If you work from home then you know that sometimes it can be difficult to focus. Here are 10 Top Ways to Focus at Home.
1. Use a Daily Planner of some sort, whether it is on your computer or in a book. This will help you remember what you need to do daily.
2. Plan your day the night before. Look at your planner and know ahead of time what the next day has in store for you.
3. Organize your time. If you are doing calls, writing, doing entries, ect, plan exactly how much time you need for each. This will help organize and fill your day.
4. Keep the TV Off. Cancel your cable even. If you work from home you need to treat it like a real business. Would or could you watch TV at the work place? I think not.
5. Get out of bed at a decent time. Yes it is great to work from your house because of the freedom , but sleeping in all the time makes for a groggy brain.
6. Avoid answering personal calls during work time. This could put a hiccup in your day. If you are anything like me one call from my mother and my head is spinning.(don't get me wrong, I love her to bits)
7. Leave the cleaning or other chores for others. Get your family involved, hire a maid, do whatever you can to make the most of your time.
8. Have a list of Daily and weekly goals and have them posted where they are visible. This will keep you on track and enable you to celebrate attaining these goals.
9. Get outside. If you are like most people we rarely get enough exercise and fresh air. Even though this maybe taking us away from our beloved computers it is essential in staying healthy. This way we can come back and have a fresh perspective on our work.
10. Keep your space organized. Every night quickly take 5 minutes to re organize your work space. This way you can come back in the morning and it is already and waiting for you to start being productive. I love clean spaces. A clean space is an un cluttered mind (hopefully)
I will add this one in because it has to do with having fun, which that is what Life is all about. If you are feeling frustrated at all during your day...Stop! Take a deep breath, put on a feel good song and get moving. Sometimes sitting in front of a computer hour after hour can cause bad posture, weak muscles and something I like referring to as "muffin top". I have been known to dance around my house, even if it is only for 5 minutes. This will lift your spirits and get your body moving.
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"The attitude around here is that the floggings will continue until morale improves." laughed my friend Tony. His company, an old-line manufacturer, was facing a number of problems. They had a militant union, managers were being forced to work long hours, burnout was high and turnover was constant. "We are the meat on the sandwich." he further confessed. "Below us we have staff who could not care less what we have to say and above us we have management who has no idea what we do." In spite of some of the best wages in their industry, this company was dealing with high sick leave and was struggling to retain good people.
Everybody knows the data. Boomers are retiring, there are four generations in the workplace and there is a shortage of talent. This is becoming critical in all sectors of the economy, especially the public sector, where there are strict limits on what people can be paid. So, what do people want? How can you attract and retain the best talent, especially if you are limited in how much compensation you can offer? Before we answer these questions, take a moment and think about yourself. You are the very person that any organization would want to keep.
You have a choice between 2 employers. Organization 1 offers you a great environment. You are respected and are given flex time when you need to handle personal matters. You believe your work has meaning and your opinion counts. Organization 2 is very negative, full of unbending rules and unwritten norms. Nobody really cares or wants your ideas and your peers see you as a threat. The only advantage Organization 2 has over Organization 1 is that they are willing to pay you $10,000 a year more. When you answer that question for yourself, then you will understand from a deeper level how our 7 ways to attract and retain talent works.
1. Understand Your Current Culture
There is the culture you have and the culture you think you have. Does your current culture accept difference in others? Is there flexibility? How does current staff feel about working there? How are people promoted and/or rewarded?
An important element in understanding your current culture is the idea of values versus ethics. Many organizations write wonderful mission statements that have great values in them. However, values are only words. Ethics are actions. You may say that you value innovation, yet when people are promoted for keeping their heads low and not rocking the organization there is a clear message that the organization values conformity.
2. Meaningful Work
Nobody ever goes to work and says to themselves in the morning, "Gee, I want to be really mediocre today." Recognition is an important component to meaningful work. When you recognize people for their accomplishments, they feel that their work has significance.
Replacements Ltd., a company out of Greensboro, N.C. sells replacements for china and silverware set pieces that go missing or get broken. They believe that their efforts are not just about selling old dishes so the company makes a profit. "Our people believe that when we find missing pieces to complete antique china sets we are helping people create links to their past. These pieces represent somebody's life, their history," comments C.E.O. Bob Page. "We have seen people cry because this represented the last remaining memory of a loved one." Replacements Ltd., like many organizations, encourage staff to be involved in the community and give them time off to participate in community projects. This volunteering, in partnership with the organization, gives both their lives and their careers deeper meanings.
3. Build career entrepreneurship
When you provide career entrepreneurship, you are moving from the ' loyalty' to a commitment mindset. In a 'loyalty' mindset, people are rewarded for simply being there a long time. In a commitment culture, Organizations clearly define what the individual is being offered in return for their services and provide internal career coaching to empower people to manage their own careers. How do you build career entrepreneurship? Allow people to set their career goals, provide them with the tools to reach those goals and let them measure their accomplishments. Helping people set their own roadmap and then allowing them to succeed will ensure that people are engaged.
4. Create a flexible work environment
Work-life balance is consistently rated as the one of the most important aspects for attracting and retaining talent. One U.S. federal agency had a turnover rate of close to 20% a year. Many people would work for this agency and after about 3 years leave to go to the private sector where they would earn almost double their salary within the government. Unable to compete in terms of wages offered, this agency started allowing people to work at home, create flexible hours and even introduced subsidized daycare to staff. The result? Turnover fell to slightly less than 5%.
5. Understand and embrace Real Diversity
Real diversity means going beyond issues of gender, ethnicity, or age. It means embracing people who not only look different but THINK differently. Many organizations are looking for people with industry or corporate experience. There are a lot of very talented people who have had their own businesses, work in different industries or have experience outside our borders. The fit that an organization should be most concerned with are whether the person believes in the values of the organization.
6. Streamline the hiring process
The decision making process for most organizations is now taking several months. It seems that everybody has to be part of the interview and decision-making process, even the janitor! People respond positively to the organization when you streamline the process and get back to people quickly, even if they did not get the position. Also, moving quickly gives you a significant competitive advantage over your competition.
7. On boarding
Once you have brought somebody into the organization, you should have a 100 day plan worked out for them even before they start. Some effective techniques are providing them with a mentor/buddy who can help them adjust to the new workplace. A number of studies have shown that the first 100 days are critical for helping people feel 'part of the team' and, when they do, they are both more engaged and committed to the organization and its goals.
Go back to the question we started with about where you would want to work? I can quote numerous studies, but the ultimate test is common sense. When you create a culture where people are recognized, engaged and they believe in what they are doing, people not only stay with the organization but attract others there as well.
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Users of modern offices typically take the materials their offices are constructed from for granted, assuming long life and the ability to endure years of constant use and wear. Unfortunately, the desk surfaces, chair surfaces, floor surfaces, and the various moving part mechanisms of chairs, drawers, slides and other essential portions of the furnishings are less than perfect. They eventually succumb to the wear and tear of constant, everyday use. And none endures more punishment that the floor covering beneath the typical office chair.
Whether hardwood, carpet, ceramic or a synthetic material, the floor surface beneath any chair that is used on any regular basis will degrade sooner than later unless some form of protection is utilized. This protects not only the floor surface, but with the proper choice, helps prolong the chair wheel system as well. A hard surface designed to withstand constant wheel rolling, twisting and high pressure loads is obviously desired and the typical chair mat is designed for exactly this purpose.
Yet, not all chair mats are created equally. The familiar plastic mat with back side spikes, when used on a carpeted surface as it is intended, has a relatively short life span, usually one to two years before displaying signs of fatigue. Cracking, discoloring and splitting are usually the symptoms, creating a less than professional look in the office. There are a number of other "soft material" alternates including rubber and combinations of plastic and vinyl. Most however do not lend themselves to either a long life, comfortable use or an appealing look, or more importantly, to all of these at once.
Wheeled chairs and people using wheeled chairs need hard surfaces. That is a prerequisite. Any material then that is not hard and rigid will be less than satisfactory. Additionally, the ideal hard surface will also blend in and compliment the office surroundings, implying a professional and functional air to the office.
Barring exotic materials that are less than practical, such as tempered glass, elaborate wooden structures and other custom materials, the most sensible chairmats are derived from wood based materials. Some hardwoods are known for their strength and durability and have found their use in a number of flooring systems because of this. Bamboo, such as that found in SuccessImage.com chair mats, is one of these woods and it is generally accepted to be one of the hardest and most resilient of woods for flooring. In fact, flooring contractors are commonly found to wear out a larger number of blades machining and shaping bamboo materials than any other wooden based flooring product.
