Posts Tagged ‘person’

Performance Coaching For Business

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Performance coaching is a term that is used commonly in business. Life coaches can use this approach to when they are dealing with a client that is coming to them for professional coaching services. There are all different levels of professionals that would come to a life coach for their professional coaching needs.

For example, a person might be fresh out of college. They might have practiced scenarios in the classroom about how things will be when they graduate, and they start working in their career fields. They might have even read their books about how things will be. These books have been written by industry insiders. However, the only real way for the college graduate to gain their real world experience, is to show up to work and experience the job and experience life. Because this person is brand new to their career fields, they will have so many questions and they will make so many mistakes. Performance coaching can help them in a couple of ways. First, they can gain feedback about their mistakes and learn how not to make the same mistakes. They can also learn any inside unwritten codes and rules that might apply to their situation.

Performance coaching is great for a person who is making serious plans to get their career going to the next level. They might have thought about taking steps towards a promotion, and now they feel the confidence that they need to make such a move. Of course this person would want to make sure that they are getting everything right, and that they look good in front of management. A life coach in this situation would encourage them, and hold this person accountable to their promotion goals. They would make sure that this person has a checklist to set them on the right path. When this person has reached their goals, the life coach can then celebrate with them, and then get them on the path of growth so that they can fit into their new position smoothly.

Performance coaching can benefit the employee and the boss. A good supervisor will care about not only how he comes across to his bosses, but how he comes across to his employees under him. A good supervisor needs to know how to address and how to inspire his employees. The key for this person is to get his employees to carry out the task and the demands of the job in a way that will make them want to stay employed with the company. A life coach will teach a superior on how to be a boss that people want to work for. By the same term, maybe an employee likes their company, and they want to stay on for a while. Getting performance coaching from a life coach will help the employee know that they are on the right track. At the same time, the employee can know if it’s time to go for a promotion, or if it’s time to leave for another opportunity altogether.

Ready to learn more about business coaching? Head on over to our coaching blog to learn a whole lot more

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20 Business Telephone Etiquette Tips

Monday, March 21st, 2011

Today’s technology has many advantages and a great many disadvantages. I often wonder how our society survived without a mobile telephone. I wonder how I survived without the Internet. I was connected when Prodigy was first introduced on the scene. The pharmaceutical company for which I worked provided a laptop to help me manage my territory or I may have not been so well connected.

One disadvantage of a mobile telephone is the lack of telephone etiquette. People seem to have no manners when talking on their phones. Personally, I do not care to hear another person’s conversation. If I’m having dinner alone in a restaurant, I believe I am having more fun than a family whose parent (usually the Father) is interrupted by a call and does not tell the caller about the personal family time he’s having but continues to talk on the phone. Of course, it’s not my business. I have no idea the understanding that exists between those family members. I do know the call is about business because people tend to talk extremely loud when talking on their mobile phones. That really annoys me.

I have addressed my leisure time away from the workplace where I have observed others and their inconsideration to the general public. At the workplace, impoliteness and rudeness to others when on the phone or not, is totally unacceptable from employees. Since I am a trainer and consultant, I find it extremely difficult minding my own business when I hear conversations employees have with customers, clients or patients. I think of the many opportunities I have to offer assistance to the companies who have not made the connection between untrained employees in the area of proper telephone etiquette (or any area if the employee is untrained) and lower profits. Every connection an employee has with a customer, patient, client (or potential one) is vital to the profits of any company. I therefore offer to you, 20 Telephone Etiquette for Businesses Tips. I’m aware many of these tips are common sense yet I’m also aware common sense is not very common, oftentimes. This list was initially written for dental and medical healthcare professionals but is applicable to any business.

