tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91847920775802051422024-03-13T10:33:36.654+07:0069[dot]comdo not give up in failure, start trying againNinis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-46690833139228212762012-06-23T11:49:00.002+07:002012-06-23T11:49:34.287+07:00Executive Office Chairs<b>Executive Office Chairs</b> with over 30 styles to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding the right match for your home or professional office! Our <a href="http://www.chairsupermarket.co.uk/" target="_blank">office chairs</a> are all comfortable, affordable and designed with ergonomic excellence in mind! With materials ranging from leather to fabrics, mesh and even bungees, we’ve got the best selection of office chairs available online. Check out our selection today to start enjoying your workspace more! Don’t forget to shop for a matching desk and more office furniture while you are here!<br /><br />
<b>Leather Executive Chairs</b><br />Leather is a very popular choice for <a href="http://www.chairsupermarket.co.uk/c/Executive_Office_Chairs.htm" target="_blank">executive chairs</a>. It has the look and feel of an executive level position, but is affordable and available to everyone now! From basic leather chairs to deluxe executive leather recliners, which function for both work and relaxation, we’ve got something for everyone! Choose from very modern, black leather chairs with high backs or more traditional styles, including faux leather chairs with tufts and buttons. Very cushioned <a href="http://www.chairsupermarket.co.uk/" target="_blank">chairs</a> are great for maximum comfort for your back and neck, while sleek, slim leather and metal executive chairs are very stylish and inspire you to sit up straight while you work!<br /><br />
<b>Mesh, Bungee and Fabric Executive Chairs</b><br />Many people choose not to purchase leather for a variety of reasons. And we’ve got a great selection of alternatives to leather, perfect for every office and every worker, from secretaries right on up to CEOs. The value executive chair provides all the comfort and style you need at an affordable price. Mesh chairs are very popular for their style and comfort, allowing air to circulate through the chair at just the right places! And, everyone who has ever sat in a bungee chair will tell you that they will never go back – we have everything from basic bungee chairs to executive models.Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-62366790447987226052012-02-04T14:34:00.000+07:002012-02-04T14:34:41.719+07:00SEO Software With Complete Features<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The website owner would not get away with SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a process of optimizing a website to make it more friendly to search engine which aims to get quality traffic and targeted traffic where the ratio obtained will be balanced with the resulting conversion.<br />
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The success of a website and SEO implementation, it is actually the most important factor is the first step when building a website that is keyword research. If this initial step is wrong then your website and all subsequent SEO process will be futile and a waste of time.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGBMH0JaHJYTt5rMQufT2r7bnsHb8Ca3TmrTPdrkRidHIQIzux2koNASsgsvZcKX3knOtZ-dO3F14DImUoudHkpUp2izf8aHg4Yr3y5ljoBCx8B7ZUS7DXLZEg9zagkb2V-tnBzSe3sg/s1600/awr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGBMH0JaHJYTt5rMQufT2r7bnsHb8Ca3TmrTPdrkRidHIQIzux2koNASsgsvZcKX3knOtZ-dO3F14DImUoudHkpUp2izf8aHg4Yr3y5ljoBCx8B7ZUS7DXLZEg9zagkb2V-tnBzSe3sg/s320/awr.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Advanced Web Rangking: Complete SEO Software. Ranking, Linking, Analytics.<br />
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Advanced Web Ranking is <a href="http://www.advancedwebranking.com/seo-software.html" target="_blank">comprehensive seo software</a> for data research ranking, linking and analytics that help you build and optimize a website to be powerful in the make money online. For you are the owner or owner's website seo services, this software must be one weapon in your business.<br />
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This software is a desktop-based seo seoftware compatible for use on Windows, MAC and Linux. In addition, the software consists of four editions in accordance with its comprehensiveness, namely:<br />
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<ul><li> Advanced Web Ranking Standard</li>
<li> Advanced Web Ranking Professional</li>
<li> Advanced Web Ranking Enterprise</li>
<li> Advanced Web Ranking Server</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Here are some powerful features that this software is owned by, is very important for webmasters and business owners seo services:<br />
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<ul><li> Google Analytics Insights</li>
<li> Analyze Your Links Performance</li>
<li> Build Your Links Profile</li>
<li> Get Link Data From SEOmoz</li>
<li> Keyword Research Tool</li>
<li> Customized Google Location</li>
<li> Import keywords</li>
<li> Keyword Suggestions</li>
<li> Keyword Analysis</li>
<li> Google Page Rank</li>
<li> Website Optimization</li>
<li> Google Preview Search Engine</li>
<li> Custom Filters</li>
<li> Export rank data</li>
<li> Multiple Proxy</li>
<li> Complete SEO Reports</li>
<li> Project Management</li>
<li> Proxy per project</li>
<li> Multiple API keys</li>
</ul><br />
And many more other features.Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-69376404648393628312012-02-01T20:51:00.000+07:002012-02-01T20:51:47.498+07:00Manage a Successful Company BlogNot all corporate blogs are created equal. & there's lots of examples of company blogs that make it appear as though business walking a blog is a less than desirable promotion tactic. However, the benefits of making a successful business weblog are limitless. A properly manged company weblog can maximize awareness, build community, increase potential inbound leads, drive traffic to your web-site & far more.<br />
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Basically put - a well constructed company weblog can alter your business - for the better.<br />
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If you're prepared to start a successful company weblog (or improve your current), we've asked0 entrepreneurs to share essential tips on how to generate & manage it successfully.<div id="getsocialmain"><br />
<b>1. Make it short and sweet.</b><br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">Focus on short lists of tips that speak to customer needs. Too often, our blogs become soapboxes where we preach to the choir – isolating a potential customer base.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br />
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/TiffSilverberg" target="_blank"></a></div><b>2. Have a direction.</b><br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">The writer often forgets who they are writing for in an effort to attract a larger audience. They forget that the goal of a company blog should be to increase conversions (either a subscription to a newsletter, purchase of an e-commerce product, etc) not to increase traffic. A great way to avoid this mistake is to create reader personas and think about how your article answers a particular question that they may have.</div><br />
<b>3. Become a stalker.</b><br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">Develop a spreadsheet listing all of the blogs in your niche along with stats about the number of visitors, the number of Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin followers and the Google Page Rank. Once you’ve identified and ranked the importance of these bloggers, start interacting with them by commenting on their posts, re-tweeting their posts, including links to them in your posts or a weekly round-up of some kind.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br />
</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">Once you’ve shared some love, it’s time to cash in by asking for a chance to guest post on their site, asking them to contribute to a guide or Q&A post or ask them for an interview. This strategy wins actual traffic from their visitor base while also building critical hyperlinks that will drive your long term SEO.</div><br />
<b>4. Create a winning formula.</b><br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">Develop quality content, stay consistent with the frequency of your blog posts, and use keywords. We’re not blogging pros but just by staying consistent with this formula, we were recently named one of the top 25 small business blogs to follow for 2012 by Apptivo.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br />
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tomgazaway"></a></div><b>5. Connect with the reader.</b><br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">Human beings are emotional creatures and your company blog readers are no exception. Leverage the language of emotional intelligence within your writing to engage your readers. By infusing emotional intelligence into your company blog, you will connect with your readers and provide insightful perspective.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br />
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/CoachLee" target="_blank"></a></div></div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-79075815439531087862012-02-01T20:40:00.000+07:002012-02-01T20:40:19.657+07:00Simple Ways To Improve Your Small BusinessSince you've been in business, there's likely several areas (that are in dire require improvement) which have been overlooked in recent times. Over the last few years you may have found it feasible to get away with a few loose ends and haphazard processes, but not anymore.<br />