As a natural wood product, bamboo can be finished to better match the furnishings around it and provide a more integral look. This has a side benefit of creating a pleasant environment, helping to improve office productivity and lowering fatigue.
Another important point to consider of your chair mat is the backing material used. Part of the purpose of the mat is to protect the underlying surface, so the material between the mat and floor is of critical importance. The best characteristics of this interface material are soft and absorbent to well protect the floor, as well as slip proof to avoid annoying movement of the mat during use. These requirements are often addressed with a rubber or plastic material which may or may not be effective, depending on the floor surface itself. The perfect solution would be a 100% coverage of a felt based material to provide padding and a soft surface, and at the same time a rubberized material that "grabs" the floor. SuccessImage.com chair mats uniquely combine these two ideal materials to create the best of both and keep the mat in position constantly while insulating the two hard materials, the mat and the floor, from each other.
At SuccessImage.com, these factors have all been combined into a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing chair mat solution. A bamboo hardwood surface with a felt and rubberized backing will provide the perfect work surface for your chair, creating a comfortable work space with no fatigue, and an elegant, professional look. See www.successimage.com for more information on these and other floor saving, workspace enhancing chair mat solutions that will enhance your office, your image and your professionalism!
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Trying to get leads of people wanting to start a home business can be easy and simple. But only if you use the right techniques. If you are using the wrong methods, it'll have you wondering, "how do I get leads of people wanting to start a home business".
So, what I'm going to do is share with you some ways to get the best prospects for your business. That way, you'll have a ton of people asking to join you.
The top 3 ways to get leads are:
1. Social Media. This is a great way to connect and socialize with thousands of people. It'll give you an opportunity to help people, which will result in them joining you in your home based business. You can use sites like Twitter, Myspace, and Facebook.
Social Media is going to be the top way to generate great prospects this year.
2. Pay-Per Click Advertising (or PPC). This is another way to get leads of people wanting to start a home business. PPC advertising is an awesome, and fast, way to find people who are interested in joining you. The best thing about using PPC is, you will only have to deal with people who are seriously looking to join you.
3. Video Marketing. This is another great way to get people who want to start a home based business. You can use sites like Youtube to upload a video. Your video will then have the potential to be viewed my millions of people from all over the world. This is great for attracting people who are serious about succeeding in the industry.
These are some ways to get great prospects that wants to join you in your home based business. If you really want to succeed in this industry, you need to generate leads yourself. It's the best way. So, now that you know the answer to your question, "how do I get leads of people wanting to start a home business", go out and succeed in with your company.
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If you are dreaming of selling guns. You are going to have to get your federal firearms license. As you start the process, your going to need all the application forms in order to apply for a federal firearms license, as well as the necessary instructions on how to fill it all out. The federal firearms kits come packed with all the help that you would ever need in order to apply for your F.F.L.
Not only do you need the application forms, you also need to fill them out the right way. Maybe you even need some helpful tips on filling out the application forms. The federal firearms license kits has all of this and more. How about a list of over 2000 wholesalers and suppliers. This list is going to be quite useful, as you will probably need it in order to get all the necessary supplies for your store. It is not mandatory that you need a full sized shop in order to get your federal firearms license, as you can do it from the comfort of your own home.
The kits come jam packed with everything that you would ever need from getting the license to setting up shop. In addition it provides pointers on how to start making profits as well as full access to the F.F.L. applicant site. The F.F.L. applicant site is a software program that you can use to receive orders and payments with. This is what your going to need in order to apply for your federal firearms license.
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Creating a new look for your store is exciting, but your excitement at the prospect of a new shop fitout can quickly dissipate if the project takes too long, costs too much, or doesn't even fit!
Follow these steps to ensure your project runs smoothly and the end result is just what you had in mind.
Evaluation
The first thing you need to do when considering a shopfitting project, is putting together a plan for the job. Look at your business, which products/sections to be highlighted with the fitout, your budget, existing fittings that can be refurbished, whether you need a completely new fitout and what you want from the project.
Having a clear idea of what you want and what you can afford before you jump in and start construction means the fitout will meet the business's needs and look fantastic.
Choosing Your Contractor
It can be difficult to know who to choose to complete your shopfitting project. Ask around your fellow business contacts where you are located, or at your Business Chamber meeting and Association conference, or even your competitors. Recommendations from others you respect is worth a lot - and don't be afraid to ask them if you can look at the job before you make your decision. It might look great and do the job for them, but isn't right for you.
Project Management
Another important point to remember is to appoint a shopfitting firm that will manage all aspects of your project so you won't have to deal with the plumber, electrician, sign contractor and builder yourself. A project manager provides one contact point for all trades so one person knows exactly what is happening when and can update you on every aspect of your project.
Timing
Make sure your shopfitter gives you a clear idea of how long the project will take and factor this loss into your budget. Think about when the best time is to complete your project so as to cause the least difficulty and keep the costs down. If you sell seafood then summer could be the worst time for a fitout, but if your business is snow gear then it probably is the ideal time.
Design
You want your fitout to draw attention to your business, so make sure you work with a specialist who will listen to your needs and create a design for you that is individual and functional, as well as eye-catching.
Measurements
Once you have decided on a design that meets your criteria ensure the shopfitters spend the time to get the measurements right. You want your design to fit perfectly in your premises.
Installation
Speak with your project manager regularly so you know where the project is up to and what to expect at each stage. This is particularly important when your project is at installation stage, because you want to create a minimum of inconvenience for your staff and customers.
Results
A great fitout will boost your business's productivity and increase profitability, as well as improve the environment you and your staff work in and your customers' shopping experience. Make sure the job you settle on will cover all these points.
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1. Have a Clue
Have a clue where your business is going. Have specific goals. So many business owners find working on their business a painful experience. If you don't find being in business exciting, and rewarding, then why the heck are you in business? Realise that business is exciting and rewarding when you are really successful. But to be successful you need to have a clue, a clear idea of where you are going so you can make sure your business is making progress towards your clearly defined goals.
Without clearly defined goals you will start feeling like you are treading water. Don't expend a lot of your energy getting your business nowhere. Clearly define your goals and make sure that you don't spend all your energy just reacting to the immediate pressures created by your business every day. Plan where your business is headed. Knowing where you want your business to go, allows you to determine what you need to get there. Knowing what needs to be done and getting it done will give you the excitement of achieving your goals. Instead of struggling along aimlessly, with only the occasional accidental reward. Goals insure your progress towards business success. Using a steadily growing and planned system with clear goals will almost certainly lead to success.
2. You Must Take Charge
You have to realise success doesn't just happen. In fact, success will only happen if you make it happen. Successful people are always in control. They refuse to fall victim to their circumstances. They accept their responsibility because they know that any results their business achieves are directly related to their efforts and they personally take the blame for all the things that go wrong. Being in control means you choose what to do, even in bad situations. It's true that we can't always control the situation; there are always things we can control however - like our attitude or our business skills. We can always get smarter, get stronger, and get better at all those skills we need to run a successful business. Take charge of yourself, your business, and the results you achieve.
3. Spread The Word, Attract Success
You will never succeed at anything in a bubble. Your business will never grow if you keep it a secret. It is essential to spread the word. That way as many people as possible know what products or services you offer. Too many small businesses develop a tendency to operate in isolation, reacting to their environment and just waiting for customers to find them. These business owners wait for a sales slowdown, then they start advertising to address the situation and then when sales pick up, they stop all the advertising to save money. What are they thinking? This always results in ineffective advertising, producing unreliable, disappointing results. What you must always do is develop and follow a planned advertising and promotion campaign. Something designed to address your specific needs.
Never advertise with a simple objective like "getting more sales". That kind of approach is far too vague and will never produce any successful results. You need to develop advertising with specific objectives that will actively encourage word of mouth advertising. Plan it out so you have a targeted leads generating system. Using planned advertising is the only way you can generate a steady flow of new interested customers. Develop your strategy to deliberately increase the value and frequency of sales from new and existing customers. Marketing must never be left to chance; it must spread the word through a planned, specific, consistent, and effective advertising, strategy.
4. They Better Do It Better
Most entrepreneurs start a business based on unique skills they have developed into a craft. Unfortunately this creates a problem when they get too busy to do all the work themselves. The only solution to this problem is to hire others to take on some of the work. Be warned, this is a critical point in your business, get this right and the future of their business is assured, but get it wrong and the business is doomed to fail.
