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Most professionals take pride in the work they do. Dealing with complaints is often challenging and upsetting. It is very natural to try to explain or justify what was done. The suggestions I have made in this list are not easy to do in the heat of a situation. So when you hear a complaint about you or your business/practice perhaps the best strategy is to count to ten and then do some of the following:

1. Listen – Resist the temptation to argue with the client. Instead ask questions to get to the bottom of the situation. What is the client really upset about? Show the client that you really understand the situation from the client’s perspective.

2. Don’t be defensive – This will get in the way of your listening to the client. Allow the client the time and space to be heard. If you get defensive you’ll build a wall between you and the client. Try to find ways to build a bridge so that you are aligned with the client.

3. If you agree that it was a mistake, fix it immediately or do what you can to satisfy the client and apologize. We all make mistakes at times. Check to see if there is anything in your office procedure that can help you to avoid a similar mistake again.

4. For a more complex issue research the problem before you make any decisions. Find out what actually happened. Is a system in your office not working correctly? Does it need to be fixed? Has the client misunderstood something? Give yourself time to figure out a fair resolution.

5. Look for lessons in the situation – If the situation was caused by something you or your staff control, find a way to fix it for the future. This means assessing the systems you have in place and your methods and procedures. It also may mean retraining an employee or employees.

6. Reeducate the client when necessary – How did you set client’s expectations? Were you clear about what he/she could expect? Help the client to understand the process now to guard against future misunderstandings.

7. Know that if one client complained there are others feeling the same way. What do you need to do to address the problem with the others? Who else might have been affected in the same way?

8. Give the client choice of possible resolutions. How can you make this right with the client? Negotiate a way that works for both of you. Sometimes just fixing the problem is sufficient. At other times the client is looking for something else. Look for an equitable resolution.

9. Thank the client for helping you with your business. As painful as they can be complaints from clients often let you know exactly where you need to work to improve your practice/business.

10. Follow up with those who complained to be sure they are fully satisfied. If you have altered a system or changed a way of doing business and the client is affected by that change, follow up to be sure that the client noted the change.

About Alvah Parker

Parker’s Value Program© enables clients to find a way to work that is more fulfilling and profitable. She is both a Practice Advisor and Coach to attorneys, managers, business owners, sole practioners, and people in transition. Alvah is found on the web at http://www.asparker.com She may also be reached at 781-598-0388.

Author : Alvah Parker
Site : ezinearticles.com

In previous articles on the topic of performance management and appraisal, we covered the ten stupid things managers do to screw up performance appraisal, and a similar article on ways human resource departments screw up the process. Now it’s time to turn our attention to employees!

Managers, feel free to share this with employees, and employees, feel free to share this with managers and/or colleagues. Please ensure proper credit is given and that the work911.com website address is included.

Generally, when performance appraisal goes awry, the primary cause has little to do with employees. For the most part, employees take their cues from management and human resources. However, when individual employees perceive the process in negative ways, they can create or damage even the best of appraisal processes.

Stupid Thing #1: Focusing On The Appraisal Forms

Performance appraisal isn’t about the forms (although, often managers and HR treat it as such). The ultimate purpose of performance appraisal is to allow employees and managers to improve continuously and to remove barriers to job success. In other words, to make everyone better. Forms don’t make people better, and are simply a way or recording basic information for later reference. If the focus is getting the forms “done”, without thought and effort, the whole process becomes at best a waste of time, and at worst, insulting.

Stupid Thing #2: Not Preparing Beforehand

Preparing for performance appraisal helps the employee focus on the key issue – performance improvement, and to examine his or her performance in a more objective way (see defensiveness below). Unfortunately, many employees walk into the appraisal meeting not having thought about the review period, and so are unprepared to present their points of view. Being unprepared means being a reactive participant, or being a passive participant. Neither are going to help manager or employee. Employees can prepare by reviewing their work beforehand, identifying any barriers they faced in doing their jobs, and refamiliarizing themselves with their job descriptions, job responsibilities, and any job performance expectations set with the manager.

Stupid Thing #3: Defensiveness

We tend to take our jobs seriously and personally, making it more difficult to hear others’ comments about our work, particularly when they are critical. Even constructive criticism is often hard to hear. If employees enter into the discussion with an attitude of “defending”, then it’s almost impossible to create the dialogue necessary for performance improvement. That doesn’t mean employees can’t present their own opinions and perceptions, but it does mean that they should be presented in a calm, factual manner, rather than a defensive, emotional way. Of course, if managers are inept in the appraisal process, it makes it very difficult to avoid this defensiveness.