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It's time to get serious, tighten up your systems and secure your future. If you're prepared to make tiny changes that will improve your results today, here are0 essential tips to help you start:<br />
<b>1. Have a plan</b><br />
Position your business for the months and year ahead. Decide on your strategy, set your goals and work on your tactics. Put these together in a one or two-page business plan.<br />
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<b>2. Forecast your cash flow</b><br />
Maintain a cash flow forecast so you can use it as an early warning system. The sooner you get an indication that your cash is tightening the more time you will have up your sleeve to take action.<br />
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<b>3. Collect your debts more quickly</b><br />
On average how long does it take you to collect accounts receivable (money owed to your business)? Aim to reduce this period by at least 10 days – if your annual revenue is $1 million you could save yourself $3,000.<br />
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<b>4. Reintroduce credit checks</b><br />
Have you got a bit lazy about running credit checks? Reintroduce them.<br />
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<b>5. Monitor your customers debtor history</b><br />
Are any of your customers starting to take more credit than usual? Keep a close eye on them. They could be feeling the squeeze so be careful about extending too much credit.Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-32017830520918829432012-02-01T20:12:00.001+07:002012-02-01T20:18:56.302+07:00SEO RankingsSEO Rankings<br />
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<a href="http://www.kadabra.co.za/" title="Search Engine Optimization">Search Engine Optimization</a> or SEO rankings are very important. This is because they essentially determine how easily your website can be found online. Search Engine Optimization is the act of making sure that you website ranks well, i.e. is visible near the top of the results, when a relevant search query is performed.<br />
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There are many ways of increasing your SEO ranking with search engines. By taking of these factors into consideration you will be ensuring that your website ranks well with search engines. This means that more people will view your website and this means an increase in traffic. <br />
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Factors That Affect SEO Rankings<br />
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The first factor to consider is <a href="http://www.kadabra.co.za/keyword-research/" title="keyword research">keyword research</a>. You need to find keywords and phrases that are relevant to your website. You should also try to use keywords that are moderately popular and rank well for these. This is much better than choosing common, highly popular keywords and ranking poorly for these.<br />
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Once you have found relevant keywords and phrases you should make sure that these phrases and words are prevalent throughout your website content. You should also make sure that your content is of high quality. Your title tags and site map should also contain a few of these keywords and phrases.<br />
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Another important factor that should be considered is the number of websites that link back to your website. The more links to your website that are placed on other websites the better. Also, the anchor text as well as the website which displays these links is very important. Search engines use this information to determine what your website is about and how relevant your website is.<br />
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The URLs that you choose to use is also important and plays a part in Search Engine Optimization. You should try to make your URLs concise and descriptive while using a few good keywords. Social media can also influence your SEO rankings quite a bit. You can create a profile on social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter. You would then simply post links back to your website within content here. This encourages your network to share this with their network and so on. When people read your post and click through to your website it will increase your website traffic.Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-90872410821760243102012-01-10T12:33:00.001+07:002012-01-10T18:04:00.151+07:00The Best Private Investigator Austin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZrSTTsqaEDY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tlwinvestigate.com/">http://www.tlwinvestigate.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/w6NJIpZtuVI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tlwinvestigate.com/">http://www.TLWInvestigate.com</a><a href="http://www.tlwinvestigate.com/" target="_blank"> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The Best <a href="http://www.tlwinvestigate.com/">Private Investigator Austin</a> for Domestic Relations, Divorce, and Child Custody Cases</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Austin, Texas</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Without key evidence, court cases involving divorce, child custody, and child abuse, can drag on, seemingly forever, costing you unnecessary</span> <span style="color: black;">time and money. And usually justice delayed is in fact justice denied.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Without a doubt, evidence will speed up justice. As a premier private investigation agency in Austin, Texas, TLW Guardian Investigations will ensure you get justice with the evidence you need for court or for a for a speedy settlement. TLW Guardian investigations specializes in cheating spouses, pre and post-divorce issues, real time GPS tracking, mental health issues, parental alienation, drug and alcohol problems, computer forensics, and child custody cases. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Divorces are the most stressful event in the United States after a death of a spouse. Close to 50 percent of all marriages coast to coast break up at some point and indivertibly end up in divorce – not only a stressful time for a couple, but when children are involved it can be devastating to all involved. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">You simply can’t wait till the last minute for crucial evidence to emerge. Your best bet is to entrust the complex task of evidence gathering to a professional. TLW Guardian Investigations is the brainchild of Tom. L. Ware who holds a Master’s degree in Counseling and is a certified forensic counselor and a drug and alcohol abuse professional to boot. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Tom has years of experience working with sex offenders and mentally ill persons on probation and parole. He worked as a Guardian ad Litem for Travis County for several years representing children caught in the middle of some of the most nightmarish divorce proceedings in Texas before deciding to branch out on his own as a privately hired Guardian ad Litem and later, by starting his own private investigations agency. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Tom, who is a licensed <a href="http://www.tlwinvestigate.com/">private investigator Austin</a> and a practicing Guardian ad Litem has testified in bench and jury trials at least a 1000 times in his long career. As Tom explains, he is often hired for child custody cases because of his background as a Guardian ad Litem and due to his extensive knowledge of the family court system, “Some people want to see how a Guardian ad litem and a private investigator might view their case.” Tom also specializes in issues surrounding adultery. His catchword phase is “Cheaters Watch Out, I May behind you.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">TLW Guardian Investigations sports a crew of 7 investigators with diverse backgrounds. They are behind the eyes of the man that gathers crucial evidence for you, saving time and money on costly family law litigations. Tom roped in a grandmother as his chief casemanager who knows family law on a personal level from her attempts to protect her own granddaughter.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Others on TLW’s payroll include an army ranger, a blackbelt, and a forensic computers expert. Each of them is hardwired in private investigations and understands people and their myriad of problems. New employees are placed under an experienced investigator for honing their skills and learning the tricks of the trade from the ground up. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Tom has also hired two Spanish speaking investigators with plans to provide services in San Antonio, Texas. TLW Guardian Investigations places special emphasis on addressing diverse social, economic, and domestic problems with tailored solutions to make their clients feel secure and at ease. That’s the TLW difference!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Tom welcomes you to visit </span><a href="http://www.tlwinvestigate.com/" target="_blank">http://www.tlwinvestigate.com</a> <span style="color: black;">or to call him at 512-653-1021. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Company name: TLW Guardian Investigations, Lic # A14972</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Company phone number: 512-653-1021 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Company mailing address: 3005 South Lamar Blvd Ste D109 #220, Austin Texas 78704</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Currently serving the Central Texas area: Austin, Killeen, Temple, San Marcos and Bastrop with plans to expand to San Antonio, Texas.</span></div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-27865100534425250132011-12-14T20:57:00.000+07:002011-12-15T14:35:54.002+07:00Cut Through the Hype: How to Create a Successful Marketing Plan<div style="text-align: justify;">It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the clutter of new tools and information available to small business marketers today. I’m sure at some point a small business will hear the following, whether at a conference, on a webinar or in a white paper:</div><div></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>“You should blog!”</li>