That is why many business owners would clone themselves if they could. It is almost impossible to find anyone who can do the work as well as you can. Some timid business owners show a resistance to hiring help. Eventually it becomes too obvious even for them to avoid. Business growth is significantly stifled by these timid owners who are afraid to hire and hang on to work by themselves for too long, until the damage is irreparable. Make the choice to grow, and unlock the potential for growth within your business by training new people to not only take on some of the work but be better than you.
5. Do it Well And They come Back With Their Friends
Every truly successful business has a leader who lives, breathes and preaches over-deliver. Something the average business leader only talks about. Successful companies build a reputation on the quality of service and the products they sell. Everyone knows the reputation of Disneyland it is based on delivering a quality experience for each and every customer. Walt Disney lived, breathed, and preached this attitude to everyone he dealt with and accepted nothing less from anyone who dealt with him. As a result the standards and procedures established insured his entire operation knew what is expected of them in every situation involving interaction with a customer. Always remember delighted customers come back with their friends.
6. You Must Keep Score
The greatest danger to any growing business is the owner to losing control. Many small thinking business owners choose to stay small because they don't want to deal with growing too big.
But all they need to realise is that as long as performance can be managed and controlled your business can confidently grow. Many inexperienced small business owners worry about getting all the work done, they just need to realise it's because they don't measure their results, they don't keep score. Keeping score means tracking how well your business is doing when it comes to meeting its goals. If you keep score you know for certain if performance is behind your expectations, then the proper steps can be taken to improve performance and get back on track where you need to be. Without keeping score, how will you ever know whether your even coming close to meeting your goals, or whether your business' performance is substandard. Without keeping score your goals will never be reached.
7. For Every Action
For every action there is a result. Almost every time you take a positive action you get a positive result. Just like taking no action, gives you no result but is almost always followed with a need for a reaction. You need to be a person of action. There are two kinds of action you can take in business. Reaction and pro-action. You know your business is out of control when every action you take is a reaction. Successful people are pro-active. They know that if they take positive action it is less likely they will need to deal with a reaction. Planning and goals give you a guide to the actions that should be taken as well as a guide to help you recognize when you are reacting. Take action to tell the world about your business.
8. Always, Always Celebrate Your Victories
Replenishing our physical and emotional strength requires reducing stress and celebrating victories. The biggest problem many small business owners have is that they always think they are too busy to relax, take any time off, or especially just to celebrate. For many that do manage to get away from the business and relax, they often come back no more rejuvenated than when they left and struggle to tackle their tedious work. Consider how inefficient this would be if business owners were battery powered and never stopped to recharge their batteries. You must stop and recharge your batteries or risk becoming totally ineffective.
Smart business owners set goals to make it easy to plan when and what to celebrate. Not only do you need goals to achieve but without them you will just keep on working until it you are drained of energy, your work becomes drudgery, and you become ineffective. Celebrations put the excitement back into business for everyone. Celebrating your victories allows you to appreciate success in something you have always enjoyed doing.
In Conclusion
You must implement these 8 keys to unlock the profit potential of your business. Setting goals will end the frustration you feel from trying to build your business without a plan. These steps will allow you to take more than one step forward. These keys mean freedom from the daily grind and relief from those business pressures of uncertainty. Use these keys to gain the rewards you deserve from your efforts. It is up to you to unlock the hidden profit and excitement owning a business can provide and unleash the potential your business holds. These key will gey you started.
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Manny Ramirez is considered by a consensus of fans and sportswriters one of the best hitters in baseball, and unless he takes steroids or bets on games, he is expected to be a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame, when he hangs up his cleats.
Having said that, why is it taking so long for this king of the batter's box to sign a rewarding contract for the 2009 season?
Spring training begins in something like three weeks!
The official word is that the Dodgers offered a two year contract and Manny wants a minimum of four. It also appears no other club is in contention for his services, which are so impactful that having Manny in the lineup can make the difference in reaching the post-season, as the Dodgers did in 2008, or warming the couch in October. I believe both sides are saying, "Forget You!" or what is known as the debilitating F-You response in negotiating. This sort of deadlocking happens all the time when amateurs square off to bargain.
Recently, Bill and his wife went out looking for beach houses to rent. A suitable castle on the sand was listed about $750 over market, according to Bill, who had done an exhaustive competitive analysis, so he offered precisely the listing price, less $750, explaining in detail how he had arrived at the figure.
The owner, who had been spoiled by higher rents when the economy was roaring, refused to lower his price by even one cent. He told the property management company, "Either they're willing to pay my price, or forget them."
The owner decided, at least tacitly, that he would prefer to watch the place stay empty, at a cost to him, personally, of thousands per month, than "give it away" for less than what it was worth, at least in his mind.
Playing the negotiation game the Forget-You way creates lose-lose outcomes; nobody wins.
Plus, it generates hard feelings all around, tainting negotiations with the future participants, who we expect to adopt similar destructive gambits.
Again, amateur negotiators fall into this trap almost all the time.
Professionals, on the other hand, do everything in their power to avoid a stalemate, that point where either side is saying "Take-it-or-leave-it." As long as we avoid ultimatums and verbal attacks, such as demands and commands, our negotiations can continue toward a productive and mutually advantageous outcome.
It reminds me of generals in the armed services who maintain they are the most reluctant to send soldiers to battle, because they have actually tasted the bitter fruits of wars. Professional negotiators feel the same way about negative tactics in bargaining. They have seen them blow-up, again and again.
What is the better path?
According to experts, we need to replace positions with interests. For example, Bill and wife can revise their offers to take into account the other needs of the owner. If he is on a fixed income, or strapped for cash, they can still offer less money monthly, but ante up a few months rent in advance, easing the owner's current cash needs, while demonstrating their financial strength and reliability.
They can agree to a longer-term lease, instead of 12 months, they might offer 18 or 24, which has the functional effect of shortening his future vacancy time, and out of pocket costs.
The owner "wins" from the vantage point of generating more long-term, assured dollars, fewer vacancy hassles, and more up-front money, and Bill and bride are able to curtail their monthly outlays for rent.
Moreover, in an environment of DECLINING RENTS and declining property values, a longer term commitment becomes more and more valuable with the passage of time, providing the owner with greater purchasing power, exactly what those on a fixed income might need. The F-You response won't reach this sort of agreement, because it is impulsive, emotional, and irrational.
Sadly, it curtails discussions, which if continued in a positive way, can reveal a broader spectrum of interests of both sides, permitting them to customize deals to each other. Which makes you wonder all the more why Manny is still waiting for a club to join.
Is it too much to expect major leaguers, with so much at stake, to be professional negotiators, as well?
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The Dodgers and agent Scott Boras seem to be at an impasse.
They are negotiating Manny Ramirez' 2009 major league baseball contract.
The team has offered a two-year deal, while Manny's agent asserts it will take four or more to tango.
Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti is trying to avoid what is called, "negotiating against oneself." If you're the only or top bidder for something, the traditional negotiating playbook says:
(1) Wait for a counteroffer before sweetening your original offer.
(2) If you receive silence in return instead of a counteroffer, the other party will blink. If he has received no better offer than yours from a third party, he'll have to deal with you, sooner or later, and accept yours.
(3) If you succumb to your impatience, or buckle under the pressure brought on by the approach of a deadline, such as the slated start of spring training, and you offer a better deal before receiving a counteroffer, you'll make concessions for nothing.
In that case, you are bidding against yourself, and throwing away money.
Boras has heard all of this, and yet he's acting as if he's oblivious to the merit of Colletti's position.
What Boras is tacitly threatening is this:
If the Dodgers do not sweeten the deal on their own, Ramirez will play for the first team that does improve on that offer, or for the highest bidder.
In other words, the Dodgers will have had one bite at the apple, and they may be denied a second chance to improve their offer, later.
But is that completely rational?
Not really, but who said negotiation is ever 100% reasonable, or predictable?
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Let's face it. Performance reviews are stressful for both the employer and the employee. The employee is "waiting" for the shoe to drop and the employer doesn't really want to tell the truth - they want to soften the information because they are uncomfortable sharing, worry about confrontation or simply don't know how.
Here are some tips to help alleviate the stress!
