Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
TIDBITS-3
T.I.D. – Today’s Inspirational Devotion
"None will improve your lot if you yourself do not." – Bertolt Brecht
Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956) was a German playwright known for his politically infused, intentionally stagy plays. During World War I, he worked as a hospital orderly in Munich, and developed so-called epic theater, which strives for audience detachment rather than emotional reactions. After fleeing the Nazi regime for Denmark and then the US, he returned to Germany after World War II.
B.I.T.S - Business Improvement Tips & Strategies
Who Are Your Customers – The 4 Types
When you hear the word “Customer,” what comes to mind?
• People may think in terms of specific people
• Or, types of people that they deal with.
• Or, types of people they would like to deal with (the ideal customer),
• Or think of issues or problems that customers bring to the business (customers can be a pain, or if I didn’t have customers to worry about, then business would be great)
The most obvious customer is “the end-user”, the person or people that have a need and who turn to the business seeking some product or some service to fill the need. This is the easiest answer, the person who pays for the service/product.
A good question to ask here is, “At the end of the day, what is the most important thing that the business has to provide, what is it that the service or product has to produce? The answer is, “Profit.” And who depends on the Profit? That would be the owner.
Therefore, the first and most important Customer is the “Owner.” If the owner’s need is not served, then the business will eventually fail and the product/service will no longer be available for consumers. The business has to give the owner what he/she wants from the business in order for the owner to stay in business!
Every business relies on a team – whether it is actual employees/team members, or people that assist the owner either through out-sourcing or in a advisory role. In order to keep these people fulfilled and providing whatever services they do to help the business succeed and the “end-users” getting the product/service they want, these people have to have their needs served by providing good compensation, recognition, or other rewards. Therefor, the “Team” is the 2nd Customer.
If suppliers are not taken care of, then they stop providing the supplies. a manufacturing business, this could be the supplier of raw ingredients or packaging. In all businesses this could be the telephone company or the electrical company, or any of the other multitudes of suppliers of services or products. If they are not paid and taken care of, then the supplies get shut off and the business disappears. This is why the “Suppliers” are the 3rd Customer.
The final Customer is the End-User or Consumer. If this person is not receiving the best product and best service at a competative price, then they stop coming to the business and all the other Customers will eventually feel the pain. If this person is a Raving Fan, then they keep coming back, they send referrals, they market your business for you.
Why is this exercise important? If we only think of the End-User as the customer, we have a chance of not taking care of those we depend on to help us take care of the end-user as best as we can.
The rationale here is to get us thinking about treating everyone that our business depends on as customers in order to ensure that we do what is necessary to take care of them --- including ourselves the Owners. If the business is not providing us with what we need, then how likely is it that our business will survive?
"None will improve your lot if you yourself do not." – Bertolt Brecht
Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956) was a German playwright known for his politically infused, intentionally stagy plays. During World War I, he worked as a hospital orderly in Munich, and developed so-called epic theater, which strives for audience detachment rather than emotional reactions. After fleeing the Nazi regime for Denmark and then the US, he returned to Germany after World War II.
B.I.T.S - Business Improvement Tips & Strategies
Who Are Your Customers – The 4 Types
When you hear the word “Customer,” what comes to mind?
• People may think in terms of specific people
• Or, types of people that they deal with.
• Or, types of people they would like to deal with (the ideal customer),
• Or think of issues or problems that customers bring to the business (customers can be a pain, or if I didn’t have customers to worry about, then business would be great)
The most obvious customer is “the end-user”, the person or people that have a need and who turn to the business seeking some product or some service to fill the need. This is the easiest answer, the person who pays for the service/product.
A good question to ask here is, “At the end of the day, what is the most important thing that the business has to provide, what is it that the service or product has to produce? The answer is, “Profit.” And who depends on the Profit? That would be the owner.
Therefore, the first and most important Customer is the “Owner.” If the owner’s need is not served, then the business will eventually fail and the product/service will no longer be available for consumers. The business has to give the owner what he/she wants from the business in order for the owner to stay in business!
Every business relies on a team – whether it is actual employees/team members, or people that assist the owner either through out-sourcing or in a advisory role. In order to keep these people fulfilled and providing whatever services they do to help the business succeed and the “end-users” getting the product/service they want, these people have to have their needs served by providing good compensation, recognition, or other rewards. Therefor, the “Team” is the 2nd Customer.
