Setting the pace as the leader in customized newsletters
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Setting the pace as the leader in customized newsletters
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General Business Tips The use of these articles are for our clients only. You must have permission from Sorrell Associates to use these articles in any format. We add articles to this page constantly. With over 4000 articles currently in our archive it will take some time to get them on this page. Keep checking back. Want to submit an article? Click Here
B101 Getting Ahead In Your Organization
f you are looking for ways to promote your own ideas within your company, the best strategy is to help the boss achieve their goals. It helps to know what your ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B102 Roadblocks to Success
Here are some career mind barriers found especially among new entrants to the workforce, from News From Kaplan, a fact sheet published by Simon & Schuster. • Waiting to be discovered. Instead…. Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B103 THREE STEPS TO AGREEMENT To reach agreement with other people about anything, try this 3-step "triangle" process: YOU. First…. Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B104 Respect Studies over the past 60 years have regularly shown that employees covet respect almost as much as money—and sometimes they even rate… Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B105 Changing Landscapes by Seeing with New Eyes
Story – One day a very wealthy father took his son on a trip to the country for the sole purpose of showing his son how it was to be poor. They spent a few days and nights on the farm of what would be considered…. Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B106 PERFORMANCE If your company is using economic excuses and cutbacks as an excuse for not rewarding your employees who remain, your problem is a lack of imagination, not a lack of dollars. Here are some possibilities for recognition and rewards: 1) A picture of a winning department on a local billboard. 2) A personalized director's chair with a... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B107 SUCCESSFUL SMALL BUSINESSES About 80% of the successful small retailers had written business plans compared to 35% of the unsuccessful ones. Successful owners were also more likely to get information for themselves from professional journals and newsletters. Unsuccessful owners... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B108 Word Count: 114 The Top 10 BUSINESS Commandments from Sam WaltonThis might be the world’s shortest top ten, but sometimes simple is better. When I saw these keywords taken from Sam Walton, I felt like sharing them with everyone as they will make a difference if you follow them—he did! 1. Commit to your business. 2. Share your profits.... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B109 Going for Excellence by Dave Thomas When you have your own act together and get along well with others, you’re ready to reach for excellence. From our earliest days, we are taught that excellence is snazzy, glossy, and bigger than life. It’s that three seconds of glory, not the constant training workouts. But that’s just false. Most people think excellence in business is sitting at a big desk and making power decisions, but true excellence is really the years beforehand making little and big right decisions and learning from mistakes when things go wrong. No one can excel in everything. In fact, excellence in any one... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B110 Top 7 Ways That Business Is Just Like Racquetball: 1. You need a few kill shots to keep the business alive if you intend to succeed. Kill shots are your best and biggest deals, that slam dunk your profit and sales goals for the month or quarter. 2. If you can't play three games in a row without heart failure or exhaustion, it's time to increase daily... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B111 Deciding where to sit You enter a room to attend a meeting. Two seats are empty. One would put you on the same side of the table as your opponents and your boss. The other would put you across from them. Which do you head for? Suggestions: • Think opposite. The power positions are opposite your competition or chief decision maker. Don’t sit... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B112 What to wear You’re about to dress for that important presentation. However, you don’t know much about the culture of the audience or the organization. You don’t want to overdress or underdress. To avoid a needless and possibly embarrassing blunder: • Check the organization’s culture before... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B113 Recognizing Workers Needs Successful managers create work environments where employees can contribute according to their individual talents. However, to get the most from those talents, you’d better check employees’ hot buttons first. Members can read this entire article by clicking here B114 Why is taking the consequences for something "facing the music"? This expression almost sounds like the name of a quiz show, but what it describes is hardly entertaining. When you face the music, either you've done something wrong and now have to "pay" for it, or you've made a tough decision that will result in some negative consequences for you. Either way, you're not headed ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here B115 Can you start a memo right? Rate your ability to seize and hold the attention of those who receive your memos by picking the best opening statement: 1. "Kevin Donaldson and I recommend that we cancel the Carstairs account." 2. "Kevin Donaldson and I met yesterday to discuss ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B116 Gaining management support You want the best way to present your ideas to your management group — including the boss. Others failed because they seemed unprepared or didn’t know what to expect. To avoid that quagmire: • Seek support from all decision-makers before the meeting. Nevertheless, at the meeting, pitch your ideas to the top decision-maker... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B117 author removed
B118 NETWORKING TIPS How to Prepare for the Mixer: 1. Adopt a positive attitude; don’t go if you’re not in the mood to meet new contacts. 2. Focus on the benefits; do not be blinded by your goals to meet everyone; be open to possibilities. 3. Plan your 8 second introduction; name, company, feature and benefit; keep it sharp/fresh 4. Check your business cards · Carry ample supply (pocket, briefcase, purse, car, wallet) · Your name and address are readable · Carry your business cards in your... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B119 Don't Buy It Jacquelyn Lynn, Entrepreneur Small businesses lose millions of dollars annually to bogus office-supply firms. Remember that you don't have to pay for supplies or services that you didn't order, even if you use them. Train your staff to recognize... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B120 Manage Change With PersonalitiesIt’s a mistake to expect everyone to react to change in the same way. Instead, say consultants Kathy Kolbe and Jim Woodford, it makes more sense to benefit from what Kolbe calls the instinct-based actions of these four personalities:
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B121 Be Unrealistic!
et's take a closer look at this word, "unrealistic." Was it realistic, in the early 1960s, for John F. Kennedy to proclaim that we would put a man on the moon by the end of that decade? Ten years ago, was it realistic to believe that millions of people worldwide would be exchanging e-mail messages every day? Was it ever realistic to believe that a sheep could be cloned? As you'll probably admit, all of these things were unrealistic. And yet, all of them were accomplished! Why? Because certain people dared... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B122 BUSINESS TIPS PICTURE BUSINESS CARDS For years, business cards with full-color pictures have been available. And a few people have been putting their own pictures in the corner of their cards. It's long been known that pictures attract attention. If it fits your business image, consider adding a picture to your business card. GOOD BUSINESS MANNERS When dealing with customers in person or on the... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B123 Here are three easy ways you can alleviate stress—right now! The first step in tackling stress is to understand that you are in control of it. Stress is not the outside world attacking you—stress is the way you react to the outside world. Two people may undergo the same experience, but one may feel “stressed” while the other may not. The person who feels easily stressed probably has a weaker coping mechanism. Here are some shifts you can make to reduce stress: · Get physical. Make exercise a part of... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B124 THREE STEPS TO AGREEMENT To reach agreement with other people about anything, try this 3-step "triangle" process: 1) YOU. First address the other person's interests 2) US. Then relate their interests to what you have... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B125 ID THEFT - HOTEL/MOTEL ROOM CARDS
Southern California law enforcement professionals assigned to detect new threats to personal security issues, recently discovered what type of information is embedded in the credit card type hotel room keys used through-out the industry.
Although room keys differ from hotel to hotel, a key obtained from... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B126 Having fun at work doesn't happen by accident Having fun at work boosts morale, productivity and creativity, while reducing burnout and turnover. But it doesn't happen by accident. Here's how three companies promote fun at work: · Lands' End recruits about 2,600 employees a year for its catalog business in Dodgeville, Wis.-a small town in a state with low unemployment. What's the draw?