<li>“Are you on Twitter?”</li>
<li>“What’s your SEO and PPC strategy?”</li>
<li>“Are you doing email marketing?”</li>
<li>“You need a Facebook fan page!”</li>
<li>“Have you started automating your marketing and sales funnel?”</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cutting through all the hype to see what really works for your small business can be a challenge. When you focus all your effort on tools and tactics but don’t have a clear strategy behind your actions, some serious holes in your marketing and sales funnel will start to surface in three main areas. For example:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>1. Lost traffic: </strong>How much traffic came to your website today and left without giving you their information? How will you ever follow up? This is a painful reality for many small businesses. Think of how much revenue your business is missing out on because you’re not capturing the traffic you spend big bucks to get.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>2. Lost leads: </strong>Did you know only 10 percent of leads are ready to buy now? What about the warm and cold leads? More often than not, they get lost in the shuffle and are eventually forgotten forever. Many small businesses would love to follow up on every lead, but with limited resources, that can be a challenge. So, the goal is to close the leads that are hot now in order to drive immediate sales and to have a nurturing system in place for not-ready-to-buy-yet leads.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>3. Lost customers: </strong>If customers feel indifferent about your product or service, they’re more likely to leave you for the competition. You pay all this money to get customers just so they can leave you for the competition down the road.<strong> </strong>Ouch!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you’re experiencing any of the pains I describe above, than keep reading to discover the remedy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Make a Plan</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let’s start by identifying your business goals. Next, map out what your current customer lifecycle looks like, and what your “perfect” customer lifecycle looks like. I find almost every small business can break its lifecycle into seven stages.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ol style="text-align: justify;"><li>Attract Traffic</li>
<li>Capture Leads</li>
<li>Nurture Prospects</li>
<li>Convert Sales</li>
<li>Deliver and Satisfy</li>
<li>Upsell Customers</li>
<li>Get Referrals</li>
</ol><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Call me old school, but I find it helpful if the business maps these seven stages out on a whiteboard. Start filling in the tools and tactics your business is using to push leads through to the next stage. In following this process, the inefficiencies in your system will become glaringly obvious. You’ll start to see where you’re losing leads and sales, when you’re missing out on referrals or even worse, at what point your customers are leaving you for the competition.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now that the framework is in place, I want to give you some foolproof strategies you can use in these seven stages.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Attracting Traffic Strategies</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Putting up a website doesn’t create traffic. You need to become a content machine. Write blog posts, create white papers, post videos and host webinars — and give them all away. The strategy here is to pull leads into your funnel with highly valuable content.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don’t underestimate the power of social media. Monitor what people are saying about your brand or industry and use it as an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions. Also, share your content on your social channels.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you have a network of partners or brand advocates, reward them for referring business your way.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lastly, have a SEO and PPC strategy in place so when people search online for your type of business, they find you easily.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Lead Capture Strategies</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I’m going to say this once and only once: “Sign up for my monthly newsletter” is not a lead capture strategy—at least not an effective one. Capturing leads goes hand-and-hand with becoming a content machine. Give away free reports or a video series that is packed with education. You can try running a contest or hosting an online event like a webinar as well. Just make sure you are getting permission from customers to follow up. Set expectations right from the beginning on what you’ll be sending them and get them to opt-in so they don’t feel bombarded.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Lead Nurture Strategies</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Segment your follow-up based on the behaviors and interests of your leads. For example, I suggest segmenting your content into three groups: new leads, hot leads and cold leads. You should also be paying close attention to how you got the lead in the first place. Did they watch a webinar on “Copywriting Tips for Small Businesses” or did they sign up for a demo or consultation? The content you provide to these three audiences is likely going to be very different because the prospects are at different stages of the buying cycle.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Sales Conversion Strategies</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As a small business with limited time and resources, relying solely on your sales team can sometimes be a death sentence. Try automating some of your prospect follow-up. By doing so, you are able to monitor their level of interest by looking at behaviors like email open rates, report downloads and other interactions. You know that someone who has opened every email, watched every webinar and requested a free consultation is probably a prospect that’s ready to be handed off to sales to close the deal. Automating some of the communications helps ensure the quality of leads going to sales is high, resulting in better and quicker conversions.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Upsell and Referral Strategies</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Small businesses are guilty of basking in the success of closing the sale and overlooking the fact that there are huge opportunities to upsell and get referrals. Here are a few different upsell strategies:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Checkout upsell</li>
<li>Post-purchase upsell</li>
<li>Product-specific upsell</li>
<li>Product-specific cross-sell</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You’ve invested time and money in converting leads into customers and wowing your customers with your service. Now ask for referrals! Give them a free product or a discount for referring a friend. We all know some of the best leads can come from referrals.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you follow even some of the tips in this article, I have no doubt that you can create a strategic marketing plan that cuts through the clutter and delivers the results you want to achieve. Here are a few extra tips for creating a small business marketing plan from a previously recorded webinar. It’s a valuable resource for getting results from your plan in 3 simple steps.</div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-79562192666599659182011-12-10T14:31:00.000+07:002011-12-15T14:32:21.737+07:00Business of Pleasure<div style="text-align: justify;">The net is not the most popular type of pornography in the United States. Video sales and rentals accounted for $3.62 billion in revenue in 2006 while net pornography raked in $2.84 billion.<br />
<br />
Pornography revenues are not necessarily ranked according to population. China topped the list in 2006 with over $27 billion in pornography revenues. However, South Korea, only the 26th most populous nation on earth according to the U.S. Census Bureau, is next in line with over $25 billion in pornography revenues.<br />
<br />
Internet consumers are most likely to search for the terms "sex," "<a href="http://pornxchange.com/" target="_blank">porn xchange</a>," & "<a href="http://pornxchange.com/tube-reviews/pornhub/" target="_blank">PornHub</a>" to access their pornography product of choice. The top twenty search terms also include "teen sex," "teen porn" & "<a href="http://pornxchange.com/tube-reviews/pornhub/" target="_blank">PornHub review</a>"<br />