Stupid Thing #4: Not Communicating During The Year

Employees need to know how they are doing all year round, not just at appraisal time. Generally it is primarily management’s responsibility to ensure that there are no surprises at appraisal time. Often managers discuss both positives and negatives of employee performance throughout the year, but this is unfortunately, not a universal practice. It’s in the employees interests to open up discussion about performance during the year, even if the manager does not initiate it. The sooner employees know where they are at, and what they need to change (or keep doing), the sooner problems can be fixed. In fact many problems can be prevented if they are caught early enough. Even if managers aren’t creating that communication, employees can and should. It’s a shared responsibility.

Stupid Thing #5: Not Clarifying Enough

Life would be much easier if managers were perfect, but they aren’t. Some communicate and explain well. Some don’t. Some are aggravating and some not. At times employees won’t be clear about their managers’ reasoning or comments, or what a manager is suggesting. That could be because the manager isn’t clear him/herself, or simply isn’t good at explaining. However, unless employees clarify when they aren’t sure about the reasoning or explanations, they won’t know what they need to do to improve their future job performance. It’s important to leave the appraisal meeting having a good understanding of what’s been said. If that’s not possible clarification can occur after the meeting, or down the road, if that’s more appropriate.

Stupid Thing #6: Allowing One-Sidedness

Performance appraisals work best when both participants are active, and expressing their positions and ideas. Some employees are uncomfortable doing that, and while managers should be creating a climate where employees are comfortable, some managers aren’t good at it. Performance appraisal time is an excellent time for employees to make suggestions about things that could be changed to improve performance, about how to remove barriers to job success, and ways to increase productivity. Remember also that managers can’t read minds. The better managers will work with employees to help them do their jobs more effectively, but they can’t know how they can help unless employees provide them with good, factual information, or, even better, concrete ideas.

Stupid Thing #7: Focusing On Appraisal As A Way Of Getting More Money

Unfortunately, many organizations tie employee pay to appraisal results, which puts employee and manager on opposite sides. Employees in such systems tend to focus too much on the money component, although that focus is certainly understandable. It’s also understandable when employees in such systems become hesitant to reveal shortcomings or mistakes. But it’s still dumb. If employees main purpose is to squeeze as much of an increase out of the company, and the managers try to keep increases as small as possible, it becomes totally impossible to focus on what ultimately matters over the long term, which is continuous performance improvement and success for everyone.

Pay IS important, but it is not the only issue related to the appraisal focus. If employees enter into the process willing to defend their own positions in factual and fair ways, and to work with managers, the process can become much more pleasant. If not, it can become a war.

Conclusion:

The major responsibilities for setting performance appraisal tone and climate rest with managers and the human resources department. However, even when managers and human resources do their jobs well, employees who come at the process with a negative or defensive approach are not likely to gain from the process or to prosper over the long term. The constant key is for employees to participate actively and assertively, but to keep a problem-solving mindset, and keep focused on how things can be improved in the future. No matter who initiates it, performance appraisal is about positive open communication between employee and manager.

(c) 2005, Robert Bacal, Bacal & Associates. You are welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end) all links are made live, and this copyright notice and indication of authorship are included.

In addition to over 800 articles on performance related subjects, you will find tools to help with diagnosing performance, using progressive discipline, and setting objectives at http://performance-appraisals.org/learnto.

Author : Robert Bacal
Site : ezinearticles.com

A NEW YEAR IS BEGINNING NOW – THE SCHOOL YEAR.

Whether you have children attending for the first time or
finishing university, it Is always hectic to get into the
back-to-school routine. And, if you do not have school in your
family, there might be your own remembrance of the
excitement of starting afresh and learning something new.

This is a great time to review your trade show program in
the same way you prepare for school.

PICK YOUR SCHOOL = INDUSTRY

A business school question – Are you a railroad or a
transportation company? In other words, what business are
you in? If you consider your industry a railroad, you will be
concerned with rolling stock, laying track and logistics. If you
consider your industry to be transportation, you will
consider the railroad as a method of transportation – the
same principles apply whether you run rail cars or
airplanes. There is an engine, a carrier compartment, and
now most importantly, cutomer focus. Railroads have to lay
track, airlines have to have airfields, so there is difficulty in
physically moving to meet customer demand. But railroads
adapted by allowing piggybacking – truck trailers on flatbed
rail cars. Airlines serve more markets with the hub and
spoke system. You should look deeply into your own
industry and determine customer focus for the next 12
weeks and 12 months.

PICK YOUR CLASSES = SHOWS

While your firm is part of an Industry, in times of unsettled
business there are two avenues you can take to garner
more sales. One is to hunker down and bore deeply into
your niche, the other is to expand into other industries. In
both cases, you may want to look at trade shows beyond the
ones you have on your current docket. For example, if going
deeper into your industry niche, you can consider local or
regional shows, international expos, or shows which focus
on discrete research in your niche allowing you an
intellectual advantage. If expanding into other industries, you
have a wide range of choices but the advice is to research,
research, research before investing.