To start, department heads listen to employees' ideas for activities. Managers sometimes serve their staff members cookies and other treats. And the Lands' End Choir provides a musical outlet for about 70 employees. One result: Fortune magazine ranked Lands' End among the 100 best places to work in 1997 and 1998. Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B127 Managing Change Facing change, a group divides into three factions — those for it, those against it and the fence sitters. Which group should you encourage? Answer: Spend your time with those who already favor it, says Ron Koroscil and Jack D’Urso of Pitney Bowes. Reason: In their manufacturing group, the pair encouraged and supported those who... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B128 Technology Planning - It's not just hardware! As part of the ever ongoing need to plan for your business, you need to look forward and assess your need to integrate technology into your daily business transactions. Like the people in your business, effective technology deployment is key to the success you are having today and will have into the future. When we hear the words technology we immediately think of the PC, your computer network, maybe even your PDA or cell phone. Technology today is more encompassing... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B129 When to meet The best time to start a meeting is mid-to late morning, when most staffers are at their best. Morning people are still energetic, and others are beginning to function effectively. Also, the meeting... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B130 The Top 10 Steps to a Clean, Clear Desk Is your desk a disaster area? Desk clutter creates stress, confusion, and cuts down on your productivity. It is estimated that people waste and average of 30 minutes per day searching for papers - that translates into 10 hours per month or a whole 3 weeks per year of unproductive time! 1. Take everything off your desk and out of your drawers. This is very satisfying as you have a quick win by being able to see your desk in two minutes! 2. Give your desk a good clean. Make sure you remove all the dirt that has been lurking in those darkened corners. 3. Get a large, strong bin bag and start dumping! Put all your papers in one big pile, and start to "divide and conquer." Remove large items such as catalogues and manuals. Are they out of date? Do you really need them? If the answer is YES, they should go in a filing cabinet. Over 80% of your paper pile can probably be thrown out. The only papers you should keep on your desk are the ones that you are actively working on, so make a file for each topic and keep all the papers together. Anything else should be thrown out or filed for future reference / audit purposes. 4. ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B131 When employees go bad: Tips for stopping the cyberstalker You’ve fired an employee. Next thing you know, you’re getting obscene e-mails and phone calls from people you don’t know who say they met you in a chat room. Sounds made up, but it’s not. It’s called cyberstalking, and it’s a new technique used by disgruntled employees to “get even” with their former employers or colleagues. In some cases, cyberstalking can be just an annoyance. In other cases, it can result in bigger headaches like “denial-of-use” attacks. If your company or a particular employee has been the victim of a cyberstalker, here are three tips for stopping the harassment: 1. Make a log. Keep track of every occurrence by writing down the date, time, and a brief description of what happened (for example: June 21, 2000; 3:35 p.m.; obscene e-mail). 2. Gather evidence. Try to trace the attack back to the harasser. In the case of e-mails, this can be done by following the sender information back to the... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B132 It’s Not The Difficult People, It’s The Difficult Behavior It’s a human tendency to identify people as being difficult or easy to get along with, and that affects how we interact with them. The question is - is it that some people are difficult or is it their behavior that bothers us? How Labeling People As Difficult Causes Problems Most if not all of us, talk about difficult people. We think: “Oh, that’s John again, why is he always a pain in the posterior,” or “Why is Mary so darned stubborn and difficult all the time.” We tend to characterize (or label) people and put them into boxes or categories. If you do that, it’s not a character flaw on your part, but a way of trying to simplify the world. In fact our brains are wired to do this automatically. Brains are wonderful information reduction and labeling machines. They classify, label and... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B133 7 Successful Business Tips 1. Establish your long-term vision. Take a good look at your company and its core competencies and create a written picture of your future. 2. Communicate your vision. Let everybody know what your vision is and ask them what it means to them. This will help you to get buy in and help others know where you are going in the long term so they can see where they fit in. 3. Establish some core... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B134 Tap The Benefits Of An Open Office You probably agree that creating a workspace where people who should work together can see each other is a good idea. But perhaps you want some hard evidence about benefits. Consider: No one has a private office at the headquarters for Michael Bloomberg’s multimedia empire—and that includes Bloomberg himself. Even the conference rooms have glass walls. Why does Bloomberg prefer an open-plan layout that puts everyone constantly in front of their peers? He says it offers these benefits: • People "absorb information peripherally" while focusing on their own work. • The openness prevents... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B135 Tips On Diversity Diversity is defined as having differences. These differences may range from personal preferences such as being a vegetarian to physical limitations such as limited vision or hearing. Yet, a recent national survey suggest that most define diversity as either having racial or cultural differences. To embrace a more global definition of diversity, try incorporating these ideas in your corporate culture: · Keep an open mind to all individuals and their ideas · Respect all individual differences · Become... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B136 BITE YOUR TONGUE Anyone can enter your name into an Internet search engine and find information about you, including postings you have made long ago in discussion groups! The author suggests how you can avoid damaging your business image with such information: * Avoid using bad language in all of your e-mails or in postings in discussion forums. * If there is already something damaging out there, move it further to the back of search results by... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B137 Simple Ways To Spot A Business Trend Successful managers should be able to anticipate and adapt to changes in their industry. The following are some quick tips to help you spot trends that may affect your job: • Scan your junk mail before you discard it. What trends in advertising, marketing, new products and emerging technologies can you see? You may want to let the mail collect for a week or two before reviewing it. It’s easier to spot a trend when you have plenty of data to analyze. • Reflect on the... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B138 Five Ingredients for Loyalty Do you think your employees are happy? Consider these findings from a recent survey of 700 workers at 70 firms: • 54% said management decisions aren’t explained well. • 61% reported they aren’t well-informed about organizational plans. • 64% admit they just don’t believe the information that management dishes out. So if you see signs that your staff’s ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B139 Business Boost "The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes." Are you, and your business, ready for each opportunity as it arises? Do you know where you are going and how you will get there? Here is a list of questions to help you prepare for future opportunities and today's success. Answer these questions to the best of your abilities and keep this as a working document for your business...and life.