<br />
Some search terms were divided evenly along gender lines. Statistics indicate the term "sex" was looked for as often by female consumers as it was by males. Men & females differ greatly on other searches. For example, men performed 97 percent of the searches for the term "free porn."</div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-7210047311756017102011-11-27T11:50:00.000+07:002011-11-27T11:50:43.317+07:00Patti Stanger reveals dating destinations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Patti Stanger's Advice for Demi Moore: 'Hang in There!'<br />
<br />
The Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger doesn't appear that sorry for the offensive comments that made her Public Enemy #1 on Twitter the other day. Although he recently apologized, he went on Joy Behar's HLN show yesterday &<br />
<br />
As the star of Bravo's "The Millionaire Matchmaker," Patti Stanger is in the business of finding individuals who fit romantically, & on Friday, the relationship guru weighed in on why he thinks Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher split.<br />
<br />
Patti lays down guidelines, a match is made, & all are happy. except: that never happens. in the first season, the introductory credits claimed that Stanger (who is a "third-generation matchmaker," whatever that is) had a 99% success rate.<br />
<br />
by Jason Hughes, posted Nov 16th 2011 five:00AM Patti Stanger holds nothing back, & Sharnay didn't take it well on 'the Millionaire Matchmaker' (Tue., 9PM ET on Bravo). of work, they don't think lots of ladies would take it well being asked.</div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-4128805490783024292011-11-21T22:35:00.000+07:002011-11-21T22:35:13.764+07:00How Do You Want To Live?For some, it's to own your own jobs. But for others, freedom means passive income & generating something they can pass on to their kids (without making the kids pass out from overwhelm & exhaustion). & for another set of little business owners, the preferred lifestyle is working in a business that they love & having a reliable team that lets them take or worry-free holidays a year.<br />
<br />
Every little business owner has to address this query: How would you like to live?<br />
<br />
query yourself<br />
<br />
The goals are personal.<br />
<br />
What is your long-term objective? Little business retirement:<br />
<br />
For example, do you plan to retire? If so, when? & who will run the business at that point? In Why Retirement Isn't in the Cards for Plenty of SBOs, Anita Campbell, founder of Little Business Trends, highlights a survey, Little Business Owners Perspectives on Retirement, conducted in December 2010, which polled one,433 little business owners of companies with to 99 employees. In the survey, only four percent said they plan to retire while 33 percent have a succession plan.<br />
<br />
In point of fact, retirees often to pick to stay active; it seems to keep them young. But the key is the choice the freedom to pick to work at 70 because you require to, in lieu of having to work because there's not money or passive income for your lifetime.<br />
<br />
But that's not the only lifestyle decision to think about.<br />
<br />
In The 52 Best Cities for Minority Entrepreneurs, Anita mentions a survey released by Forbes. In this survey, Joel Kotkin, Wendell Cox & Erika Ozuna studied minority & immigrant entrepreneurs, & found the top cities for them are Atlanta, Baltimore & Nashville, because of affordable housing & the cost of commercial space.<br />
<br />
Where would you like to live? Best cities for minorities:<br />
<br />
The better they position our businesses, the more clients, income & freedom they have.<br />
<br />
But irrespective of where they live, what they look like & when they pick to retire, little business owners share a common reality:<br />
<br />
Saying that everyone is your customer actually reduces the number of customers who have an interest in your product.<br />
For a few practical tips on positioning yourself, you may require to check out Ivana Taylor's editorial, 5 Massive Reasons Your Ideal Customer Isn't Choosing You. According to Ivana, issue you may encounter is that your audience is massive. He writes:<br />
<br />
Pick well.<br />
<br />
& he suggests a little analysis to help you find your niche. Getting clear about the way you require to live, both today & in retirement, determines your goals & your sacrifices. Answering the lifestyle query determines your future.Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-18421700761338280562011-11-13T19:36:00.000+07:002011-12-15T14:34:11.032+07:00Cheap Car Insurance<script type="text/javascript">
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Griffin Hospital earns customer loyalty, and accolades, by creating customer experiences. Griffin Hospital’s efforts to understand the lives of patients and their families has earned them extreme customer loyalty. Their goal was to imagine what it would be like to be the patient so they could improve the experience for both patients and their families. But Griffin Hospital hadn’t always received this type of accolade.</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Back in 1982, Griffin Hospital was very far from enjoying extreme loyalty. At that time, one-third of the local community named Griffin as the hospital they would avoid if they could. That rude awakening pushed them to rethink their purpose and literally everything they did. The hospital wanted to create an experience to remember.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Music in the Parking Lot and a Piano in the Lobby</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Being told that it was avoided whenever possible pushed Griffin to rethink the purpose for their hospital, physicians, and caregivers. Their goal was to become the hospital of choice in the community. Griffin knew that if “choice” was the goal, then they had to readjust their purpose; they needed to move from being healthcare providers to being service providers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Griffin had to stop executing required tasks and determine what experience they would deliver, what patient and family emotions were involved. They found that the emotional journey of going to the hospital begins in the parking lot. So Griffin provides free valet parking and concierge services. Music in the parking lot and lobby welcomes visitors and takes away the sterile “hospital” feeling.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Says Bill Powanda, Griffin Hospital vice president:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">“<em>It doesn’t matter if you have the shortest emergency room wait times around and deliver the greatest care in the nation; if parking is a nightmare, your patients won’t be completely satisfied.”</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Griffin</strong><strong> Hospital</strong><strong> Enjoys a 99 Percent Recommendation Rate</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Understanding the customer emotions involved in “coming and going” from a hospital visit prompted actions that made Griffin stand out. Those bookend experiences are part of the magnet that pulls people back to Griffin. No longer considered the “black sheep” hospital of the community, Griffin grows through customer referrals. Inpatient admissions grew 28 percent from 1997 to 2009, compared with a state average growth rate of 10 percent. And outpatient services grew 92 percent from 1998 to 2009.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Griffin Hospital has become the hospital of choice not only for their community, but for surrounding communities as well. One-third of Griffin Hospital’s customers come from outside of the community where it’s located. Ten percent of administrators of U.S. hospitals want to visit Griffin Hospital to learn from them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Do you think about how you punctuate your moments of connection with customers? First impressions last the longest. Is yours purposeful? Does it create the ideal first opinion of your business?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What Are Your Customer Experience Bookends? </strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Griffin Hospital decided to eliminate the fear of hospital visits with music in their parking lots and a concierge in their lobby. The memory of these “experience bookends” bonds visitors to them. Ask yourself:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><ul style="text-align: justify;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">Do you have a purposeful beginning and ending to moments of customer contact?</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Are you creating memories or just executing tasks?</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">How would you rate your intent and ability to create purposeful moments of customer contact?</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">How would your customers say you are doing?</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Do customers rave about a memorable experience?</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">What are the marquee moments in your customers’ experiences with you?</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Do your decisions for creating memorable bookends earn you “beloved” status today?</li>
