May 2009
43 posts
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Business Tip for 5/31/09
A short and sweet tip for Sunday!
In thinking about your business or career last week, what is just one thing that you could have done better?
Whatever you answer, it is probably a task, decision or some other action that is repetitive in your world.
This week, don’t over-focus on it, but, consciously keep it in mind so that when that situation comes up again, you follow the path...
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Business Tip for 5/30/09
Whether you are working today or not, at some point, please take a moment to reflect on your week.
Did you make all of the phone calls that you were suppose to?
Are you current on your handwritten thank you notes to customers/clients that I covered on 5/28?
Have you accessed your progress for the week and made notes on what you can do better for next week?
Did you take time to offer...
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Business Tip for 5/29/09
Based on a speech I gave earlier, my tip today is not for small businesses per se, but, to the freshly minted college grads who are seeking jobs.
Everywhere I look I see reports on how this is the worst job market in years. So called “experts” offer all kinds of tips; including; unpaid internships, volunteer service and continuing education to secure an advanced degree. There is...
Business News Examiner: Congressional drug scandal →
Evidence is mounting that there is significant substance abuse problem among our Congressmen and Senators. I examine this, and offer my insights.
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Business News Examiner: There is a crack at Bravo... →
2008/2009 will go down as one of the worst economic periods in our time. Bravo Television has an answer for this; we’ll put on another version of “Real Housewives of_________” to show you how some…
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Business Tip for 5/27/09
Do not trash former employees!
It has never been a very good idea to badmouth former employees, and a few years ago, human resource departments nationwide took it a step further.
Today, due to the threat of litigation, most companies will only verify employment, job title and pay level.
There are obviously pros and cons to this, but, it is the accepted practice today as we live in a...
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Small business has a friend in GA →
“Congressman Hank Johnson (D – GA) introduced the first bill to end the longstanding diversion of federal small business contracts to many of the nation’s largest corporations.”
My friends at the American Small Business League (ASBL) issued this press release earlier today.
I applaud Congressman Johnson and the ASBL for their hard work and efforts on this important, and long...
Business News Examiner: Jon & Kate Plus 4.6... →
I examine the “business” of Jon & Kate Plus 8, and how their decisions should be the impetus of introspection for other family businesses.
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Business News Examiner: Someone owes us a kiss →
GM just picked up another brown bag filled with cash. This time it was for 4 billion dollars. In June, they are expected to get another 7.6 billion dollars. Simultaneous with this, emergency loans of…
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Business Tip for 5/24/09
Am I really writing, and offering a business tip on a Sunday —- much less over a holiday weekend?!?!
YES!
Why you ask?
Simply stated; if you own a small business, or, you are considering starting a business, there is no “Sunday”, much less a “holiday weekend”. Physically, mentally, and emotionally; you are always working!
So here is today’s tip; in...
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Business Tip for 5/23/09
If you own a retail establishment and you will be closed Sunday and/or Monday for the Memorial Day holiday, today, give your customers an incentive to come in on Tuesday.
Don’t worry, this is simpler than it sounds. You can make this as easy as giving them a verbal code (“Terrific Tuesday) or a simple coupon that you make up on your computer (many will fit on one sheet) and make...
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Business News Examiner: Sony needs sharper... →
While Sony is making efforts to reduce costs, unfortunately they have only taken a small bite of the pie. I examine other areas that they, and other corporations should explore to achieve meaningful…
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Business Tip for 5/21/09
I proclaim today “Thankful Thursday.”
Today, I would like you to go out of your way to thank at least 5 customers/clients/supporters for their business and/or help.
So-
Retailers, pull aside 5 of your regular customers and sincerely thank them for their patronage of your store.
If you own a service company, call your top (or most loyal) 5 customers/clients and express...
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Business Tip for 5/20/09
Today is the half-time of your work week. Let’s do something to energize the second half!
Whether it is soccer, basketball or football, there is a half time. This break allows teams to regroup, as well as receive a review from the coach, and for he or she to offer strategies to win the second half of the match.
Today, Wednesday, is a great day to apply the same logic for your...
Business News Examiner: Credit Card legislation... →
So much fanfare about the just passed credit card reform legislation. Turns out that it is much ado about nothing. Once the President signs the bill, it will not go into force for 9 months. In that…
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“Successful people make money. It’s not that people who make money become...”
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— Dr. Wayne Dyer: Self-development author and speaker
Though its not mine, had to share this as it is a great quote!
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Business Tip for 5/18/09
The 3-day Memorial Holiday Weekend is almost here!