PICK YOUR TEACHERS = FIND THE BEST FOR YOU

Not all executives of Fortune 500 companies went to an Ivy
League or MIT caliber school, but considering the vast
number of colleges and universities, a disproportionate
number of these executives are graduates of the elite
universities. Translated to trade shows, that means you
should align yourself with well regarded shows, organizers
attuned to forward thinking, and professional organization
and management.

PICK YOUR MAJOR = MARKETING MESSAGE

When you declare a major, it is your intention to complete
the requirements and pursue a career in that field. People
remember that you started off in theatre, switched to
psychology, graduated in medieval history and then became
a salesman. At a trade show, you do not get a second
chance to change your marketing message. All the
promotion before the show, the exhibit and goodies need to
revolve around The Message. In essence, a trade show is
not the time to change majors, confuse people and say “I
really don’t know what I’m doing here.”

PICK YOUR BOOKS = MARKETING TOOLS

A trade show is not an isolated marketing event but a
continuum of your marketing efforts, so you will not be
limited to books. Along the way, your marketing tools are
selected for the best impact on the right people, whether you
use print, video or the Internet. Once you understand the
demographics of your audience, you use the right medium
for the message. For example, a firm with a high-tech
operation will expect to see detailed information about your
firm on your web site – it is the first place they will look A
low-tech firm will expect print materials and detailed
manuals. And, yes, there are still people who do not trust
computers and will never use the electronic goodies in your
life as appreciatively as you do.

PICK YOUR CLOTHES = EXHIBIT

We always want to look our best. Just as your clothes are a
representation of your personality, your position in a firm
and your sense of style (how you view yourself), so too is
your exhibit a representation of your company. It’s the first
physical impression many people have of your firm. It tells
attendees at a glance if you’re an ordinary company or a
daring one. If you are high fashion (which may mean
expensive and faddish) or if your firm has strong traditional
roots. People absorb not only the color and the design of
your exhibit but the language of the signage and the image
of your graphics. They look at the presentation of the
information you have available – whether it’s simple
brochures or high tech interactives. And they judge you both
in a overall sense and by subconsciously picking apart
those segments which they either strongly like or dislike.

PICK YOUR FRIENDS = STAFF

You do not always play with your buddies, but you do want to
be in a group which balances strengths and weaknesses to
get the job done. Selection of the right trade show staff is the
most important factor in the success of a trade show. If your
exhibit is an award winner design but your staff is bored,
cannot answer attendee’s questions or is boorish, most
people will walk away. Time is too short for the attendee to
teach your staff proper trade show etiquette and sales
techniques.

STAND UP TO PLAYGROUND BULLIES = PICK YOUR
BATTLES

During the trade show process, there will be times when
you think something is not fair, or is too expensive or really
inconveniences you. Sometimes, it is because you do not
understand the contracts and the flow of how a trade show
is put together. When in doubt, just ask for an explanation.
You do not have to take “That’s the way it is…” for an answer.
Find the top level of authority and make your concerns
known. A losing battle for the current show includes
contracts signed which obligate you to use certain labor
pools at certain rates. You can make your views know for
next year, but this year it is in stone. On the other hand, if you
find a competitor next to you (this happens very rarely as
show management is very conscious of this potential
squabble), ask that one of you be moved. Make sure your
complaints are legitimate. When you pick the right battles,
you should win. Otherwise, you are just a whiner or a
gossip.

PICK YOUR SPORTS = EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Trade shows are seldom just a time to set up an exhibit,
showcase your products, and leave. Increasingly, trade
shows are bracketed by educational sessions, social
events, informal networking time and fund-raising. Golf and
tennistournaments are fashionable either as a fund-raiser
or just social time. Firms will entertain clients during the
non-show hours by utilizing a hotel Hospitality Suite or an
off-site venue.How easy it is to overload your calendar,
overfill your glass and plate, and think your only job is to
have a good time. Wrong! You are your company’s
representative, so whatever behavior you demonstrate is
what people perceive as acceptable by your company. It’s
best to be on your best behavior.

PACK YOUR LUNCH = TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

When you’re on the road, it is easy to fall into the grab-a-bite
routine as you rush through the airport. Or the
I-deserve-this- dessert syndrome as you dine alone waiting
for the next plane. Too much sugar, too much booze and too
much stress take their toll whether you are going to or
coming from a show. Experienced business travelers have
these words of wisdom -

* Listen to your normal body clock as much possible

* Acknowledge when you need rest

* Drink lots of water and fluids

* Don’t drink alcohol when flying

* Maintain an exercise routine, even if it’s just walking
around the airport

* Wear stylish and comfortable clothes – don’t look like you
just came from the gym. You will be more quickly accepted
and get better service when you dress professionally

* Pack lightly. There are no naked people where you’re
going – there’s always a store

* Have an emergency kit with you. Whether you have a
headache, you arrive at the hotel past room service hours,
or you feel lonely, take care of yourself. You should take a
medicine kit, pocket knife, small flash light, snacks, extra ID
and pictures of the family.