B140 Managing Stress The business world is filled with many challenges and opportunities. In order for a business to take advantage of opportunities and overcome the challenges, a business owner must be able to continuously perform at top levels of achievement. When stress is not managed this consumes much of a persons energy therefore not allowing great portions of that persons capabilities to be effectively used in the work or personal environment. A Simple Stress Test Take the Business Owners Stress Test 1. I am impatient with others at least several times a week. 2. I worry about the sustainability of my company’s revenue streams. 3. I have business debt that is more than 20% of my annual revenues. 4. My spouse (or employees) just... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B141 How Many Small Bussiness Are There? States, according to Office of Advocacy estimates. Census data show that there were 6.0 million firms with employees in 2006 and 21.7 million without employees in 2007 (the latest available data). Small
firms with fewer than 500 employees represent 99.9 percent of the 29.6 million businesses (including both employers and nonemployers), as the most recent data show there were about 18,000 large businesses
in 2006. What is a small business? The Office of Advocacy defines a small business for research purposes as an independent business having fewer than 500 employees. Firms wishing to be designated small businesses for government programs such as contracting must meet size standards specified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Size Standards. How many businesses open and close each year? What share of net new jobs do small businesses create? What is small firms’ share of employment? How do regulations affect small firms? Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B142 How important are small businesses to the U.S. economy? Small firms
B143 The Economy and Small Business How many businesses open and close each year? An estimated 627,200 new employer firms began operations in 2008, and 595,600 firms closed that year. This amounts to an annual turnover of about 10 percent for entry and 10 percent for exit. Non-employer firms have turnover rates three times as high as those of employer firms, mostly because of easier entry and exit conditions. Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B144 How to Run an Effective Business Meeting By Jennifer C. Selland, CPBA, CPVA, CAIA, TriMetrix How productive are your business meetings? Would you describe the culture that governs your meetings to more resemble World War III or crazy chaos? During a meeting, do you focus on the agenda at hand or do you concentrate more on breaking a foam cup into bits? Would you qualify eating all of the donuts in a meeting as a major accomplishment in your agenda? If these meeting scenarios sound familiar to you, you are not alone! Many studies have shown that more time is wasted in meetings than in any other business activity. It is estimated that people spend 20-40% (upper management is much more) of their time in meetings and that meetings are only 44-50% efficient (source: Steve Kaye). By improving the efficiency of your next meeting, you may increase your bottom line. The first step in improving the efficiency of your business meetings is to recognize that meetings are a collaborative effort. The very definition of a meeting is... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B145 Productivity Boost! Goal Setting - "The savvy 16" "If everybody was satisfied with himself, there would be no heroes." Mark Twain
B146 The End Of Human Resources As We Know It
B147 Interesting LEGAL FACTS
Don’t Try Docking Pay For Smoking Breaks An employer who allowed his workers to take a series of short smoking breaks had to compensate them for the time. Reason: Such approved short breaks (20 minutes or less) are considered hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). That opinion comes from an opinion letter by the U.S. Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division. (W&H Letter No. 2007) The FLSA doesn’t require you to give workers rest periods, but if you do decide to allow short breaks, the time is compensable. Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B148 Word Count: 169 You May be liable if employees do business by car phone You want your managers to stay productive, so you suggest they get wireless phones. You may even buy phones or reimburse for them. This is fine, as long as the employees don’t drive carelessly. In a Pennsylvania case, a Smith Barney broker who allegedly was talking on his cellular phone dropped it, bent down to get it, ran a red light and killed a motorcyclist. Smith Barney agreed to pay $500,000 to the motorcyclist’s family, which sued the firm for contributing to the accident. Despite the company’s big... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B149 Word Count: 232 How To Help Employees Manage Workplace Stress In their paper, “Reducing Occupational Stress: An Introductory Guide for Managers, Supervisors, and Union Member,” co-authors Janet Cahill, Paul Landsbergis, and Peter Schnall offer some useful information that may help you improve the health and productivity of employees.
Here are a few of their recommendations:
· Increase the level of social support from co-workers and supervisors. Approaches can include proactive supervisory training, conflict resolution training, and staff retreats.
· Improve physical working conditions. Approaches include improving indoor air quality, reducing hazards such as noise, toxins, and chemicals, and... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B150 Word Count: 235 Get more done between flights Look for more Wi-Fi Internet access at airports. Nineteen of the top 50 U.S. airports either have it or are installing it, and another six are now accepting bids to get it. Airline carriers such as American, Delta, United and US Airways are also offering it free in airport lounges. For Chuck Blaisdell, a regional minister for the Christian Church of Northern California and Nevada, the proliferation of wireless access points means he can log on between... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B151 Word Count: 134 How To Support An Employee Going Through Depression If you have an employee who is suffering from a mild depressive disorder, there are a few things you can do as a manager to be supportive. Here are a few tips: Help your employee set reasonable goals. In light of the depression, the employee may have an unrealistic view of what he or she needs to accomplish. Assist the employee in breaking a large task into several small ones. This will help take the pressure off of the project. Encourage them to set priorities and accomplish what he or she can. Provide information about any employee assistance program your company might have. Try to get the employee... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B152 Word Count: 98 Create A Drug-Free Workplace Program From Scratch A useful online tool from the U.S. Department of Labor takes employers step-by-step through setting up and administering drug-free workplace programs. To map out a customized plan for your organization, visit the Drug-Free Workplace Program Builder at www.dol.gov/workingpartners and click on the Program Builder link. The tool provides best-practice case studies, links to... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B153 Word Count: 253 “How to protect yourself from credit card fraud” When another person succeeds in using your credit information to commit credit fraud, it can cause a lot of hassle in your life. So how do you protect yourself? Here are a few tips on how to avoid becoming the victim of this type of crime: s Periodically review your credit reports. There are three main credit bureaus. Order your credit report from each of them at least once a year. Request copies of your credit report from TransUnion (800.680.7289), Experian (888.397.3742) and Equifax (800.525.6285). s Properly discard documents. Cut up, shred or otherwise destroy credit card statements, bank statements, pre-approved credit offers or any other documents that contain your personal information. Destroy credit card receipts, too. s Limit identification... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B154 Word Count: 409 Do You Know and Plan For The 3-R’s for Your Business? Everyone is familiar with the 3-R’s from school – reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic. This was our first introduction to an effective performance model. As proficiency increased in each R, performance was further enhanced. Effective performance models by their very design are a continuum that automatically raises performance to the next level. Today’s businesses have their own 3-R Performance Model. This model hasn’t really changed since the early of origins of business enterprises. No matter what the latest business guru advocates, good business practices and most importantly the “bottom-line” always appear to return to these basic 3-R’s. For without Relationships, Referrals or Revenue, today’s businesses will not achieve current goals nor grow. R1 – Relationships - With the Internet providing immediate access to unlimited vendors, products and services, today’s business owners must develop sustainable and loyal relationships. Current customer service research suggests that... Members can read this entire article by clicking here B155 Word Count: 136
IRS Announces 2009 The Internal Revenue Service has issued the mileage rates for calculating the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes, for 2009. Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (including vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: · 55 cents per mile for business miles driven; · 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and · 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations, other than activities related to Hurricane Katrina relief. The new rate for business miles ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B156 Word Count: 912 What Is Sexual Harassment? Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when one or more of the following is true: 1. A person feels that submission to the conduct is necessary in order to get or keep a job. 2. A person feels that employment decisions such as raises, promotions, and demotions depend on whether he or she submits to or rejects the conduct. 3. The conduct interferes with a person's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Some important facts to remember about sexual harassment are: · Both men and women can be victims of sexual harassment. · Either a man or a woman can be a harasser. · The person complaining of sexual harassment does ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B157 Word Count: 391 10 Ways to Have Your Best Year Ever! We often think of New Year’s as the time to start fresh and make those famous resolutions. But anytime is the right time to take control of our lives, to choose how we will live. Real success in life is about balance, about choosing priorities, and then following a plan to focus on the things that are most important to us. The following suggestions can help. 1. Take time to decide what you really want this year. What would make it a great year, a fantastic year for you? Dream and scheme, and then dream bigger! And write it down, just for the fun of it. 2. Mark one day each month, just for you. Use ink, not pencil, and schedule an appointment with... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B158 Word Count: 250 Guidelines for Roth IRA Contributions Taxpayers confused about whether they can contribute to a Roth IRA should consider guidelines based on the following categories: · Income Limits - To contribute to a Roth IRA, you must have compensation (e.g., wages, salary, tips, professional fees, bonuses). These limits vary depending on your filing and marital statuses. · Age There is no age limitation for Roth IRA contributions. · Contribution Limits - In general, if your only IRA is a Roth IRA, the maximum 2005 contribution limit is the lesser of your taxable compensation or $4,000 ($4,500 if 50 or older). The maximum contribution limit phases out depending on your modified adjusted gross income. · Spousal Roth IRA - You ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B159 Word Count: 452 Build A Workforce That Will Work Wonders At then end of the interview, you should know all there is to know about a potential employee. Why then does it often seem as if an interviewee walks out of the office as an enigma? After all, you’re holding all of the cards. There’s no reason to feel blindsided, but you do. An interview is your chance to get to know a potential hire and to understand those things about him or her that would best suit your business. But not everyone knows how to get the most out of an interview. To maximize the helpful information you get from a potential worker, you must do each of three things. First, you must develop interview questions which will elicit answers that identify skills specific to the position for which you are hiring. Secondly, know exactly which answers you are looking for with each question asked. Finally, you need to have the courage to challenge the answers candidates give you, to make absolutely sure that you have the information from them that you want. Being unprepared for an... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B160-negotiating to win Word Count: 292 Negotiating To Win Often when we think of “negotiating to win” we visualize someone raising their hands triumphantly and the other party going away defeated. In sales negotiations, the objective is to have both sides win. Let’s face it; if there is a win for the selling organization and a loss for the customer, the selling organization will eventually lose. If there is a loss for the selling organization and win for the customer, the customer eventually loses. Therefore, the Champion Sales Person seeks to have a win/win scenario where both the selling organization and the customer win. There are four negotiation alternatives that the Champion Sales Person can use to arrive at a win/win:
B161 Word Count: 404 We’re All Entrepreneurs The New Work World is project management and team collaboration with a variety of clients/customers. As William Bridges states: “more and more of the work that must be done today is being done by people who do not hold ‘jobs’ at the company that needs the work done.”
