How to Negotiate Like a Pro - Questions to Ask to Get a Better Deal

In this economy everyone wants to negotiate or haggle for the best deal. I have compiled a list of questions to ask when you are trying to negotiate a better price or deal. If one of these questions does not elicit any response, try another. Be persistent.

Here are the questions:

1. What is the best you can do?

Sometimes there is usually what I call "wiggle room" built-in on the price of the item. It does not hurt to ask even in places where you don't think you can get a discount.

2. Is this the lowest price?

This sounds like question 1 but is a little different. If one does not work, try this question to see if you get a response.

3. What is the lowest price if I buy 2?, 5? or 10?

Try buying in bulk. This can make a big difference.

4. What if I pick up the item?

This can save them considerable expense especially if free shipping is offered.

5. Can you give me a discount since it is chipped, damaged, or a floor model?

Often a damaged item is very hard to sell so a seller may be glad to get this sold even at a reduced price.

6. Since you are already in the neighborhood, can you mow my lawn, too?

Seize on an opportunity if a worker that you need is already doing a similar job in the neighborhood. The convenience may allow the seller to give you a large discount. Remember time is money if he is already in the neighborhood.

7. Are you willing to barter?

I am a carpenter, massage therapist, piano teacher, and I am willing to trade my services for yours.

8. Are you willing to do a trade?

I will give you this if you give me that.

9. Is there going to be a sale? Is this on sale?

If there is going to be a sale in the near future, the seller may give you the sales price now or allow you to come back with your receipts during the sale and get the discount then.

10. Why don't you give me a discount and you won't have to carry this heavy item home?

Especially at the end of the day at an antiques fair, where the packing up can me a hastle, it might be an attractive offer to sell an item today and not have to keep shlepping it.

11. Can you give me an upgrade?

If you get bad service, especially in a hotel or with the airlines, ask for an upgrade or free stay or flight. Some companies are really into customer service and may give you something for your inconvenience. Even if you didn't get bad service, explain that you have special needs and ask for them to help you.

12. Can I have a free refill or a free sampler?

Once you are in a restaurant, ask for a free refill for your drink. Ask for a free dessert sample. Ask for three for the price of two.

13. Can you throw something extra into the deal?

If you are getting a high ticket item, ask for something else to be thrown in. For example if you get a sofa, ask for some free pillows. If you get the expensive necklace, ask for the earrings free. You get the idea.

14. Do you do layaway?

Layaway is something that people may consider very archaic, something that is no longer fashionable. However, layaway may be the new credit card. It is a way to get something you want but can't pay for at this time without paying any interest fees. Generally a fee is paid to hold the item. Even if not advertised, ask for it anyway.

Once you start thinking about getting a better deal, the questions are endless. Don't give up. Keeping trying.

Mary Greenwood, Attorney Mediator, and Author of How to Negotiate like a Pro, 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes Winner of six book awards How To Mediate Like A Pro, 42 Rule for Mediating Disputes Winner of ten book awards Available at http://www.amazon.com Visit http://www.Marygreenwood.com Email: Howtonegotiate@aol.com Best General Legal Book, USA BOOK AWARDS Best How To Book, Beach Book Festival Winner How To Category, Reader View Book Awards DIY Award 2006, Los Angeles, California, Best "How To" book Best E Book Indie Excellence Awards Best Ebook New York Book Festival Spirit Award, South Florida Writers Association Silver Winner ForeWard Magazine, Book of the Year Award Finalist USA Books Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Greenwood

Concede Properly to Get More From Every Negotiation

When you negotiate, are you aware of how you make concessions? Are you aware of the impact concessions have on the flow of the negotiation? Do you develop a strategy for how you'll make concessions prior to entering into a negotiation?

When you negotiate, one of the best barometers you can use to get insight into how a negotiation is flowing is the manner in which concessions are requested and made. Great insight can be garnered from this observance, because the demeanor and style of the negotiators can be gleaned. In so doing, negotiators can gain insight into when requested concessions are sincere, or being used for positioning in the negotiation.

When negotiating, some negotiators concede too quickly, while others concede too slowly. With some negotiators, asking for what they want is easy, while with others, asking for what they want can turn into a long laborious drawn out process. Nevertheless, asking the other negotiator for concessions and assessing the probability of receiving them is easy to determine, but you have to know how to do so in order to achieve the goals of the negotiation. There are inherent opportunities embedded in a negotiation in the creation, allocation, and timing of concessions. In order to maximize those opportunities, requests for and the allocation of concessions have to be implemented properly. The following ideas highlight the manner in which concessions are used to achieve better results when negotiating ...

Set the stage: Camera, lights, action

Before entering into the negotiation, complete the perfunctory phase of gathering background information on the other negotiator. From this process, you'll gain insight into her style of negotiating and how dogmatic she might be when requesting concessions. After that process has been developed, create two lists. On one list, assemble concessions the other negotiator may want from you and those that you may want from her. On the second list, amass concessions you could easily give the other negotiator, which would not weaken your negotiation position and those she could readily give to you. Compare the two lists and look for items that overlap, which would not degrade your negotiation position. Rank those items as 'ones'.

Next, assess the probable concessions that might be requested of you which would introduce severe anxiety and stress into the negotiation. Place a ranking of 'ten' on them; in essence, those concessions are potential 'deal breakers'. For the remaining concessions, rank them as 'fives'.

Now you have a three tier ranking system. Those probable concessions ranked 'ones' can be easily given away during the negotiation. Nevertheless, in so doing, make a 'big deal' out of making the concession and give praise to the other negotiator for being able to extract them from you. Then ask for something in return. Every time you give, make sure you get something in return.

Those concessions ranked 'fives' should be conceded with more caution and with more 'flare', than the 'ones'. You should also give the appearance of being more deliberative prior to making a concession. The concessions ranked 'ten', well let's just say, hope they won't enter into the negotiation, less you pray. Nevertheless, if the 'tens' enter into the negotiation at an early stage, ask that they be tabled (set aside) until a later point in the negotiation. From there, build momentum by agreeing on more minor points during the negotiation, looking for opportunities where you can 'give away' some of your 'ones'. Determine as you progress through the negotiation when it might be appropriate to 'give away' 'fives', but do so more judiciously; make the other negotiator work harder than she did for the 'ones' to receive them. At this point, you're allowing the other negotiator to sense the fact that getting concessions from you will become increasingly more difficult.

Be sensible to your senses:

Be mindful of where you are in the negotiation process. In the same manner in which you're creating your list of concessions, and thus have created a plan by which to implement the appropriation out of those concessions, your negotiation partner, if she's a savvy negotiator, will have done the same on her side. It therefore behooves you to know where you are in the negotiation, in order to get insight into when the timing is appropriate to make concessions.

Sense when you're close to exceeding the other negotiators patience when making requests for concessions or just standing your negotiation ground. Depending upon the flow of the negotiation, one way to get more is to give 'something' the other negotiator wants before she asks for it. When you want to signal that you're near the end of being amenable when asked for concessions, respond more slowly than you might have when making prior concessions. By doing so, you'll send a silent nonverbal signal that will speak voluminously about where you are on the mental scale of making concessions.

When it comes to negotiating, never be fearful of asking for what you want. In the end, the reason you're negotiating is to maximize the position you had prior to the negotiation. In order to maximize the outcome of the negotiation, make sure you pace your requests for concessions of the other negotiator, and strive to create a win-win negotiation environment. By doing so, you'll always achieve more from every negotiation ... and everything will be right with the world.

The Negotiation Lessons are ...

· In a negotiation, the manner in which you make concessions sets the tone of the negotiation. In order to set the right tone, be aware not to make concessions too quickly and seek something in return when doing so.

· There are different ways to play the concession 'game'. Observe how the other negotiator makes concessions by taking into account her body language when doing so and you'll gain insight into how she wishes to set the stage for the negotiation.

· The uses of concessions are wonderful tools to achieve a win-win appearance in a negotiation. To achieve such, develop and utilize the appropriate strategy, matched to the manner in which the other negotiator makes concessions, and you'll be positioned to maximize the negotiation.

Greg Williams - The Master Negotiator http://www.TheMasterNegotiator.com http://www.YourEmergingSmallBusiness.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Williams

Best Practices in Negotiation - Reviving Dead Deals

Negotiations break off for several reasons:

(1) Parties deadlock, digging into positions that settle like wet concrete.

(2) Parties grow impatient, feeling the game isn't worth the effort.

(3) Personalities offend.

(4) External events trump the proceedings, i.e. (9-11, stock market crashes).

(5) Deadlines are reached, without results.