Make sure you speak clearly and are smiling as you answer the phone; also identify yourself.
Before placing a caller on hold, ask their permission first and thank them.
It is better to return a call than to keep someone on hold too long. If the phone rings back to you, you’ve kept them on hold too long.
Do not forget to return the call as you promised.
Do not permit the phone to ring into the office more than three times.
Always use a pleasant, congenial and friendly tone.
Never interrupt the person while he/she is talking to you.
Never engage in an argument with a caller.
Do not handle an unhappy caller’s concern openly at the checkin-checkout desk.
Do not make it a habit of receiving personal calls at work.
Do not answer the phone if you are eating or chewing gum.
Do not give the impression that you are rushed. It is better to return the call when you can give the person the time they need to handle the reason for their call.
Learn how to handle several callers simultaneously with ease and grace.
Return calls promptly that have been left on voice mail and ansafones.
Always get the best number (and an alternate) and the best time to have a call returned to the caller, especially if a manager or another team member must return the call.
Do not ever leave a message with someone else or on an ansafone or voice mail regarding details of a delinquent account. Instead, leave a message asking the person to call the “Accounting Department.”
Always make collection calls in private and away from the patient flow or public areas.
If possible, provide a telephone for patients/customers/clients to use. An area providing privacy is preferred.
Do not call a patient, customer or client’s home before 8:00AM or after 9:00PM, unless they’ve given you permission to do so.
When hanging up the phone, make sure the caller or person called hangs up first if the phone is slammed on the receiver. Otherwise, always hang up the phone, gently. I recommend a remote, handless headset for the business staff. They are wonderful. This will solve hanging up as you push release on the headset to hang up the phone. Also, it does not tie your staff to their desk. The team member checking on insurance really appreciates this device. (The phone can also be answered if away from your desk.)

Contact me if you’d like to know the make and model of the remote, handless headset recommended. I am not asserting this list answers (no pun intended) all of the issues surrounding excellent telephone skills but it’s a very good start. If a tip does not apply to you or your business, I commend you. If even one does, I encourage you to begin immediately to eliminate it.

Avis Ward is a Consultant to dental healthcare professionals in Practice Management specializing in Case Acceptance and Marketing. More information can be found here: http://aviswardconsulting.com/

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Stand Out Amongst the Crowd With a Unique Business Card Design

Monday, January 31st, 2011

Are you starting your own business? Whether you are in a practicing profession or a home entrepreneur, one of the things that you would have to plan to do is to get your own visiting card.

If you go to any business meeting, you will notice that after exchanging pleasantries and shake hands, the next thing we do is to reach out to each of the participants in the meeting and give out business cards.

Giving out your Business Card is customary whenever you meet a new person associated with you in some way with your business. In a meeting, there is a method followed for exchanging business cards. You stand up straight from the chair; take out your business cards from the folder or case. Business cards are given one at a time to the persons opposite. You turn the visiting card opposite to yourself, meaning the card should face the receiver. Card is then held with both hands and presented to the opposite person with a slight bending or bowing of the body forward. In turn you wait for a while for him to present the card similarly. After you receive the card, you may thank the giver and go through the card and make a mental note of the name and designation.

You will find that giving out business cards is the cheapest way of marketing your business. In any symposiums or exhibitions, people are seen handing out visiting cards to all visitors who come to their stall freely. The more you distribute the more publicity you are getting. Any other mode of reaching out to people to market your company or product is relatively costlier than this method.

As a visiting card is your identity, it is important that you take care of getting yourself the right kind of business card. To get an idea of the design, visit the online websites which have hundreds of business card templates for you to choose from They even have templates designed specifically for professions like architects, restaurants, etc. Such designs help your customer connect with your business instantly. Your card design should include most importantly the name of your business organization, your name and your designation. Apart from these details you address, contact telephone and email with fax numbers are required to be given. In addition to all these information, your company logo can be inserted. Should you wish, you can have a picture as the backdrop to the card or simply have a shade to differentiate instead of a plain background.

Printing is easy. You can design the template online and place an order on the internet for offset printing. The kind of board will depend upon the usage. If you plan to use the cards as a marketing tool and give away at any event, you can opt for plastic/PVC boards, which are cheaper. For normal business use, you may opt for a good quality paper board.

John Riley is an authority on entrepreneurship and business marketing. Visit his website and take advantage of a special offer – cheap business cards: 500 Business Cards for $1.99.

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How To Start A New Business That Offers More For Less

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

I’m confused by the question. Are you hoping to find a mentor that will come beside you and show you exactly what to do to start a new business? Maybe you’re looking for a business opportunity that comes with some clear instructions and/or a mentor to guide you along?