1. BE SPECIFIC, DON'T GENERALIZE - Start the review with what is working really well. Be specific! Don't simply tell them that they are doing a good job, or work well with the team. What does that mean? Mention specific details that will make it crystal clear to the employee what he/she is doing very well. You can't motivate people to do more of the same without being specific about what they are doing right.
2. LISTEN TO YOUR EMPLOYEE - Ask your employees' opinion about what they think they do exceptionally well, and where they feel they need to improve. They are quite likely to give you some truly insightful answers that will help you ascertain how to more effectively direct the employee in the future.
3. ADDRESS AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT NEEDED - Again, be direct and be specific when discussing areas for improvement. For example, instead of simply stating "you need to get better at time management" or "you need to handle conflict resolution better", you need to give them examples of behaviors you want to see that would indicate they are improving in these areas. Develop ideas with your employee on "how" they will improve.
4. GIVE THEM TIME TO VOICE CONCERNS OR COMMENTS - Addressing employee performance is always a sensitive issue. Ask your employee for comments, concerns or ideas they have for improvement - both for themselves and the company at large. Assure the employee that you will be working with them on these areas that need improvement. The review process shouldn't be a "dump" of what needs to be changed and then expect results. Your job is to monitor, mentor, guide and provide feedback often and regularly. These ideas will prompt change and make the difference.
5. REVIEW RESULTS SHOULDN'T BE A SURPRISE! - Finally, meet with your employee regularly, not just during review time. No one can accurately judge how they are going without ongoing input. Meet with your employee 3 or 4 times a year and let them know what progress is being made and what still needs improvement, etc.
If you are working with an employee throughout the year and sharing your views of their performance, there shouldn't be the element of surprise. The review should simply be a recap of the last 11 months. Learn or train your interviewers how to give and receive effective feedback. Although it may seem easy to give valuable feedback, when it comes time to give performance reviews, many people have a difficult time both praising and criticizing their people as well as accepting the feedback the employee wants to give. It's a good idea to get coaching, take a seminar or read up on how to effectively give and receive feedback so that your performance reviews will be able to improve your internal communication on multiple levels.
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When it comes to starting up your own business, the thought of a franchise has a lot of appeal. When starting a franchise you already know that your customers have heard the name of your business and will most likely come to your shop as well. You already have that free advertising going for you. Nothing can spread business faster than word of mouth. But there are pluses and minuses to every type of business you could decide to start up. It would be a good idea to read through some rent-a-center franchise information before jumping in feet first.
One of the major benefits to starting up your own franchise is that the franchisor often provides a significant amount of training. This is highly beneficial since any other business would not have access to this type of assistance. While your franchise might have to pay for the training, this is a better option than having to go out and figure it all out on your own. In addition, the franchisor will usually provide continued support and mentoring throughout the life of your own rent-a-center franchise. This is due to the fact that each franchisor wants to see each branch of their company succeed. They will not want to have one of their own stores ruin the reputation of all the stores.
On the other side of the advantages are also some disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage that you have owning your own franchise is the loss of control in most aspects of your company. If you want to make any changes the change must be approved by the franchisor. Also, if the franchisor is not running the company to the benefit of each franchise, this can cause major problems between you and the franchisor. You should make sure to read through your franchise agreement as most of these have you sign your rights away if any such disagreement should occur. The other main disadvantage is the cost in general. There is an upfront fee that you must pay to the franchisor for using their name and trademark. You will also have to pay royalties to the franchisor which will cut into your pocketbook for the life of your business.
While starting up your own business sounds like a wonderful idea, it is also a good idea to weigh the good and the bad that go along with opening a franchise. After you read some RAC franchise information you might decide that you still want to go ahead or you might change your mind altogether. It just depends on what type of business owner you want to be.
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When it comes to starting up your own business, the thought of having to risk your entire initial investment can be quite nerve-wracking. There are numerous startup costs that should be taken into consideration before you even begin to think about starting up your own company. There is the purchase of merchandise and the rental of the office space just to start with. Once you get past all of the initial costs, there are the upkeep costs to be considered as well.
You should take great care when deciding what type of business you will start up as well. One way to get started is by researching about rent n go franchise information online or at your local store. There is a huge demand for stores that provide the rent-to-own service in today's economy. If someone has recently been laid off due to the current financial crisis and their refrigerator stops working, they will need some way to be able to purchase a new fridge. With a rent-to-own store that can be possible for that person. They will be able to make monthly payments rather than having to fork over a huge lump sum right up front which may very well deplete all of their savings. With an RAC franchise you will feel as though you are helping out your fellow man that could really use your helping hand.
There are many other different types of franchises that you could startup as well. You could open up a chain restaurant or maybe even a shoe store. When it comes to starting your own business the sky is the limit, so long as your pocketbook as some deep pockets. You also need to make sure that you are passionate about the type of business that you open. If you really aren't all that into shopping for shoes, then perhaps that type of shop just isn't for you. You need to find something that you will be happy to get up in the morning to go off and work at all day long.
If you really want to feel as if you are giving something back to your local community, a rent-to-own store is the perfect solution for you. These stores will bring tremendous relief to those who desperately need it during these hard financial times. Especially when it looks as though things are only going to get worse before they get better. So start researching easyhome franchise information today.
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Are you looking for resources online to find information on small business loans? There are many resources available for entrepreneurs in the USA looking for financing resources from loans to grants. Some examples are:
1. Small Business Association
The SBA provides loans, equity capital and other forms of potential financing for your small business. If you click on the free online course:finance primer:Guide to SBA's loan program; you can find our more detailed information. On this site you will also find Surety Bonds, Equity Capital, Regulations, and Compliance information.
2. Merchant Loans
Another options is merchant loans and there are a variety of companies that offer these. You can get cash advances based on certain criteria up to $1,000, small business loans from $10,000 to $1,000,000 or small business financing using your 401k. There are numerous companies but you can check out merchantloans.com.
3. Small Business Center
Smallbusinesscenter.com has a good amount of information on business loans, grants, how to get a small business loan, invoice factoring and commercial loans. There are a wide variety of article information on this site to assist you.
4. Business Loan USA
Businessloanusa is a good site for all sorts of business loans. They have information on Equipment financing and leasing, accounts receivable factoring, export trade financing, gas stations and car washes, dip financing, church financing just to name a few. There is also help with commercial real estate financing, hotel and motels, hard money, construction and renovation, medical equipment leasing, practise acquisition financing and working capital loans. This is a great resource for someone that is looking for industry specific information on loan financing.
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My business is focused on helping small businesses find the capital they need to start and grow their businesses. In the course of a day, I constantly hear a common phrase, "Why can't I get a "fair" loan without high fees and with low interest?"
Now, my answer is always predicated with a question, "Well, what do you call a fair loan?"
These lenders are risking their money (or the money of their depositors or investors whom they have a tremendous responsibility not to lose) in the hopes that you will pay them back. This is their business. This is how they make their money.
Think about your business. Do you provide a "fair" price for your goods or services? Do all your customers think your prices are fair? If they speak up and say; 'I want a fair deal' - do you cut your prices? I think not as you would not be able to cover your costs and earn the profits you expect to earn. Banks and other lenders are in the same boat.
The fees and rates that lenders charge are fair to the lenders. They charge fees and rates, not to rip you off, but to cover their costs. Just like your business, these lenders face the same expenses as any other businesses in this country. They have a cost of goods sold -called cost of money - paying interest on deposits, interest on inter-bank loans, interest and returns to investors. Without these costs, there would be nothing to lend. The also have salaries, office space rent or leases, marketing expenses, and so on - just like you.
So, while your costs and prices are rising in this highly turbulent market, so are theirs. Today, in the lending industry (all the lending industry), origination fees and high interest rates are just the way it is. You cannot give away your products or services and expect to survive and neither can they. So, what is "fair?" They have to cover their expenses or go out of business and thusly charge fair rates and fees to meet those expenses.
Note: Not all banks and lenders received bailouts - only the biggest and the loudest did.
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Product development is a crucial stage that many companies have to go through, frequently time and time again, and with it comes development of manufacturing techniques. Firms have to make it right first time or they will have to face increased costs, lost sales, lost time, and lost share of the market. The outcome of this process can actually bring huge success or failure to a company.
But why is there a need to go through the product development stage? Is it a one time process that a company should undergo, and once developed surely a product is just that: a product? In fact, any business that does not invest in improving its products will find itself in serious trouble and lagging behind its competitors.