Going to school for the first time is scary but then it
becomes routine. Keep a little bit of that first-time fear in
your trade show routine. It will make you more aware of your
surroundings and opportunities.

Julia is an expert in the psychology of the trade show
environment and uses this expertise in sales training
and management seminars.

Author : Julia O’Connor
Site : ezinearticles.com

That’s what they say…but business is being done a new way. Massive technological connectivity and access to tidal waves of information is causing a shift in society, workers attitudes and how business is done.

Rapid changes in technology are causing disruption in the way corporations do
business. Communication is now digital. Products are now digital. Marketing and
delivery of product and services must be done in a different way.

Added to that, the evolution of global business environments has significantly
increased competition and stress on the traditional corporation.

One other important shift is that now the “knowledge worker” (skilled and
experienced) is now becoming the most valuable asset of the corporation versus
capital equipment and they are leaving corporations by the thousands.

So what is a corporation to do? Find and retain the best people.

I believe a new, better corporate structure is evolving and it will take women of
ability paired with men of ability to make it the best and most profitable business.
However, few women make it to the top management positions.

This is where many women’s development programs have failed. They simply
addressed the soft skills of mindset and confidence for women.

The truth is that successful business is led by people of experience with specific
business skills AND the right mindset.

This is why we must develop women managers further through learning
experiences, coaching and training that insure the results a corporation needs to
obtain highly skilled women leaders.

Here are some reasons why we need more women as leaders in business:

1. Women, on average, are terrific communicators and tend to be better at it than
   men. It’s the information age and it’s highly competitive. This means companies
   will need more skilled communicators involved in all aspects of business where
   good, clear communication is critical to generate revenue, control expense, manage
   top talent and build a loyal customer base.
2. Global business will require expanding business networks. Women are natural
   networkers.
3. Diverse viewpoints can result in better, more creative solutions to business
   issues. Both women and men are needed to address business issues effectively.
4. Keeping a talented knowledge worker will require relationship strategies.
   Women instinctively care about building relationships which is why they tend to
   gravitate toward jobs where building relationships is a major component such as
   Marketing or HR.
5. Increased competition will require the resources of creative thinkers to develop
   new products and services that meet the needs and desires of the marketplace. The
   talent pool of creative leaders is doubled when more women leaders are available.
6. Rapid change in technologies requires more flexibility. Women have extensive
   multi-tasking abilities as evidenced by women who manage business and families at
   the same time.
7. Half of the workers available today are women. Women in leadership roles can
   act as mentors to develop other potential women leaders just as executive men have
   done for years.

With all this said, women are still not reaching top levels in management. There are
several reasons for this.

Part of the reason is societal in that women were often not included in business
conversations as they were growing up so they did not have the opportunity to
learn. Part is that the corporate structure was invented by men for the way men
think and work. Part is that women are still the primary managers of the family and
cannot always dedicate all their time to the company.

In a recent survey conducted by Womencorp, there were some striking differences
between what men believed and what women believed about the “why” women are
not succeeding as corporate business leaders.

Of the female respondents, 68.3% believe that lack of flexible options for work is
holding women back. 51.7% believe that lack of confidence is also a contributing
factor. 45% believe that women aren’t given a chance because men stick together.

This was what one woman had to say about that subject:
“This is a very complex issue. What I have found, after seven years at {a major
corporation}, is that men seem to internally denigrate qualified technical women
(perhaps because of jealousy). They do form cliques and do not wish to ‘include’
women in their cliques. They are group-oriented, no doubt. They will hang with
other guys, just because they are guys. There are individual males who
communicate well with women, but they are few. Despite years of emphasis on
including women, promoting women, and hiring women, I feel that the disparity of
women in the business world is growing, not shrinking. Still, both men and women
do not seem to ‘get it’. I wish I had something more positive and constructive to
give, but I do not.”

On the other hand, 53.7% of men believe that lack of flexible options is holding
women back. 32.3% said they feel the glass ceiling is still firmly in place and just
17.9% believe that women lack confidence.

Perhaps men don’t realize women lack confidence, whereas women know how they
feel. This mindset can be altered with a proper development program for both
women managers and men who manage women.

This comment from one male participant is noteworthy:
“Capable women are often unfairly fast tracked early in their career to positions
that may demand experience to be successful over a prolonged period. Found
wanting, they are then niched in dead-end executive roles. Rather like moving a ball
player to the majors too quickly because of their native talent. Their “rookie”
mistakes occur with too much exposure and can prove fatal.”