So, the question occurs: How can we revive deals once they seem to die?

Presuming there's merit in the undertaking, how do we get back on track?

One of the best starters is to let time pass. Give yourself and the other party some breathing room.

During the interval it is very likely both of you will transition from feelings of indignation and self-righteousness to remorse.

"Gee, it's too bad we couldn't work SOMETHING out!" will become your attitude. By itself, this is a very positive mood to be in, because you'll feel inclined to resume and to recoup if there is at least a slight feeling of loss.

Next, make the gesture of calling your counterparts, or better yet, if it's practical, try to bump into them or knock on their door.

Express GRATITUDE for their time invested in the past discussion, and mention you feel badly that you couldn't try a little harder to work something out.

Then, stop talking and simply listen.

Typically, if there's even the faintest hint of a pulse in the deal, your counterpart will agree with you. It's too bad talks broke off.

And at that very moment, you are on the threshold of resuming your negotiations. It may take just one more statement or question to get up and running:

"Want to pick up where we left off?"

"Something occurred to me that I wanted to share with you. I think it makes a difference."

"I was a stickler on such-and-such a point, and I don't really think it's that important to me."

"I think I may have figured out how to give you what you need."

Take your pick or mix and match these phrases. What's paramount is that you're interacting again, and communications are flowing.

Having let time heal and provide you both with perspective, and after making the first move to break the silence, you're well on the way to bringing negotiations back to life.

And who knows? You both may benefit more than before because you experienced the intermission.

Dr. Gary S. Goodman is a top speaker, negotiation consultant, attorney, TV and radio commentator and the best-selling author of 12 books. He speaks professionally and conducts seminars around the world, including his original program, "Best Practices in Negotiation." He can be reached at gary@customersatisfaction.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Gary_S._Goodman

What If Our Tower Becomes So Tall That it Topples Upon People? What Are People?

It was when I was out for an early morning run, or more a jog nowadays, that the following thoughts came to me for a letter, or even a brief short concise article.

The Royal Bank of Scotland had just announced massive losses, and we were being informed of long established Banks and Financial Institutions crumbling and collapsing across the world.

It is not so much a financial collapse as the disappearance of morality and Christian foundations on which many of these banks and institutions were originally founded. The consequences of greed and mismanagement and corruption, and misleading people to take on more debt than they could ever repay, has led us into a crisis from which we will take years to recover and some may never recover.

There are those who are carrying such a burden of guilt that the only way out for some may be to commit suicide, which is really self-murder.

If you know of anyone who, if only for a brief moment contemplates suicide, do whatever you can to help or get help to that individual. Help is available and suicide is never the answer, no matter how enormous the problem or how heavy the burden.

What was the nature of the words that came to me? Let me get back to that letter, because it deals with the root cause of the current crisis: SIN! This picture demands a different type of leadership to emerge.

Imagine the scenario in some financial boardroom. My thoughts were centred on the Royal Bank of Scotland, and I have been a customer with that bank for over forty years.

Come, let us build a tower. Let us build the biggest tower that has ever been built. We will get bricks from other places. We will acquire other banks so that our bank will be the biggest and tallest in the world.

Our tower will be taller than anyone else's and we will make a name for ourselves.

What will we call our tower? What about calling it Babel? No, that has been done before.

I know. We will take away these three strong words and call it RBS! We will put these letters everywhere: on rugby pitches and race tracks and tennis courts and everyone will recognise our tower.

But what if it becomes too tall and it topples upon people! People? What are people?

Our concern is the tower.

Sandy Shaw

Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled "Word from Scotland" on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.

His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness.

Sandy Shaw
sandyshaw63@yahoo.com

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Three Requirements of Being a Successful Entrepreneur

In the last few months, entrepreneurialism has taken off in a way that few could have predicted. It is one good thing that has come out of the recent financial crisis that much of the developed world has experienced. As the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going, and certainly in the world of business and enterprise, the going has been very tough lately.

However, the fact that times are hard tends to sort people out from those who give up and those who start thinking around the problem and finding solutions. Entrepreneurs are those who survive a recession and hard times by being resourceful, and by thinking in ways that often leave others standing. Are you such a person? Do you see problems as being challenges and opportunities, or obstacles and excuses?

If you're the former, then the chances are you have what it takes to get your feet wet in the world of business, but what does it really take to be an entrepreneur, and can anyone do it when it comes to the crunch?

When the world of business starts to find itself squeezed on all sides, it takes a special someone to think of solutions that can address the problems. The skill required, whether as an individual or as part of a business is to try out new innovative ideas, or at least try old ideas out in new ways.

Of course, there's no hard and fast way of saying how this should be done. One of the true marks of an entrepreneur is that they generally think of an idea before anybody else does, or they believe in a concept before anybody else does. Self-belief is crucial for anyone wishing to pursue the life of an entrepreneur. If you don't believe in yourself, then certainly no one else is likely to. If you have that self-belief then that is perhaps one of the most important traits you can possess.

There is a myth, however, that entrepreneurialism is all about taking risks. Granted it may be perceived as risk taking, but in truth, entrepreneurs tend to be amongst the best planners the world of business knows. It's easy to see why - because when you need to think laterally to work round a problem, you've already had to plan far enough ahead to realise that the problem existed. Unless of course the problem has hit your business like a shot from the dark, in which case you're left reacting rather than responding.

The successful entrepreneur is an expert at being able to predict the future. Not necessarily in the way that a clairvoyant might claim to see the future, but being able to see ahead and anticipate problems is important in being able to adapt and grow the business around those problems. It is also required to have a vision, and be able to see where you want the business to be in a year's time, two years' time and 5 years' time. Ambition and determination are critical in being able to realise this. Having dreams and ambitions is important, but many people have these. The entrepreneur is the one who makes them happen.

Another popular myth is that the successful entrepreneur has to come from the world of business, and must be someone who has a wealth of successful business experience already. Being able to run a business is of secondary importance to being able to drive a business idea forward. As with most things, you can have all the planners in the world telling you how it should be done, how it could be done and how it might be done, but unless someone has the drive and determination to actually get on and do it, it remains nothing more than a fairy tale.

Many entrepreneurs today are those who have witnessed large corporations and businesses crumble under the intense financial strain of recent months, and who have decided that it is better to be small and flexible in order to meet the demands of the dynamic world we now live in than to be part of an almost immovable force driving headlong towards a future over which it has less and less control.

Small businesses, home businesses and solo businesses have all welcomed a growing number of those who have the foresight to perceive problems, the ingenuity to see those problems as challenges or opportunities, and the determination to turn solutions and ideas into positive action. Entrepreneurialism is alive and kicking, and working out of sheds, living rooms and bedrooms the world over, and it is taking a bigger and bigger slice of business from those organisations too unwieldy to cope with the 21st century world.

Naz Daud is the founder of CityLocal. This Franchise Opportunity is for people who would like to work from home and be their own boss.

UK Business Guide

Business Franchise Opportunity

Copyright information: This article is free for reproduction but must be reproduced in its entirety, including live links & this copyright statement must be included.

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Do They Really Record Your Calls When You Call Into Customer Service?

I am sure you are all familiar with the recording when you call in for customer service. This call may be recorded for quality assurance or for educational purposes.

But do they really record them? And if so what do they do with them?

Well folks yes they do record them but you might be a bit surprised as for the reasons for doing so.

As mentioned in my bio I worked the front line of customer service for many years. In various aspects of different companies.

Customer service, sales, over due accounts etc.

Now I am not talking about a five and dime kind of operation here. This was a huge company to this day I think employs well over 50,000 people.

Went through 8 weeks of training full time I might add.

Mon-Fri 9-5 to learn how to pull the company line.

But what do they do with those calls? Well to start out yes they do record them so be careful what you say and whom you say it to.

Do they look at how their employee greeted the customer was it friendly polite etc yes I guess they do.

Do they look at what the representative said to the customer? Yes most definitely they do that also.

What are they looking for then?

They are looking for missed sales opportunities. I should mention that this only applies to customer service when the company you are calling is selling a product or service. Since there are some instances that you call in for basic information i.e. the government etc.

Did they up sell the customer? When the customer asked for A did you say that would go great with B and C and maybe even D?

So rest assured everyone the reason for the recording is not what you think it is for. But that does not mean that they can not use it to listen to the interaction you had with a representative. So watch yourself when you are on those calls. Since if a complaint is in your future you want to keep it plain and civil.

Copyright © 2009 http://www.complaintogain.com.

All Rights Reserved

This article may be freely used and transmitted, but only in it's entirety, without any changes to it's content or linking.