Daniel Pink takes our thinking yet another step. He says, “Ours has been the age of the “knowledge worker,” the well-educated manipulator of information and deployer of expertise.” But that is changing. Thanks to... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B162 Word Count: 244 Helpful Tips For Effective Computer Use In today’s environment using a computer has become an essential part of most professions. To avoid undue stress of fatigue, loss of work, or eye strain, follow these suggestions: s Keep your monitor screen clean by using one of the many cleaning pads available. This will cut down on your eye strain. s If you are working on your computer and start to experience visual fatigue, blink more often. As you blink your eyes you lubricate them. It may also be helpful to get up and walk around the office for a couple of minutes. s One of the most frustrating things ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here B163 Word Count: 207 How To Run An Excuse-Free Office Is excuse-making a problem in your office? Excuses are really just defense mechanisms because employees fear blame, embarrassment, reprimands, and firings. As a manager, it is your job to turn mistake-making into a learning experience for your employees. Here are some suggestions to help you reduce the amount of excuse-making that goes on under your command: · Make sure your employees know your expectations. Clarify tasks and assignments that will be each employee’s responsibility. Explain how what the employee is doing fits into the bigger picture. This is often an oversight in many businesses and detaches the worker from feeling like he is performing meaningful work. · Help the employee anticipate possible problems and how she will handle them. · Make sure the employee knows where to go for help. · After the task has been completed, ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B164 Word Count: 140 2009 Mileage Increase The Internal Revenue Service is increasing the mileage rates for calculating the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes, for 2009. The 2009 mileage rates will be:
The increases ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B165 Word Count: 470 Employee Loyalty To get loyal employees employers must: • Select employees carefully so they match the job and the company environment. • Pay fair market value wages and salaries • Provide training in safety and job skills Often when speaking to organizations or talking with clients, the subject of employee loyalty comes up. The questions asked are usually the same: “How come employees aren’t loyal any more?” or “How can I find employees that will be loyal to me?” The questions are the same and so is my response. Employees today are as loyal as they were years ago. Today’s employees, like many employers have lost the ability to define and recognize loyalty in the employee-employer relationship. Employers are looking for employees that ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B166 Word Count: 631 Networking: Sowing the Seeds of Opportunity
ure, you’re a talented businessperson, and you’re good at what you do. But you’ll never be as good as you could be with just talent alone. Yes, you work extremely hard. You do the little things that make a difference. But you’ll never be as good as you could be through hard work and determination only. We agree; you’ve accumulated a wealth of experience over the years. You know the ins and outs of your profession. But you’ll never be as good as you could be through experience alone. The above attributes are certainly integral to being successful. But there’s one thing that brings them together and acts as their “glue,” so to speak. It maximizes the effectiveness of all three individually and also collectively, as a group. And that one thing is networking. People, first and foremostThe need for networking is often ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B167 - H140 Word Count: 371 Is Offshoring Waning? For years, the United States and some other developed countries have been sending jobs to less-developed countries. In most cases, the motivation has been cost-savings…almost always in labor costs. It was assumed that workers in the receiving countries would be able to perform the work at least as effectively as the workers who had held the jobs for years---sometimes for decades. Manufacturing jobs shifted overseas, along with administrative, back-office, coding and design, and information technology positions. Recently, because of the difficulty of finding qualified workers in the home country, jobs have moved to other countries. Employers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, for a few examples, have found the task of hiring skilled workers increasingly difficult. When competent workers are not available in the home country, employers will seek workers with those abilities in other countries. Thousands of jobs are moving overseas while there are still people in their home countries eager to take those positions. Unfortunately, it has become ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B168 Word Count: 802 Increase Results By Building Endorsement “Why is it that so many companies invest millions in buildings and equipment, and yet invest so little in the development of their most important asset-people? It would seem we should take care of the people first and then they will take care of the company.” Judy Suiter
he most effective way to gain the commitment and cooperation of others is to “get into their world” and “blend” with their behavior style. By meeting a person’s behavioral needs you are able to earn endorsement. Through this endorsement you are able to diffuse many problems before they happen. Also, endorsement allows a person to gain the most benefit from their time with you. Every interaction you have with a person either increases or decreases your endorsement. Human performance is directly proportionate to endorsement. There are 6 ways in which you can build endorsement of which 1 is earned (position) and all the others can be learned. 1. Position – A person’s position gives them a certain amount of endorsement. However, this endorsement increases or decreases based on “how” they act and “what” they believe. 2. Appearance – Whether you like it or not, your appearance will dictate whether you are liked or not. People notice the way you dress, your stationery, briefcase, eye contact, handshake, walk, etc. Anything a person sees can positively affect your endorsement. 3. Beliefs – People who do what they say and say what they do will develop greater endorsement than people who are “wishy-washy” in their actions. A straight shooter will develop a greater level of endorsement because of his/her reliability and trustworthiness. 4. Competence (technical, systems, and people relations) – A specialist in a field is seen as the one to listen to in order to solve problems. Also, if you develop good people skills you have a competence that can build your endorsement. 5. Oral Presentation Skills – A person who stands up and is unable to effectively present his/her ideas will have trouble gaining endorsement. 6. Feedback – The ability to give, receive, and act upon various forms of information from others greatly impacts endorsement. Most people want to do a good job. The manager’s task is to give effective feedback allowing the employee to make appropriate changes. The following 5 steps will assist you in ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B169 Word Count: 513 Rewards and Recognition Satisfied, dependable and productive employees make business happen. Often a consumer will choose to purchase your product or service based on the employee who represents that product or service
t seems that one of the secrets to a productive workforce—and therefore a successful business—is an elusive thing called good morale. Just what is good morale? It usually refers to how your employees feel about their jobs, you and your business. And that can directly affect your bottom line. So the next question would be: "What contributes to good morale in the work environment?" It’s a myth that good employees care only about money. Money is important, but there are many items that contribute to an employee’s morale. Interestingly, some are so fundamental that we tend to miss them completely. For instance, do your employees feel: § Treated fairly and respectfully? § Valued and appreciated? § Recognized and possibly even rewarded for their work? It shouldn’t take you long to realize that if you wish to attract, recruit and retain good employees, fair and respectful treatment is a given. Employees who do not feel valued and appreciated will either contribute less effort as time goes on, or leave for greener pastures where they will be appreciated. Continued from page one - rewards In addition, everyone likes to have achievements and efforts recognized. Even though personal satisfaction is usually generated from within ourselves, it is always more meaningful if someone else notices and shares the success. Thus the concept of recognition and rewards. Rewards can motivate and encourage employees to contribute to their own success and that of your business. Now, we’re not talking big-ticket items like a car or trip to some exotic locale. On the contrary, employees are often delighted with a range of rewards that can be provided at little or no cost. Most importantly, ensure your program fits the culture and image of your company. he most effective reward and recognition programs have ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B170 Word Count: 473 Observe the Secrets of Your Best Employees “Lauren has to get a shot at her next doctor’s visit so you have to take her,” my wife said. Lauren is thirty years younger, two inches shorter, about ten pounds heavier than my wife, and terrified of shots. So I took my daughter to the doctor. When the time came for her shot, she reacted as always. She recoiled, backed into the wall, turned her face within a moment of crying and said, “Wait, don’t give it to me yet! It’s going to hurt!” The nurse said, “Don’t worry. You will feel a little pinch but I will do it quickly so I won’t hurt you so much.” My twelve-year-old daughter turned her head away and down, tensed up a little, and took her shot with little trepidation. I never really paid much attention to what the nurses did or how they gave the shots because I was almost always preoccupied with chasing, cornering or restraining Lauren. This time I may not have noticed what the nurse was doing or how she did it, but I couldn’t help but notice the result. This nurse had somehow established a relationship with my overly timid daughter that caused most of her fears to dissolve into quiet cooperation. Similarly, many managers pay attention to the result of their employees’ efforts while failing to notice exactly what the employees did to get that result. They don’t really know what ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B171 - H143 Word Count: 373 US Facing Surplus of Hispanic Workers?