But what difference does it make as to why few women have achieved top leadership
roles in business? The reason to know why is because we can then use this
information to develop solutions.

The bottom line is that more women need to be in leadership roles for many
reasons including the 7 listed above. The challenge is to find new ways to enable
them to succeed at top levels.

For both men and women respondents, they seem to feel that coaching, mentoring
and multi-day workshops are quite important to help develop women leaders to
their fullest potential.

The Womencorp Team agrees and is working to make a difference for women in
business. Would you like to help? Just take a moment to fill in this quick 30 second
survey:

For Women

For Men

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Brian Kirk
Womencorp
(205) 835-8167
http://www.womencorp.org

Author : Brian Kirk
Site : ezinearticles.com

Looking for a manufacturer or supplier of home furnishings in India ?

Don’t know where to begin? Want to find a source but at a loss for resources? Want to do business in India, but unsure what is the best way to go about it?

This article attempts to answer some of these questions.

Firstly,unless you have a link in India, you will find it a difficult task to sift through the information available on the Internet. There are various sites that provide a directory of manufacturers and exporters in India. These sites have a database of exporters, manufacturers, suppliers and agents dealing in home furnishings. Not exhaustive and certainly not comprehensive, but it’s a good place to start.

One disadvantage is going through all the databases. Largely, in the directories of manufacturers and exporters in India, the paid listings are not the bigger companies, because the latter do not feel the need to have a paid listing. If the site with the database also offers website design and hosting services, then the listings that come on top are usually the ones they got business from. Many of the resource sites are similar and even have the same information base.

So, what would be the best way to find someone a source?

I have tried to outline below some of the methods you could use to get more information.

1. Find a consultant based in India. You would need to pay such a consultant for their services, but it would be well worth your while. They would also do market research for you at a nominal cost. They need not be your buying agents, you could still deal with manufacturers in India directly, but they would be a useful link to have.

2. Ask for specific information, giving details of products you are interested in. No matter how small your quantities, you will find a supplier in India, who is willing to deal with you. In fact, if you have a niche market, the chances of finding someone reliable to do business with in India are even better. If you are just generally looking for suppliers of home furnishings based in India, you will get absolutely nowhere.

3. Send a few pictures of the kind of products that would be of interest to you. Without a visual, it is difficult to communicate. Posting trade leads with pictures is useful, although it is doubtful how many of those companies have an employee regularly visit the sites that carry their listing. My guess is, it would probably be ones based in remote towns where there is no other way to access information.

4. Once you have found a few suppliers for what you need, assess if they are willing to come and meet you personally. If the manufacturer finds you to be a potential client (and this is important), they will not hesitate to travel across the world to meet you. The kind of manufacturer you will find is likely to be determined by the volume/quality of business you are likely to give.

5. Assuming you are uncomfortable dealing with faceless companies based in India, consider the fact that most manufacturers and suppliers in India are equally uncomfortable dealing with someone they do not know or understand. If you make the effort to communicate with them, they will usually respond with the same enthusiasm. The ones that are more likely to be useful will not send you an email that looks like a mass-marketing mailer.

6. If you need samples, and you want to deal with a good company, you would need to pay them for it. A better way would be to ask for digital pictures or a CD. At any given point of time, a fabricator based in India has at least five requests a day for samples. Every single potential client promises big business.

7. The best way to assess the credibility of a potential supplier is to start small. That way you will know what their limitations are, and they will also be able to assess if they can do business with you. Even a cursory glance at the communications that keep going back and forth will give you an idea of what kind of a company you are dealing with.

8. Try to exchange information that would be useful to your supplier in India. If you can help them with information that you have access to in your country, they will go out of their way to help you find someone even if they do not manufacture the products you want. It builds trust, helps business, does not cost anything and does no one any harm. It could however, prove to be extremely beneficial. In pure commercial terms. To both parties.

9. To understand a fragmented market, the first step is to work in fragments that will create the whole. Keywords commonly used to find manufacturers from India—that will probably get you absolutely nowhere in terms of relevance and drag you into a cyber jungle that will leave you more confused than anything else….
“furnishings India, exporters home furnishings India, manufacturers bedspreads India, decorative pillows India, table linen manufacturers India, suppliers fabrics India, wholesale distributors, handicraft, embroidered textiles,”

The list goes on and on. The reason is simple. It is an organized chaos. But chaos nevertheless.

10. If you have the time and the resources, you could perhaps find what you want in one of these databases. If not, and you are still looking to do business in India, find a link in India. A link you can build a relationship with. Business is all about relationships. Especially small business. The home furnishings industry in India is still relatively small business.

Her work may be viewed at http://www.id-home-furnishings.com

Her blog is http://www.20six.co.uk/furnishinghub

Author : Rekha I Nambiar
Site : ezinearticles.com

Networking is probably the best way to build a profitable business, or sales pipeline over the long term. Many of us understand the value of networking, but we don’t always know the best way to go about it. Here are 10 simple tips that will help you maximize the effectiveness of your networking efforts.