Scott W. Calgary is the author of the eBook http://www.complaintogain.com A detailed step by step instructional eBook to guide you through the tricky process of complaining and being successful at it. Scott spent 10 years on the receiving end of customer complaints. So he has used what he learned on the opposite end of the spectrum and through his own trial and error and combined all of his knowledge and his success into his eBook.

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Uninterruptible Power Supply - Power Conditioning

Power conditioning is one of the lesser-known but equally important functions of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Its primary purpose, of course, is to provide a source of electrical energy to maintain continuity of business throughout an interruption in mains electricity or until an alternative source of energy (such as a generator) starts up.

Why the Need for Power Conditioning?

There are issues associated with raw mains electricity that can cause problems for electronic equipment. These include, but are not limited to: sags, surges, brownouts, spikes and transients, electrical noise, harmonics, frequency variations and, of course, complete blackouts. At best, power problems can cause equipment (particularly computer and telecommunications equipment) to lock or crash. At worst, they can result in a complete breakdown - thus entailing costly and disruptive repair and/or replacement. In the case of computers, they can also result in data being lost or corrupted, which for many industries that are heavily regulated (such as banking and finance) can be disruptive to business, damaging to reputation and credibility, and in extreme cases, can lead to heavy fines or financial penalties.

Power Conditioning, therefore, by uninterruptible power supplies and associated equipment, is a process by which it monitors incoming mains electricity, cleanses it and significantly reduces the effect of problems such as those highlighted already. Some UPS, fitted with special filters, can reduce the effect of harmonics. All UPS maintain frequencies to within prescribed limits thus correcting frequency fluctuations. Ultimately, this means protected loads upstream, receive a clean and regulated supply of electrical energy.

Power Conditioners

Power conditioners attenuate spikes, transients and electrical noise voltages to low levels. They can be solid state electronic or transformer-based. Where these types of problems predominate, and sensitive equipment is being protected, that's where power conditioners will be used, typically in industrial environments. Some power conditioners can also provide voltage stabilization over a wide input voltage window (typically minus 20 to plus 15%) and output voltage regulation (typically plus or minus 5%). Models of this type can be referred to as Constant Voltage Transformers (CVT) or Ferroresonant type design.

This type of transformer is more reliable than a solid-state electronic design and provides galvanic isolation (a means of preventing unwanted electrical currents from traveling between two separate units). It's history rest in uninterruptible power supply designs from the 1980s (known as Ferro UPS), which paired the CVT with a Line Interactive UPS to achieve a 'no-break' output. Though reliable and robust, this type of uninterruptible power supply was only practical for single-phase installations and couldn't compete on cost, noise, physical size and weight, with transformerless UPS designs that were beginning to emerge.

Automatic Voltage Stabilisers (AVS)

AVS provide protection from sags, brownouts and surges. They can be electro-mechanical or solid-state electronic devices and are often referred to as Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs). AVS typically have wide input voltage windows (minus 40 to plus 20%) to enable them to do their job. When presented with a low or high mains power supply voltage, a control circuit selects a transformer tap setting to buck (step down) or boost (step up) the voltage to more acceptable levels. The output voltage tracks the input voltage window as there is, typically, no voltage regulation.

Some Automatic Voltage Stablisers incorporate a filter to provide both the load and AVS with protection from spikes, transients and electrical noise. The primary application of an AVS is in remote areas where sags, surges and brownouts are common to protect equipment such as fridges, freezers and domestic electrical goods.

Filters and Filter Strips

Filters provide protection from spikes, transients and electrical noise. Instead of attenuating problems like power conditioners, filters clamp peak voltages to pre-defined levels and prevent damaging electrical noise from passing through to connected loads.

There are a number of filters available and performance varies considerably across the range. Filter (surge) strips, for example, are commonly used within ICT environments for power distribution. At the higher end, more specialist filters can be acquired for specialist environments, such as scientific laboratories. Filter performance, clamping level and speed of response, is dependent upon their circuit design and the size of the disturbance it is faced with.

Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (TVSS)

TVSS provide protection from transient voltages and high-energy spikes, particularly those induced into a building's electrical supply by local lightning strikes. They are rated in terms of the Amps (A) or Joules (J) they dissipate. They usually sit parallel to the load and only react when presented with a transient or high-energy surge.

When installed within a building, a 'zoned approach' is recommended, which places high rated devices before distribution boards. A TVSS may be fitted upstream of a UPS or inside a bypass panel, generator AMF panel or distribution boards to provide protection from nearby lightning strikes.

TVSS designs tend to be based around Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) rather than Gas Discharge Tubes (GDTs) typically found in surge suppressors. Some manufacturers combine their MOV designs with a Silicon Avalanche Diode (SAD) front-end to speed up their response time.

Robin Koffler is the co-author of The Power Protection Blog and the General Manager of Riello UPS Ltd, the UK subsidiary of Riello UPS (RPS S.p.A). For more information visit the Riello UPS - uninterruptible power supplies website.

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Business Consulting Firms

You're keen to start up your own business. This is awesome - the ideal way to work! Before you begin, though, you need to ask yourself if you have what it takes, personally, to get the job done. Are you self-confident? Are you ambitious and independent and able to motivate yourself? Are you a disciplined individual who is resourceful and flexible and able to persist - even when the going gets tough?

These are all strengths that you'll need to rely upon within yourself in order to make a success of your business. Find a reputable business consulting firm that can assist you in getting your new small to medium venture off the ground. You need to be able to lead through the discovery phase of your entrepreneurial venture and be equipped to make informed choices about getting your business off the ground.

Statistics show that 25% of new businesses will fail within their first year; and that 75% of those businesses have failed due to predictable factors. Elements such as a lack of managerial experience or a poor business structure are predictable factors that can be accommodated and rectified, if necessary, before you start out in your new venture. A qualified business consulting firm can detect these pitfalls before they become a real issue within your business.

Don't think that you have to do this alone. Don't feel as though it won't be your venture just because you've asked someone else for advice. Turning to a business consulting firm is the right thing to do simply because they can advise you instead of leaving you to carry out a costly process of trial and error. And don't leave it too late. Hire a business consulting firm before problems start to arise in your business.

As your business develops your needs may change and a good business consulting firm will help you to make the necessary adjustments. You want to build up a successful operation to be proud of - and one that will grow from strength to strength.

My name is K. Enis Davis-Lewars and I have been in the legal field for over 30 years. In particular, I have been a litigation law clerk for over 21 years. I have been in business for over 15 years as a business consultant. I know what it feels like to be frustrated to start-up your own business. At EDL Consulting Services we are here to assist you with all your business needs. http://www.edlconsultingservices.com

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New Business Consultants - Complete File Management System

Business Consultants will find their desk and office overwhelming within a very short time if they don't establish a filing system as early as possible. If your like most coach's, consultants, marketers, experts and even authors your likely not an expert on office systems management.

In order to assist you to overcome this challenge I have created a list of files you could use to start your filing system.

1. Deposits - here you will file deposit slip receipts.
2. Bank Statements - these are usually mailed to you, but you have to go online and print off a copy form your bank account.
3. Travel Receipts - any business travel receipts you collect should end up here.
4. Credit Line - at some point you may need a line of credit if so, keep the information separated form other banking.
5. Stubs/Voided Checks - this should be self-explanatory - don't through them away.
6. Equipment Purchases - keep all documents regarding new purchases in here.
7. Credit Card - this is IMPORTANT don't treat these records like you do your electric bill, the interest can kill your business.
8. Cell Phone - keep notes of the contract dates, plans, upgrade dates etc.
9. Auto Expenses - make it a habit to keep track of all your traveling and expenses even if there not business related. Just make a notation if they are related to your business. Most IMPT is to just develop the habit of recording travel and costs.
10. Dues/Subscriptions - just keep notes on the bills, due dates.
11. Labor - outsourced labor - this is an important file because over time your going to work with dozens of contract laborers.
12. Office Expenses - staplers, folders, paper, printer ink.
13. Online Expenses - web page, email management provider, online memberships.
14. Postage/Shipping - this may not appear important right now, but as you create products you will need to record your expenses for this service.
15. Professional Development - we all need this, there's college classes, online classes, magazines, newsletters.
16. Accounting - there are even expenses associated with keeping track of the system you use to track your money.
17. Legal - this may also seem not very important at first, but sooner or later you'll want to register a trade mark, incorporate or even legally deal with a non payer.
18. Rent - if applicable, track every single receipt and a copy of your lease.
19. Repairs/Maintenance - track your expenses incurred when replacing light bulbs, fixing the sink and even when changing the air filters in your heating and air conditioning unit.
20. Telephone - keep every phone bill you get, especially when paying for long distance plans, with overseas calls.
21. Writings - save a copy of all of your professional writings, every ebook and report.
22. Projects - keep notes on every project your working on, detailed and up to date.