I have started a number of new businesses through the years, so perhaps I can give you some insight as to how you can also start a new business yourself. Some businesses you can spend very little to get started, while others will cost tens of thousands.

Lets ask some questions How much money are you willing to invest? This is a fair question. If you are hoping to find a business that makes you a living, chances are you will need to invest some money. You may not want to hear that, but you know it’s the truth. Lets come back to this later and see if there are new business opportunities that require less up front investment.

A new business requires your time. Sure you are going to find a number of opportunities that will promise a few hours a week of your time, but if you really want to start a new business that will grow, and grow strong, you will need to invest your time to build a strong foundation. Try to get around this and your business will fail.

Who are your customers? Do you want to start a new business that you love, of course! But if there is a limited client base? I don’t recommend it. Or, do you want a new business that has millions of client potential? Simply asked, do you want a business that makes a little money or a lot of money?

You can tell I am guiding you down a specific road can’t you? Let me ask you this question… Do you think that every sales person selling products and services, love and believe in their product or service? They should.

Years ago I worked at a tool and die plant. I walked into the office one day and heard a hardy laugh to my left. Ben was just off the phone and couldn’t contain himself. He said, “I just got off the phone with a guy who was telling me that I really need his product. I asked him what company he worked for and he couldn’t remember.” Everyone needs to start somewhere, you can bet the fellow found the company name before his next call.

When starting a new business, you better believe in your company, and proud to put your name on it. Let that sink in. There is a lot of junk, and it doesn’t take much to spot them. Cash images in the page header, fast and beautiful cars… These businesses are working on your emotions and greed. I’m certainly not against the finer things in life, but if that is the foundation of your business, it is going to fail.

If flashy websites are what it takes to get you to sign up, then flashy websites will be what you have to use to sell to the next person. Be careful.

If you really want to know how to start a new business, you first need to have a business to start. So lets look at that.

I grew up in the construction industry. My father and brothers were all into home building, and on the side before I went full time, I designed house plans. I later also went into home building and built a number of million dollar homes on the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Along with these businesses came employees, liability insurance and huge overhead costs. There is always that occasional unhappy customer that doesn’t pay, and quit frankly, the thing you were passionate about, is now your nightmare. You know what? That is business.

Or is it? Is there another way to start a new business without all these expenses? Yes!

You don’t even know it, but you are a part of one of the businesses that I am very proud of. You see, one of the businesses that I enjoy the most is getting the word out to people just like you. I enjoy writing to let people know who are interested in starting a new business that promoting this company is as simple as writing an article, which by the way happens to be free, and you’re reading it.

Do you think you could write an article like this to tell others about what you found and believe in? If yes, then you can start a new business today.

I lost you didn’t I? What is a business? Business is the transaction of services between two or more people or entities. You have something to sell that someone else wants to buy. It is as simple as that. The next question is what you have to sell, and who would want to buy it.

What do you want? What are you looking for? Would you believe me if I said, join XYZ company, sell widgets, you’re in business… No.

The business I want to introduce you to is CarbonCopyPRO. An Internet marketing company that uses marketing such as article writing as one of many marketing avenues to promote the wealth education services by Wealth Master International. If you want to learn more about a company that I am very impressed with and proud to add my name to, click on the link at the bottom.

But your question was, how to start a new business. So that is what I am answering. Do you really want to sell health products or cell phone gadgets? I don’t! People selling health products do not really care about or want to sell health products. Not really. They want to sell the system, that is where they make their money… The system.

CarbonCopyPRO is a marketing system that promotes an educational service that teaches you and others over time how to build real and lasting wealth. I don’t know how to say it any simpler than that. In the years ahead, you will be taught by millionaires and billionaires how to invest your money like the rich and famous do.

The rich are not interested in buying and selling health products or cell phones. They are interested in Real Estate, stocks, bonds and other money leveraging commodities.

However, CarbonCopyPRO is the marketing avenue that can take a person like yourself, with an investment of less than $50 to check it out, and only $395 to join and will teach you everything you need to know on how to start and grow a new business that in time through the education of the wealthy expand into much more. Nothing on earth comes close to what is offered in a business. And it’s guaranteed or you get your money back.

