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Add You - Nine Hidden Dangers Of Wasting Your Time, Effort and Sanity On Nickel-and-Dime Cheapstake Buyers
My vacation could have been a comedy of errors, because nearly all of my initial plans didn’t pan out. Yet, it ended up being the best all around sojourn I’ve ever had.How did this happen? I’ll tell you in a minute. First, let me mention some of the crucial adjustments I made.I booked a hotel that had all of the right amenities, including a killer ocean view, but when I called later on, to check about a discount, I dealt with a real bozo. Instantly, I hit the Web, searched for alternatives—just in case—and I found a substitute at half the price, also with a killer ocean view.That phone call saved me the equivalent of all of my meals during the entire trip.Not bad!I asked the airline agent to find me the longest legroom, and I ended up with the shortest.Instantly, I asked to deplane to see what the gate agent could arrange. Momentarily, I was relocated in a section where I could spread out across three seats with my laptop and other tools.The impact was that I wrote an article during my five hour flight that wouldn’t have emerged from my cramped seating arrangement.My watch’s stem broke on the plane ride over. Upon arrival, I called the biggest ad in the Yellow Pages, and was informed by the stuffy manager that my timepiece would take three weeks to repair, and that I should wait to schlep it to a special service center in Beverly Hills, upon my return. Undaunted, I called another ad. The owner said, “Bring it over, and we’ll repair it in three hours.”A half hour later, I entered his shop and he said, “You’re lucky. I have three repair specialists working right now. Go have a coffee, and your watch will be ready in an hour. I’ll save you a cab ride.”A one-day tour that I initially chose was oversold. Improvising, I picked an alternative, which ended up being spectacular, with a 200 foot waterfall and an unspoiled beach. Cool.On a free day I decided to rent a car, and the first outfit I called gave me fits. They didn’t have the model I wanted and they were going to force me to make separate calls to discover my frequent renter number and couldn’t tell me if having it would give me a discount. When I asked for a supervisor, my call was mysteriously disconnected.Two seconds later, I called a competitor. It had a red T-Bird convertible at a great rate with no drop-off charge for taking it to the airport. Also, I could pick it up 100 paces from my hotel, instead of having to cab it to the other outfit’s inconvenient location.
And it was waiting all right. The client demanded detailed reports on everything. My friend had to write reports on report, memos and meetings. He had to document every second of his time. Really. The client demanded a time sheet from him in 15-minute segments. He would hand in the time sheet and the client would decide which segments got paid and which got deleted. On average, 35% of his time sheet got unpaid. When he asked
If you don’t, it could cost you a lot of money. Particularly if you’re a small business, start-up or a company looking for short-term office accommodations. At first glance you might say to yourself, “Executive suites sound way too expensive for my budget.” But don’t be fooled by a name. If you’re looking to set-up and staff an office, executive office space could save you as much as 70% over commercial office space. Executive suites go by several different names. They might be called: Shared Office Space Temporary Office Space Executive Office Space They all refer to the basically the same type of money saving, anti-hassle, easy to set up office space that can be found in most cities in the U.S. and even overseas. They are often located in prestigious office buildings which give you the look of success before your name even goes on the door. So why are ‘executive suites’ often better than commercial space? The word ‘Contract’ is one big difference. Most commercial space requires a long-term contract, which is not altogether bad if you’re a well-established company. But many companies don’t want to be tied to an office location for a year to ten years. So what’s the answer? Executive suites. The idea was spawned some years ago to answer the needs of small to medium-sized companies. There is no long-term contract. Just a simple rental agreement that provides the office space you need for a day, week, month or whatever your requirements. The important thing to remember is that you won’t be locked into a long-term situation. Also, you can save money on furnishings and staff Executive suites specialize in making things easy. Want your office furnished? You got it. Want a trained receptionist to take your calls and greet your customers? You’ve got it. And this person won’t be on your payroll. It all comes down to this. If you want prestige office space with flexible terms that is ready for you to walk in, sit down and start doing business, you need to understand the difference between commercial office space and executive suites. With executive office space, you can have the look of an established successful company in a prestige location almost instantly. Plus, you will save a bundle on setup and staffing costs. Executive suites are well worth considering before making any decision on your future office needs.