If suppliers are not taken care of, then they stop providing the supplies. a manufacturing business, this could be the supplier of raw ingredients or packaging. In all businesses this could be the telephone company or the electrical company, or any of the other multitudes of suppliers of services or products. If they are not paid and taken care of, then the supplies get shut off and the business disappears. This is why the “Suppliers” are the 3rd Customer.
The final Customer is the End-User or Consumer. If this person is not receiving the best product and best service at a competative price, then they stop coming to the business and all the other Customers will eventually feel the pain. If this person is a Raving Fan, then they keep coming back, they send referrals, they market your business for you.
Why is this exercise important? If we only think of the End-User as the customer, we have a chance of not taking care of those we depend on to help us take care of the end-user as best as we can.
The rationale here is to get us thinking about treating everyone that our business depends on as customers in order to ensure that we do what is necessary to take care of them --- including ourselves the Owners. If the business is not providing us with what we need, then how likely is it that our business will survive?
Monday, January 19, 2009
TIDBITS-2
T.I.D. – Today’s Inspirational Devotion
"Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best." – Marva Collins
Marva Collins (1936–) Has appeared on 60 Minutes and Good Morning America, and is known as an American educator who pioneered progressive education for disadvantaged children. In her 20's, Marva moved to Chicago, where she founded a school for children who were at risk. After one year, every child tested at least five grades higher. Many public schools have successfully implemented her methods.
B.I.T.S - Business Improvement Tips & Strategies
The Social Network Phenomena
What is a Social Network?
Through social networking, people can use networks of online friends and group memberships to keep in touch with current friends, reconnect with old friends or create real–life friendships through similar interests or groups. Besides establishing important social relationships, social networking members can share their interests with other like–minded members by joining groups and forums. Some networking can also help members find a job or establish business contacts.
Where did Social Networks come from?
Through social networking, people can use networks of online friends and group memberships to keep in touch with current friends, reconnect with old friends or create real–life friendships through similar interests or groups. Besides establishing important social relationships, social networking members can share their interests with other like–minded members by joining groups and forums. Some networking can also help members find a job or establish business contacts.
Why use Social Network?
Through social networking, people can use networks of online friends and group memberships to keep in touch with current friends, reconnect with old friends or create real–life friendships through similar interests or groups. Besides establishing important social relationships, social networking members can share their interests with other like–minded members by joining groups and forums. Some networking can also help members find a job or establish business contacts.
Most social networking websites also offer additional features. In addition to blogs and forums, members can express themselves by designing their profile page to reflect their personality. The most popular extra features include music and video sections. Members can read bios of their favorite music artists from the artist's profile page as well as listen to their favorite songs and watch music videos. The video section can include everything from member–generated videos from hundreds of subjects to TV clips and movie trailers.
Which Social Network is the best?
There are literally hundreds to choose from with some of the most popular being MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. If you are a blogger attracting readers it is of the utmost importance. As a result, joining these networking sites is a must.
The phenomenon of online social networking was made extremely popular by MySpace. It has evolved to include more than the teenage stereotype looking to expand his/her network of online friends. People of all ages and backgrounds have discovered that they can enrich their lives through the contacts they make on a social networking website. Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate Social Networking websites.
• Profiles - The heart and soul of social networking sites are user’s personal profiles. It’s like their own Internet sanctuary, a place where they can express their thoughts and feelings, post photographs and show off their network of friends. The most popular social network websites put a strong emphasis on the user’s profile, making it easy to use yet still reflective of the user’s personality.
• Networking Features – A good social network goes above and beyond just allowing users to post profiles and update pictures. Additional features should include music sections, video uploads, groups and more.
• Search - The object of a social network is to find friends and expand relationships. Top social networking websites allows members to search for other members in a safe and easy to use environment. Common search functions include search by name, city, school and email address.
• Legitimate Friend Focus - The growing trend for social networks is to communicate and keep in touch with people you already know. No one wants to be inundated with unsolicited spam friend requests. The best social network sites keep profiles and search options private enough that the only people that can find you are the ones actually looking for users in their own school or neighborhood networks. Even with a completely public profile, users shouldn’t be bothered with more than a couple of unsolicited comments or messages.
• Security - The Internet can be a dangerous place to post personal information. All social networks should provide the ability to set profiles to private in some way or another. Additionally they should have the ability to report and block users.