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Why a Good Website Design Is Important for Your New Business

Saturday, October 9th, 2010

Today, having a good internet presence can go a long way in giving your organization that little edge you’ve been looking for in the competitive environment. And in order to do that, you need to have a website design that is user-friendly, looks trendy having an adequate number of functionalities, yet has a professional look that motivates people to peruse your website.

On an average, 15 seconds is all it takes for a person on the Internet to judge your website designing and he/she should spend more time exploring your website. So, it is highly recommended that your web designing should be attractive enough to make a good first impression on your potential investors and customers.

The internet is literally brimming with web services to help a person in need of efficient business solutions. A study conducted by a popular web design company shows that a user settles for a maximum of 17 searches on Google to zero in to his preferred search result. In such a case, it is even more important that your website has a good look & feel to it.

To create an analogy, picture the Internet as a really huge shopping mall and the web designing of your new business as one of the numerous stores craving for customers to come in and purchase your product. If the store doesn’t have a good electric signboard, has a shabby appearance from the inside, you as the owner will be forced to make some restructuring done!

The same applies for your new business’s website. There are various steps by which you can market your new organization through your web designing. Without a doubt, the content goes right on top of the priority list. No matter how good the website designing is, if the content if flimsy, your web designing is counting its days until your competitor offers more helpful or satisfying information.

That being said, the next crucial step is to make the design of your new business’s website appealing. Care should be taken not to go overboard with the glossy graphic designs, yet, settling for something as simple as FrontPage should also be avoided. Hire the expert web design services of an expert website design company to get optimum result.

At the end of all, its all about how your customer feels when he interacts with your website. The design should be in such a way that the user feels at home; simple, comfortable and last but not the least, satisfied.

India Designers is the most recommended web design company in India that have been offering innovative website design services at accessible price points to businesses across the globe since many years. Contact us today to get professional website design India services or visit India-Designers.Net for more information.

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Helping The Newcomers – New Business Loans

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

No matter in whichever context we talk about the saying that ‘the first step is the hardest” holds true. The same is the case with the business. It does not matter how much experience a person or a body of persons have, it always requires some assistance when we venture into the unknown regions.

Business has tested out the most experienced and the shrewdest ones, so one can imagine that this is not one of the easiest things in life. However one thing that can make it relatively easier is the help from the others. The thing that is most appreciated is the financial aspect of any new step and that is where to help all the new businessmen we have the new business loans.

As the name would indicate the new business loans are available to people who want to start a new business. The new business can be started by a totally new businessman or a businessman who wants to start a new business along with a business which has already been in running.

Since the new businesses are never easy to start off with in addition there is no guarantee of the immediate success, new business loans are available to people with all the support that is required to make them comfortable. The support terms on the part of the creditors includes an option of choosing between a secured new business loan and an unsecured loan. The borrowers can also negotiate better deals which may include things like, the interest rates to be paid, the loan period and other trivial details related to the loan. With these the loan becomes easier to pay off then it usually is. New business loans are available to not only people with good credit but also people with bad credit as well. Considering the tough circumstances the people have to go through business loans offer the chance to start a new career for them. Not only that, new business loans offers them a chance to improve on their credit score as well.

Applying for the new business loans requires the same criterion as it would be for any other loan. And once that is fulfilled all you need to do is apply to the creditor that matches your requirement. The whole process can either be done online or in person depending on the circumstances then and there. After all the formalities have taken place, the loan decision would be made in a few days time.

A new business is test of many traits of an entrepreneur and the new business loans help in aiding the borrower to compete in the market on equal terms.

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New Business Loans UK – Enter Business Field Through Easy Finance

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Are you looking for financial assistance so that you can start a new business in the UK? You have this option for applying a new business loan that is especially designed keeping in view the requirements of a New business loans UK

Depending on the amount you want to borrow and as per your personal circumstances, you can opt for secured or unsecured new business loans. In case of greater amount for starting a new business, secured new business loans should be opted for. You would be offering your home or any valued property to the lender as security. The lender will approve greater amount depending on value of home or any property. But the main advantage is that secured new business loans UK are approved at lower interest rate. Low rate makes the loan repaying fairly easier and it is not a burden on the loan. Another advantage is that secured new business loans can be paid back as per the business person’s repaying capacity. You can repay the loan in larger duration also if you want to reduce monthly outgo for the loan installments.