Nothing stands still, and this is particularly true of the needs of the public. What was cutting edge yesterday is a standard product today and will be obsolete tomorrow. In fact many businesses design obsolescence in their products as part of their product development. What future is there for a business that makes products that last forever? However, that aside, constant development is important because you cannot launch new products unless you develop them, and if you don't launch new products, your company will die.
What should be done to develop a product? First, you can make goods that will generate a new market, or what people call a niche. You can introduce something new that will cater to a specific group. This can be quite a risk, because if your target market sees your product as a waste of money, you will incur big losses. But if the consumers support your new product and render it commercially viable then you will make big profits.
Another strategy you can consider is to add products to the existing line. This can mean new flavors, new colors, and new sizes, depending on the current products that you are offering to the market. This will encourage present buyers to patronize your new products, and it will expand your existing market to bring in more sales.
Product improvement is also part of product development. Once a product has been launched, its development can continue with improvements in cost, aesthetics and performance. With the increasing competition nowadays, there will always be something better in the market, or worse, something similar to your current products or services. A cheaper way to develop products is to improve the current ones so that they can stand out among your competitors. Continuous improvement of a product must be done so that you can constantly satisfy your customers. Through intensive marketing strategies, improved products can kick-off well in the market.
And lastly, if your current products are known for a particular use but they can actually do other things that can benefit other consumers then you should try to reposition them. For example, you have a food product that is popular for its delicious taste, but it also has health benefits which are not known to all. In this case, you can market the health benefits of the food instead of its taste alone. This can lead to an expansion of your target market, since the product will be repositioned to appeal to those who love food as well as health conscious people.
A company can choose one or a combination of these product development strategies. Just remember the main objectives of your product development process:
1. To be prominent compared to your competitors.
2. To continuously satisfy customers.
3. To expand your current market.
1+2+3=Growth! Growth through an increased market base, increased sales and increased profit. The full term is R&D: Research and Development. You research the market and also your competitors' products. You use the results of that research to develop products that meets the market demand, and beats anything your competition has to offer.
Your competitors then do the same thing, and you then have to follow - ad infinitum.
However, it is not only product development that is important in a business but development of everything else that makes a business special. You should develop your sales techniques, your marketing strategies, your manufacturing processes and your office procedures. Products, processes, procedures, strategies and techniques, all of these can be researched and developed until they are all cutting edge.
You should do all that you can to make sure that your products are what your customers want and will continue to be so well into the future. That involves long-sighted product development strategies that will keep your business in the forefront of its field, and always one step ahead of the competition.
Don't be a 'me too' company, but a 'cutting edge' company through well thought out and planned product development strategies.
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.
By Nazir Daud
Do you enjoy making scented candles and want to start a business of it? Here are some basic information you should know before opening up your own scented candle business.
First, decide whether the business of making scented candles is for you. Decide whether it is only a hobby, or you're willing to go into it full-time. If you're serious about setting up your own scented candle business, the first thing you have to do is to master your craft. Practice making different kinds of candles, and try different combinations of colors and scents. You're sure to find several kinds of candles that you make pretty well. Also, find a stable, reliable source of the basic candle making supplies. Be prepared to invest some time, effort and money into your craft.
It is also important to arm yourself with the proper business knowledge before you begin. Get to know the laws for selling scented candles in your country and locality. In the United States, the National Candle Association (NCA) is in charge of setting the standards in the candle industry, as published in the ASTM International. These laws focus on fire safety with regards to candles and particular specifications of materials used in the production of candles, such as glass containers. Aside from these matters, you also have to understand the legal aspects of staring your own business, such as laws on copyrights and trademarks.
When setting up your business, a good idea would be to start small and expand from there. Try to sell your candles to family and friends first. Gradually move on to weekend bazaars and shops, where you can showcase your goods and give away free samples. Once you start making some money, invest that money in your business by starting your own website and by increasing your inventory. You can also try to get your candles to be sold into local stores, so that you can have a steady source of income.
Once you've established your business, it would benefit you to join certain groups and associations. For example, the Candle Business Corner can help you in creating candles of high-quality and in marketing your products. Another association, the International Guild of Candle Artisans, can help you interact with fellow candle makers and potential suppliers for your business. Building these important ties can help you develop your skills and make your business grow.
The key to succeeding in your scented candle business is to have regular customers. Study the market, especially with regards to the candle industry. Know what your clients want, and focus on giving them that, but do take some risks. Most of all, don't forget to have fun!
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Small business ideas to make money are great for a variety of reasons. First and foremost you are creating extra income for yourself that has the potential to turn into a lucrative business. In addition to the income that you are creating for yourself, you are also building self confidence and a better life for you and your family. So what are some ideas to make money?
In my opinion the best way to create an extra income for yourself is via an internet business. Online business accounts for billions of dollars in sales each year, and there is no reason that you cannot take your skills online to create a profitable business.
First of all, an online business is open constantly as opposed to a physical store that is open 9-5 on weekdays. I cannot tell you how many times I have gone to bed and awoke the following morning to see money in my merchant account. It really is a great feeling to set up residual income streams that can earn you money on autopilot.
I don't want to fill you with hype, because it does take a lot of hard work to get to this level. You must be dedicated and have a reliable business model in place in order to succeed.
1. Make sure that you have a website. If you want some small business ideas to make money you must first have a website. This is crucial to your success.
2. You must market your website. This can be done by getting ranked high in the search engines, and the easiest way to do that is with article marketing. However, this can be time consuming.
3. To market your business effectively you need to advertise with eBay classified ads. eBay classified ads are a fantastic way to advertise your online business because of the return on investment.
Want to know more?
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When I went self-employed seventeen years ago I purposely went to work alongside the most successful people I could find. I was starting from scratch and if I was to succeed then I wanted to be near people who were doing well and had the right attitude.
One particular guy in the office I worked from was the number one sales person for the company worldwide! This meant he sold more than literally thousands of other people, all over the world. Every month he brought in phenomenal amounts of business and always seemed to have a queue of opportunities.
I was intensely curious as to how he managed to do this so I asked him how he marketed himself. He replied "Just do everything, all of the time." It took me a while to work this out but the essence of the situation was that lots of marketing went on ALL THE TIME.
In the years since, and having worked with many other businesses, you notice the same trend. Regardless of all else the ones who do the best do lots of marketing and it goes on constantly. This is especially true right now, in a contracting economy.
The reason so many small businesses fail to reach their potential is that instead of doing everything all of the time they do nothing most of the time. Often, you notice a pattern that leads to constant highs and lows.
When times are busy very little marketing tends to get done because the perception is there's not enough time. But when the work is finished there's little or nothing to take its place. Marketing activity is then frantically undertaken - yet it's reactive behaviour, which costs more money and is far less effective.
The best time to market for new business is when you don't need it, which means finding ways to market your business when you're busy. Although the guy I knew made it look easy, behind the scenes was a well-oiled machine, consisting of:
The marketing mix
The engine ticks over because there are several 'cylinders' all firing at once. For example, there are opportunities coming via referrals, alliances, website, existing clients, tele-marketing, seminars, speaking etc. There's no reliance on just one or two sources of business.
A systematic approach
There is a marketing strategy and well planned tactics. Activities are scheduled well in advance. We suggest creating a 12-month marketing plan. Of course, you need to remain flexible because of external forces but the outcome should always remain in focus.
Constant recording and testing of results
The recording of results is critical to improving the system. For example, where does business come from, in what quantities, how much does it cost and what is the profitability? How can you leverage results if you don't measure what's happening?
Team work
A lot of business creates a lot of 'mess'. What stops people doing more business is that there are hold-ups on the conveyor belt. It's only though systems, delegation and a good team that results become consistent.
A willingness to try new ideas
What works today may not work tomorrow because they world around us is always changing. There has to be a budget to test new ideas and at the same time the courage to let go of old ideas that have stopped working.
Hard work
Very little gets achieved without getting stuck in and some hard graft, despite what the 'guru's' suggest.
According to many experts, 2009 is going to be a tough year. The winners, those who pick up the lions share of the business, will be the ones that continue to market. Last week I heard someone say that because their competitor had gone into liquidation they didn't need to advertise. But people won't turn up unless they know you're open for business, will they?
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Be ready for change! Any change in an organisation can bring with it stress and doubt but be sure that it also brings with it competition and with competition come threat. This scenario is threatening businesses throughout the world as people are realising that change is something that is needed for survival. It is not a mere exercise.