These are just the basic list you will need to create and use daily, don't wait until you need it, create it today.

If you're ready to go to learn more about how to Write a Book and Scale it into a $4,000 - $10,000 Teaching, Training, Coaching, and Consulting program than go to http://www.adaptonadime.com for your FREE "Fast Start Guide"

Paul Godines will help you Step by Step to Write a Book so you can Leverage your existing Skills, Knowledge and Experience, than teach others what you know in your own Highly Profitable Consulting Practice.

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Business Mentoring - Big Money Floats Right Here

What if you discovered how easy it is to mentor people in your niche and in return make huge income step-by-step?

Here are 3 simple steps to get you started...

Step 1 - Expert content and one on one support equals big money.

Step 2 - Consider getting started with your high ticket coaching program.

Step 3 - Provide hourly consultation to your niche audience.

Here are step by step details that you can apply quickly and easily...

Step 1 - Expert content and one on one support equals big money.

On the Internet it is extremely difficult to get one on one support from an expert in a particular market. If you are willing to provide expert help and content along with your one on one personalized support to your visitors this can help you to earn huge recurring income for your time invested.

It is important that you get started with a high ticket coaching program in your niche...

Step 2 - Consider getting started with your high ticket coaching program.

A high ticket coaching program can easily allow you to earn up to $500 per month per client and this will take your recurring profits to new heights.

But before doing this you have to make sure that you establish yourself as an expert in front of your targeted prospects.

Also make sure to get started with your consultation-based program...

Step 3 - Provide hourly consultation to your niche audience.

Provide one on one consideration to your niche audience and this will take your income to new heights. If you are an expert in a particular topic you can easily charge up to $1000 per hour for your consultation and earn big money in return.

Make sure you get started today applying the above information and own a high profit coaching program starting today, it will simply make your dreams come true.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article writing success, "Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide"

Download it free here: Article Writing
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Sean Mize teaches coaches, consultants, and small business owners how to package their knowledge and sell it in high priced coaching, consulting, and online class packages. Sean says "If you have an existing marketable service or skill that you can teach others, I can teach you to package it into a high-priced class or coaching program, guaranteed"

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize

To Survive, You Need To Teach Old Dogs New tricks

The sea change that most businesses face today is increasingly becoming the norm rather
than the exception. The change is driven by globalisation, technological and social
dynamics. Hovering around the status quo is like a cancer stricken person waiting for his
condition to get better. If you continue doing the same, things are not going to get better.
There is a saying that you cannot teach old dogs new tricks. To survive in today’s
competitive market, old dogs need to be taught new tricks.

Organisations fail to change because of old ways of doing things. There is unclear vision
as most CEOs are unable to communicate their visions in three minutes so that other
people can understand and embrace it. Also, oftentimes, the vision is not communicated
and obstacles such as bureaucracies are allowed to block the vision.

Management also fails to plant the new behaviour and vision in the company’s values.
They fail to show employees that the new behaviours and approaches can result in
improved performance. Top management fails to develop a shared commitment to the
renewal. The future corporation ought to be less bureaucratic, with fewer levels, more
performance oriented and risk-taking.

Shareholders are increasingly becoming impatient with Chairman and CEOs who are set
in their old ways. If the old dogs do not mend their ways, the shareholders and investors
will speak with their feet and be quick to voice their protest. In March 2004, Sir Philip
Watts, the embattled chairman of Royal Dutch/Shell was forced to resign after the audit.
He was due for retirement the following spring. One of the largest investors remarked
that they wanted more independent executives rather than lifers.

Michael Eisner of Walt Disney was stripped of his chairman position but remained as the CEO. He has been the head of the Walt Disney Company since 1984. It was popularly believed that
shareholders voted against him to register their rebuke against Michael Eisner’s
leadership.

In contrast, Well Fargo forgo the 150 year of history by eliminating all waste – sold away
the corporate jet, cars, free drinks to staff etc. Conversely, another 150 year bank, Bank
of America did not respond as rapidly with the banking deregulations. Subsequently,
BOA did learn to reduce waste, however, it had already lost valuable time to Well Fargo.

In the area of marketing, companies still continue to think that marketing is selling. They
focus on selling the products to customers and neglected maintaining a relationship with
them. They are only interested in selling to new customers and neglected the existing
and old ones.

It is perhaps more glamorous and exciting to chase for the new accounts, when studies have found that it is cheaper to keep old customers than acquire new ones. For instance, many companies see the potential of the Internet but never make the change.

The bookshops continue with expensive brochures and advertisements in the media,
when more and more customers are using online purchases. One day, these bookshops
woke up to the fact that Amazon.com overtook them because Amazon.com does not have
expensive warehouses to stock their books and people are purchasing online.

The acceptance of the Internet as a tool for business has saved many companies from
going out of business. It helps small companies compete against the big companies as on
the website, there is little differentiation. It is probably the best and most cost-effective
medium to promote a company’s products and services and generate new sales. Nicholas
Negroponte, an American writer and director, MIT media laboratory said: “The Net is a
10.5 on the Richter scale of economic change.”

Some moderations are required in throwing out all old things. One must not always
equate ‘old’ with obsolete and ‘new’ with best. It is also not wise to hastily throw away
any old and workable traditions and conventions. They may require modification, but
they are the result of the experience of many generations. Also, the decades of
downsizing have eliminated many staff with many years of rich experience and expertise
which new staff will take many years to learn. Therefore, old staff do have a lot of value
to the company.

Employees go through several stages during a change and re-orientation process. They
are namely, denial, frustration, confusion, acceptance and finally commitment. There
may be some resistance at the beginning through denial, frustration and confusion. But
once they see the value of the changes, they will accept them and be committed to them.
However, one has to be aware that if you leave old things alone, you leave them as they
are. But you do not. If you leave an old thing alone you leave it to a torrent of change.
The key is that the champions of tomorrow see an opportunity, which their competitors
too can see. The difference is that champions take action to make the change.

Dr Mike Teng (DBA, MBA, BEng) is the author of best-selling book, "Corporate Turnaround: Nursing a Sick Company back to Health." He is known as the "Turnaround CEO in Asia" by the media.Check out the Corporate Turnaround ebooks and video at http://www.CorporateTurnAroundExpert.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Teng

Investment Management Equals Change Management?

Simple formulas are often wrong or do not grasp the whole issue. Of course, but sometimes a simple formula shows a very important relation.

For example in the world of investments and trading on the stock-exchange. It is all about managing change; the change is that where one trend is followed-up by another one. And it is your task to manage all that.

A first requirement is to understand what is going on. In business a manager, a team a specialist is to know what is going on in the market and adjust the business approach on it. If there is a turn in the market, the company should either cut costs and or increase its sales resources. But the first thing is to understand that something has changed; why don't customers buy as easy as before and how to formulate the product on this change?

In the stock market this is more or less the same, as the change-cycles are much more frequent. Until the beginning of March we had the bear market motivated by fear, now there seems to be a euphoric phase where bad news no longer drives the stock prices. Somewhere in between the trend has changed and if the investor didn't acknowledge that change he will loose - that is according and depending on his trading or investment approach.

The formula in either case is simple:

- acknowledge the change (trend)
- act (accordingly)!

Of course the whole formula is much more complex. It is not only about signaling a change of trend, but also understanding the fundamentals of it. If a trend is only based on fear, the trader should act on it, but also be prepared about the strength - credibility - of the change. How fundamental is it?

Another example: Twitter.

This is something new. The early adapters get in directly, the more skeptical and conservative "investor" professional, ... will wait to see how fundamental the change is.

Remember Second life? I don't hear anyone about it. Whereas it was a real trend where people and especially companies invested heavily... many just before the trend ended...

If you want to manage a change (in either investment or in business):

- keep track of the trends
- check how it fits with your strategy
- change - your investments, resources according to the new situation and on the assumption that the new trend will continue for some time.

In business the trends are less visible and less easy to anticipate or react on. But the idea to change is more or less the same as in other areas: join the new trend if you think it will continue and if it fits your approach; so you will benefit from it.

One important difference between investments and business management is the organization of the portfolio. An investment can be sold in minutes; an organizational change requires much more effort and energy and ... will take time to be effective.

Copyright © 2009 Hans Bool

For more information on similar and a wide range of different topics have a look at the writer's block note.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hans_Bool

Mental Toughness - The Best Athletes Have It - If You're Interviewing, So Should You

The pitching ace has 4 terrific innings, but then gets into a real jam in the 5th. His control, which had been masterful, slips. He gives up a base hit and walks two; now the bases are loaded with nobody out.