</ul>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-66465942889203357142011-10-16T20:16:00.000+07:002011-10-16T20:16:55.793+07:00SMB and Entrepreneur News and Tips<div style="text-align: justify;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">SMB and entrepreneur news and tips help inform the leaders of the future. The small business and entrepreneurship of tomorrow will create new jobs and new opportunities. Information is the key to building that future as effectively as possible.</div><div> </div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Management</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Companies are hiring-just not hiring you. With unemployment levels as high as they are, it is paradoxical that employers can not find employees to fill vacancies. This was known to be the case in many high tech job openings, but it is now being reported across almost all levels of employment. The main concern of companies is that applicants simply do not have the basic skills needed for the opening. It appears that our educational system and our training programs are not providing the skills required. <em><b>msnbc.com</b></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">How to attract talent to a small company. How do you attract talent to a small business? Most likely you can’t pay the high salary and offer the benefits that the large successful companies do. What you can do is to try to show the perspective employee the advantages of working for a small business and emphasize the success and potential of your business. You also should attempt to structure the job requirements and the pay and benefits package to try to meet his particular situation. <em><b>Wall Street Journal</b></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">A 4-step approach to solving workplace conflict. Resolving conflict in the workplace can be very time-consuming for the owner of a small business. When you only have a small number of employees, this type of interruption can be very costly in terms of time management and productivity. This article presents a structured model for dealing with these situations in a hopefully efficient manner. The model emphasizes face to face meetings with disruptive employees and using outlined steps in resolving the conflict. <em><b>msnbc.com</b></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Human Resources</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Starting a Teach for America for Entrepreneurs. It has been difficult for small business owners or entrepreneurs to attract the brightest or the best of college graduates. Now we are beginning to see the start of organizations that are working toward attracting college graduates. One such organization is Venture for America which is based on the very successful Teach for America. <em><b>You’re the Boss</b></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Can retraining give the unemployed a second chance? The jury appears to still be out on the retraining of the unemployed. Among other factors that affect the outcome is that it has become somewhat of a political football. This article cites some examples of where retraining seems to have worked. One of the biggest hindrances is that some people have been unemployed so long that even with retraining the type of work available is totally unfamiliar to them. In addition many of the jobs that they are familiar with no longer exist, at least in this country. In theory retraining is a worthwhile undertaking but it still requires a lot of refining to make it really successful. <em><b>msnbc.com</b></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Why your company (probably) can’t innovate. Stephen Shapiro challenges some of the conventional wisdom that many small businesses use in attempting to foster new ideas. One of the main areas he disagrees with is the hiring of people that “fit” into the organization. By doing this you will not generate new ideas, but rather you need someone who rubs people the wrong way to insure you get divergent points of view. <em><b>CNN Money</b></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Leadership</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">10 things only bad managers say. What type of boss do you work for? Does he frequently complement you on your work, or is he the type that finds fault and criticizes everything you do and every idea you have? The ten characteristics of a bad boss may be a good indication of whether you’ve entered the bad manager zone. <em><b>msnbc.com</b></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Small businesses: Building community through hiring. One of the advantages of owning your own small business is that in addition to being profitable and generating wealth, you have the opportunity to pursue social good. Many small business owners use their business to help improve their community or to give people a second chance. One such endeavor is to become involved in a group such as TRIO. These programs have some risks involved but the rewards to the community can be so satisfying. <em><b>The Christian Science Monitor</b></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Legal & Liability</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The S Corp Versus The LLC. The S Corporation and the LLC (Limited Liability Company) are the two most common ways of setting up a small business. The two types have several key similarities. There are also quite a number of differences. Which type of entity you choose depends on the needs of your particular small business. <em><b>Small Business Trends</b></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Small business insurance: More than general liability. To many small business owners, insurance is general liability insurance. While this is very good coverage to have, there are a number of other types of insurance that need to be considered to protect your business. The small business owner must evaluate which types of insurance are needed for his particular situation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-44339746665990920642011-10-16T19:41:00.000+07:002011-10-16T19:41:04.956+07:00Rajinikanth<div style="text-align: justify;">Bollywood Hot Girl Deepika Padukone has been offered to play the heroine to <a href="http://ooho.co/oohostar/starhome.php?star=Rajinikanth">Rajinikanth</a> in his next film. The untitled film to be produced by a big South Indian production house will have Rajini playing a double role. Deepika is said to be excited to play opposite Rajinikanth, but she is equally disappointed as the film goes to floors this year itself. <br />
<a href="http://ooho.co/oohostar/starhome.php?star=Nayantara">Nayanthara</a> is one of the leading actress who is subjugated almost the Mole Tamil and Telugu industry with her ideal body and the glamour of the film.</div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-40474442567041879142011-09-29T20:54:00.000+07:002011-09-29T20:54:37.077+07:005 Ways Your Brand and Branding Define You<div style="text-align: justify;">There is a big difference between your “brand” and your “branding.”</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Your brand is you:</strong> who you are , what you do, what you stand for, your DNA personality. You are a tangible artifact, which you create into a brand–an image that lives in the minds of the people you interact with and who come to know you. Are you…</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>A watercolor nature artist?</li>
<li>An NBA athlete?</li>
<li>A criminal trial attorney?</li>
<li>An eighth-grade science teacher?</li>
<li>A cupcake baker?</li>
<li>A cardiologist?</li>
<li>A business consultant?</li>
<li>A French chef?</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Your branding is what you do:</strong> every way you put your brand in action to create associations with you, including your…</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Website</li>
<li>Blog</li>
<li>Email marketing</li>
<li>Community involvement</li>
<li>Social media platforms</li>
<li>Collaborations</li>
<li>Partnerships</li>
<li>Sponsorships</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I recently discovered a brand website called Ranking the Brands, which lists and profiles some of the most trusted, popular, core power brands out there today–Coca-Cola, Google, BMW, Microsoft, Walmart, Hershey’s, Apple, Harley-Davidson and UPS, to name just a few.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What do these standout brands have in common?</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>First, they are laser focused on what they do, who they are and whom they serve.</li>
<li>Second, they differentiate themselves from their competition.</li>