I may be wrong, and unlike him, I don't have an MBA, but I believe if the client derives huge value from my help, a deserve more than a competitive(ly low) hourly rate. I got into business to overcome the typical wage slave syndrome as an employee, and it would be plain silly to become a self-employed wage slave. I also believe that I shouldn't be penalised just because I don't take much time and effort to create that new value for the client.
1. Nickel-And-Dimers Waste A Hell Of A Lot Of Your Time
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to come to agreement with prospective buyers who actually have an intention to change and now is just looking for a fit with a consultant with whose help and guidance to go through the changing process?
Now contrast this to Nickel-And-Dimers, who want to make sure all Ts are crossed and all Is are dotted even before making a shred of commitment.
When Carl Rogers, a pioneer in social psychology was asked about the most important aspect of human interaction when there is a strong difference of opinions, he said this: "Unconditional positive regard for the other person. It's about holding the other person in a positive light and assuming that his/her interest is for the best interest of the discussion and the relationship, regardless of what the person actually believes at that moment."
A few months ago the business development manager of a web design firm told me "I've forgotten more about marketing than you will ever learn. I just don't have time to do it." Yet, instead of implementing proper marketing (which he’s apparently a master of), his firm peddles its services using three call centres (Los Angeles, India and China) to cold call harass people to find new business. It seems the worst underperformers claim to know the most about everything.
Remember, low-level prospects usually drop to an even lower level as clients. Send them on their way with an imaginary recreational kick in their butts, and move on with a lesson learnt.
2. Nickel-And-Dimers Like Bragging About The Special Deals They've Received
A few years ago a friend of mine worked with a large manufacturing company, and some six years later that manufacturing company referred one of their vendors to my friend. Yes, the manufacturing company was a Nickel-And-Dimer and they were bragging to their vendors that with the right pressure they could arm-twist my friend to give them very very good per diem rates. The vendor expected my friend to give the per diem rate he was charging the manufacturing company six years before. It was a retarded situation. He was given a fait accompli: "Either you give us the same rate you gave them or you're out." And sadly my friend did, simply because the immediate smell of money was more attractive than the gut-wrenching stench of a slowly decomposing project that was waiting for him down the road.
And it was waiting all right. The client demanded detailed reports on everything. My friend had to write reports on report, memos and meetings. He had to document every second of his time. Really. The client demanded a time sheet from him in 15-minute segments. He would hand in the time sheet and the client would decide which segments got paid and which got deleted. On average, 35% of his time sheet got unpaid. When he asked
It's not only customer service that businesses are concerned about. Everyone knows that a business is only as good as its employees. Clearly, hiring good employees is the key to a good business. Of course, hiring them is a different matter from keeping them, and a more crucial one at that. So don't be surprised if a notice or memo about employee surveys is making rounds in your office. Your employer just wants to gauge your satisfaction about the company. But more than simple yes/no options, employee surveys are meant to gauge your interest in staying with the company. Corporate longevity is determined by several factors that the surveys sought to address.But before sitting down to answer employee surveys with haphazard clicks and checks, consider what the surveys mean to you. These surveys could be your chance to let the management know about your work problems. On the other hand, this is also a chance to express gratitude for your employer. These are opportunities to communicate with your employer. Most employees waste these opportunities by treating the surveys as chores and answering whatever. They claim that they are dissatisfied with their pay or with the company in general. But the management don't know that problems existed because the employees themselves bungled up the surveys.There are no step-by-step methods to answer surveys, only guidelines. Read through the survey and the introductory letter. These will inform you about the purpose of the survey and its content. Reading through the survey gives you time to reflect about your work and the work issues raised in the survey. This prepares you for answering the employee surveys. Don't let ill feelings about disapproved pay raise or reprimands about lateness affect your answers. Answer each question honestly but objectively. If asked for reasons about dissatisfaction, "just because" answers are not helpful. Instead, answer that you are dissatisfied but provide valid reasons for feeling that way. Refer to the company policies to determine the validity of your reasons. For example, if you are dissatisfied because of an overdue promotion, cite rules that support your claim. There may be other employees who share the same sentiment. However, do not discuss the surveys with your colleagues prior to answering. You may not realize it but your own views might be affected by the popular opinion.It is also best to keep your answers to employee surveys to yourself. Avoid mentioning specifics in discussing the surveys with your co-wo
1. Nickel-And-Dimers Waste A Hell Of A Lot Of Your Time
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to come to agreement with prospective buyers who actually have an intention to change and now is just looking for a fit with a consultant with whose help and guidance to go through the changing process?