This game matters; it's late in the season, the team is in the thick of a pennant race, and a loss tonight will cost them a full game in the standings.

Pressure.

What happens next is a mostly a function of what's going on in the pitcher's head.

Is he going to fold?

Will three - or more - runs score before the inning is over? Will he get pulled from the game? Or will he have the mental toughness (and confidence) to shake off the mistakes he's made, focus on the present, and get three outs without giving up any runs?

It's pretty impressive to watch a pitcher dig a deep, deep hole - and get out of it.

The same type of thing might happen to you if you've got a marathon day of interviews. The first few might feel like they went great. You liked them, they seem to have liked you...all is well.

Then things go south quickly.

You meet with a very difficult, challenging interviewer - who also happens to be a member of the executive management team. You can feel a negative vibe the minute you walk into the room, and it never improves. You can't warm this guy up. His attitude intimidates you, and knocks you off your game. Some of your answers are weak; you don't communicate your key selling points as clearly as you should. Your self-confidence wavers. You walk out of there knowing this didn't go well.

The problem is....you have two more interviews to go.

What happens next? Are you going to fold? Or - like the pitcher with the bases loaded...will you get yourself out of this jam?

In many ways, you're just like the athlete. This is a head game. You can't dwell on what just happened, hang on to whatever mistakes you made (or think you made), and let your fears undermine your self-confidence. If you do, there's a good chance you'll blow the interviews you have next.

You've got to shake that last conversation off...put it out of your mind...and do what you have to do to make sure you perform at your peak in a clutch situation.

Like the athlete, you have to regain psychological control following an unexpected event; you have to be able to adjust to change; you have to thrive on the pressure of competition.

Forget about that one bad interview. It's over. There' s nothing you can do about it right now. Reset, walk into the next meeting, and give it your all.

Rebecca Metschke helps professionals improve their marketability. The author of The Interview Edge (http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com), a comprehensive career guide to career management, she also writes a daily blog posting strategies, tips and advice for those whose careers are in transition (http://blog.TheInterviewEdge.com).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Metschke

Employment In Ohio - A Look At Healthcare Opportunities

The 34th largest among the states in the US is Ohio; by size. It is also the 7th most highly populated state, making demand for healthcare along with other medical services quite large in the area. According to United States Bureau for census in 2002 there existed about 168 community hospitals which were located all across the state, hence providing opportunity in employment healthcare. The state of Ohio continues being one among states which also provides several leading research in the medical field.

The employment healthcare, including the Ohio cities and other rural areas, is not only limited to the doctors, nurses or researchers. Several different non-clinical designations could be found in the listings for varied employment healthcare. The hospitals in Ohio, provide with long-term care facilities, hospitality, the outpatient treatment centers and other clinics require the office managers, skilled business staff, sales and the marketing professionals, the accountants, professional attorneys, the human resource professionals or the administration professions. At times, the unusually considered placements include the billing or coding professionals, the liaison along with public relations people and also the community outreach and the public health professionals. Wider range in employment healthcare, Ohio with other locations and areas of the US, makes it an ideal employment circumstance for any kind of professionals.

For any state, the non-medical positions, the employment healthcare, other Ohio jobs with the hospitals and healthcare positions could be found in many different locations such as the internet, with the help of professional journals and other publications, through union posting and with internal memo's or even job vacancy listings. With the help of any of such services, the prospective job seekers would be assisted in determining whether they have qualifications required to apply for jobs and also if any position is available.

With the help of any one employment healthcare recruiting centers or agencies could also help narrowing down job searches to not just specific types of vacancies but also the benefits shown, hours of work, along with the retirement plans and other details which the job seeker shows interest in. Several healthcare employment services based in Ohio exists which could provide full or even part time employment. It could even provide the on-call or PRN healthcare professionals. Those people who are new to the place could find it sometimes very advantageous working as on-call medical staff member as it would allow contact with many hospitals on temporary basis. It would also make sure that the hospitals prove to be good match for employees. It would allow people who are new to the place to know about commuting to hospitals from the living location and also different specialized hospitals and also clinics within the area. As there are many options for the employment healthcare, the state of Ohio and other surrounding areas, the on-call option might be ideal.

Abhishek is a Career Counselor and he has got some great Career Planning Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 71 Pages Ebook, "Career Planning Made Easy!" from his website http://www.Career-Guru.com/769/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

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Using a Small Ad For Effective Yellow Page Advertising

I sold Yellow Page ads as a sales consultant for 25 years. During that time, I was on commission and therefore preached the value of larger ads in competitive headings. It made sense. If there are 10 full pages under, "Attorneys," and you wanted your fair share of business, then wouldn't it be smart to also choose the big ad for a big return? The problem was that not everyone could afford a full or even half-page ad. Let alone adding color for more impact. Yet every sales person will tell you that the largest ads draws the most customers.

Now that I'm retired, I can tell you the truth. Yes, larger ads are placed first and must be seen first, but are they the ones that people will always call first? Let's try a little experiment. Suppose you need a pair of nuts and bolts for a project. They cost about ten cents. Would you drive out of your way to go to Home Depot, or drop in your local hardware store where you could get in and out quickly? Now, for a larger purchase, you might end up at Home Depot, but here's the lesson. Larger isn't always better and there will always be a segment of the population that will gravitate to smaller ads for a variety of reasons.

They might be easier to read, have less copy or confusing pictures, and might convey a lower cost. Why? Because some people are convinced that smaller ads cost less and therefore the business might charge less. This is hardly true and I have dozens of examples of larger companies with full-page ads out-pricing the little guy because of purchasing power, the way Wal-Mart can beat the local merchant. But public perception can work in your favor if you are considering placing a small ad. In fact, many two by two inch display ads begin with, "Small Ad, Small Prices." It's a nice concept that sometimes works or sometimes doesn't. I have a few ideas for businesses with small ads and how they can still be competitive. It starts with the headline.

Let's assume you have an ad about two or three inches across, with little space to fill. It's going to have to do terrific job in attracting the reader, so let's get started. With a tiny space we need a big message. Think of what you are selling and what it means to the customer. Florists aren't really selling flowers, they are sending greetings and messages. And because we know you are a florist, listed under that heading, don't waste that space. Tell them something different like, "Worldwide Love" or "Budding Romances." Then list the best three things you offer and a huge phone number. Keep it simple and bold.

An insurance agent offers, "Peace of Mind." A dentist might suggest, "Smile Repairs." In every case, forget adding a picture or fancy border. Keep the type as large as possible and if you have a website, send them there. But have the phone number the final contact information, big and bold. Ignore adding color unless it's relatively cheap and concentrate on content instead. I have dozens of other ideas in my book, "Inside the Yellow Pages," on my website, http://www.poweradbook.com or off amazon.com. There are chapters on every part of your ad and tons of money-saving tips and secrets. It's small in price but large in effective ways to improve your ads.

Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master's Degree in teaching. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He authored a book about his directory years, "Inside the Yellow Pages" which can be seen at his website, http://www.poweradbook.com and he is officially retired.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Hauser

Artificial Intelligent Advertising Design Software Coming an Advertising Agency Near You

Today, advertising agencies are filled with creative design specialists that come up with some wonderfully creative ads and advertising campaigns, but in the future artificial intelligent advertising software will be doing all this; that right human artists will be out and computers are in. It's only a matter of time. Still, some folks deny this future, stating such things as "computers will never be able to match human creativity!" Oh really, says who?

Is it the same type of person who claimed a computer could never beat a chess champion? The reality is that computer software programs are already highly creative, and in many human endeavors they are out competing with humans. Some believe that computers will be able to tell jokes soon, do stand-up comedy routines that will have you rolling on the floor, and tell stories, write novels and even best the greatest human poetry of any age.

Computers can already write music, and some of it is quite good, of course, this makes sense because music is very mathematical, and what humans like in terms of sounds is predictable. Creative advertising also uses lots of mathematics, such as statistics, demographics, probability, and it applies these to irony, humor, and unique anomalies that shock, distract, and disrupt the intended view just long enough to make a statement, cement an image, and promote a brand name.

If anyone believes that artificially intelligent software will not be used to by-pass the middle man advertising agencies in the future, or that those ad agencies will not be using it themselves in the interim, simply does not understand advertising and/or artificial intelligence. So, please consider all this.