he second largest contributor to Mexico’s Gross Domestic Product is the money sent back to families in the country from citizens who are working in other countries, particularly in the United States. That amount may soon surpass the revenue generated from Mexico’s leading industry, oil. Labor, much of it unskilled or semi-skilled, is the country’s most significant export. A wide range of American employers use Hispanic workers as full-time, long-term employees, and as transient and temporary workers. Employers have found that these employees are most often dedicated and hard working. Their strong work ethic is accompanied by a welcome appreciation for having a job and respect for management. Interestingly, these values which built American industry, are lacking in many US citizens---both white and black. While longer-time workers complain about employer use of Hispanic immigrants, there are important differences in productivity and attitude. Undocumented Mexican workers in the United States are a primary source of day labor for landscapers, construction and home remodeling companies, cleaning contractors, and similar employers whose need for less-skilled labor may vary from day to day. In many cities, there are established ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B172 Word Count: 202 FREE TAX GUIDE FOR INDIVIDUALS
re you facing a lot of different tax questions this year? IRS experts have pulled together an overview of common tax issues in one convenient place — Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax. This updated publication, available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov, contains a vast array of helpful information for individual taxpayers. From stock sales to student loans, this nearly 300-page publication holds the answers to many of your questions:
B173 Word Count: 302 Goals & Goal Setting "Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan." - Tom Landry The major reason for setting a goal is for what it makes of you to accomplish it. What it makes of you will always be the far greater value than what you get. When Andrew Carnegie died, they discovered a sheet of paper upon which he had written one of the major goals of his life: to spend the first half of his life accumulating money and to spend the last half of his life giving it all away. And he did! Some people are disturbed by those tough days because all they have is the days. They haven't designed or described or defined the future. Goals. There's no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them. There's no telling what you can do when you believe in them. And there's no telling what will happen when you act upon them. We all need ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here B174 Word Count: 405 IRS Warns of Phony E-Mails Claiming to Come from IRS WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service alerted taxpayers about Internet scams in which fraudulent e-mails are sent that appear to be from the IRS. The e-mails direct the consumer to a Web link that requests personal and financial information, such as Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers. The practice of tricking victims into revealing private personal and financial information over the Internet is known as “phishing” for information. The IRS does not send out unsolicited e-mails or ask for detailed personal and financial information. Additionally, the IRS never asks people for the PIN numbers, passwords or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank or other financial accounts. The information fraudulently obtained by scammers is used to steal the taxpayer’s identity and then his or her financial assets. In the on-going e-mail schemes that use the IRS name, the recipients ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B175 Word Count: 130 IRS Warns Taxpayers of New E-mail Scams The Internal Revenue Service alerted taxpayers to the latest versions of an e-mail scam intended to fool people into believing they are under investigation by the agency’s Criminal Investigation division. The e-mail purporting to be from IRS Criminal Investigation falsely states that the person is under a criminal probe for submitting a false tax return to the California Franchise Board. The e-mail seeks to entice people to click on a link or open an attachment to learn more information about the complaint against them. The IRS warned people that the e-mail link and attachment is a Trojan Horse that can take over the person’s computer hard drive and allow someone to have remote access to the ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B176 & M144 & L160 Word Count: 776 How To Run An Effective Business Meeting! How productive are your business meetings? Would you describe the culture that governs your meetings to more resemble World War III or crazy chaos? During a meeting, do you focus on the agenda at hand or do you concentrate more on breaking a foam cup into bits? Would you qualify eating all of the donuts in a meeting as a major accomplishment in your agenda? If these meeting scenarios sound familiar to you, you are not alone! Many studies have shown that more time is wasted in meetings than in any other business activity. It is estimated that people spend 20-40% (upper management is much more) of their time in meetings and that meetings are only 44-50% efficient (source: Steve Kaye). By improving the efficiency of your next meeting, you may increase your bottom line. The first step in improving the efficiency of your business meetings is to recognize that meetings are a collaborative effort. The very definition of a meeting is a TEAM activity where SELECT people gather to perform WORK that requires GROUP effort. All participants of a meeting, therefore, must play a role in remaining focused and progressing through the meeting in a timely manner. Before calling a meeting, it must first be ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
PD149 Word Count: 235
I would like to say I never procrastinate, but that’s not true. Sometimes people think procrastination is a time management problem; truth is you cannot manage time. You have 24 hours each day. To make the most of your days, and eliminate the stress of procrastination, think about managing your choices. Managing choices is a Character Management issue. Character comes from saying what you will do (honesty) and doing what you say (integrity). This is true whether it is something you say to others or a goal or commitment you “say” to yourself. Are you a person who keeps promises? Many people are better about keeping ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B178 Word Count: 599
No one expects the Spanish Inquisition…. Many people plan for the unexpected. We buy insurance to be prepared for possible theft, car accidents, house fires or a countless number of other unexpected events. We can even buy insurance in case we lose our jobs, but this type of insurance is minimal coverage, and not indefinite. Few people plan for having their company acquired or a down turn of the economy both of which could lead to unexpected job loss. In addition, if your company is not growing or you have no upcoming prospects for advancement in your career you could be experiencing job stagnation. Whether you have just started your career or you have been in your career for twenty years, something you should always consider is what I call the “what if scenario”. What if you lose your job? What if you suddenly realize there is no further advancement? What if your company is acquired or merges with another company in another city? What if you get a new boss that is a @8^%! Creating options to possible “what if scenarios” in your career before the need arises is the insurance you will need to achieve your long term goals. If you do not prepare for potential “what if scenarios”, you can ruin your career potential, livelihood and overall happiness. Do you have a plan for change? The first step in devising this plan is to consider your options. Do you live in a city big enough to find another job? Is commuting across town feasible? If not, maybe you’ve always wanted to live in another part of the country possibly by the coast, in the mountains or in a big city. Do you have ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B179 Word Count: 388 Can You Take a Home Office Deduction? If you plan to run your small business out of your home you may be temped to “write-off” many of your household expenses. But how do you know what is deductible and what is not? The IRS has some advice that may help answer the question: “Can I take a Home Office Deduction?” Generally, expenses related to the rent, purchase, maintenance and repair of a personal residence are not deductible. However, if you use part of your home for business purposes you may be able to take a home office deduction. Expenses that can be deducted include the business portion of real estate taxes, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, insurance, painting, repairs and depreciation. In order to claim a business deduction, you must use part of your home:
In addition, if you work as an employee you can claim this deduction only if the regular and exclusive business use of the home is for the convenience of your employer and the portion of the home is not rented by the employer. “Exclusive use” means ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here B180 Word Count: 388
Measure Your Activity “When performance gets measured, performance improves” This old adage remains true year after year. The question is will you do the measuring that can get you the improved performance that you desire this year? We see time and time again in the sports world how records are broken. They constantly measure past performance in order to set new levels of expectation. During the year, if you want to achieve improved performance, set up a system to measure all your activities that will insure success for yourself and your organization. It is much like a dashboard on your car. The dashboard measures the activity of the car to insure that it is performing at its expected levels. So if you want to perform at the levels that will achieve success, set up a dashboard that will measure how you are doing. The first step in setting up your dashboard is ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B181 Word Count: 199 Tips To Make This Year The Best Ever! Create a vision for your company. A vision statement crystallizes what you want your company to look like in the future. It is a clear image of the end result. (Even though you may never really have an end) Create a vision for yourself. Describe your future the way you would like it to be. Avoid slipping into the negative of what you think your future may really be. Allow yourself to dream big. Now write it down! Set personal and professional goals Set goals that will ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B182 Word Count: 242 Keeping Good Records You can avoid headaches at tax time by keeping track of your receipts and other records throughout the year. Good recordkeeping will help you remember the various transactions you made during the year, which in turn may make filing your return a less taxing experience. Records help you document the deductions you’ve claimed on your return. You’ll need this documentation should the IRS select your return for examination. Normally, tax records should be kept for three years, but some documents — such as records relating to a home purchase or sale, stock transactions, IRA and business or rental property — should be kept longer. In most cases, the IRS does not require you to keep records in any special manner. Generally speaking, however, you should keep any ...