But even now, changes are made in businesses that simply lap at the surface of problems rather than dealing with the underlying issues. And what are the underlying issues? The problem is that many of us simply do not know. Even if we thing we know, many businesses implement changes that are simple decorative manipulations rather than things that will affect long term customer relations and, of course, sales.
A good example is that of marketing. This should rarely be an exercise to find ways to increase sales but rather an exercise to find out why customers are NOT buying. The best way to do this is to ask those very customers themselves. Yes, ask them.
It sounds counterintuitive but who REALLY knows about the buying habits of the population? I know myself that I'll buy from one company and not from another because of my ideas about them. Companies that give poorer service are less likely to complete a sale with me.
But what if a business actually gave me the chance to tell them why they are not up to my required standards? Do you think that I could give them information that would be valuable to them?
You bet I could. And this information cannot be got from anywhere else or by any other means. Companies should welcome this sort of feedback from customers and instead of reeling from the expected barrage of complaints they should be thankful that the have a chance to enhance the customer experience.
Then, the changes that are made can be aligned with the customer position in the overall structure. Although much change can be unavoidable, by combining it with an enhanced customer experience will enable greater customer recruitment, retention and interaction.
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1/ Do you have a lot of emotional ups and downs around your work life?
2/ Do you have uncertainty about your future security?
3/ Do you use the words hope and pray a lot at work?
4/ Do you go home more tired at the end of the day than at the start?
5/ Are you thankful for what your job provides?
6/ Is it easy for you to take a few minutes and calm yourself each hour or so?
7/ Do you see goodness coming from what you do?
8/ Are your relationships at work and with clients harmonious or fake?
9/ Are you always looking forward to doing something else even when you are at work.
10/ Are you drinking more than 5 cups of coffee or 5 glasses of wine, beer or spirits a day?
So, lets review each one
1/ A yes here means you are killing yourself at work. It's personal sabotage and it'd be wise to get your papers, finances and personal relationships in order. This consciousness leads to an early death.
2/ Uncertainty about your future means that the financial success of the business controls your personal financial security. If so, you're operating at the lower end of human consciousness and this is going to lead to desperation in either physical or financial terms. It is far wiser not to hinge your life on the day to day, month to month success of your work life.
3/ These words have their place. But, when it comes to hanging the success of a business on hope or pray for it, you're placing the responsibility for destiny in the wrong hands. You were given the power and skill for success at birth. Try lowering the risk profile of your work / business circumstance.
4/ A yes here is a warning. No partner deserves to be treated as the home care service. Work these days is 90% mental and good mental practices will lead to good use of energy. High tension, emotion and boredom lead to exhaustion so, this tiredness is a warning that you are not managing you mind or your metabolism well. Suggest you change your exercise program, diet and though process at work.
5/ Thankfulness is a choice. Even the worst situation has a perfect balance of positive and negative so, there's always something, 50% of things, to be thankful for. Focusing on the bad news attracts more of it.
6/ One important skill for living and working with consciousness is the ability to shut down. These days TV and alcohol form the process but they are not totally effective. 10 minutes in a deeper state of calm and non activity has the equivalent benefit of 5 -6 hours of TV. So, you can certainly see the benefit of stillness sessions at work. That's conscious.....
7/ I state repeatedly and primarily from experience that personal happiness comes primarily from good work. Now, we can't obliterate the challenges from work but, if we believe the work we do is worth doing, in other words, is a worthy use of our time, we'll breeze through the challenges like a bird. But, if we think our work is fruitless, has no real meaning or even has negative social consequence, nothing we do outside that work can counterbalance the affect of it. Bad work creates a unconscious mind.
8/ For me, this is the most interesting. Did you know that the most stressful jobs on earth are those that require people to smile at people who are totally rude. That means they have to fake relationships. Those professions include flight attendants, customer service desks, and nurses. Harmonious does not meet nice. It means - like a musical note, a fluctuation between high and low. The more infatuated the dynamic (gee you're amazing) the more resentful (gee you're awful). Infatuation and resentment are the unconscious ends of real harmony.
9/ Creating a job that you don't want to run away from is important. If the work is so boring and unchallenged then, people start living in the future. That's where accidents originate. There are many people who have mastered the art of being in the future and as a result forgot to pay their bills in the present and went bust. Learning to be here now is a core consciousness skill.
10/ There are four substitutes for conscious living. I mean conscious living leads to happiness and when people are unhappy they seek one or all of four substitutes for it. Those four are:
a/ Food and Substance (includes coffee, alcohol, drugs)
b/ Greed. The competitive and sometimes mindless pursuit of success and wealth for its own sake. This can also include over consumption of anything.
c/ Sex. The unhappy and bored individual will seek the source of happiness in sex.
d/ Spirituality. A happy person doesn't need it.
To get a grip on conscious versus unconscious behavior at work, just look at your life expectancy. Ask an honest doctor whether the way you are living and working is lengthening or shortening your life. Conscious people live longer.
You might also ask whether you are taking unnecessary risks and whether these are stimulated by inspiration or desperation.
Consciousness at work can really make a big difference to your success, your relationship and the length and joy or your life.
With Spirit
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There are many reasons people fail to reach their potential. The sacrifices, risk-taking, and the demands our dreams make for personal growth find many aborting their desires, and settling for less.
However, one of the most difficult aspects of attaining a goal is WAITING. Oftentimes, the realization of our purpose takes more time, money and effort than we ever dreamed. This can become an obstacle if we're not handling this reality carefully.
Here are three ways to handle a deferred dream:
1. Keep Your Eyes on the Big Picture
It is quite easy to get bogged down in the day- to- day struggles of making your dream happen. We have to pay vendors, do things we'd prefer not to do, and sacrifice to give birth to
our ambitions. Over time, the temptation is give up looms just when the realization of our dreams might be around the corner. Remember WHY you're pursuing your purpose. The realization helps fuel your motivation and keep you focused on your goals.
2. Releasing Control
One of the hardest things I'm learning is to let go---release control of the time frame surrounding my goals.
At the start of my speaking business, I pushed hard to get it going. I spent tons of money on speaking and business associations, and I MAXED out my credit cards, trying to create a momentum to my dream.
However, I learned the hard way that I needed to take a more balanced approach to growing my business. It needed to grow at it's pace, not mine. I needed to learn patience. Once I changed my attitude, I was free to listen to the hunches that led to successful speaking accounts and book sales. Learn patience, and grow your business.
3. Stay Around Like-Minded People
When I was giving natural birth to my son, at times the pain was unbearable. My naive husband
fumbled and said silly things that I reacted to. (I remember angrily digging my nails in his back at one point)
However, my nurse mid-wife, who had delivered hundreds of babies, knew how to rub my back and whisper encouraging words in my ear, preparing me for the next exhaustive push.
Likewise, whatever goal you're pursuing requires that you surround yourself with people who can nurture and encourage your efforts and give you gentle feedback.
Because following your passion involves some pain, struggle and frustration, you need a "birthing coach" to help you through the the rough passages. Finding the right association can help you re-ignite your determination so you can continue to reach your goal.
When your dreams are delayed, remember to keep your eyes on the big picture, release control of how the dream will be realized and stay around like-minded people. These keys will breathe life into your efforts.
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Many insurance agents and financial planners get to a point in their careers where they need a new challenge. Because of their numerous years of experience in the financial services industry, they believe they want to and can actively manage their clients' money. When they call me to assist with the creation of their registered investment adviser, I always make sure they can answer these seven critical questions because the answers will make or break their new business.
1. Do I want to be a business owner and am I driven to build a business?
Perhaps this is the most fundamental question that needs to be answered because it takes a lot of work to run a successful business let alone a RIA. However, most individuals that are faced with this decision have already run a successful business such as an insurance agency or branch office of a broker-dealer.
2. How much money under management do I anticipate having within the first year?
This question should be asked early in the decision process because if there isn't a large enough book of business to manage; there is no point in setting up a RIA. More importantly, it will help answer the next question.
3. Will my book of business generate enough fees to pay for the added expenses?
The prospective owner must sit down with pen and paper and make a list of expected expenses. At a minimum, the list should include RIA specific expenses such as errors and omissions insurance coverage, billing software, compliance system creation, performance reporting software (if desired), disaster recovery system, and record keeping systems. The list should also include traditional business expenses, such as, rent, telephone, and computers to name a few. At the end of the first year, the generated fees and expenses should break even or come close to that point.