• Help/Support - Most social network sites are self-explanatory. However, in the off-chance a user needs help there needs to be some way to contact the webmaster or answers in an FAQs section.
For more information visit: http://social-networking-websites-review.toptenreviews.com
Stay tuned in for announcements on our upcoming course series on taping into the power of social media and developing a viral marketing strategy.
"Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best." – Marva Collins
Marva Collins (1936–) Has appeared on 60 Minutes and Good Morning America, and is known as an American educator who pioneered progressive education for disadvantaged children. In her 20's, Marva moved to Chicago, where she founded a school for children who were at risk. After one year, every child tested at least five grades higher. Many public schools have successfully implemented her methods.
B.I.T.S - Business Improvement Tips & Strategies
The Social Network Phenomena
What is a Social Network?
Through social networking, people can use networks of online friends and group memberships to keep in touch with current friends, reconnect with old friends or create real–life friendships through similar interests or groups. Besides establishing important social relationships, social networking members can share their interests with other like–minded members by joining groups and forums. Some networking can also help members find a job or establish business contacts.
Where did Social Networks come from?
Through social networking, people can use networks of online friends and group memberships to keep in touch with current friends, reconnect with old friends or create real–life friendships through similar interests or groups. Besides establishing important social relationships, social networking members can share their interests with other like–minded members by joining groups and forums. Some networking can also help members find a job or establish business contacts.
Why use Social Network?
Through social networking, people can use networks of online friends and group memberships to keep in touch with current friends, reconnect with old friends or create real–life friendships through similar interests or groups. Besides establishing important social relationships, social networking members can share their interests with other like–minded members by joining groups and forums. Some networking can also help members find a job or establish business contacts.
Most social networking websites also offer additional features. In addition to blogs and forums, members can express themselves by designing their profile page to reflect their personality. The most popular extra features include music and video sections. Members can read bios of their favorite music artists from the artist's profile page as well as listen to their favorite songs and watch music videos. The video section can include everything from member–generated videos from hundreds of subjects to TV clips and movie trailers.
Which Social Network is the best?
There are literally hundreds to choose from with some of the most popular being MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. If you are a blogger attracting readers it is of the utmost importance. As a result, joining these networking sites is a must.
The phenomenon of online social networking was made extremely popular by MySpace. It has evolved to include more than the teenage stereotype looking to expand his/her network of online friends. People of all ages and backgrounds have discovered that they can enrich their lives through the contacts they make on a social networking website. Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate Social Networking websites.
• Profiles - The heart and soul of social networking sites are user’s personal profiles. It’s like their own Internet sanctuary, a place where they can express their thoughts and feelings, post photographs and show off their network of friends. The most popular social network websites put a strong emphasis on the user’s profile, making it easy to use yet still reflective of the user’s personality.
• Networking Features – A good social network goes above and beyond just allowing users to post profiles and update pictures. Additional features should include music sections, video uploads, groups and more.
• Search - The object of a social network is to find friends and expand relationships. Top social networking websites allows members to search for other members in a safe and easy to use environment. Common search functions include search by name, city, school and email address.
• Legitimate Friend Focus - The growing trend for social networks is to communicate and keep in touch with people you already know. No one wants to be inundated with unsolicited spam friend requests. The best social network sites keep profiles and search options private enough that the only people that can find you are the ones actually looking for users in their own school or neighborhood networks. Even with a completely public profile, users shouldn’t be bothered with more than a couple of unsolicited comments or messages.
• Security - The Internet can be a dangerous place to post personal information. All social networks should provide the ability to set profiles to private in some way or another. Additionally they should have the ability to report and block users.
• Help/Support - Most social network sites are self-explanatory. However, in the off-chance a user needs help there needs to be some way to contact the webmaster or answers in an FAQs section.
For more information visit: http://social-networking-websites-review.toptenreviews.com
Stay tuned in for announcements on our upcoming course series on taping into the power of social media and developing a viral marketing strategy.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
TIDBITS-1
Ok, for those of you who love acronyms, I’ve decided to title these weekly blogs TIDBITS which stands for Today’s Inspirational Devotion + Business Improvement Tips & Strategies. The idea for posting this came out of a networking group I belong to that is comprised of business owners and professionals that share in the mentality of abundance. We want to help each other succeed and take our businesses to the next level - so we freely share information, opinions, and advice to anyone who cares to listen, wants to learn, and is willing to take action to improve their business and their life.