Members can read this entire article by clicking here B183 Word Count: 770 Beware of Tax Scams Don’t fall victim to tax scams. These schemes take several shapes, ranging from promises of large tax refunds to illegal ways of “untaxing” yourself. The IRS suggests that you remember three important guidelines: 1. You are responsible and liable for the content of your tax return. 2. Anyone who promises you a bigger refund without knowing your tax situation could be misleading you. 3. Never sign a tax return without looking it over to make sure it is accurate. Beware of these common schemes: Return Preparer Fraud: Dishonest tax return preparers can cause many headaches for taxpayers who fall victim to their ploys. Such preparers derive financial gain by skimming a portion of their clients’ refunds and charging inflated fees for return preparation services. They attract new clients by promising large refunds. Choose carefully when hiring a tax preparer. As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. No matter who prepares your tax return you are ultimately responsible for its accuracy and for any tax bill that may arise due to a questionable claim. Identity Theft: It pays to be choosy when it comes to disclosing personal information. Identity thieves have used stolen personal data to access financial accounts, run up charges on credit cards and apply for new loans. The IRS is aware of several identity theft scams involving taxes or scammers posing as the IRS itself. The IRS does not use e-mail to contact taxpayers about issues related to their accounts. If you have any doubt whether a contact from the IRS is authentic call 800-829-1040 to confirm it. Frivolous Arguments: Promoters have been known to ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B184 7 Quick Secrets To Writing Powerful Content These are successful tips for writing powerful sales letters, articles, titles, and other marketing material. We have spent a small fortune learning this information not to mention the incredible amount of time of actually doing it. This is a partial list of some of the most important aspects. Now you can benefit from all this research, education, experience, and trial and error condensed in this short article. Use these tips for all of your sales letters, titles, and articles. 1. Create an outline before writing the content. 2. Spend 80-90% of your time on Members can read this entire article by clicking here B185 Word Count: 535
Staying Motivated In A Struggling Economy Fear is a very powerful emotion. When we live in fear, even of the unknown, there is a tendency to isolate, exert control and be on the defensive. It drains our energy and creates exhaustion. The majority of coaching conversations I am having these days are about this fear generated by a struggling economy. Worry over business progress, finding a job, salary and bonus eliminations, increased job performance expectations have taken over people’s mindsets thus decreasing motivation and focus for themselves and their business. While no one has a crystal ball to know exactly what will happen with the economy, you do have the keys to move through this time by the actions you take to minimize the fear and maximize your choices. Following are three key tips on how to refocus and regain motivation during a challenging time: Tip #1 Go Back To The Basics What are the critical ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B186 Word Count: 513 Top Performer’s and the Law of Attraction (aka The Secret) The Secret and the Law of Attraction have been circulating the airwaves. A basic summary of the Law of Attraction is that “like attracts like”. The law works by attracting similar forces to each other. If we focus on the positive, we will manifest abundance from the universe and positive things will be attracted to us. If we think negatively, we will attract negative experiences and results. There are mystical elements wrapped up in the Law of Attraction. As if we have a magical power to bring good things in our direction. It is extremely alluring. Is it true? Yes and no – both! Yes, the truth beneath the mysticism is based in cognitive psychology which has a firm research footing. What people think will drive how they feel and what they do. If a person focuses on the negative it will impact their mood, their expectations and their actions. If an individual chooses to be optimistic and look for opportunity, they will be more positive, open and confident. As a result, they seize opportunity when it arises. In fact, a British researcher found that “lucky” people actually behave differently than “unlucky” people. Those who are “lucky” are more optimistic, open and skilled at seizing opportunities. Lucky people do not have exceptional fortune or magic power; they behave differently and thus get different results. I believe that the Law of Attraction is Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B187 Word Count: 296
Don’t You Or Your Staff Fall For Tax Scams The IRS is among a growing group of government agencies and corporations whose names and Web sites are being copied by imposters seeking your personal information. The IRS does not use e-mail to initiate contact with taxpayers about their accounts. Do not open links in unsolicited messages claiming to come from the IRS. Not all scams come by way of the Internet or email. The telephone is a low-tech source of scams. Do not give away personal information to callers claiming to be from the IRS unless you have verified the caller’s identity. You can confirm an IRS contact by calling 800-829-1040. Thieves can use stolen data to access your financial accounts, run up charges on credit cards or apply for new loans. With a stolen identity, a con-artist might try to use your Social Security Number to intercept your refund or falsify employment records. Some con artists earn their living by preparing false, and illegal, tax returns. Dishonest return preparers, ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
SP126 & B188 Word Count: 781 Sharpen Your Vision to Create a Competitive Edge If you can keep your head when all about you, Excerpt from “IF”, by Rudyard Kipling. Whether you are an entrepreneur, company executive, or employee, economic uncertainty may have you tied in knots. The remedy, TAKE CONTROL. When we feel powerless, we become victims. And if you’re reading this, you probably don’t care to play that role! Operating from positions of fear or scarcity takes a heavy toll on people and organizations. The media keeps the economy on everyone’s minds. Not only do we watch the Dow and S&P, we now keep tabs on markets around the world. There is uncertainty and volatility. Global markets are becoming more and more complex and ambiguity abounds. What are we to do? The answer: strategically determine how to outperform the competition. Throughout history there have always been winners, even in the direst of times. There is no better time than the present to Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B190 & H164 Word Count: 456
If the Job Could Talk What would a job say to us about superior performance if it could talk? Would it tell us both what hard and soft skills we would need for top performance? Would it describe the necessary behaviors? How about what attitudes or values are required to excel in the position? Even IQ and EQ (Emotional Intelligence) should be discussed. We all know “jobs” can’t talk… but we can talk to superior performers in the job. The key is to know what questions to ask. The latest issue gaining attention is the difficulty of finding technical talent with “people skills”. The leading experts are strongly suggesting that organizations review all existing job descriptions and conduct a thorough job analysis on which defensible hiring decisions can be made. They are also suggesting that organizations take a good look at their needs for management skills versus leadership skills for all management positions. Today, “behavioral interviewing” is being used in the hiring process by more and more organizations. Top management is now talking about the value of “soft skills”. Peter Drucker’s latest book is pushing “managing one’s self”. Coaching continues to grow worldwide and corporations are talking about managing human assets. Can you ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
SP128 CS129 B191 Word Count: 807 Align Structure With Goals For Higher Performance Customer focus combined with proper alignment of vision with strategy, structure, people and processes is the best way to outperform and outlast your competition. When these critical components are in harmony, results are astounding. To sharpen your competitive edge, look at what keeps you from getting results you deserve. Whether you are a group of one or many, the way you structure your organization can make the critical difference between simply satisfied and overwhelmingly loyal customers. That significantly impacts revenue and profit. The best organizations deliberately make the most of their resources…in this case people. Winning companies define clear roles and responsibilities and their customers (internal and external) find them easy to work with. How about you? Does your structure make it easy, or difficult, to create loyal customers and get great results? You can have outstanding people and motivate them toward action, but if structure restricts innovation and higher levels of productivity, improvements are temporary at best. Structure can either help or hinder your ability to react to the changing needs of the customers you serve. You cannot change the world in which you do business, but you can create a structure to best respond to your own market. Definition Structure is different than culture and different than process. Structure is about roles and reporting relationships; process is about rules and procedures; and, culture is about attitudes and behavior. Culture influenced how your current structure evolved and will affect your ability to successfully implement structural changes. A great tool for evaluating and improving your structure is a ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here B192 Word Count: 431