Lance Winslow is a retired franchisor - Lance Winslow's Bio Lance Winslow is formerly the CEO of WashGuys family of franchises for instance one of Lance Winslow's favorite companies on the team; http://www.windowwashguys.com/links.shtml

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow

Adjunct Professor Definition

The term adjunct professor is frequently used but many are unsure as to the adjunct professor definition. An adjunct professor is a person who teaches on the college level but is not a full-time professor. Rather, an adjunct professor works for an institution of higher learning on a part-time basis. They can teach only one or they can teach multiple courses during a semester. However, future courses are not assured. Adjuncts usually do not receive benefits such as health, life, or disability insurance nor do they receive employer contributions for retirement.

With increasing frequency, college-level courses are being taught by part-time faculty members rather than by full-time professors. This is because it is cheaper for the university to hire part-time faculty to teach than it is for full-time faculty. Full-time faculty do research, serve on committees, advise students, and, thus, they provide stability for the institution as well as teach. However, in an uncertain economic climate, full-time faculty lines remain unfilled or are being cancelled. Thus, many universities have had a reduction in the number of regular faculty. The responsibility to teach the courses being offered rests on the shoulders of their adjunct faculty members. Adjunct professors have no other duties except to teach. Thus, there are distinct advantages being a part-time instructor.

This creates an opportunity. We do not have to go the normal faculty route with all of its hassles. Rather, we can work as a professional adjunct. Adjuncts obtain teaching contracts relatively easy because it is solely need-based. Adjuncts can simultaneously teach several courses each for numerous institutions. This includes teaching online as well as on ground. Thus, an adjunct professor can earn more money than most full-time faculty members.

Get started earning a significant income as a part-time professor at: http://www.adjunctteachingonline.com/

Dr. Howard Rubin holds a BS, 3 masters degrees, a Ph.D., and was an NIH Postdoctoral Fellow. For 20 years, he was an environmental scientist and then started teaching as an adjunct professor. Dr. Rubin continuously increased the number of colleges and then started to teach online. He was able to substantially increase his income each year until his income goals were achieved and has been able to maintain this income level for more than ten years. Over the years, Dr. Rubin has helped many people to start careers as adjunct professors.

If you are serious about earning significant amounts of money as an adjunct then check out:

http://www.adjunctteachingonline.com/ right now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Howard_E._Rubin,_Ph.D.

Nobody Wants to Lead the Corporate Dance

Back in November, I wrote a post about the show The Office and how the anti-management attitude displayed on the show was affecting employees. Today, I got the following from Randstad, one of the two staffing firms that does annual workplace surveys which I quoted in the post. Their newest survey indicates the trend is growing:

"...Randstad released its annual World of Work report around the topic of managers and how businesses are finding themselves with a declining pool of trained managers. Not only do 51% of workers say they do not have qualified managers, 49% of workers want nothing to do with climbing the corporate ladder to management - especially those qualified to lead. Stress is the main deterrent for 82% of Gen X, Boomers and Mature workers while Gen Ys most fear managing disgruntled employees.

"To retain managers and head off a potential shortage, organizations need to rethink how they define and communicate managerial roles," says Eileen Habelow, Randstad Senior Vice President - Organizational Development. "Especially in periods of economic recessions, companies rely on managers to problem solve, drive productivity and innovation, motivate and provide opportunities for workers to learn new skills and achieve new successes. It's not just doom and gloom that managers are focusing on today. Companies need to be sure they are consistently reiterating managers' valuable contributions, not only to the company, but to the broader workforce."

I agree with Eileen that companies need to make the role of manager more appealing, but honestly folks....

Who's going to lead the corporate dance if everyone is too afraid (or, dare I say lazy) to step up and take charge? My guess is the 'stress' and 'disgruntled employee' issues that are making talent avoid taking on managerial responsibilities will get even worse. Take the concept to the extreme and it's like a vicious downward spiral in to a black hole of disengaged, unproductive workers and stalled businesses. They'll definitely be no dancing then! We are always giving management a hard time about being greedy, self-absorbed, out-of-touch and short-sighted, but maybe workers should take a look in the mirror and stop throwing stones at glass houses? FACT: If you don't want the job, then be ready for the consequences of having someone ill-equipped and power-hungry (there's an ugly combination) as your boss, a.k.a. dance partner. If everyone decides to leave managing to someone else, the pickings will be slim.

ATTN: The Corporate Dance Needs Lead Partners

Think of the manager/employee relationship like ballroom dancing. For it to work, one of the two has to lead. Otherwise, they'll be going in different directions. (FYI - Watch the movie 'Take the Lead' with Antonio Banderas for a fabulous explanation on the power of the lead/follow element of ballroom dancing.) In short, we need talent to face their fears (seek leadership opps), feel the music (get a pulse on the business) and practice the moves (study up on good management technique) so they can feel confident in their ability to lead the corporate dance without stress or fear.

So...who's with me?

Raise your hand if you are willing to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem. Take a communications class and learn to get along better with co-workers and management, volunteer to run a project, or read a leadership book or two.

And yes, I know past management errors (they've stepped on a lot of toes) makes it hard to want to step up to the corporate dance floor, BUT maybe that's just what's needed to get the dance looking good again - a chance to see it from the management side. Understanding brings compassion, and compassion strengthens partnerships. Appreciation for the role of management could help you feel better about your job and help you move forward, maybe even more gracefully, in your career.

J.T. O'Donnell is a nationally syndicated career expert, author and founder of CAREEREALISM.com. Her work has been noted by leading sources including, CareerBuilder.com and BusinessWeek.com for its timely, cutting-edge job search and career strategy advice for young professionals, ages 18-40. For more articles, visit her at http://www.CAREEREALISM.com today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JT_O'Donnell

Upside-Down Bell Curve = Opportunity Knocking For Job Seekers

I had a great conversation last week with a friend, Laurie Storey-Manseau. She owns an integrated marketing agency that specializes in web design and social media usage in NH. She's realized what many business owners have recently: We are just about on the other side of the recession's upside-down bell curve... and that means opportunity is knocking for everyone. Especially, for some job seekers.

You see, everyone is wondering when the recession will end - what really matters is when the recession has bottomed-out. After that, we start climbing UP, and with that comes a momentum in business that fuels some powerful (and positive!) results. Let's use Laurie as an example...

She knows many companies in her area cut staff in their marketing departments over the last year. As a result, the people who kept their jobs at those firms have been doing the work of 2-3 people. And we all know that when that happens, things start to deteriorate. Tasks get done incorrectly, sometimes not at all. The priority list gets revamped daily, and in the process, morale takes a beating and productivity slumps.

However...

Once the company sees it is stable and doesn't need to do any more layoffs, it eventually recognizes the need for help. Now, it can't afford to hire full-time, or even part-time employees yet. So you know what they do? They hire a company and assign them project work that will get the business back on track. Here's an analogy: It's like letting your house get so dirty that you can't possibly clean it by yourself. You bring in an expert to scour and get it back to a manageable place so you can maintain it again.

And this is where the 'opportunity' part comes in for you, the job seeker...

Many companies, like Laurie's, are going to start to hire new business development superstars. People who see the potential in front of them. I'm talking about those folks who know it's time to knock on corporate doors and subtly say,

"I know it's been really tough the last year and your remaining staff must be exhausted. Have you considered outsourcing a project or two just to get your productivity levels back up and to help the staff feel like they can breath a bit? Also, could you use some fresh ideas and new faces to help your organization feel empowered, but don't want the added employment expense? If so, then I've got a solution for you."

Can see yourself helping people who are over-worked and stressed-out? Then you need to consider sales. And commission-only sales jobs at that. Here's why...

FACT: It's hunting season!

In times like these, everyone is looking for the safe, salaried job. They trust themselves but not their potential customers to put food on their tables. And yet, if you enter the commission-only job market at the right time during a recession, the payoff can be huge. Not only does your product and/or service become a welcomed breath of fresh air to your clients, you are generally well-compensated for being the hunter of new business. Why? Commission structures to acquire new accounts are historically greater than those involved in maintaining an existing account because the first is considered harder than the second. But is it? Not if you enter the market now and start to build your relationships with companies! It's a timing thing that can pay off big for the right person.

Here's what to look for in a good commission-only job:

1) Make sure you LOVE what the company sells and can see how it would benefit others immensely. (ie. solve problems, make life significantly better, etc.)

2) Walk through the commission structure (the formula for your compensation) and get several concrete examples of what needs to be sold to get paid.

3) Confirm when you get paid and how you get paid.

4) Discuss and make sure you are comfortable with the average time it takes to make a sale. Long sales cycles mean you'll be waiting even longer for your commission.