4. Do I want to and do I know how to manage money?
Most people in the financial services industry have some money management skills. However, actively managing money can be a very time consuming and stressful task. Money Managers need to constantly monitor and adjust their portfolios to the daily fluctuations of the markets. While some individuals may thrive on these duties others may not want the burden. Those who do not want to actively manage money but still want their own RIA have the option of outsourcing the money management. The prospective RIA owner should take time to reflect on what level of involvement they wish to have in this aspect of the business before opening the firm.
5. What company is the best custodian for my clients and the services I want to provide?
A good custodian can make or break a start up RIA. Many custodians are designed to help RIAs with powerful software and back office support. But, a poor custodial relationship can strain client relationships to the point of losing long term clients. Proper due diligence should be conducted on various custodians to make sure they help the firm and the clients.
6. Do I want to be in charge of my own compliance responsibilities?
This is a critical question that must be affirmatively answered by anyone wanting to open a RIA. A RIA owner must be willing to put time, money and resources in to their compliance department as the business grows. Opening a RIA guarantees that a regulator will examine the firm within the first one to three years. Thus, proper set up and administration of a compliance department is critical.
7. How comfortable am I disclosing all of my conflicts of interest?
A registered investment adviser has a fiduciary duty to its clients. All boiled down, this means the RIA must put the clients' interests ahead of its own and disclose all conflicts of interest. For some this is not easy, but for all it is not only necessary, it is required.
If a prospective owner can answer these seven critical questions and feel good about the answers, it might be time to look into opening a registered investment adviser.
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We've been there before. As leaders of a financial institution during the debt crisis in rural America, we watched land values race from $300 to $1,000 and then plummeted to $300. Lenders and borrowers faced a financial disaster. The regulators responded with a plethora of new policies, procedures and reporting requirements. Some made sense and were constructive and some felt like burdensome activities. That didn't matter. The crisis environment shifted the focus and balance of leaders decision processes.
To paraphrase an old cowboy phrase... "It is too late to close the barn door once the horses have gotten out." But still the door is closed, or maybe a new one is built. In the aftermath of the financial collapse in the U.S., there will undoubtedly be a flurry of new door closings. In "regulatory" speak, that means an explosion of new policies, procedures, and reporting requirements by many of the nation's regulatory agencies. It may be reasonable to expect the FDIC, OCC, SEC and others to develop new policies in response to the financial collapse. Most if not all citizens will be impacted directly or indirectly from new regulatory agency rules.
Regulators have a unique and important watchdog duty to protect citizens of the U.S. They are challenged to balance reasonable policies which create an environment for capitalism to thrive, presuming business and organizational leadership will act with honesty and integrity. When leadership fails, regulators are duty bound to respond as they deem necessary. That's where the country finds itself today.
Don't blame the regulator for reacting aggressively to the nation's current problems. In a free society, regulators are fundamentally a watchdog, providing the framework for leadership behavior. When leadership behavior fails as is the primary cause of the financial collapse, regulators may become watchdogs on steroids. A regulators concern is prevention of undesirable or unacceptable behavior so that citizens are protected. Most regulators usually have no duty, mandate or perhaps interest to help your business market, grow, prosper or help business manage through these tough times. That's the job of leadership.
Many business and organizational leaders have a gap leading in this new reality with limited experience facing cease and desist orders or memorandums of understanding...thus, may be unprepared how to lead their business in a new more regulated commerce. The challenge is daunting...inescapable if you want to lead...and can be wonderfully rewarding if you embrace new strategies. Responding to the new regulatory changes will take time to recover if the primary focus is response to new regulations. If leaders are driven by a fear, the organization will have new limitations to create hope.
Remain focused on your desired end result. Focusing primarily on regulatory compliance will likely delay your dreams and sidetrack the organization from your desired outcomes.
Here are 5 leadership strategies to thrive the impending regulatory explosion.
1. Be clear with what is going on in your business now. Is your business regulatory or customer driven.
2. Establish your cultural intentions of absolute honesty and integrity. The tsunami of distrust is casting a pall in the country. Regulators and citizens deserve and expect honesty. Make it a part of your culture. Compliance is a must...but avoid paralyzing the organization with all power and decision making driven by the fear of regulatory compliance.
3. Balance the organizations focus. Successful leaders need the courage and clarity to balance a regulatory driven agenda with the business needs of growth, prosperity, creating successful clients and providing a great place to work. Marketing, client and employee satisfaction need even more attention and focus. A leader's duty of hope is a calling to balance the focus of the organization. A leaders choice is to create a regulatory driven organization or a customer driven organization. One sucks energy from people, the other creates energy in people.
4. Focus on your top 3 business and marketing objectives and your top 3 regulatory focus areas. The rules of engagement have changed. Assess, clarify, and balance the needs of clients, employees and regulators so that your culture becomes your asset in these tough times. Marketing should always be 51% of the leadership focus. Focus on the critical few objectives, not the insignificant many.
5. Communicate and reinforce vigorously your top focus areas. Employees and clients will find hope in your clarity, courage and consistency of focus. The clarity and focus are bedrock to a balanced culture so that you adjust to the new reality.
Interesting times....perhaps, a clarion call for "Elegant Courage"!
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As we all know, a coffee shop is a trendy place to unwind and relax. For this reason, it is important that you are able to design your place stylishly and in such a way that will enable customers to do just that.
From the color and theme to accents like fleur de list artwork, this coffee shop decoration guide will give you lots of practical tips you need to make your place stylish, chic and comfortable all at the same time.
Design Tip 1
Decide on the color and theme. First, you decide on the theme of the shop. It can be contemporary, traditional, rustic, urban, or whatever you can think of. Next, you choose the color of the whole place including the walls, ceiling, flooring and furniture. Color must blend with the theme of the coffee shop. For example, if your theme is rustic, then earthy colors is the ideal option.
Moreover, choose a color that will provide a relaxing ambiance. This means that bright and neon colors are out of the question. Choosing neutral and light shades especially brown, green, and gray tones is usually the way to go for the walls, floor, and ceiling.
As with the furniture, you can add in furniture of warm or cool tones just as long as they blend well with the overall color of the place. It is not a good idea to paint your shop blue because blue is known to be the least appetizing color and you surely do not want your customers to lose an appetite when dining in your place.
Design Tip 2
Consider the flow of traffic. Furniture and coffee shop equipment should be arranged in such a way that will allow people to move and walk freely around. This is not only for the customers' sake but also for your staff. It would be easier to give efficient service if there is ample space to move around.
Design Tip 3
Be smart in choosing furniture. As mentioned earlier, furniture should complement the theme and color of the coffee shop. If your place has a modern urban theme, you should go for metal furniture with black and red shades. Now if your shop has a traditional or rustic look, wooden tables and chairs will be a better complement for it.
Design Tip 4
Add pieces of visual interest such as lamps, mirrors, paintings, and sculptures in your coffee shop. This is not only to make the place more interesting but also to give personality to your coffee shop. Of course, you have to consider again, the theme and color of the place before adding in any accent. For example, fleur de lis artwork will be a great addition to a shop that exudes a European royalty style whereas modern wall decor is ideal for a contemporary design.
Design Tip 5
Provide proper lighting. Lighting is also a crucial element of design. Your coffee shop should provide ambient lighting that will enable people to relax and unwind. Lights that are too bright or harsh will not do any good just like too dim lighting.
Apart from the coffee and pastries you serve, and the service with smile given by your crew, another important element of a coffee shop that will contribute to its success is its overall design and ambiance.
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If you're broke and you don't' know what to do next - you're probably desperate. Well, desperate times call for desperate measures and if you're looking for some fast cash this week then you definitely have to read this article.
1. Sell yourself. OK, I'm not talking about selling yourself but selling your services in a crazy way. For instance, if you've got a car and like to party, you could offer to drive drunk drivers home after a night of partying or you could offer to drive senior citizens to get hearing aids, false teeth. Whatever.
2. Be a mascot. Offer to dress up in a crazy costume and hold up a sign to promote local businesses. You could even buy the costume at a thrift store. For instance, during tax season, you'll get a ton of work as companies try to encourage people to file their taxes there.
3. Scoop poop. Many times people just let their yards become infested with poop, especially in the winter. Well, you could become the neighborhood pooper scooper and offer to pick up their doggie poop for a hefty fee.
4. Sell your hair. If you've got long hair and have been thinking about cutting it anyway, why not cash in on this hot trend. Many companies and people actually buy human grade hair to use as weaves. So, get out the scissors and start chopping.