1. Build Relationships not Stacks of Business Cards

Networking is not a contest to see who can collect the most business cards. It’s about building great relationships. Walking around an event forcing your business cards on other people is not going to help you to build any of those relationships. Spend your time at a networking event really getting to know the people you’re talking to.

2. Think Quality not Quantity

The next time you find yourself at a big business after hours try to get to know a small number of people. The number isn’t important, it may be 3, 5 of 10 depending on the length of the event. It might even be 1 or 2. What’s important is focusing on a few people as you begin a quality relationship. You’ll be remembered for having spent the time to get to know them.

3. Listen!

When you’re spending time with people make sure you’re listening. Don’t let yourself get distracted or watch for the next person you’d like to meet. Pay attention to that 1 person in front of that you’re talking with now. What you’re listening for is unique information about them. You also want to pay attention for ways that you might be able to help them. This is your key to reconnecting with them again.

Listening also means you should be using your ears more and your mouth less. The best way to do this is by asking questions. By asking questions the times that you are talking will really be about them. Dig deeper into who they are, what drives them, what they’re passionate about, what’s important to them besides business.

4. Smile

You’ll come across as a much nicer and more approachable person if you smile. It’s a very simple tip and it works!

5. Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover

Do not ever write anybody off! Even if you’ve spent some time listening to someone, and you don’t think they’re important to you be polite when you decide to move on. You never know who people really are or who they might become. I’ve heard too many stories of people who weren’t in a position of power and someone was rude to them. Later when those people find themselves at the top they don’t forget about those who had written them off. People have very long memories. Treat everyone with respect. Each person you meet is not just a job title. They’re all people, and are all important.

6. Follow-up

This is probably the most important step of all. Even if you spent 30 or 40 minutes getting to know someone at a networking event they probably won’t remember who you are 3 weeks later. You must follow-up! A phone call, an invitation to coffee or lunch, a handwritten note, even an e-mail. It doesn’t really matter how, just that you do. When you do follow-up make it personal and about them. Sending a form letter and your brochure is not going to work. This is why a phone call or a hand written note is probably best. Make it all about them and you’ll be remembered.

Following up is not something that you do once. This is something you need to do on a regular basis with every person in your network. Continue to solidify the relationships you’ve started building.

7. Give, Give, Give

Successful networkers know that giving is more important than receiving. The more people you help, the more you’ll get in return. It’s also the best excuse to follow-up with someone. If you’ve listened carefully to what they had to say you should have found a couple of ways that you can help them. It doesn’t have to be something grandiose. It can be as simple as sharing a free resource that you’ve found online, or referring them to someone else in your network that can help them solve a minor problem.

The more you give the more you’ll get, and the more you give the better you’ll get at it. You’ll see opportunities to help people all the time. That’s when networking really gets fun!

8. Have Fun!

Don’t take networking or yourself too seriously. Enjoy the time you spend getting to know people. You’ll find networking to be a lot easier if you’re having fun.

9. Do What You Say You’re Going to Do!

All the networking in the world won’t make a difference if you aren’t a man or woman of your word. One of the great benefits of networking is that you’ll get the inside scoop on a lot of things. This will be disastrous if you don’t have total integrity in all that you do. Fortunately it works the opposite way as well. If you consistently make good on your promises people will remember that, and tell others. Word will spread about what you’ve done.

10. Commit

The hardest part about networking is being patient. It will work if you commit yourself to doing it consistently over a long period of time. You probably won’t get results right away, but when they do start coming look out! As a marketing strategy networking is a long term undertaking. Look around at those that have been doing it for an extended period of time. 9 times out of 10 times they’re successful. If you ask them if they’d do it again they’ll all tell you yes!

11. Go the Extra Mile

Whenever you can, give people more than they expect. You’ll soon be getting all the referrals you need, and great word of mouth will spread far and wide. Happy networking!

Author : Scott Ingram
Site : ezinearticles.com

If you are like me, you are living some distance from the devastation wrought by Katrina. If you are like me you not physically impacted and can watch the plight of others on television in the comfort of your home. And if you are like me, you are wondering what you can do.

I believe the answer to that question is an important one. It can help define who you are and what you have and choose to give to the world. The list that follows is not meant to stimulate your thinking. It is meant to stimulate action. All of us can do all of these things. And in doing them we will not only be helping others, we will be helping ourselves deal with and grow from these events as well.