<li>Third, they evolve how they serve through their brand story.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">These brands have built legacies and leadership by paying back and paying forward. They have built schools, donated food, supported the Olympics and encouraged educational and philanthropic activities, which is why we want to support them and what we remember them for.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Here are five ways your brand and branding define you and your business:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">1) It’s your calling card, piece of real estate, your stake in the space.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">2) It’s the only way to make a footprint and imprint.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">3) It tells a story about you and what you do.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">4) It’s the way people remember, recall and recommend you.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">5) It is the single most important way to establish your credibility, authority and niche.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sam Walton wanted Walmart to be remembered for saving people money so they could live better. Milton Hershey wanted to open new doors for children in need. Deborah Shane wants to be known as someone who cares deeply about helping people succeed in their careers and business.</div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-51718369503613035412011-09-29T20:52:00.000+07:002011-09-29T20:52:45.118+07:00You Only Have a Little Time: Say It and Make It Stick<div style="text-align: justify;">We are living in a world of instantaneous communication where you have to say it and make it stick – <em><strong>quick</strong></em> - or the opportunity is gone.</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Think about it: If you’re trying to communicate in this digital age, then you’ve noticed that our attention spans are short. Twitter makes us think we can get the gist of “it” in 140 characters or less. But not just that; those of us who have worked with children were either frustrated or discovered the art of quick and powerful lessons. Have you ever tried to teach a roomful of 6-year-olds? My hat is off to the professional educator because in my opinion, a 6-year-old’s attention span seems to shift every 2 minutes. And that’s perfect.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">You can’t become good at communicating, marketing and getting the kind of attention that you want your company to have unless you practice. And the way I see it, working with Twitter <em>and</em> with children is the perfect marketing exercise.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong> </strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Can you explain what you do in a way that a roomful of children can understand it?</strong></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">What would happen to your marketing if it was clear and relevant enough for children to understand? Meeting that standard of simplicity could be good for business. That means minimal jargon. That means words and stories that really connect with your audience.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Apple did it with the first iPod. Remember their marketing language:<strong><em> “1,000 songs in your pocket.”</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">A child can understand that. It’s clear. It’s engaging.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong> </strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Can you make your business matter in 140 characters or less?</strong></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Use Twitter to master the art of the meaningful sound bite. Since you only have 140 characters, you’re forced to be interesting and quick.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Think about it: 140 characters is a good rule of thumb not only for Twitter but also for:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>blog post headlines,</li>
<li>press release headlines,</li>
<li>elevator pitches</li>
<li>30-second ad spots</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Twitter, you only have a few seconds to get your point across before something new pops up. In business, you only have a little time to reach a potential client before something new pops into his/her mind. So use the resources around you—children and Twitter—to learn to maximize your sound bites.</div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-38986315437560664112011-09-29T20:50:00.000+07:002011-09-29T20:50:50.725+07:005 Tips to Improve Your Marketing Mix<div style="text-align: justify;">It’s not about one marketing piece, it’s about the whole thing. To be effective, your business needs a presence both offline and online. It needs to use print and digital marketing tools. It needs both advertising (paid) and publicity (free). It’s the marketing mix that gets and keeps your company message “out there” in front of your target audience.</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are five marketing mix tips to seriously consider and implement:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong>1. Brochures & Business Cards</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Print marketing items are not dead yet. Sometimes our technology doesn’t work like it should, and having that business card and brochure as a backup could save your marketing opportunity. Besides, there are a lot of people who just need to have something in their hands in order to remember you, so give it to them. Have your calling card ready.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>2. LinkedIn</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Use this business social network as an extended business card. As people hear your name around the Web and at conferences, there is a good chance that they will check you out on LinkedIn (this has happened to me). So fill out that profile and link it back to your website.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>3. Website & Blog</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Your website is your digital home, so make it count. Let them know who you are, what you do, and how it could benefit them. And then solve a problem for free by answering a question that your target audience would care about. You could turn that answer into a little ebook or white paper for download, or make it a blog post. Just make sure it’s something that truly helps, because you’re building a relationship, and “fluff and foolishness” is not good for business.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>4. Press Releases</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Use press releases to let the local media know about your business and upcoming campaigns. Your company probably has some awesome events, but nobody cares if they don’t have a chance to know about it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>5. Email</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">It’s about the relationship, and email is one of the most enduring ways to build that relationship, so take the time to grow your list. For a beginner most of the initial work is in getting the code and placing it on your Web pages. But the email service that you use should have a guide or “how to” page showing you what to do. Once the code for your email subscription form is in place on your site, then you can begin to focus on what to send your subscribers each week or month. Remember, it’s consistent marketing that makes the difference.</div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-18053717267347698162011-09-29T20:45:00.000+07:002011-09-29T20:45:59.291+07:0012 tips for business success<div class="i1" style="text-align: justify;"> What's important to the success of small-business owners and entrepreneurs? Knowledge, skill and talent. </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, many competitors have the same traits you do. The key to beating the competition and achieving success is mental, reflected in one's attitude, totally controlled by the individual and requires no cash. This holds true in most human endeavors besides business — in sports, the arts and politics. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">How many times have we seen the underdog team or player win over the more talented opponent? The difference is often attitude. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">These 12 attitude attributes can put you in the right mindset for achieving entrepreneurial success. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>1. Have passion for your business </strong>Work should be fun. Your passion will help you overcome difficult moments and persuade people to work for you and want to do business with you. Passion can't be taught. When it wanes, as it surely will in difficult times, take some quiet time. Whether it be an hour or a week, take inventory of all the reasons you started the business and why you like being your own boss. That should renew your passion. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>2. Set an example of trustworthiness </strong>People have confidence in trustworthy individuals and want to work for them in a culture of integrity. The same is true for customers. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>3. Be flexible, except with core values </strong>It's a given that your plans and strategies will change as time goes on. This flexibility for rapid change is an inherent advantage of small over large business. However, no matter the pressure for immediate profits, do not compromise on core values. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>4. Don't let fear of failure hold you back </strong>Failure is an opportunity to learn. All things being equal, venture capitalists would rather invest money in an individual who tried and failed founding a company than in someone who never tried. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>5. Make timely decisions</strong> <br />
It's okay to use your intuition. Planning and thought are good. But procrastination leads to missed opportunity. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>6. The major company asset is you </strong>Take care of yourself. Your health is more valuable than the most expensive machinery or computer software for the company. You don't have to choose between your family or your company, play or work. Maintain your health for balance and energy, which will, in turn, enhance your mental outlook. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>7. Keep your ego under control </strong>Don't take profits and spend them on expensive toys to impress others. Build a war chest for unexpected needs or opportunities. This also means hearing out new ideas and suggestions no matter how crazy they sound. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>8. Believe</strong> <br />
