There are often deductions people miss because they are so weird. Believe it or not you can deduct the cost of a babysitter as a charitable deduction if you are leaving the house to do charitable/volunteer work. Unusual deductions like this are lurking everywhere and you are initiated to use any you can find.
We have used Turbo Tax for a number of years and find that it is very good a t finding the hidden deductions. If you have kept your records in Quicken it will even enter most of your information for you, and remember it for subsequent years. This is an easy fix, but whatever system you choose be aware that you have lots of choices. The aim of the game is to come out even., and the ideal from a sound financial point of view.
Contact your boss or HR manager to change your W4 form Adjust the number deductions so that the right amount of taxes are withheld; not too much and not too little. There are two benefits to following this system; you will not have to deal with the stress of tax time, and you are likely to increase your take-home pay.
Check you return carefully. There are often deductions people miss because they are so weird. Believe it or not you can deduct the cost of a babysitter as a charitable deduction if you are leaving the house to do charitable/volunteer work. Unusual deductions like this are lurking everywhere and you are initiated to use any you can find.
We have used Turbo Tax for a number of years and find that it is very good a t finding the hidden deductions. If you have kept your records in Quicken it will even enter most of your information for you, and remember it for subsequent years. This is an easy fix, but whatever system you choose be aware that you have lots of choices. The aim of the game is to come out even., and the ideal from a sound financial point of view.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Are Your Manners Showing?
You have all seen RSVP on an invitation. What is it, why is it there, and what does it mean? In practice it means that you should contact the hosts of the event and let them know if you are going to attend. The actual translation is from French répondez, s'il vous plaît ; it means please respond promptly.
So you ask “what’s the big deal?” Responding promptly to your host is not only a sign of your good manners, it is a sign of respect for your host or hostess. Leaving them wondering whether up or not you will show is very stressful, as well as making it difficult for them to complete their plans; seating, catering, gifts and all the other things that go into planning a great event.
RSVP is also akin to “register now” for a seminar, fund raiser or trade show. Reservations, locations, catering, publicity and more often have to be paid in advance. Not knowing if you need seminar materials for 20 or 200 is a major challenge. This is why reservations or registration is so often requested so far in advance of the event. There is no other way to put together a successful event.
RSVP’s and other good manners need to make a comeback. The civility of life is sorely missed.
So you ask “what’s the big deal?” Responding promptly to your host is not only a sign of your good manners, it is a sign of respect for your host or hostess. Leaving them wondering whether up or not you will show is very stressful, as well as making it difficult for them to complete their plans; seating, catering, gifts and all the other things that go into planning a great event.
RSVP is also akin to “register now” for a seminar, fund raiser or trade show. Reservations, locations, catering, publicity and more often have to be paid in advance. Not knowing if you need seminar materials for 20 or 200 is a major challenge. This is why reservations or registration is so often requested so far in advance of the event. There is no other way to put together a successful event.
RSVP’s and other good manners need to make a comeback. The civility of life is sorely missed.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
It's That Time Again
It is about this time of year that we start evaluating what happened this year; what was good, what was bad, what should be changed in the upcoming 12 months. Typically, we only look at the highlights instead of really putting some concentrated thought into the whole year. This usually leads us to making "New Year's Resolutions" that probably last more than a few weeks, or days.
Resolution (decision): a firm decision to do something. This is a pretty scary thought. That's why most resolutions don't last. Making resolutions sets you up for failure, they are too inflexible. If the situation is not the product of a commitment to self analysis, making a broad promise is a direct path to guilt and self abuse. Making a resolution to lose weight next year is doomed to failure unless it is less generic and more specific. Telling yourself instead, or better yet journaling, that by the end of next year "I will lose 20 pounds in order to make my blood pressure lower. I will do this by (insert your specific game plan here) "will give you a better chance of victory. Now you have a plan for success, with specific parameters, that will assure you a greater chance for success; and you won't have to suffer the guilt of failure.
This best way to make this system work is to take the time to study your core values. This can be a frightening task, but I assure you that the results are worth your effort. Actually, I have noticed that the process is more important that the answers. Nobody will ever see your list, unless you choose to share it, so you can be brutally honest. This is the hardest part because we don't really like to look at ourselves up close, but we should. Also remember that your list is not cast in stone, you should review it at least once a year and make any necessary changes.
Your Core Values can be one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox. You are judged by how you appear, how you act and how you react. Knowing yourself well will help you make the kind of decisions that make you stronger and inspire the people around you.
Resolution (decision): a firm decision to do something. This is a pretty scary thought. That's why most resolutions don't last. Making resolutions sets you up for failure, they are too inflexible. If the situation is not the product of a commitment to self analysis, making a broad promise is a direct path to guilt and self abuse. Making a resolution to lose weight next year is doomed to failure unless it is less generic and more specific. Telling yourself instead, or better yet journaling, that by the end of next year "I will lose 20 pounds in order to make my blood pressure lower. I will do this by (insert your specific game plan here) "will give you a better chance of victory. Now you have a plan for success, with specific parameters, that will assure you a greater chance for success; and you won't have to suffer the guilt of failure.
This best way to make this system work is to take the time to study your core values. This can be a frightening task, but I assure you that the results are worth your effort. Actually, I have noticed that the process is more important that the answers. Nobody will ever see your list, unless you choose to share it, so you can be brutally honest. This is the hardest part because we don't really like to look at ourselves up close, but we should. Also remember that your list is not cast in stone, you should review it at least once a year and make any necessary changes.
Your Core Values can be one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox. You are judged by how you appear, how you act and how you react. Knowing yourself well will help you make the kind of decisions that make you stronger and inspire the people around you.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Networking forFun and Profit
hAs we have discussed, although Social Media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are terrific tools, there is one that is more powerful than any of them; old fashioned personal contact. The answer is Networking. Networking gives you the opportunity of meeting your clients and associates on a personal level that is not available over the internet.
Of course you do have to depend on the internet to stay in touch with distant contacts, but even a phone call can strengthen that bond. Checking in just to say hello, see how you can help, or share a referral adds a personalization otherwise not available.
Face to face contacts make for much stronger relationships; whether business or personal. This is where Networking comes in. Mixers, meet and greets, and seminars are all great places to solidify existing contacts and make new ones.
Just like any other activity, there are rules of conduct that apply to Networking. Remember: “you only have one chance to make a good impression.” Some things must be avoided at all costs, including hogging the conversation, drinking or eating too much (unless you are at a dinner meeting), selling, bragging, not listening, hanging out with people you already know, or spending time on your phone. (anything except a true emergency can wait).
Networking is all about building relationships; people buy from people they know and trust. You are there to make new friends, enhance your reputation, and share local knowledge. You should be prepared (investigate the event before you attend), be approachable, be enthusiastic, write your thank you notes and do your follow-up, and by all means remember your manners.
Besides making new friends and strengthening existing relationships, you are likely to have a good time. They used to say in New Zealand that ”a change is as good as a rest” so get out of your comfort zone and try Networking. You will be amazed how your life will expand as a result.
Of course you do have to depend on the internet to stay in touch with distant contacts, but even a phone call can strengthen that bond. Checking in just to say hello, see how you can help, or share a referral adds a personalization otherwise not available.
Face to face contacts make for much stronger relationships; whether business or personal. This is where Networking comes in. Mixers, meet and greets, and seminars are all great places to solidify existing contacts and make new ones.
Just like any other activity, there are rules of conduct that apply to Networking. Remember: “you only have one chance to make a good impression.” Some things must be avoided at all costs, including hogging the conversation, drinking or eating too much (unless you are at a dinner meeting), selling, bragging, not listening, hanging out with people you already know, or spending time on your phone. (anything except a true emergency can wait).
Networking is all about building relationships; people buy from people they know and trust. You are there to make new friends, enhance your reputation, and share local knowledge. You should be prepared (investigate the event before you attend), be approachable, be enthusiastic, write your thank you notes and do your follow-up, and by all means remember your manners.
Besides making new friends and strengthening existing relationships, you are likely to have a good time. They used to say in New Zealand that ”a change is as good as a rest” so get out of your comfort zone and try Networking. You will be amazed how your life will expand as a result.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Do You Know the Score?
Do you know where you stand in the credit World. Until now you could get one free credit report per agency, once a year. You also had the option of getting your report and paying to find out your score. We have found a credit information site that will actually give you your credit score for free!
It is worth spending some time at CreditKarma.com Of course, they are going to offer you special deals from their partners, but they are optional. However, they do offer you some great information on how to improve your score and how to manage credit. They also have a valuable Credit Advice section, News, and reviews; and all this information is free.
It is worth spending some time at CreditKarma.com Of course, they are going to offer you special deals from their partners, but they are optional. However, they do offer you some great information on how to improve your score and how to manage credit. They also have a valuable Credit Advice section, News, and reviews; and all this information is free.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Who knew...The Power of Facebook
They say "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", but look at me. It's taken a while to get on board the blogosphere and we are still learning, but we are moving forward. I consider social media another tool to help you grow your business by my sharing ideas and concepts. FaceBook has proven to be an amazing tool. It is not just for finding and connecting with old friends and family; a lot of business is getting done. There are over 500 million people now using it; some of them are your future customers.
One local eatery in my community promoted his business on FaceBook for three months before he opened. We all cheered and booed as he did, and didn't get the permits he needed. Delays were lamented, successes cheered. By the time he opened he had a huge following and has been growing ever since. This is a terrific example of using social media to grow a business.
Writing a blog (web journal) is another very powerful tool to use to promote your success. Writing on interesting subjects, related to your field of expertise, lead readers into knowing you. Consumers like to do business with the people they know, and trust. Delivering useful information is a good way to create that trust.
Check out my website http://www.othercreations.com/ if you need help figuring out how social media and blogging can make money for you, and for more helpful hints.
One local eatery in my community promoted his business on FaceBook for three months before he opened. We all cheered and booed as he did, and didn't get the permits he needed. Delays were lamented, successes cheered. By the time he opened he had a huge following and has been growing ever since. This is a terrific example of using social media to grow a business.
Writing a blog (web journal) is another very powerful tool to use to promote your success. Writing on interesting subjects, related to your field of expertise, lead readers into knowing you. Consumers like to do business with the people they know, and trust. Delivering useful information is a good way to create that trust.
Check out my website http://www.othercreations.com/ if you need help figuring out how social media and blogging can make money for you, and for more helpful hints.
Ina
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