Give Resources. You have heard it and will hear it often. The resources required by these events will be unprecedented. Open your wallet and give. It doesn’t matter which charity you choose, just give. Pick a number, then add to it. Do a search on Katrina relief to find places to contribute. You can give more than money though. Perhaps you have other resources that you could offer. Spare blankets or other supplies will inevitably be leaving from your community in the coming days. Watch for these announcements and donate. If you know someone affected, or know someone who knows someone, perhaps you can provide a spare bedroom. You can even support relief efforts each time you search the internet. Go to http://allgive.com to search and learn more.

Give Yourself. If your situation allows, perhaps you feel drawn to go and help. If you are thinking about that and you can, go. Many of us won’t be able to go and lend a hand directly. You can still give of time and talents locally and have a direct impact on efforts there. Organizations like The Salvation Army and The Red Cross will be spread thin for months. If you volunteer in your town, more physical resources can remain on the Gulf Coast longer.

Encourage Others to Give. This is a way for you to give of your talents. Use the leadership and influence skills that you have to encourage others to give. If you own a business, match employee contributions to relief efforts. If you are involved in any sort of organization, start a fund raising effort. A colleague of mine sent an email saying he would match any gifts given by those on his list up to a total of $500. Every person could do this. Ask yourself who you could influence and how you could personally help increase giving. Get creative! And get started.

Say a Prayer. Regardless of your religious beliefs, or how you would state this, say a prayer. Say one for those who have lost family. For those who have lost their homes. For those who are sick or thirsty or hungry. And say a special prayer those involved in rescue and recovery efforts – those giving of themselves to make things better for others.

Keep Your Perspective. It is sometimes hard to keep a healthy perspective as you watch the events on television. It is easy to let the worry and concern become overwhelming. Do yourself a favor and don’t let these events overpower your life. Be grateful for your situation. Rethink how upset or frustrated you become at little inconveniences or challenges, because these situations mean little in the bigger scheme of things, and the events of recent days should make this very clear to us.

Conserve. Our country is going to be dealing with the aftermath of Katrina for a long time. There are other little things that we can do that will make a difference. Conserve fuel. Carpool to work. Combine your errands, or just stay home. Turn off your air conditioning and turn off the lights. Fossil fuels will be in short supply and every little bit helps. Plus every dollar you don’t spend on fuel, is another dollar you could choose to donate to relief efforts.

Give Again, Later. Many will give now, but agencies like The Red Cross will tell you that after the situation leaves most people’s conscious thoughts, the needs will still be great. Make a commitment now to make another contribution later in the year. One way to do this is to reduce your holiday spending and earmarking the difference for Katrina relief.

I’m sure there are many more things that you can do to help both yourself and others in the coming weeks. It matters less what you do than that you do something. That is my urging to you. You can make a difference, but only if you take action.

Special Note: One of the ways I am taking my own advice to “Encourage Others to Give” is by offering you (and anyone you know) a choice of a 6 month membership to our Powerquotes Plus service, a $30 value, or a seat in our tele-seminar, The Leader as a Coach, a $49 value, if you simply let us know that you made any donation at all. Visit http://www.kevineikenberry.com/katrina.asp to learn more and contact us with your choice.

Author : Kevin Eikenberry
Site : ezinearticles.com

How do you increase business profits? Answer the following questions carefully, and you’ll have a good start.

1. Can you increase the average sale? A restaurant with 25% profit margins might make 50% on additional sales to existing customers (less labor to bag one large order than two smaller ones). Asking “What would you like to drink with that?” works, and it’s just a start.

2. What’s the least expensive way to get a customer? Before you spend another thousand dollars advertising to get new customers, could you get as much business by spending a few hours contacting previous or existing customers?

3. What low risk ideas can you try? I once sent a letter to several visiting basketball teams, inviting them to visit our restaurant, and giving the coach a free meal as an incentive. The cost? Two dollars. The pay off was two busloads of customers. At that rate, you could increase your business profits even if nine out of ten ideas fail.

4. Have you tested prices? I knew a store that sold a product for a $1.05, that cost them $1.00. At a price of $1.20, it is doubtful that they’d lose half their sales, but if they did, they’d still make twice the profit. Some things even sell better at a higher price. Test.

5. Can you measure your advertising results? How do you know that you’re not spending more for a customer than they’re worth? Coupons, customer surveys and other methods of measurement are a must.

6. How do you know your customers are satisfied? The worst restaurant meal we ever ate went down without a comment, but we never returned to that restaurant. Maybe the owner should be talking to the customers.

7. Can you enhance the percieved value of your product? Years ago, I sold walking sticks for $10 at flea markets, and $20 at craft shows. Sometimes location alone can enhance the percieved value of a product. What else can you do?

8. What are similar businesses doing? See what your successful competitors are doing. Can you do the same?

9. What other products can you sell? There’s a reason stores have candy and magazines near the checkout. Extra sales are a great way to increase business profits.

10. Can you use your customers as salesmen? Word of mouth is a start, but what other ways can you get your customers to bring their friends to you?