Why do companies offer commission-only jobs? Well, obviously some of them can't afford to add staff without knowing there will be income to support paying them. Additionally, for many companies, setting up a commission-only job opportunity ensures they get a committed and confident employee who is highly motivated to produce results. AND, to ensure that, they make the commission payout extremely attractive so you are passionate about acquiring new clients. Again, that's where the chance to clean up in this economy comes into play. You help others and get paid well for doing it.

HATE the idea of going into sales? Read this...

I was given great advice by one of my mentors early in life. He said,

"At some point in your career, regardless of what you want to do, you should sell. It is one of the most vital functions of a business. Without new customers, a business doesn't exist. Subsequently, learning to sell will make you a better employee because you'll always think of your work as it relates to the customer's needs."

I heeded that advice and, I have to say, it is correct. Learning to sell is challenging, but professionally rewarding. So, explore commission-only jobs right now. You may just find one that is perfect for you!

J.T. O'Donnell is a nationally syndicated career expert, author and founder of CAREEREALISM.com. Her work has been noted by leading sources including, CareerBuilder.com and BusinessWeek.com for its timely, cutting-edge job search and career strategy advice for young professionals, ages 18-40. For more articles, visit her at http://www.CAREEREALISM.com today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JT_O'Donnell

Career Advice - Tension's Brewing Over Internet Use - Know the Rules

There's tension building between employers and their staffs over use of the Internet at work for both personal and business uses.

Younger staffers, who are usually more tech-savvy than their bosses, are pushing for more access to social networking and others sites, both for work purposes and for when they'd like to take a break from their jobs.

At the same time, many are finding that the sites they are expected to use for researching and communicating for work are blocked; and they are unable to take a break to read a news story on line or check their personal e-mail or social network accounts.

Meanwhile, employers want the advantage of Internet technology, but are concerned about security for confidential competitive information, time being wasted and legal exposure. The result is that many lean toward blocking all or most access.

Career Tip: The Boss Is Always Watching

According to a study by the American Management Association, 76% of the companies surveyed monitor Internet usage; 55% store and review e-mail; 51% use video surveillance; 50% store and review computer usage;
22% record telephone calls

"Wide-open Internet access is the risky approach," says Chris King, Palo Alto Network. "But to close off all access is "increasingly untenable for cultural and business reasons."

The wise careerist makes sure he understands his employer's policy before blogging, tweeting, sending personal e-mails, to say nothing of watching sports and downloading movies. (Nearly half of U.S. employers have policies against visiting personal networking or video sharing sites during work hours.) If there's not a policy in place, he ask for guidance. He can be sure that his employer is probably looking over his shoulder, stated policy or not.

Career Guidelines

The Associated Press offers career guidelines for using the web and other electronic devices at work:

• Remember that anything you do on a company-issued computer or cell phone--in or out of the office--could be tracked by a boss, the courts or a regulator. Many employers monitor web site use, keystrokes, instant messages and e-mail. Some even archive text messages on work cell phones.

• Avoid mentioning your company, boss or co-workers in outline postings unless you have permission to do so.

• Avoid using any device to take or transmit any company-related photos, videos or other recordings without permission from management. This rule includes any images of company buildings or logos and embarrassing or unprofessional photos of co-workers or clients.

• Know your company's policy on social networking, video web sites, e-mail and other tech-related activities.

• Regularly delete personal e-mail from your work account.

• Remember when searching for a job that many employers check social networking sites, blogs and other online activity.

The wise careerist follows two pieces of common sense career advice:

1. Know the rules your employer is enforcing for use of electronic devices.

2. Never post anything on a company-owned electronic device that you wouldn't want to appear on the bulletin boards where you work.

You can get coaching on how to protect and advance your career in tough time by subscribing to Ramon Greenwood's free semimonthly newsletter, THE CAREER ACCELERATOR (c). As a bonus you'll receive the 16-page e-book, HOW TO GET A RAISE (c) click: http://www.commonsenseatwork.com. For much more free career coaching, visit YOUR BLOG FOR CAREER ADVICE. Click Here. http://commonsenseatwork.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ramon_Greenwood

Career Advice - How to Win the Chase For a Job

No matter how you look at it, hunting for a job is hard work. In fact, there's nothing easy about it, particularly in troubled times. There is never a smooth path between effort and reward. Setbacks and frustration are the order of the day. Success requires discipline, consistency of effort, energy and a big dose of positive thinking.

"It's easy to get discouraged, because in this market, getting hired will take longer than you thought," declares Tory Johnson, chief executive officer of Women For Hire and author of "Fired to Hired: Bouncing Back From Job Loss To Get To Work Right Now." "The danger is that you'll stop trying and start slacking."

There are 12 actions you can take to survive and prosper in the job marathon.

1. Recognize that it will take time--probably longer than you might have thought--to land a good job that fits your career plan.

2. Recognize that hunting a job is a job itself and act accordingly.

• Establish and organize a workspace. Get the supplies you need such as printed stationery and business cards to create a first class resume and cover letter.
• Keep regular hours at work just as if you were on a regular job.
• Dress as you would for a regular job.

3. Back off and put your situation in perspective. It's not the end of the world. You are the same person, with all of your assets, you were before you lost your last job

4. Make a plan. Take an inventory of where you are in your career. Set goals as to where you would like to be at some point in the career future, say three years. Determine what it will take to fill the gap between those points.

5. Take at least one specific, measurable step toward you goal of getting a job each day.

6. Get your finances in order. Set a budget and stick to it.

7. Don't go it alone; secure help. Your former employer many offer assistance in relocating. There are various resources from government agencies, libraries, churches and civic groups that provide help.

Reach out to mentors, associates in the world of work, and friends for advice and support. Consider employing a career coach if your budget permits.

8. Keep your head screwed on. Get rid of anger and regret over the job you lost. The only thing that counts is what you accomplish going forward.

"Optimism alone won't get you a job, but pessimism will keep you unemployed longer," according to Ms. Johnson. "In competing against high-caliber people, you have to have the right attitude as well as the right skills."

9. Keep a running list of your accomplishments in your campaign to get a job. Reward yourself for each step forward with a hamburger or a full dinner out, depending on your budget; go out for a movie; take time out to watch television or read a good book.

10. Keep up to date with developments in your field of work. Learn new skills in your field or in an area you would like to move to.

11. Avoid the couch; stay active with some form of exercise.

12. Finally, keep on keeping on. Remember, chances are you are running a marathon, not a 100-yard dash.

Learn how to protect and advance your career in tough times. For career advice, subscribe to Ramon Greenwood's free semimonthly newsletter, THE CAREER ACCELERATOR (c). As a bonus you'll receive the 16-page e-book, HOW TO GET A RAISE (c) click: http://www.commonsenseatwork.com For much more free career coaching, visit YOUR BLOG FOR CAREER ADVICE: http://commonsenseatwork.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ramon_Greenwood

Printed Calico Bags - A Fashion Statement For Your Business

Getting a promotion activity for a young business is an arduous task of constantly testing the water and coming up with certain solutions intended to help the business get off the ground. For most people, when the question of promotion is raised, the most obvious remedy is to advertise, although some holds reservation as to just how effective the method could be.

For some people, an innovative and useful way to promote is to give out promo items with the company name or logo printed on it. As such, a wide range of materials have been used for the purpose. However, for the fashion-conscious person, none can match the usefulness and beauty of printed calico bags.

What a Calico Bag Is

Calico bags have different meanings in different societies. In some areas, the name refers to woven textiles, while in some areas it refers to using recycled materials for making bags. Still in some areas, it refers to an inexpensive cotton fabric that is used in making bags and embroidered with floral designs.

Although they are inexpensive and may not be as sturdy as leather bags, printed calico bags are nonetheless aesthetically appealing because of the intricate patterns and designs embroidered on them. And in times of economic recessions, calico bags take prominence as it is in tune with the thrifty mood of the time.

Promotional Tool for Your Business

Printed Calico bags are not only used as great fashion accessories, they are also an excellent tool in promotion. A calico bag with the company's name or logo printed on it is like having a walking billboard. The advertisement travels with the bag.

Because calico bags are most likely to be seen in fashion circles, the company gets an added mileage in advertisement. The presence of promotional bags made of calico in social and formal gatherings signifies a degree of sophistication for the company. It is this promotional kick that businesses want to help their company zoom ahead in the competition.

Printed calico bags indeed will make a great promotional tool. However, one has to bear in mind the need to correlate the bag to the audience intended to be the recipients of the bag. For example, because women are more conscious of fashion than men, it may not be wise to hand out the bags to a male client because the appreciation will not be as sound compared with what one will get when the bag is given to a woman.