Unsecured new business loans UK are given without demanding any security from the business person. Thus the loan is completely risk free for new business people. However for covering risks, lenders charge higher interest rate on unsecured new business loans. You would be approved smaller amount for shorter repaying duration.

And new business people should not worry about past bad credit history. Secured or unsecured new business loans in the UK are approved with ease for bad credit new business borrowers as well. The loan approval for such borrower will depend on prospects of the business and a convincing loan repaying plan in place.

Banks, financial companies and online lenders can be applied for in order to get new business loans in the UK. However compare lenders first and take rate quotes for a suitable deal. See if the lender provides loan for your type of business or not. And pay off the loan in time so that new loans can be easily taken at easier terms for the business.

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New Business Loans UK – Enter Business Field Through Easy Finance

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Are you looking for financial assistance so that you can start a new business in the UK? You have this option for applying a new business loan that is especially designed keeping in view the requirements of a New business loans UK

Depending on the amount you want to borrow and as per your personal circumstances, you can opt for secured or unsecured new business loans. In case of greater amount for starting a new business, secured new business loans should be opted for. You would be offering your home or any valued property to the lender as security. The lender will approve greater amount depending on value of home or any property. But the main advantage is that secured new business loans UK are approved at lower interest rate. Low rate makes the loan repaying fairly easier and it is not a burden on the loan. Another advantage is that secured new business loans can be paid back as per the business person’s repaying capacity. You can repay the loan in larger duration also if you want to reduce monthly outgo for the loan installments.

Unsecured new business loans UK are given without demanding any security from the business person. Thus the loan is completely risk free for new business people. However for covering risks, lenders charge higher interest rate on unsecured new business loans. You would be approved smaller amount for shorter repaying duration.

And new business people should not worry about past bad credit history. Secured or unsecured new business loans in the UK are approved with ease for bad credit new business borrowers as well. The loan approval for such borrower will depend on prospects of the business and a convincing loan repaying plan in place.

Banks, financial companies and online lenders can be applied for in order to get new business loans in the UK. However compare lenders first and take rate quotes for a suitable deal. See if the lender provides loan for your type of business or not. And pay off the loan in time so that new loans can be easily taken at easier terms for the business.

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How to Find a New Business Agency

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

It is important to keep a good stream of customers and clients. It is very easy to get complacent when you have enough clients – but if one of those clients disappeared would your business feel the effect? Or worse would it crumble?? Working with a New Business Agency can help you win clients and grow your business. There is no denying that new business / lead generation can be time consuming, hard work and expensive but overall it can be worthwhile and cost effective.

Many Creative and Marketing Agencies work with New Business Agencies; it is an effective way to get your work in front of companies you want to work with. I wrote this article after to speaking to the Directors of Creative Agencies and other Business Development Managers. This article is for small Creative and Marketing Agencies new to new business and looking to work with a New Business Agency for the first time.

I think it fair to say in the world of new business you do get what you pay for. You can get a telesales person to call thousands of companies and pay a minimal fee, or you can choose an agency that approach new business intelligently. The second will be costly but can you afford not to?

New Business Agencies specialise in finding you clients in order to grow your business. Although agencies work in different ways, the long and short of it is that, they will phone companies on your behalf with the view of setting up a meeting between you and the potential client. Sounds simple enough, but the new business process is more than simply cold calling.

Before you jump in at the deep end there are a few factors to bear in mind when choosing a New Business Agency. They are all different and will all have diverse ideas about the way new business should be conducted. Here are a few questions to ask your new business agency before you work with them?

Question 1 -Results or Numbers?

If a New Business Agency promises to target 500 companies a week and guarantees you five meetings, be aware. This can be a potential time waster for some agencies. If a New Business Manager is pressured to get you in front of x amount of clients, they will. Whether the meeting is worthwhile or not, is not their problem they just have to reach their targets.