These were culled from a longer list. I call it “stolen business ideas,” because I can’t credit the original authors. I took them where I found them over the years, with grattitude, but without notes.

Steve Gillman has been studying every aspect of money for thirty years. You can find more interesting and useful information on his website; http://www.EverythingAboutMoney.info

Author : Steven Gillman
Site : ezinearticles.com

The Internet is a fast growing medium, trancending the personal ,geographical, political and cultural barriers. Because of its popularity and diversity, for an ambitious and hard working person, it is the right medium to make unlimited wealth th the only thing is that you should know how to do it, the knack of doing it comes only with practice ,but a non-starter doesnt get any practice.In this short exposure i will be scraching some of the ways you can make cool money on the internet ,legally!!. the way you choose depends upon your skill , aptitude and taste.

1. create your own website :

Website creation is an easy task, provided you know it, there are many providers which provide you with space where you put your site.,and once you have a good site and the contents are intersting to others , people will start visiting your site. The internet also contains good advice as to increase traffic in your site. then you can place ads and links from other sites( affiliate links) and get money. Also if you build a site of interst to your local community, paid ads can be sought from the locality.

2. write an ebook and sell it .

If you have the slightest writing skills, the you can pack your ideas and experiences or even imaginations into an ebook, which can be downloaded by others and sell it. There are many sites offering the service of selling an ebook for you. By writing an ebook (any thing written in textfile format can be converted into an ebook),and 50 or 60 pages of your expressions can earn you an audience of thousands and good money.

3. Paid Surveys.

Abundant locations are availble in the internet which allows you to make money participating in survrys. these sites give you a questionnire and once you answer a fixed number of questionnires, you get paid!!
this is trading your time for money, and generally require not much skill.

4. Share Trading

Internet is a good medium, where you can practice online trading. many agencies allow you to open an account, buy and sell shares. only thing is that you should know the techniques of trading ,otherwise you will loose money like anything.

5. For the lazy people:recieve emails and earn cash

Many sites allow you to earn money by just simply. reading your email. inly thing is that if you are willing to spend four or five hours a day reading emails, you can earn a lot of money. the amount you earned will depend upon the number of mails you actually opened and read

I just introduced some of the cool ways in which you can earn money on the internet!! I will like to hear your cooments and aquestions!! More in my next article.

Author : Kannan Balakrishnan
Site : ezinearticles.com

Email etiquette is the key to help calm down anxious and impatient customers. People assume that once they press the “send” button that we will get everything sorted out in an instant!
Of course we all know that this is not an accurate representation of how things work. However, you should prepare yourself for the occasional hot tempered emails, regardless of whether their comments are unreasonable or not.

Five Do’s Of Good Customer Services

1. Thank them for contacting customer support in the opening sentence of your reply messages.

2. Ask for further clarification if you are unsure of their requirements. Suggest some extra details to answer their query more effectively.

3. Address the support question within 24 hours of receiving their message to avoid unnecessary confrontation and dissatisfaction.

4. Offer further support if they require it and provide a sincere thanks for their custom. Also confirm that their message has been received and when they should expect a response.

5. Be apologetic to their needs and offer complete support and reassurance. However if a customer is still unsatisfied with their order offer them a replacement or refund.

Five Don’ts Of Customer Services

1. Don’t use abrasive words in your email. Always remain calm, courteous and professional.

2. Don’t leave the problem unresolved or unanswered because you are offended by their tone or for any other reason whatsoever.

3. Don’t neglect your customers by repeatedly delaying your response times. This will lead to negative feedback for your company and will inevitably cost you sales and damage your company’s reputation.

4. Don’t allow a customer to bully you into doing something irrational or unethical just to please them.

5. Don’t lie to a customer about your product. Make sure your description and terms are clear and are easily accessible on your Sales Page, Thank You Page and receipts.

Summary

Provide valuable information about your commitment to providing high levels of support by supplying your dedicated email address, fax, telephone number and mailing address. Place your company’s customer services details on your
“Sales Letter Page” and the “Thank You Page” (after orders are paid for and completed). This helps to reassure the customer that they will be able to contact you for ongoing help and support throughout the order process and after sales.

Once you have established a customer services support details you must ensure that all enquires are handled quickly and efficiently. If the enquiry needs more time to look up an order then send a confirmation email to let customers know that you have received their message and will get back to them in good time.

Unreasonable delays in response times can irritate customers so it is important to address problems any questions within 24 hours to avoid negative feedback.

Nancy P Redford shows you how to Take Online Payments for any web site without a costly merchant account. Stay safe on the Internet by getting wise to Online Scams
and Shams. Plus get some of the best business tools and resources for your home-based business here at: http://www.miriadz.com

Author : Nancy P Redford
Site : ezinearticles.com