Now contrast this to Nickel-And-Dimers, who want to make sure all Ts are crossed and all Is are dotted even before making a shred of commitment.
When Carl Rogers, a pioneer in social psychology was asked about the most important aspect of human interaction when there is a strong difference of opinions, he said this: "Unconditional positive regard for the other person. It's about holding the other person in a positive light and assuming that his/her interest is for the best interest of the discussion and the relationship, regardless of what the person actually believes at that moment."
A few months ago the business development manager of a web design firm told me "I've forgotten more about marketing than you will ever learn. I just don't have time to do it." Yet, instead of implementing proper marketing (which he’s apparently a master of), his firm peddles its services using three call centres (Los Angeles, India and China) to cold call harass people to find new business. It seems the worst underperformers claim to know the most about everything.
Remember, low-level prospects usually drop to an even lower level as clients. Send them on their way with an imaginary recreational kick in their butts, and move on with a lesson learnt.
2. Nickel-And-Dimers Like Bragging About The Special Deals They've Received
A few years ago a friend of mine worked with a large manufacturing company, and some six years later that manufacturing company referred one of their vendors to my friend. Yes, the manufacturing company was a Nickel-And-Dimer and they were bragging to their vendors that with the right pressure they could arm-twist my friend to give them very very good per diem rates. The vendor expected my friend to give the per diem rate he was charging the manufacturing company six years before. It was a retarded situation. He was given a fait accompli: "Either you give us the same rate you gave them or you're out." And sadly my friend did, simply because the immediate smell of money was more attractive than the gut-wrenching stench of a slowly decomposing project that was waiting for him down the road.
And it was waiting all right. The client demanded detailed reports on everything. My friend had to write reports on report, memos and meetings. He had to document every second of his time. Really. The client demanded a time sheet from him in 15-minute segments. He would hand in the time sheet and the client would decide which segments got paid and which got deleted. On average, 35% of his time sheet got unpaid. When he asked
The power tools of today are not the same as the ones that were carefully placed on the pegboard near your grandfather’s workbench- they are actually quite far from it. Modern technology has made amazing advances in the simplest of features, including automatic shut-off, enhanced guarding and more resilient materials just to name a few. But one trait has come to be worth its weight in gold within the power tool industry, and that’s the owner’s manual.Today’s manuals not only have better graphics showing its users what each part of the device should look like (and what to do when it doesn’t), many individual manufacturers will have explicit directions and instructions for the safety and maintenance of each individual power tool. Of course, no instructions are completely fool proof, especially if the content of such manuals isn’t completely understood by the user. This is why many manufacturers have implemented training seminars and classes for both companies and individuals on the proper procedures for optimum performance and safety. Local home improvement stores often hold such classes and seminars on a regular basis.However, a bit of common sense and know-how never hurt anyone, so there are a few safety guidelines which should be followed by all users of power tools. For example, wearing the proper clothing is essential, and you should never wear loose clothing that could easily get caught in a power tool. Safety gear is crucial- hard hat, safety goggles and gloves, along with the proper footwear. Using the right tool, whether it be size or something else, for the job at hand, including the right type of extension cord (indoor, outdoor, proper length) if applicable. The work area should be clean, uncluttered and well lit. Keep all electric tools away from water and flammables. Do not use power tools with frayed or damaged cords. Damaged parts anywhere in a power tool, including saw blades and drill bits, can cause damage to the tool itself or the individual performing the task. Unplug all electric power tools when finished with or before changing to another tool.As far as the maintenance aspect of such power tools, common sense is again of the highest importance. For example, making sure that the proper guards are placed on saw blades when not in use is both a safety and maintenance issue. Saw blades need to be sharp to deliver the best performance possible, but can also be incredibly dangerous, so taking the proper preventive measures will yield the best results in all as
A few months ago the business development manager of a web design firm told me "I've forgotten more about marketing than you will ever learn. I just don't have time to do it." Yet, instead of implementing proper marketing (which he’s apparently a master of), his firm peddles its services using three call centres (Los Angeles, India and China) to cold call harass people to find new business. It seems the worst underperformers claim to know the most about everything.
Remember, low-level prospects usually drop to an even lower level as clients. Send them on their way with an imaginary recreational kick in their butts, and move on with a lesson learnt.