5. Sell junk. I'm not talking about junk you have in your house that you don't want, I'm talking about crazy junk that you create. You know, artwork that you've made out of peanuts, crazy pictures you've taken of your dog, outlandish stuff that might seem like junk to you could very well be treasures to someone else. Who knows you may just be the next Van Goug.
In conclusion, there are many different ways that you can make fast cash. If you use creativity and aren't afraid to be original, you can rake in the dough this weekend. If these ideas are too crazy for you, check out the resource listed below for a proven way to make fast cash for the serious income seeker. Good luck!
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For most entrepreneurs, the first investment is usually the most difficult and is often what makes or breaks a career in business. No investment is a sure thing, but rather than just diving into a business and hoping it works out, there are a few ways to insulate yourself to give your first small business venture the best chance for success. One of the top ways to get your business running strong out of the gate is to choose one of the many new franchise opportunities available that not only have a strong track record and represent a solid investment, but also are geared towards new investors by supplying everything needed to make the business a success from branding and marketing to business plans and leadership and management training. If you'd like to set out on your own first investment but need a little reassurance and a push in the right direction, take a look at a few New Franchise Opportunities For The New Investor.
Strong Investment, No Bull!
A franchise is available for nearly every investment level and career path, but for the average first time investor, low cost franchises will be the most practical choice and generally the quickest way to expand your business by creating quick cash flow and operating with low overhead. Paint Bull is one such franchise that specializes in repairing minor auto damage right at the customer's home or place of business. With initial investments ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 and many franchisees reporting annual sales of over $100K, it's easy to see how this home based business can pay off very well, even in the first year. No auto knowledge is required as Paint Bull will train and certify you to perform repairs, provide you will all of the necessary equipment and supplies and even send a Paint Bull representative to your area to help you with the initial sales. The icing on the cake for new investors is the loan process available directly from Paint Bull providing you with a new home based business for $0 down with approved credit.
Hot, Spicy, Right To Your Door
Seeing an overwhelming majority of pizza in the food delivery market and wanting to offer a fun and tasty alternative, Wing Zone began a little more than a decade ago and has grown fast, earning such accolades as "Top 20 new franchise offerings" from entrepreneur magazine and a featured appearance on the Food Network in the popular show, "Roker on the Road." Wing Zone's 25 proprietary sauces help them to stand out among other wing establishments and the small footprint of only 1,000 sq/ft needed for the restaurant makes starting your own Wing Zone more practical and affordable than nearly any other retail establishment. Their award winning sauces combined with a strong delivery system makes Wing Zone a strong franchise and a great candidate for the new or first time investor. Wing Zone provides franchisees with extensive training, real estate assistance and ongoing support through telephone consultation and a company wide Intranet. Interested investors should have a minimum of $60,000 liquid capital and a total investment of around $250-$300K.
Deck Out Your New Investment
An estimated 60 million (or 75% of all single-family homes) do not have a deck, and Archadeck is capitalizing on this $8 billion market as America's Deck Buildersm. With over 65,000 successful projects since it's inception in 1980, Archadeck has built a proven deck building method and expanded its services to sunrooms, gazebos, pergolas, arbors, pool & spa decks and plenty of other outdoor structural applications. With an Archadeck franchise, you'll be able to work from home on all of the administration work and then on site for the actual construction. Franchisees with little to no construction experience need not be intimidated because Archadeck provides comprehensive training and have made successful franchisees from entrepreneurs from all walks of life including communications, computers, accounting, retailing and many other fields. Along with the specific training related to the actual construction, Archadeck also provides training in marketing, sales and administration taking you from new investor to a seasoned Archadeck entrepreneur.
Bark and Brew
Like Reese's candy with chocolate and peanut butter, sometimes some of the most unlikely combinations can ultimately work very well together. This is the idea behind the Muddy Paw Wash & Coffee Bar, a unique franchise opportunity providing a top-notch dog washing service, a retail store filled with plenty of products for your furry friend, and a gourmet coffee bar, serving up hot cappuccinos and cool iced lattes. While the three aspects of the business work very well together, the pet retail section and coffee bar serve to attract their own client base and work well to boost your business by giving you three distinct businesses in one location. With nearly 75 million dogs in the US, many in urban areas, pet boutiques have really started to take off in the last few years and with the unique and diverse business approach taken by Muddy Paw Wash & Coffee Bar, prospective franchisees are poised to take a big piece of this growing market.
While no investment is a guarantee, these franchises show great potential for the first time investor with their broad appeal, low overhead and unique business models. A new business venture requires not only a financial investment, but also a personal investment of time and hard work and an emotional investment of pouring yourself into a business to make it succeed. The best way to guarantee that you'll be able to provide this investment is to consider all of the financial costs required to run the business for at least the first year and secondly, choose a business that excites you. With a business that will make you want to jump out of bed in the morning and go to work, you'll set yourself up for success, and that positive outlook will work it's way down to your employees, your customers and ultimately, your profits.
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Where are you when your best ideas come to you?
If you are like 90% of all people you get your best ideas when driving, in the shower, in the morning, when falling to sleep or when working out. Notice what is absent... the office. Your best ideas don't come to you at work!
They come to you when your mind is most open, free from clutter and your subconscious voice can be heard. Yet when we think about negotiations and difficult discussions we usually tackle solving them at the office where our communication skills can be the most limited. We, in effect, limit our solutions by limiting our thinking.
So how can you use this to help you when you have to a difficult discussion?
First, take time to separate your self from the person, problem and the situation. You will find at work your mind will remain cluttered with all that surrounds it and you will have a hard time being fair and just.
Second, take a walk, listen to music, work out or just write out the problem and then take a break from it. What you are really doing is letting your subconscious mind take over and try to solve the problem.
Third, look at the problem ONLY from the other person's perspective. Try to think about what they may be trying to protect and why. Try to help them POSITIVELY reach their goal while getting to a resolution you both can live with.
Fourth, realize that in order to have a healthy discussion with a person you need to create a safe environment for them. Now by safe, I don't mean a conference room that is private and tucked away. By safe, I mean an atmosphere between the two of you that allows for candid yet nonjudgmental discussion. In our Outcome Focus ProGOtiations we teach you exactly how to create that space in how you THINK, LISTEN and SPEAK so the other person wants to listen to you.
If you know that you do not have that environment with the other person you need to admit that or you will come off as self-serving, condescending or patronizing during the discussion and you will do more damage than good.
Saying something like, "I know we don't see eye to eye and it may seem that I don't support your approach to our project. As I look at it I realized that I need to know the thinking behind the approach in order to support it. When I question you on your approach I must do it in a way that feels attacking or judgmental as I can sense you becoming defensive. So share with me how I can better ask questions, interact with me and probe together so we ensure the direction we are going is the correct one."
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Call centers are all about being able to manage the peak demand requirements depending upon the season, day, and product and so on. The most important parameter that talks about the effectiveness of a call center is the fact that how many employees are responding to the calls from the customers on an hourly basis. More than 66% of the operating costs of a call center are related with employee payments.
Determining The Call Center Staffing Requirements
The determination process begins with forecasting calls by analyzing historical patterns, data and trends for arriving at monthly staffing estimates. These estimates are then ultimately broken down into hourly estimates depending upon the time-of-day and day-of-week patterns. Staff workload can be calculated by assuming handling times on an average basis for the forecasted calls. The handling time includes the conversation time plus the wrap-up time that usually follows a call for purposes such as form filling, updating the database, etc. The practice of employing the handling time number on an average basis is inaccurate as this might lead to overstaffing or understaffing on account of the fact that not everyone works similarly. Also, the scheduling and shrinkage requirements must be properly accounted for at the time of calculating staffing numbers.
Educating The Staff About Schedule Adherence
There is a common tendency amongst the staff members of contact center outsourcing services that they fail to understand the difference that even one event of non-conformance to schedule makes to the total AHT and staffing calculations. Schedule adherence impacts the call center activities based on two parameters:
The size and scale of the operations carried out at the call center
The service delivery levels in the recent past
Therefore, employees of smaller call centers have to share a greater percentage of workload as compared to bigger call centers and hence, the impact on the total operational efficiency is high.
Criticality Of Staffing Numbers
Data analysis shows that it is imperative to have a greater number of staff as compared to the amount of work that is required to be done in hours. Further insight into the analysis concludes that adding staff after a particular level causes the returns to diminish whereas subtracting staff after a certain level results in a complete downfall of the call center operations.
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