You need to believe in yourself, in your company, and that you will be successful. This confidence is contagious with your employees, customers, stakeholders, suppliers and everyone you deal with. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>9. Encourage and accept criticism graciously. Admit your mistakes. </strong>You need to constantly work on convincing your employees that it's OK — even necessary —to state their honest opinions even it if conflicts with the boss's opinion. Just stating it once or putting it in a mission statement won't cut it for most people. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>10. Maintain a strong work ethic </strong>Your employees will follow your lead. It will also help you beat your competition by outworking them, particularly when your product or service is very similar. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>11. Rebound quickly from setbacks </strong>There surely will be plenty of ups and downs as you build the business. Learn from the setbacks and move on. You can't change the past. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>12. Periodically get out of your comfort zone to pursue something important </strong>Many times you will feel uncomfortable in implementing a needed change in technology, people, mission, competing, etc. For the company and you to grow personally, you sometimes have to step out of your comfort zone. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Many organizational and leadership shortcomings can be overcome or mitigated with the good attitudes described above. All can be learned except passion, which comes from within. Take time out of your hectic schedule to periodically reflect on these attributes. You may be inspired to act. </div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-11569546220138768222011-09-28T08:30:00.000+07:002011-09-28T08:30:49.208+07:00Infolinks Self Serve In-Text Ads Marketplace<b>Self Service Infolinks Marketplace</b><br />
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<a href="http://go.madmimi.com/redirects/786a1c4c6a3cfbc6e20d6a9df6da767d?pa=5453310230"><b>Infolinks</b></a> has introduced the world’s first In-Text ads Marketplace. The Marketplace allows you to create and optimize In-Text ads campaigns in a matter of minutes. Now advertisers can effortlessly create and manage their ad campaigns just like with <i>Google AdWords.</i><br />
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You can use the new Marketplace to promote your blog, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube Channel, etc., for a bigger brand boost at a reduced cost. While most bloggers work on free ways of generating traffic, the use of paid traffic sources like Infolinks can get the job done a lot easier. As an AdWords advertiser, I’m looking forward to testing out the Infolinks In-Text ads Marketplace.<br />
<br />
<b>Quick and Easy Interface</b><br />
<br />
The self service In-Text Advertising Marketplace allows you to create campaigns in only a few minutes. You can select your own keywords, target geographically and monitor the campaigns with a real-time reporting system. If you know how to set up an AdWords account, you’ll have no problem with the <a href="http://go.madmimi.com/redirects/786a1c4c6a3cfbc6e20d6a9df6da767d?pa=5453310230"><i>Infolinks In-Text ads Marketplace.</i></a><br />
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Opening an advertiser account in the Marketplace is simple and will only take you a few minutes to complete. Simply visit the Marketplace, complete a short registration form, fill out your billing details and then activate your Infolinks campaign. It’s really that easy.Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-59570067573998227332011-09-23T08:43:00.000+07:002011-09-23T08:43:12.824+07:00Love those customers!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">In keeping with my recent rants on service and Customer Service Executives here’s some more info to get your team going.</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The organisation you work for has done some shuffling of titles etc. Or perhaps they are about to hire a new person (you) for a role in Customer Relations – they want you to manage it… Let’s say they are giving you ‘some scope’ to develop the role and or the department and let’s say they are serious and want to really wow the customers, love them so to speak. How will you go about it? Here’s ten thoughts from my perspective.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><ol style="text-align: justify;"><li>Create an environment in the organisation from top to bottom where the Customer is King (it’s not new but it is still a great idea) no customers – no business right… so it should make solid sense.</li>
<li>Get clear about the intended results – more sales from more visits of existing customers – or higher level sales from existing customers? (Hey did you notice I’m talking about existing customers and not new ones, they’re the role of the marketing dept…)</li>
<li>To what level can you ‘schmooze’ them? If you sell luxury or expensive items it will be very different to lower value items (or it should be…)</li>
<li>Plan like crazy – implement the same way. A great plan will beg to be implemented, so take a look at the plan and set out what will happen for the year (once in place the tweaking should be fairly easy).</li>
<li>Develop a budget plan, see if you can get the budget to go up based on results more sales more slice of the pie to build the relationships further.</li>
<li>Customer loyalty plan – sounds nice what does it really mean – I think it’s more part of the relationship and a guide as something to aim towards, not so much a plan on it’s own.</li>
<li>Exceptionally train everyone who comes into contact with Customers, remind them, support them and allow them to give the customers service brilliance…</li>
<li>Watch customers dealing with your business and go crazy over any and or ALL barriers to them being able to do business with ease. Just watch them for a while, any squirming, wincing, annoyance of any kind do something about it NOW!</li>
<li>Ask yourself (and the rest of the team) how many ways can we woo the Customers so they love us and want to come back… perhaps search the web for ways to connect with customers you might not think of (go for weird, you can always cut back.)</li>
<li>Scream “Service – Service –SERVICE!” at the start of every training session on service and at the start of each day (just before the customers start to buy) and ram home the message often (perhaps whisper it quietly to staff with a grumpy disposition).</li>
</ol><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now take massive action on all of the above and give the people what they want, your unconditional love! Sure it might cost a few $$ to do, but the end result should be very well worth it. Oh and one last thing, do not tell people you love them, just show it by brilliant action and example,.. They will tell you they love being loved and that’s a far sight better!</div></div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-76317125794360022812011-09-23T08:41:00.002+07:002011-09-23T08:41:52.046+07:00More Customer Love…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">As If I haven’t prattled on enough lately about customer service people and loving customers… some more ideas and chunks of info must be useful to assist people to really think about what they do and how they might make this whole area better. If this resonates with your organisation then you could use this as a brainstorming tool to get practical action to take place.</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">So here, take a lok at more weird and whacky ways to “love the customer!”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Concentrate on the customer, figure out what they need – want – love – aspire to – entertain them – quiz them – excite them – prod and poke them! (careful!) – cause them to giggle – get VERY curious about them (In the right way…)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Thrill them with a fresh approach or two to loyalty</li>
<li>Tell them things (good things, bad things, things they want to hear and get engaged with)</li>
<li>Wrangle with them (Perhaps their minds.) – Massage them (metaphorically perhaps)</li>
<li>Tell them to love you / cause them to love you!</li>
<li>Care about them intensely but don’t tell them</li>
<li>Invigorate their souls</li>
<li>Cause them to blink (for the right reasons)</li>
<li>Feed them deeply satisfying nourishment</li>
<li>Talk to them seductively (think more metaphors…)</li>
<li>Tenderly hold their hand/s</li>
<li>Cause them to blush (by doing Ok things…)</li>
<li>Give them a passionate embrace</li>
<li>Dance with them</li>
<li>Know their fears</li>
<li>Know what they love</li>
<li>Develop personal profiles of them (not stalking!)</li>
<li>Know why they love your organization</li>
<li>Keep them warm and comfortable…</li>
<li>Readily and effectively tantalize them</li>
<li>Get quirky with them (like they are experiencing a Cirque Du Soleil clown act!)</li>
<li>Thrill their senses</li>
<li>Knock them down with a feather</li>
<li>Build them up with kindness</li>
<li>Awe inspire them with a sensational view</li>
<li>Throw windows of exceptional opportunity at them</li>
<li>Link them to things they will love (think strategic alliances here)</li>