Second Passports: The State Department's Best-Kept Secret Some countries won't permit entry to travelers whose passports show that they've previously visited certain other countries. Most Arab countries, for example, won't allow entry to people whose passports have a stamp showing that they've visited Israel. A similar situation confronts people traveling among some African countries. Traveling freely among these countries is a matter of carrying two passports and knowing when to use them. You can get a second passport, a restricted passport. It looks just like a regular US passport, with one exception ... it clearly states that it is limited to use for travel to specific countries. The restricted passport can't be substituted for a regular passport. It can't be used to enter every country, only the ones that are specified on the application. And it isn't issued for countries with which the United States has no diplomatic relations. Apply for one at your regional passport office, but be prepared to document your legitimate need ... itinerary, assignment from your employer specifying that you need to do business in a particular country, etc. Take two signed passport-sized photos. To find out if you'll need a restricted passport, check the Visa Information Sheet available from any passport office. That document will help you to determine if there are visa or passport conflicts among the countries on your itinerary. Extra protection: Check with the consulate or embassy of each country you plan to visit. Reason: Customs regulations of foreign ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B193 Word Count: 567
Are You Infected With This Insidious Virus Preventing You From Success? Much has been written about the forthcoming pandemic virus spread by birds. State agencies within the U.S. have received hundreds of thousands of dollars to inform and educate people about the potential dire consequences of this anticipated virus. Yet, there is an even a more insidious virus that is now alive and thriving in the global marketplace. This virus is not transmitted by birds, ticks or even in air, but rather by those who provide a considerable amount of information necessary for us to think and make decisions in our ongoing efforts to achieve success. Think of it for a moment. Your thoughts through the information that you take in are how this virus infects you. Your vaccination against this virus is the book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, along with those resources that rally against this terrible disease of the mind. Only when you understand how you can eradicate this virus from your body, will you become inoculated against it and continue to be successful. Self Improvement Tip: There are many books that can ward off this virus, but in my opinion, this is the best one. By the way, the name of this virus is ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B194 Word Count: 169 Important Changes for Taxpayers Here are a few tax law changes you may want to note before filing your 2008 federal tax return: Standard Deduction Increased for Most Taxpayers The 2008 basic standard deductions all increased. They are: $10,900 for married couples filing a joint return and qualifying widows and widowers $5,450 for singles and married individuals filing separate returns $8,000 for heads of household Contribution Limits Rise for IRAs and Other Retirement Plans This filing season, more people can make tax-deductible contributions to a traditional IRA. The deduction is phased out for singles and heads of household who are covered by a workplace retirement plan and have modified adjusted gross incomes between $53,000 and $63,000. For married couples filing jointly, the income phase-out range is ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B195 Word Count: 376 Improve Morale - Give Employees Time Off! Given the current state of the economy, giving your employees time off is probably the furthest thing from your mind. However, not giving enough attention to this subject could come back to bite you later . . . and it might do so sooner than you think! The reason is simple. There’s a good chance that the employees you currently have are anxious and apprehensive at the moment. With layoff figures and unemployment numbers in the headlines just about every week, it’s only natural that they carry some trepidation with them to their job. The problem is that you need them at the top of their game in order to put their talent and skills to the best possible use. This is why you should ensure that your employees take the time off they need, especially their vacation time. If they’re well rested and refreshed, then you’ll reap the benefits upon their return: · Company culture—A more relaxed atmosphere contributes to a better culture within the company. Employees, like everybody else, are intrinsically drawn to people and/or things that help them to reduce the stress in their lives. Your company could be one of those things. · Productivity—Employees are more productive when they’re rested and relaxed, not when they’re frazzled and feel worn out. · Loyalty—A ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
Legal 1258 & B196 Word Count: 285 Employment Laws You Should Know There are a plethora of complex laws that governs the employer-employee relationship with many provisions requiring government reporting or record-keeping. The more employees an employer hires, the more such laws apply to it, and the more likely the employer is to inadvertently violate a law simply because it is unaware of its requirements. Here are some of the laws and terms relating to those laws: Health Information Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA") is a federal law that protects confidential medical information belonging to all individuals. In the employment context, HIPAA means your employer may not have access to your confidential medical information unless it is necessary for the business (i.e., your employer views the results of a drug screening test to ensure workplace safety, or you submit medical certification to your human resources department to confirm your eligibility for FMLA leave). National Labor Relations Act ("NLRA") is a federal law that regulates ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L165 Word Count: 462 Top 12 Qualities of True Business Professionals Professionalism is a word embraced by many, but in all honesty demonstrated by far fewer individuals. Its Latin's origins come from the word profess which means, "to avow before." So the question is what are these individuals who believe themselves to be true professionals avowing before? Possibly the answer may be found within the word professional. 1. P = Positively proactive. Professionals demonstrate behaviors that are positive and proactive instead of negative and reactive. 2. R = Respect. Through this ethic and value of respect, professionals are known and trusted within and without their respective organizations. 3. O - Opportunities to help others. Those who avow before understand they have a responsibility to help others whether it is to grow self leadership skills or provide some expert advice. 4. F - Follow-up. No one ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B196 Word Count: 695 The Faster YOU Grow, The Faster YOUR BUSINESS Will Grow What do you want for your business during the next twelve to twenty-four months? Increased Revenues…Greater Customer Retention…Better Margins???? Common objectives, but where do you start? Savvy business owners develop highly effective strategy, people and processes. The savviest also recognize the impact their own personal and professional achievement has on business results. Why? It’s been said that the only sustainable competitive advantage is the ability to learn faster than your competition. It’s also true that the leader sets the tone for the team. That means it’s critical to stay at the top of your game. Successful leaders regularly take a high level look at their business. A similar personal assessment is also good business practice. Think of it as a holistic approach to great results. Evaluate, develop and balance organizational, professional, and personal capabilities to get the competitive edge you need. Leading others and your business is only part of the picture. As a leader, the most important person you lead is YOU. Mastering SELF LEADERSHIP enables you to most effectively lead others. How much of your personal wealth is tied up in your business? If the answer is much, most or all, it’s even more critical to incorporate personal development into your strategy. YOU are the most critical ingredient in your personal and business success formula and you can’t afford to skimp on your own development. How to Begin—How do you become a better ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
MRKTG131 Word Count: 206 "Want To Make Your Company More Successful?" Creativity is the key to keeping a business flourishing. And while creativity will help your business grow stronger, there are other tools and opportunities businesses should use to their advantage. Here are some quick tips: * Make your business appear bigger than it may be. You might not have a huge warehouse or dozens of employees, but you can still give your business the professional appearance of one 10 times your size. First impressions are important. Start branding. Design a great logo for your company and put that logo on all of your media. Have a company newsletter with information that focuses on the reader. Utilize your Web site and blog, and see if you can get them linked to your community's Chamber of Commerce or city Web site. Join ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here M148 Word Count: 398 Providing Opportunities for Employee Engagement Employees who have a passion for what they do are practically self-engaging. In other words, they seek out reasons to stay engaged in their job and with the company. But what about those employees who aren’t quite as passionate, for whatever reason? The fact of the matter is that you can lead them down the road to engagement just by providing opportunities for them to do so. Many times, employees don’t need a reason to become engaged. What they really need is the chance to become engaged. Below are five ways in which you can provide opportunities to do just that.