Matthew Zande is an advertising and marketing expert. He is widely knowledgeable about promotional products, corporate gifts, and the like for which people have the need or want to possess. There are so many products that fill the gap between "wanting" and "needing," and people should be aware of the many choices they have when it comes to merchandising items. Finding the right product for the right interest is the key to the world of merchandising, and his articles help shed some much-needed light on what products work for what people.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Zande

Rebrand Your Company to Boost Your Bottom Line

When asked, most business owners will admit that their companies have changed, adapted and evolved over time, to better serve their clients needs. These natural course corrections will often lead to entirely new products and services, yet the original corporate identity often remains in place. This old, static image can be confusing at best and costly at worst.

• Only a tiny fraction of Radio Shack's sales comes from radios.
• Southwest Airlines flies all over the U.S.
• Burlington Coat Factory sells more than just coats (and has used a good deal of marketing budget to drive that message home)
• CompUSA (Computers in the United States?) filed for bankruptcy while Best Buy continues on.

One sure sign that you may need to rebrand is if you find yourself continually explaining what your company really does. Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing had to rebrand to 3M to accommodate their growth into other areas. Kentucky Fried Chicken rebadged to KFC, allowing them to expand their menu and avoid the negative connotations of "fried" foods.

Another way to look at the issue is to think in terms of a drag co-efficient. If your company brand is outdated, inaccurate or misleading, estimate how much more advertising it requires to explain and clarify the message -- 20%, 30%, more? And what about lost opportunity costs of potential clients who simply don't consider your company when it comes to buying your products and services. Would most consumers know that The Company Store sells bedding, bath accessories and sleepwear?

One solution? Make the shift from a product-identified name to a metaphor type name. For example, rather than having a name such as Muffler City, which keeps you locked into one category, consider the example of Midas Muffler, which plays off King Midas's golden touch to convey excellence in workmanship. When Midas expanded from mufflers to brakes and shocks, they didn't need to change their name. In fact, they simplified it to Midas.

Apple also chose wisely, which allowed them to officially drop the word "Computers" from their name last year and expand into music. Amazon used the image of rich diversity and abundance, and their product line expanded to fit the image. Books-A-Million, a product-identified brand name, works hard to let consumers know they also sell kids toys and coffee mugs.

Another alternative when rebranding a company is to go with a key attribute name. These timeless names work well even when your products and services change. They focus on the benefit behind your company and not the goods it currently offers. Examples include the previously mentioned Best Buy, as well as Sir Speedy, Priceline, Service Masters, TruValue, Comfort Inn, etc. By aligning with your core benefit, you can continually modify your service offerings without having to change your company name.

Re-branding your business can improve your bottom line by conveying your company's core value and brand message. It can shift your sales team's focus from a defensive posture (i.e. explaining common misconceptions about your company,) to a more productive discussion of your key benefits and solutions. If you find yourself limited by a product identified, or geographically-identified company name, rebranding offers the opportunity to clarify your image, while allowing room for future growth.

Phil Davis is president and owner of Tungsten Branding, company rebranding consultants specializing in brand creation, product naming, tag line development, corporate identity and comprehensive brand repositioning. Phil's client list includes PODS, Team Logic IT and Sea Of Diamonds to name a few. His complete client list and company naming philosophy can be viewed at http://PureTungsten.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phillip_Davis

Rebrand Your Company to Boost Your Bottom Line

When asked, most business owners will admit that their companies have changed, adapted and evolved over time, to better serve their clients needs. These natural course corrections will often lead to entirely new products and services, yet the original corporate identity often remains in place. This old, static image can be confusing at best and costly at worst.

• Only a tiny fraction of Radio Shack's sales comes from radios.
• Southwest Airlines flies all over the U.S.
• Burlington Coat Factory sells more than just coats (and has used a good deal of marketing budget to drive that message home)
• CompUSA (Computers in the United States?) filed for bankruptcy while Best Buy continues on.

One sure sign that you may need to rebrand is if you find yourself continually explaining what your company really does. Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing had to rebrand to 3M to accommodate their growth into other areas. Kentucky Fried Chicken rebadged to KFC, allowing them to expand their menu and avoid the negative connotations of "fried" foods.

Another way to look at the issue is to think in terms of a drag co-efficient. If your company brand is outdated, inaccurate or misleading, estimate how much more advertising it requires to explain and clarify the message -- 20%, 30%, more? And what about lost opportunity costs of potential clients who simply don't consider your company when it comes to buying your products and services. Would most consumers know that The Company Store sells bedding, bath accessories and sleepwear?

One solution? Make the shift from a product-identified name to a metaphor type name. For example, rather than having a name such as Muffler City, which keeps you locked into one category, consider the example of Midas Muffler, which plays off King Midas's golden touch to convey excellence in workmanship. When Midas expanded from mufflers to brakes and shocks, they didn't need to change their name. In fact, they simplified it to Midas.

Apple also chose wisely, which allowed them to officially drop the word "Computers" from their name last year and expand into music. Amazon used the image of rich diversity and abundance, and their product line expanded to fit the image. Books-A-Million, a product-identified brand name, works hard to let consumers know they also sell kids toys and coffee mugs.

Another alternative when rebranding a company is to go with a key attribute name. These timeless names work well even when your products and services change. They focus on the benefit behind your company and not the goods it currently offers. Examples include the previously mentioned Best Buy, as well as Sir Speedy, Priceline, Service Masters, TruValue, Comfort Inn, etc. By aligning with your core benefit, you can continually modify your service offerings without having to change your company name.

Re-branding your business can improve your bottom line by conveying your company's core value and brand message. It can shift your sales team's focus from a defensive posture (i.e. explaining common misconceptions about your company,) to a more productive discussion of your key benefits and solutions. If you find yourself limited by a product identified, or geographically-identified company name, rebranding offers the opportunity to clarify your image, while allowing room for future growth.

Phil Davis is president and owner of Tungsten Branding, company rebranding consultants specializing in brand creation, product naming, tag line development, corporate identity and comprehensive brand repositioning. Phil's client list includes PODS, Team Logic IT and Sea Of Diamonds to name a few. His complete client list and company naming philosophy can be viewed at http://PureTungsten.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phillip_Davis

Payroll Solution - Available Products and Services

When running a small business, you want to make everything as simple as possible. One way to do this is by outsourcing your payroll responsibilities. What you can expect from this is more than just a person to write your paychecks. You can have them handle as little or as much as you want. Of course, the more you hand over, the more free time you have to grow your business.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect from this type of payroll solution:

* Paychecks-First and foremost, they handle the distribution of your employee's pay. This can be done in a variety of ways-paper, direct deposit, down-load to you for printing, etc.

* Registers-For your convenience, they can also maintain registers for deductions, attendance and time cards, tax liabilities, year-to-date payroll, and new hires.

* Government Forms-They are very important. Payroll management companies can handle your quarterly tax filings and unemployment forms for the state and federal governments. You receive notices regarding any tax payments and filings.

* Reports-They can maintain 401K information, workman's comp claims and payouts, the general ledger report, new hire information, tracking of vacations and sick leave, and more.

* Other payments-You can also set your vendors up for payment as well.

The great thing is that you do not have to worry about being able to access all of this information. No phone calls or letters requesting updates are needed. Thanks to technology and the Internet, you can log-in to your files anytime. And, because you have outsourced the work, you don't have to go digging through filing cabinets or stacks of papers for the information-just click and log-in. Easy huh? It is a fast and easy way to make sure that all of your files are up-to-date.

Here are some of the things you can monitor and change from your computer:

* Employee hours-This is vital for correct payment.

* Employee tax information-It is important to make sure withholding data is current, especially if an employee's situation has changed.

* Track overtime-Helps keep unnecessary expenses down and lets you know if there is any abuse going on.

* Shift scheduling and breaks-Lets you know where everyone is and the state labor regulations are being followed.

* Employee benefits-Makes sure everyone is getting what is required.

* Vacations and holiday pay-Very important since the employee is not there to clock in for pay. It must be logged in by you.

* Storage for e-mail and other documents-Paper trails and references.

Outsourcing is a great payroll solution-just a few minutes to input information and send. You know you have a reliable staff handling your account with expertise. Plus, they are saving you money by not having to hire staff to handle it. You simply pay a rate dependent on the services you want. As your business grows, you can always add services. Now, what is your plan about spending all the free time? The possibilities are endless and can only be positive for the future of your business.

If you are running a small business and want to outsource your payroll responsibilities Louisiana payroll processing outsourcing services is the best choice. Get superior service and actionable results. Expect 100 percent accuracy. For details, visit http://www.payrollrx.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton