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Add You - Business Golf: The Questions Business People Should Ask Themselves
Each year there is a Yellow Pages arms race where competitors in each category are encouraged to out spend each other. There is only one winner in this arms race, and it is not you! Too many advertisers waste their money on Yellow Pages advertising without first considering their marketing strategy. Here are seven ways you can waste your money.1. Attempting to outspend your competitorAs soon as Yellow Pages has convinced you to increase the prominence of your ad, they get your competitors to match or outbid you. This becomes an annual auction, with some categories containing pages of half and full page ads. A buyer can be overwhelmed with choice and may make their decision before they even get to your ad. Priority in listing is given to those who have advertised the longest in a category for a given ad size. You can only get closer to the front by upsizing your ad or if someone else closer to the front ceases advertising.2. Putting all your eggs in the Yellow Pages basketAn advertising decision is something you should only make after you have developed a marketing strategy. Many businesses rush into advertising in the Yellow Pages, just because that’s what everyone else does. You don’t become a leader by following the herd. You need to consider your payback for your investment in this marketing channel. Ask your Yellow Pages consultant how many leads a particular size ad generates in your category. Then ask yourself how many of these leads will you convert into sales, and then decide whether this is a good investment.3. Engaging in destructive Head to Head CompetitionWhen you advertise in the Yellow Pages, not only can potential customers see your ad and your offer, so can your competitors. This can result in price competition that can turn your product or service into a commodity. Yellow Pages make comparison shopping easy for buyers and market research easy for competitors.4. Spending too much on prominenceWhen spending on a Yellow Pages ad, you can invest in size and colour. Size is important, but what you put in the ad, your copy, is far more important. It is better to go down a size and spend th
Now, ask yourself, ‘does knowing your customers better really make your business successful?’. The answer is simple, ‘Absolutely’. If you believe that it is the most important part of you doing business and you believe you are going to continue to make an effort everyday to talk and visit with at least one customer a day, then you have established a belief.
Now, let me answer the question ‘Why’.
Ge
Running a home business has always interested people especially mothers and the home bound. However starting the business is not a game. It does not involve simply setting up your computer and beginning. People are often deterred from venturing further, when they become aware of some of the complexities included with regards to taxation, insurance and others.The primary ploy is to get rid of home-office related expenditure. This is a smart move but will require undertaking certain steps. You will have to use the office space solely for your business work. You should not use it for family affairs even after work hours. The IRS will qualify you for the above privilege only if you satisfy at least one of the three conditions: the office place should not be a part of your house; you should use the office as a meeting place with clients or it should be your “Foremost business location”.Now what are the advantages by doing so? You can easily get rid of expenses meant for your entire dwelling like renovations, mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance and utilities. The money to be deducted can be calculated by dividing the area of your workplace by the area of your entire house in square feet.One thing to keep in mind is that these deductible expenses will not exceed the income from the business. Only expenses related to home business insurance or work supplies can get totally eliminated irrespective of their limit.You should also be wary of zoning laws. They differ from locality to locality. In some places you may need a license to run the business and may have to pay an annual fee. Certain laws may restrict the number of employees or clients. Some others may even completely ban having them. Sometimes there are laws that determine the percentage of your house that can be devoted to the business.Another important point to be aware is that the home business insurance policies generally do not cover any business liability or business equipment. So if an employee injures himself during work hours it becomes your lookout. Also not having an insurance policy may get you in trouble if your house gets damaged due to a work related
I am not talking about your Religious beliefs. I am talking about the belief people have in something that will work, or not work.
Let’s take business practices you believe are successfully to doing business. Or, the procedures you take in doing business because you believe it will work.
Granted, there are some really sound business practices business people should follow that are more than a belief and are more proven to work, or not.
But, there are some proven business practices that could be improved.
Let me ask you a question EVERY business person should ask themselves when it comes time to improve your business’ bottomline.
What is the one thing you do that is successful in doing business?
Usually the answer will consist of several things you do to secure business because you believe you need these several things to be successful. See, you have a belief that needs improving…
Why? Well, ‘Why’ is the question you should ask yourself more than any other question. For, to understand ‘Why’ something is done builds your belief in that ‘something’.
If the answer to ‘Why’ is something you did not know, then you learned something. So, learning the answer to ‘Why’ is the first step to believing in something.
Lets get back to the original question of the one thing you do that successfully brings in business, improves your business or, even better, elevates your business’ image.
If you answered the questions with something like ‘the most important thing I do to successfully do business is to get to know my customers better’ then you have either read my book on How To Play Business Golf, or you have figured out the most important thing you need to do in business.
Now, ask yourself, ‘does knowing your customers better really make your business successful?’. The answer is simple, ‘Absolutely’. If you believe that it is the most important part of you doing business and you believe you are going to continue to make an effort everyday to talk and visit with at least one customer a day, then you have established a belief.
Now, let me answer the question ‘Why’.
Get
One of the questions we get frequently is what are the salary or earning possibilities for a stockbroker?That can really be 2 different questions. Firms of all types look for stockbroker trainees or licensed stockbrokers from other companies. For the new trainees, smaller companies will look to pay a training allowance during the training period. This can be anywhere from $250-$750 a week. This "salary" when working for smaller or independent firms may be temporary.The people that own or run these stockbroker firms have a mindset that this is a commission business. Meaning, the clients you get will ultimately make you the money. This is largely true. No Stockbroker got rich on salary. They earn their money by selling stock for commission. The firm will normally pay out 50% or so the the broker. The more clients you have, the more money you can/will make.The larger firms will be more particular who they hire, but will usually offer more guaranteed salary. These firms will take on a new employee and will invest 6 months or a year paying a better guaranteed salary, but the commission percentage (if there is any during this time) will be less.If you want to enter this business and become a successful broker, you need to have a commission mindset. The salary or draw is really only there to give you a chance to live on something while building your client book and business. From the firm's perspective, they are offering you a chance to make an unlimited income potential while using the firms resources to make that happen. They are giving you support, a phone, analysis, coaching and other services to build your business. They are not looking to pay a salary as a fixed part of your compensation. The stockbroker firms want you to become successful. When you make money, they do.There are discount or online securities firms that have salary positions, but this is usually just for call center reps who can take client information, but are not paid on any sales from what that client does.These types of jobs may be decent for people who are just looking to enter the business or who just need a job. Over time, most people find t
But, there are some proven business practices that could be improved.
Let me ask you a question EVERY business person should ask themselves when it comes time to improve your business’ bottomline.
What is the one thing you do that is successful in doing business?
Usually the answer will consist of several things you do to secure business because you believe you need these several things to be successful. See, you have a belief that needs improving…
Why? Well, ‘Why’ is the question you should ask yourself more than any other question. For, to understand ‘Why’ something is done builds your belief in that ‘something’.
If the answer to ‘Why’ is something you did not know, then you learned something. So, learning the answer to ‘Why’ is the first step to believing in something.
Lets get back to the original question of the one thing you do that successfully brings in business, improves your business or, even better, elevates your business’ image.
If you answered the questions with something like ‘the most important thing I do to successfully do business is to get to know my customers better’ then you have either read my book on How To Play Business Golf, or you have figured out the most important thing you need to do in business.
Now, ask yourself, ‘does knowing your customers better really make your business successful?’. The answer is simple, ‘Absolutely’. If you believe that it is the most important part of you doing business and you believe you are going to continue to make an effort everyday to talk and visit with at least one customer a day, then you have established a belief.
Now, let me answer the question ‘Why’.
Ge
Jewelry retailers across the country are gearing up for May 1, the official start of gold month 2006. Since 2004, jewelers have used May as a platform to reach customers considering purchases for Mother’s Day, graduation, first communion, confirmation and the bridal season. In addition to the gift-giving opportunities, the campaign is also designed to inspire self-purchase, encouraging customers to update their spring and summer wardrobe with new styles of gold jewelry.Retailers should think beyond products when they are considering ways to attract new business during gold month 2006. Because the ‘May is Gold Month’ event is really still in its infancy, it is important to establish an in-store theme to inform customers of the occasion, and any promotions the store is running in conjunction.Here are a few tips to consider when preparing to attract new business during gold month this year:Tell the World: Use retail signs in and outside the jewelry store to advertise gold month to people passing by. If customers are out shopping for a unique gift, they will be more likely to visit your jewelry store if there’s a retail sign telling them about your promotion.Show them What You’ve Got: Consider a specialty jewelry display case that showcases a wide array of items featured for gold month. A special display case will be beneficial well beyond a gold month promotion. It will allow your store to highlight hand picked products for special events throughout the year.Send the Message Home: Reinforce the gold month theme by using all gold colored jewelry packaging in the month of May. Consider custom printed jewelry boxes, shopping bags and gift bags, as well as the packaging extras like ribbons and bows to keep your store and gold month fresh in the customer’s mind.“May is Gold Month” is your opportunity to set your company aside and capitalize on a customer base that is ready to buy. Be at your best by creating an environment that brings them in and keeps them coming back throughout the year. For additional inspiring ideas and products for your jewelry store, visit www.nu-era.com.
Why? Well, ‘Why’ is the question you should ask yourself more than any other question. For, to understand ‘Why’ something is done builds your belief in that ‘something’.
If the answer to ‘Why’ is something you did not know, then you learned something. So, learning the answer to ‘Why’ is the first step to believing in something.
Lets get back to the original question of the one thing you do that successfully brings in business, improves your business or, even better, elevates your business’ image.
If you answered the questions with something like ‘the most important thing I do to successfully do business is to get to know my customers better’ then you have either read my book on How To Play Business Golf, or you have figured out the most important thing you need to do in business.
Now, ask yourself, ‘does knowing your customers better really make your business successful?’. The answer is simple, ‘Absolutely’. If you believe that it is the most important part of you doing business and you believe you are going to continue to make an effort everyday to talk and visit with at least one customer a day, then you have established a belief.
Now, let me answer the question ‘Why’.
Ge
Ask survivors of the most popular reality television shows and they’ll tell you “If you have to eat a cockroach, don’t spend too much time thinking about it.” Keep focused on the end-game and move on.Know yourself, have a plan, make a footprint. After you’re fired, the raw power needed to convert a job loss into a high-voltage catalyst that gains multiple job offers is surprisingly simple. Consider these energizers:Who you are? Detangle your sense of job from your sense of selfWhere are you going? Design a five-year plan for career focus / directionWhat can you do? Maintain a life-long log of your career achievements“Getting fired is a lot like getting divorced,” says Steve Johnson, Vice President of Information Systems for R. L. Stevens & Associates Inc., http://interviewing.com/ a leading international career marketing firm headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. “All you hear is ‘I don’t want you anymore’,” he says.Own your success and your failures. When he was fired from a multi-billion dollar petroleum company earlier in his career, discernment gave Johnson, a business-world veteran, the inner strength to get up and get on instead of rolling over and playing dead.Despite an impressive portfolio of documented achievements that solidly contributed to the bottom line through process reengineering, he was still let go. His stellar performance though appreciated, was undervalued by his employers. Johnson made sure that this unexpected event did not end his career or dampen his spirits. “The time I was given the pink slip and told my talents were no longer needed, I faced a decision to either continually bemoan the shut door or look forward and find a new door I could open.”Possess the wisdom to know the difference between opportunity lost and possibility found. Johnson, an avid golfer, expertly swung himself out of his job loss bunker and found customers wanting his talents by taking the same approach in his job search as he does in his sport. “Getting fired is like an awful day
If you answered the questions with something like ‘the most important thing I do to successfully do business is to get to know my customers better’ then you have either read my book on How To Play Business Golf, or you have figured out the most important thing you need to do in business.
Now, ask yourself, ‘does knowing your customers better really make your business successful?’. The answer is simple, ‘Absolutely’. If you believe that it is the most important part of you doing business and you believe you are going to continue to make an effort everyday to talk and visit with at least one customer a day, then you have established a belief.
Now, let me answer the question ‘Why’.
Ge
Disability - The Red Flag!Disability - What Do We Mean?The term “disability” is widely, and loosely used, to cover a range of functional impairments, injuries or loss of function. Some disabilities (such as short-sightedness) are quite socially acceptable and provide no barriers to social interaction, services or employment. Other disabilities, such as mild hearing loss, are not apparent to others and can be managed with a minimum of difficulty.Unfortunately the word disability suggests high dependence and a lack of competence in the minds of some. Underlying prejudice often focuses on the “difference”, rather than the abilities and capacities of those affected by a disability. Employers reflect the range of beliefs and prejudices evident in the wider community.When it comes to accessing services and work opportunities, perceptions about disability are as important as the disability itself.Legislative IssuesLegislation in many jurisdictions seeks to prevent direct or indirect discrimination on the basis of disability, often with reference to a range of prescribed disabilities.For example, Australia has a range of Commonwealth and State legislation that addresses discrimination on the basis of disability. Some of this legislation is framed as Equal Opportunity (EO) legislation which identifies many kinds of discrimination, whilst other legislation is very specific to disability (e.g. Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992).The Disability Discrimination Act requires employers to make “reasonable adjustments” for people with a disability, who in all other respects are competent and qualified to undertake the work. The definition of “reasonable adjustments” is somewhat unclear, but the intention is very clear that employers are required to recruit candidates on merit.Such legislation provides a framework for the individual to assert their right to access services and employment, although the practicalities of asserting these rights can make it a major challenge.Disability and the WorkplaceIncreasingly, organisations are recognising a so
Now, ask yourself, ‘does knowing your customers better really make your business successful?’. The answer is simple, ‘Absolutely’. If you believe that it is the most important part of you doing business and you believe you are going to continue to make an effort everyday to talk and visit with at least one customer a day, then you have established a belief.
Now, let me answer the question ‘Why’.
Getting to know your customers is more than sending them an invoice with ‘Thank You, Have a nice day’ written on the bill, or mailing out Holiday Cards once a year.
Getting to know your customers is taking the time to personally visiting with them at least three times a year; to get to know them as a person, not as a client. Even in the legal and medical professions, there is a need to learn more about the client than their legal or medical problems.
As is the case in every business, getting to know your customer is getting to know the problem before it happens.
What you learn when visiting with a customer is their likes and dislikes. This is very important information you will need in order to do business with them. It also provides you knowledge of a problem before it gets out of hand.
Knowing your customer allows you to prepare your business to keep your customer, or to compete in the market for your customer.
Also, the time spent with your customer allows the customer to get to know you. This really pays off, especially when it comes time for your customer to decide who to do business.
On the same note, when your customer gets to know you they are more than likely going to refer their friends to you. When you let your customer know that your intentions are to get to know them better so you can better serve them they are going to pass that on to their contacts.
So, the direct answer to the question ‘Why do I need to get to know my customers’ is this..
The more you know about your customer the more you know how to do business with them. And the more you know what your customer thinks of you, and your business, the more you are prepared to improve your business.
And the best answer to the
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