2. Nickel-And-Dimers Like Bragging About The Special Deals They've Received
A few years ago a friend of mine worked with a large manufacturing company, and some six years later that manufacturing company referred one of their vendors to my friend. Yes, the manufacturing company was a Nickel-And-Dimer and they were bragging to their vendors that with the right pressure they could arm-twist my friend to give them very very good per diem rates. The vendor expected my friend to give the per diem rate he was charging the manufacturing company six years before. It was a retarded situation. He was given a fait accompli: "Either you give us the same rate you gave them or you're out." And sadly my friend did, simply because the immediate smell of money was more attractive than the gut-wrenching stench of a slowly decomposing project that was waiting for him down the road.
And it was waiting all right. The client demanded detailed reports on everything. My friend had to write reports on report, memos and meetings. He had to document every second of his time. Really. The client demanded a time sheet from him in 15-minute segments. He would hand in the time sheet and the client would decide which segments got paid and which got deleted. On average, 35% of his time sheet got unpaid. When he asked
One of the most dynamic businesswomen of the 20th century, Estee Lauder through focus and hard work created one of the world’s most recognized cosmetics brands. With a single-mindedness of purpose rarely encountered, Estee Lauder left behind her at her death a business whose products are today available in almost every country and which employs tens of thousands worldwide.Born Josephine Esther Mentzer in Queens, New York in 1908, to father Max and mother Rose who were of Eastern European descent, she was trained in the selling of skin care products to local beauty salons and hotels by her uncle, John Schotz, a chemist with New Way Laboratories. In 1930 Estee (her nickname) married Joseph Lauter, the family changing their surname to "Lauder" later that decade.Estee Lauder was a late bloomer. It was not until 1948, at the ripe old age of forty, that her legacy really was born. In that year, she used her sales skills to obtain a counter at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, where she sold her own skin care products. Counters at other well-known department stores such as Neiman Marcus soon followed.Her first perfume product was introduced in 1953. Called Youth Dew, it was actually a bath oil that could also serve as a perfume, and it was an instant success with women, who purchased more than 50,000 bottles in the very first year. That success led to her opening Estee Lauder counters across America and in 1960 she entered the international market with Harrods department store in London, England.There followed a series of product launches that would solidify the reputation of the Estee Lauder brand across the globe. These included Aramis in 1965 (a line of men’s fragrances and grooming products) and Clinique in 1968 (the first non-allergenic fragrance-free cosmetics brand). Her company also contracted to become the world-wide licensee for Tommy Hilfiger and Donna Karan fragrances and cosmetics.Besides her relentless drive, her success was largely driven by her sales philosophy that held that in order to make a sale, it is necessary to actually make contact with and engage the prospective customer. In fact whenever her product line was introduced to a new retailer, Estee Lauder would show up to counsel the store’s staff on how to sell her products, and its customers on how her products could help them. As regards the latter, she stated that “in a perfect world, we'd all be judged on the sweetness of our souls. But in our less than perfect world, the woman who looks pretty has a
Remember, low-level prospects usually drop to an even lower level as clients. Send them on their way with an imaginary recreational kick in their butts, and move on with a lesson learnt.
2. Nickel-And-Dimers Like Bragging About The Special Deals They've Received
A few years ago a friend of mine worked with a large manufacturing company, and some six years later that manufacturing company referred one of their vendors to my friend. Yes, the manufacturing company was a Nickel-And-Dimer and they were bragging to their vendors that with the right pressure they could arm-twist my friend to give them very very good per diem rates. The vendor expected my friend to give the per diem rate he was charging the manufacturing company six years before. It was a retarded situation. He was given a fait accompli: "Either you give us the same rate you gave them or you're out." And sadly my friend did, simply because the immediate smell of money was more attractive than the gut-wrenching stench of a slowly decomposing project that was waiting for him down the road.