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B197 PD161 Word Count: 542 Attitudes Are Contagious…Is Yours Worth Catching? Attitude development is at the core of achieving successful, desired results and outcomes. The way you feel about yourself and others plays a crucial role into your personal and professional lives. In attitude development, we tend to always want to rush through the process. You cannot do this. You have to take it one step at a time if you are going to truly change your attitude. Attitude development is an important and difficult task- but not impossibility. And remember; it’s up to you…only! Here are a few tips on how to begin to develop a great attitude: 1. Don’t Stress- This may be the hardest step of all in attitude development. Our level of stress can control what we feel about ourselves and how we judge others. It is very hard at times to control your levels of stress. You can decrease your stress levels by looking at every situation logically. There is always a logical explanation to all the stressful things that are plaguing your life. Take a moment to look at the area around you in times of stress and slip into a calm and relaxed feeling. With practice, you can be stress free…almost! 2. Grow some skin- Not literally. Grow some skin refers to not taking colleagues comments personally. People are going to name call or joke with you. You need to be the better person and shake it off. Ignore the comments that are more often than not, jokes, and you will be better off. It is hard to “turn the other cheek”, but it is more important that if you ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B198 Word Count: 270 Just Say “No” to Make Space for a More Important “Yes” Today, you are bombarded with demands for your time. How are you handling the choices? To what are you saying “No” and “Yes?” Do you still have the thought at the end of the day that “nothing got done?” Here is a practice to increase your sense of professional accomplishment.
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L167 & B199 Word Count: 453 The Cost of Keeping Non-Performers You may be surprised on the amount of money that is wasted when you have non-performers in your business. With businesses feeling the economic crunch, it is important to be able to recognize those who are hard workers, and those who are only costing you money. There are many reasons why eliminating the non-performers in your business is a smart business move. Here are some reasons why you should not keep the non-performers in your company: 1. They Cause Bad Customer Service- If you have a non-performer in your place of business, their attitude is going to show to your clientele. The non-performers won’t feel impelled to give good customer service and often don’t want to do anything to help the company. Your clientele doesn’t want to deal with someone who is not catering to their needs, especially when they are buying from you. As the business owner, you must address these issues before your clientele starts using your competitor(s). 2. They Cost You A Lot Of Money- When a non-performer is not doing his or her job, it is costing you money and productivity. Plus, you ...
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B200 Word Count: 133 IRS Standard Mileage Rates The Internal Revenue Service has issued the mileage rates for calculating the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes, for 2009. Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (including vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: · 55 cents per mile for business miles driven; · 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and · 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations, other than activities related to Hurricane Katrina relief. The new rate for business miles compares ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B201 Word Count: 63
How Many Businesses Open And Close Each Year? An estimated 627,200 new employer firms began operations in 2008, and 595,600 firms closed that year. This amounts to an annual turnover of about 10 percent for entry and 10 percent for exit. Nonemployer firms have turnover rates three times as high as those of employer firms, mostly because of easier entry and exit conditions. Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B202 Word Count: 61
How Do Regulations Affect Small Firms? Very small firms with fewer than 20 employees annually spend 45 percent more per employee than larger firms to comply with federal regulations. These very small firms spend four and a half times as much per employee to comply with environmental regulations and 67 percent more per employee on tax compliance than their larger counterparts. Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B203 Word Count: 140 How important are small businesses to the U.S. economy? Small firms: • Represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms. • Employ just over half of all private sector employees. • Pay 44 percent of total U.S. private payroll. • Have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years. • Create more than half of the nonfarm private gross domestic product (GDP). • Hire 40 percent of high tech workers (such as scientists, engineers, and computer programmers). • Are 52 percent home-based and 2 percent franchises. • Made up 97.3 percent of all identified exporters and produced 30.2 percent of the known export value in FY 2007. • Produce 13 times more patents per employee than large patenting firms; these patents are twice as likely as large firm patents to be among the one percent most cited. Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B204 Word Count: 95 What is small firms’ share of employment? Small businesses employ just over half of U.S. workers. Of 119.9 million non-farm private sector workers in 2006, small firms with fewer than 500 workers employed 60.2 million and large firms employed 59.7 million. Firms with fewer than 20 employees employed 21.6 million. While small firms create a majority of the net new jobs, their share of employment remains steady since some firms grow into large firms as they create new jobs. Small firms’ share of part-time workers (21 percent) is similar to large firms’ share (18 percent). Members can read this entire article by clicking here
B205 Word Count: 72 What share of net new jobs do small businesses create? Firms with fewer than 500 employees accounted for 64 percent (or 14.5 million) of the 22.5 million net new jobs (gains minus losses) between 1993 and the third quarter of 2008. Continuing firms accounted for 68 percent of net new jobs, and the other 32 percent reflect net new jobs from firm births minus those lost in firm closures (1993 to 2007). Members can read this entire article by clicking here
M150 & B206 Word Count: 251 Managing People For a Positive Environment With the beginning of a new decade comes the optimistic view of a brighter future for our businesses, family, and self. Focus on creating an environment that fosters a positive attitude and watch your employees become more productive. So how can you create that environment? Follow these 3 easy steps: 1) Focus on catching people doing things “right” instead of only saying something when they make a mistake. When you see someone helping a coworker or going the extra mile for a customer give them praise. 2) Start a “Wins” board. Create a ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
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