If the person handling your new business account is a really good sales person with a hard sales technique they may be able to force a potential client to have a meeting with you whether they have work, or you are suitable. These are good sales people, but they may not be producing qualified leads.

For example, if you are a design agency who specialises in content managed websites for small businesses, you do not want to end up at a meeting to rebrand Kellogs. Yes, this would be a fantastic opportunity, but in competition with top branding agencies do you stand a chance? If you only work for big brands similarly you may not want to show up to a meeting to discuss a

Business Development Training: Follow Up Business Opportunities

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

By Will Kintish

One of the simplest yet most overlooked business development opportunities is identifying the Ahaa! moment. This might happen at a Networking event or in the course of general business. The Kintish Business Development Skills Training series of articles addresses this issue with simple easy to use tips and techniques.

Consider the scenario of a business networking event. These are superb sources of leads and referrals that can be the life blood of your business. The business skills you develop in this arena can easily be applied in any business scenario. Assume you have engaged in conversation with a good potential contact. Once you have created a positive first impression start the interesting chat about various areas of common ground. By careful listening, you may identify an opportunity to do some business to your mutual benefit at some later date. You are looking for the moment when someone says something to you to make you think, “Ahaa, there’s a potential business opportunity here.” Suppose you are a business development consultant who specialises in the food industry and who has a good track record in helping companies to increase their margins. If you were asking all the right questions such as “So how you finding things at the moment?”, and you hear the answer “We’re doing reasonably well but we don’t seem to be getting the efficiencies in the factory.” That is an Ahaa moment.

Can I mention again, that networking using business development skills isn’t selling; it’s building business relationships, and gathering business information?

This should be the start of the follow up business development process which is as follows

1. Ask for their business card and read it carefully.

2. Always find something to comment on; maybe the spelling of their name or perhaps they have their business in a particular part of town which you know intimately. It doesn’t matter as long as you show them that you are interested in them, their business and their circumstances.

3. Now this is a key moment. Ask if you can phone them next Wednesday or Thursday to discuss the problem they have with their margins. You can say something like “Now isn’t the time or place, but maybe your problem is a simple issue which I can give you some help on”. The chances are if you have made the right impression, the answer will be “yes”.

4. Bear in mind all the time that if you don’t ask the question then you don’t give the other person, with the business opportunity, a chance to say yes.. You will be at your most popular at this juncture. If you have done it all right, are you really going to waste a great opportunity? Not every business event and not every person you meet is going to turn into a business opportunity but if you are awake alive and alert, listening attentively and with empathy… you just never know.

5. Write down on their business card the day you have agreed to call and let them see you do this. This shows that you are serious and the chances are you’re likely to do it. At this point, there is no reason whatsoever not to excuse yourself in one of several ways which we will show you another time.

6. As part of the bridging process ensure that when you get back home or to your office or even before you leave the business networking event write down where and when you met the person a quick description of them and any salient facts which you may use at a future date to show them that you are truly listening to what they had to say.

7. When you make the follow up call as agreed, review the business card or refer to your business development software if you use it and confirm that they were happy for you to follow up. If you had picked up that the person was going away for weekend then make sure that one of the questions you ask is “How did the weekend go?” I’m not asking you to remember these details. What I am doing is asking you to write down some small talk facts that you gathered on their business card. It helps break down their barriers to talking about business.

When I ask my audiences “what is the most important thing with regard to business cards?” the normal answer I get is “make sure you carry plenty of them with you”. Of course you know now that the most important thing is to ask for theirs. Offer your business card by all means, but don’t be too quick to do this. I think it’s a little pushy and it’s another form of saying “aha you want to know all about me don’t you. Here’s my business card”. It just may be that they don’t want to know all about you … not at that moment anyway. There’s a lot more to say about business development training and in particular working the room but you can find out about that on my other articles.

Take note that business development and networking is about giving first and receiving second. If you go into it thinking “What’s in it for me and what am I going to get out of this tonight” then the chances are you won’t succeed. If you ask questions such as