And it was waiting all right. The client demanded detailed reports on everything. My friend had to write reports on report, memos and meetings. He had to document every second of his time. Really. The client demanded a time sheet from him in 15-minute segments. He would hand in the time sheet and the client would decide which segments got paid and which got deleted. On average, 35% of his time sheet got unpaid. When he asked
The short and easy answer is “YES”. In fact anyone who has graduated from high school and has a good grasp of their own language can make a comfortable living as a freelance trainer in Germany. However, a little prep work is required in order to avert disaster. Over the years I’ve seen so many people come full of enthusiasm only to leave in tears a few short months later. I can’t guarantee you success but if you follow the 5 guidelines below then your adjustment will be a lot easier.1. Learn some basic German.You don’t have to be a fluent speaker but a few months before your trip you should buy a basic phrase book. “Where is the train station?” “How much is this?” etc. Make sure it has a phonetic pronunciation guide. It doesn’t matter if your German is terrible at the start, as long as you make the effort to speak the language then most of the natives will try their best to help you. DO NOT blurt out “Hey dude, where can a guy get himself a mickey dees and a cold bottle of suds in this town?” Although a lot West Germans had a little English in school most of them have forgotten it. How much high school French or Spanish can you remember!?!2. Brush up your grammar.Native speakers use complex grammar structures without thinking what they are called. Now you need to learn the names and when they are used. DON’T PANIC! Essential Grammar In Use ISBN 3-12-533460-8 This book is the bible for English trainers and it’s written simply and clearly. GET IT NOW! Read it from cover to cover and do all the exercises. Remember you are not learning the language, just brushing up. I remember thinking “wow, so that’s what it’s called when I say that.” Basically your learning the lingo.3. Observe the culture.Search the net, read German authors and watch German movies. Learn a little about the German culture. Germans are a lot more reserved than British or Americans and need a little more time to warm up. Don’t mistake this for unfriendliness. Once you gain their trust you won’t find more loyal friends. Eating on the street can be frowned upon but drinking a bottle of beer on your way home isn’t really out of place.4. Have your papers ready.The people here are highly organized and for us maybe a little too bureaucratic. Make sure you have all your relevant education papers, tax info. , social security etc. You also have to register for a work permit but most schools will help you with this process. Although the authorities are more tolerant
And it was waiting all right. The client demanded detailed reports on everything. My friend had to write reports on report, memos and meetings. He had to document every second of his time. Really. The client demanded a time sheet from him in 15-minute segments. He would hand in the time sheet and the client would decide which segments got paid and which got deleted. On average, 35% of his time sheet got unpaid. When he asked the client why, the client just shrugged, "I don't think it was necessary for the project." Imagine, here is this egotistical, stupid idiot who hasn't been able to solve his problem for himself, and then when the hired help does the work, he decides what's needed and what's not.
The problem is that when Nickel-And-Dimers brag, they don't brag about the great service they've just received. No! They brag about how cheap the service was. And just as birds of the feather flock together, so do Nickel-And-Dimers. So, if you accept work with one of these business cretins, rest assured that you will be favourably inducted into the world if Nickel-And-Dimers, and many of them want your help. And from here on it's a downwards spiral. Bad projects attract each other. The world will soon know that you're the Nickel-And-Dimers specialist and more of them will come.
I believe money is the walk of the talk. When you ask people to invest in their own futures, you quickly learn how serious they actually are by whether or not they cough up the dough.
3. Nickel-And-Dimers Ruin Your Market Reputation And Your Credibility In The Eyes Of Great Clients
While Great Clients and Nickel-And-Dimers hardly ever flock together, still, Great Clients can hear from the good deals Nickel-And-Dimers got cut for themselves. How do you think it will impact the perception Great Clients have about these deal-cutters. Why do you think people haggle with car salespeople and realtors but not with lawyers or doctors?
Car salespeople and realtors are notorious for "cutting deals": "Buy now and I'll give you a special deal." In spite of the "special deal", most people hate this approach because they know what the special deal really is: No big deal. Just a previously inflated price shrunk back to normal with lots of fanfare and manipulation.
My friend, Katie (not her real name) is a web designer. She got a call from Fred on a web design project. With lots of pep talk and promises on future projects, Fred convinced Katie to design a site with a serious drop on her fees. Fred manipulated her by telling her how good this would be for her portfolio. By the way, I've always believed that this "portfolio stuff" is highly overrated. Smart clients want to see value not portfolios. Well, she accepted the deal. And then two more.
Then she found out that Fred was just a broker between her and some real buyers. Fred knew that the lower price he could demand from Katie, the more money he would pocket. I have nothing against brokers per se. I too broker projects here and there. Over the years, thanks to my military training, skydiving and other experiences, I've become a damn good project manager and I have an innate talent to have people work together as a - real - team towards a common objective, so I co-ordinate large high-stake projects with functional experts. But I do have a problem that the greedy bastard Fred increased his money by lying to a good designer about future projects.
And rest assured that Fred will brag to his friends, that "If you need a super-cheap web designer, let me know. My contact is supe
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