Each week, this post will include a quote that provides some inspiration, and a tip for improving your business. I’ve gathered a ton of information from various business resources and want to thank in advance all of my friends and colleagues who have helped contribute to this content. Please comment with your thoughts, input, and any ideas you have for future posts… ENJOY!
T.I.D. – Today’s Inspirational Devotion
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust
Marcel Proust (1871–1922) was a French novelist, essayist and critic, best known as the author of À la recherche du temps perdu (in English, Remembrance of Things Past), a monumental work of twentieth-century fiction.
B.I.T.S - Business Improvement Tips & Strategies
Advertising that works… Telling people the reason why you are doing something is one of the most powerful influencers of human behavior. We are a “need-to-know” society, and by simply including the words ‘because’ or ‘reason why’ in all your promotions, will trigger a magic response in people.
Whatever you’re selling, tell people why you are promoting the offer, let them “behind the scenes” at your business. For example:
• You are overstocked on an item because you ordered late in the season.
• You had a flood and need to liquidate (pardon the pun) your inventory.
• You want to get tremendous testimonials back from your clients.
Whatever the reason - tell them the truth. Don’t be mysterious about your business. If you’re lowering the price, nobody thinks you’re doing it just because you’re “such a nice guy,” so let people in on the reason why. This may go against traditional thinking, but I promise if you give people a good, believable, and honest reason why they should spend their money with you, they will respond favorably, and you’ll sell much more than you normally would.
Each week, this post will include a quote that provides some inspiration, and a tip for improving your business. I’ve gathered a ton of information from various business resources and want to thank in advance all of my friends and colleagues who have helped contribute to this content. Please comment with your thoughts, input, and any ideas you have for future posts… ENJOY!
T.I.D. – Today’s Inspirational Devotion
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust
Marcel Proust (1871–1922) was a French novelist, essayist and critic, best known as the author of À la recherche du temps perdu (in English, Remembrance of Things Past), a monumental work of twentieth-century fiction.
B.I.T.S - Business Improvement Tips & Strategies
Advertising that works… Telling people the reason why you are doing something is one of the most powerful influencers of human behavior. We are a “need-to-know” society, and by simply including the words ‘because’ or ‘reason why’ in all your promotions, will trigger a magic response in people.
Whatever you’re selling, tell people why you are promoting the offer, let them “behind the scenes” at your business. For example:
• You are overstocked on an item because you ordered late in the season.
• You had a flood and need to liquidate (pardon the pun) your inventory.
• You want to get tremendous testimonials back from your clients.
Whatever the reason - tell them the truth. Don’t be mysterious about your business. If you’re lowering the price, nobody thinks you’re doing it just because you’re “such a nice guy,” so let people in on the reason why. This may go against traditional thinking, but I promise if you give people a good, believable, and honest reason why they should spend their money with you, they will respond favorably, and you’ll sell much more than you normally would.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Got Goals?
Here we go folks - a new year, a new opportunity, a new approach... My goals for 2009 are:
1. Tap into the world wide web's Social Network potential
2. Give clients my best... my very best... my very, very best
3. Promote the importance of Entreprenurial education for youth and adults
4. Practice my I.V.V.M.'s daily (Idealize, Visualize, Verbalize, Materialize)
5. Maintain an attitude of gratitude
6. Blog, blog, blog
7. Turn up the heat - '212 Degrees' in business and in life
8. Attend my 30 year High School reunion
9. Travel to Australia
10. Help EYEclub expand throughout the State, the Nation, and the World
11. Consistently live "above-the-line"
12. Meet the President of the United States - GOD BLESS AMERICA
So there it is, my first official Blog for 2009 - I've got my goals... Do you have yours?
1. Tap into the world wide web's Social Network potential
2. Give clients my best... my very best... my very, very best
3. Promote the importance of Entreprenurial education for youth and adults
4. Practice my I.V.V.M.'s daily (Idealize, Visualize, Verbalize, Materialize)
5. Maintain an attitude of gratitude
6. Blog, blog, blog
7. Turn up the heat - '212 Degrees' in business and in life
8. Attend my 30 year High School reunion
9. Travel to Australia
10. Help EYEclub expand throughout the State, the Nation, and the World
11. Consistently live "above-the-line"
12. Meet the President of the United States - GOD BLESS AMERICA
So there it is, my first official Blog for 2009 - I've got my goals... Do you have yours?
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