To many people in the workplace, this is a great week to kick back, work on paperwork, get caught up on correspondence, and avoid in-person contact with current or potential customers/clients. In other words, write this week off as a “dead week.”
If this is your thinking…WRONG-WRONG-WRONG!
In this economy, or any...
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Business Tip for 5/17/09
Sunday’s always bring mixed reactions from businesspeople.
In some cases, they are really happy as there is no mail (bills) to deal with, email volume is generally reduced, and usually you can slow your mind down somewhat.
On the other side of this, many businesspeople are traveling today to be at their destination in time for an 8am meeting or presentation on Monday, while others...
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Business Tip for 5/16/09
Memorial Day is fast approaching.
Well beyond the idea of a 3-day holiday weekend with barbecues, store sales and relaxation, it is a time to reflect on, and give thanks to the men and women who have, and continue to bravely serve and defend our country.
Please take some time this week to contact your clients and customers who are veterans, active military, or reservists, and thank them...
Business News Examiner: Why does President Obama... →
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Business Tip for 5/15/09
I had the pleasure of being a panel member last night for people wishing to start businesses, and who need VC (venture capital) funding.
While all the presenters tried their best to pitch in 5 minutes, clearly some needed work on their presentation. With that in mind, here is the tip of the day.
Whether you are pitching your services or products to potential investors, customers, or...
Business News Examiner: Why does President Obama... →
Auto dealerships are closing, insurance companies are now poised to get bailout money, banks will be receiving more taxpayer dollars, and a trucking company is in position to receive a billion…
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Business Tip for 5/14/09
You recently made the decision that networking would be a good way to increase your business. Here are some basic tips, and rules to follow.
Don’t start out conversations with “here is how I can help you”
Make certain that you learning everything about what the other person and/or his or her company offers so you can always be ready to refer them to someone.
Assuming...
Business News Examiner: Can we import water? →
I examine the ramifications of Lake Mead drying up, and what impact that this will have on people, and businesses in the Western part of the United States.
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Business Tip for 5/13/09
Have you called your own business lately?
I am always amazed as to how badly people handle phone calls. More times than not, the phone seems to ring forever, the operator/receptionist is carrying on a side conversation with a coworker while attempting to deal with your call, and automated phone systems have non-working extensions.
So today, disguise your voice, call your own workplace and...
Business News Examiner: Buffy & Muffy love the... →
The new hot thing is at the Dollar Store? Even with the economy in the dumpster, are you really surprised? If so, hold your hats as people with incomes close to $100k are flocking to these bargain…
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Business Tip for 5/12/09
Send 10 less customer emails today, and replace them with at least 5 phone calls.
Everyone sends email. Taking the time to sincerely say “hi”, “how are you”, “how’s your family”, “how’s life”, is priceless.
Never pass up an opportunity for personal contact.
“I cannot always control what goes on outside. But I can always control what goes...”
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— Dr. Wayne Dyer: Self-development author and speaker
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Avoid American Express
Tip of the day: DON’T USE American Express!
I have been a card member since 1994 and over the years I have had my issues, but in recent times, I have firsthand witnessed this company decline, and become a hindrance more than a help, especially to small businesses.
At a time when many companies such as my own are adopting a “we’re all in this together” mentality and...
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“Ask yourself the easy questions and you’ll have a hard life, ask yourself...”
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— Peter Thomson: U.K. strategist on business and personal growth
Business News Examiner: The new business chic →
Wanna know what’s hot in business today? Please check out my just posted article and the results of nationwide research!
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“Be generous with your colleagues and your competitors. When people learn that...”
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— Michael Masterson: Entrepreneur and bestselling business author
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“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
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— Dr. Wayne Dyer: Self-development author and speaker
Business News Examiner: 4 firms vying for title of... →
Imagine a company that wants to know who the worst company in America is! Well, you don’t have to “imagine” it, the folks at Consumerist has posted a nationwide poll to determine the winner, or…
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U.S. Business Review article →
Please check out my latest story for U.S. Business Review regarding the transportation (trucking, rail, etc.) industry.
Business News Examiner: Don't be RCN →
I examine the right an wrong way to provide customer service using a real-world experience. Now more than ever, given the current economy, businesses must take steps to prevent revenue leakage. This…
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Customer Service Tips →
Given the current economic climate, providing excellent customer service now is more important than ever!
Please see my list of customer service tips that just appeared in U.S. Business Review.
Business News Examiner: H1N1 fashion choices →
Sure, we’re all scared to death about H1N1 Flu, but, what should be wear during this health crisis? I examine this, and question why our most noted fashion designers are not dressing us better for…