<li>Give them a recipe they will love or at least might love it if they try it</li>
<li>Cause them to cry with splendid delight</li>
<li>Caress their emotions/soul with every ounce of passion you can muster</li>
<li>In short, build the relationship with them, because people buy from people they like/love.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">There, now go love your customers, your bottom line will appreciate it. One things for sure though, your competition will not be able to keep up if you get started.</div></div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-16352184930347767842011-09-23T08:40:00.000+07:002011-09-23T08:40:38.830+07:00Going past one no…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh please, dear sales person, if I say no once perhaps you had better dig a bit deeper, ask more questions… if I have an objection about the price, then ask why… what do I already know and how do I know that.</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">If I have a niggle about one point, perhaps there are other points you can focus on… and hey how do you get past the issue of price “Why would I spend $5 – 6,000 if I can get one for $3-4,000?” simple, it’s like cars they do basically the same thing, some are perhaps better quality, some provide more status, you want quality and status, you pay… Here’s why (outline a benefit).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh and if you’re calling me in Australia but you have an American accent that sounds like you are in an overseas call centre and the line is crap, I am going to be suspect about you right from the start. Sure you get some points for being first on the phone after my email enquiry, but those points were soon lost.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I will probably buy, but from which company… let’s see who can sell to me the best. Sure price is not everything but a big difference in price gets me wondering and you need to be able to spell out how what you provide is better.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">If your business is thinking of using a call centre to help with your leads, then do some CAREFUL research first.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <blockquote> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="color: black;">“Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.” Dilbert.</span></span></div></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So now I have had four calls from people wanting to set up an appointment – answer my questions – send me more info.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The first two – dodgy… American accents bad lines and hard to understand. ergh…</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The second two, one female one male – the female asked great questions and provided good answers – the guy however ummed and arghhed a bit but got through the info, clarified a few points but still a bit average. He did suggest to check out the quality of the units I was after and to get lots of brand names and model numbers of the gear others were saying they would supply.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">So who will I buy from… I will see if any other companies will ring today and compare the figures they say they will email me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">UPDATE!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Day one got me a bunch of calls from interested parties, day two fielded some more and day FIVE I had a guy on the phone who said “So, got your enquiry, what do you want….” FAIL… he prattled on about quality and said he would email me the material… price “can’t match the low priced stuff, but it’s crap anyway…” (Ok thanks for the feedback, and also thanks for giving me the brand names I should be looking for that made things easier).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">My research showed some interesting info, the lady who had chatted so nicely, had good info, and asked good questions to establish my needs the best… well turns out the Co she works for gets slammed in forums all over the net… and what’s also worrying they have about three different business names they trade under!! A quick search of those found more issues… oh boy it just became a bigger minefield!</div></div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-30057871464817254292011-09-23T08:38:00.002+07:002011-09-23T08:38:48.891+07:00Making your staff pay…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">What your employees earn for the organisation needs to be more than what you pay them, but how much? There are costs to cover having employees, so it makes sense to earn more than just what they cost the organisation.</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">In some organisations they seem to have no idea how much value their people add to the organisation, so lets have a think about the issue.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let’s look at a range of costs and how it all adds up (their wages while they are on holidays and wages for a person who may replace them, as well as superannuation, insurance etc).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">How much?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">If we work on a figure of $800 per week that’s nearly $42,000 pa. Here are the ‘hidden costs’.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">- 4 weeks wages for a fill in employee while the other is on holidays $6,400</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">- 1 week personal leave $800</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">- Superannuation @ 9% pa $3,700</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">- Workers compensation Insurance $300</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">- Payroll tax @ 5% $2,100</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">- Training and development or uniforms and ‘tools’ $2,500</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">- Incentives and bonuses $1,500</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">- Accumulated P/A savings to cover 10 yr long service leave $960</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">- Accumulated P/A savings to cover the other worker on 10 yr leave $960</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>TOTAL: $19,220</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">That’s just under half of the annual wage so they need to be earning the organisation a total of AT LEAST $61,200 to pay their way and cover their costs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let’s break it down further, on average it’s suggested out of a whole year people only work 220 days so that makes it $324 per day or $40.45 per hour. If you take into account ‘slack or down time’ (it’s raining, they are waiting for supplies, not feeling too well, angry at the boss for spending time reading business articles.) then that figure could readily go up.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">For some of our readers they will know this hourly figure intimately and they will have their employees earning solidly above the basic level so they know they can cover longer term costs and thrive readily.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The thing is though, now you have some starting points to work with how will you change things in your business to make sure your business covers its costs, makes a profit and you come out smiling with lower stress levels?</div></div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-88089606559717866572011-09-23T08:37:00.002+07:002011-09-23T08:37:45.405+07:00Guaranteed! But at what cost…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">It’s standard practice to have a guarantee for many products and services. For some in business it’s the thing which sets them apart from their competition, for others it’s a legal compliance issue which they prefer wasn’t there.</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">What does it cost your business and how should you handle it?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Being a service nut I like the way it can make your business stand out from the crowd, compliance or not… so handling guarantees becomes a major issue you solidly stand behind, giving every customer ‘peace of mind’ in knowing you will be there with them if ANY issue arises.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over the period of a year or three it can be easy to look at the cost of supplying services to fulfill your guarantee obligations to keep your ‘customers happy and fulfill your legal obligations. In the intervening ‘learning phase’ it may be a case of guessing how much guarantees might cost. Here are a few points you might consider in the process.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Is there a consistent percentage of sales which you can attribute to guarantees?</li>
<li>What is the time taken by staff in providing guarantees?</li>
<li>What is the cost of providing the staff to do these tasks?</li>
<li>Is this time significant enough to impact on other aspects of your business… e.g. making profits from std sales.</li>
<li>How much will the cost eat into your profit margin?</li>
<li>What will you need to add to your operating costs to take into account this ‘cost of doing business’?</li>
<li>How will the cost variation affect your average dollar sale and will that still make your business competitive?</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I’m sure there will be other questions to ask in the process as you explore guarantees and their impacts further. The main thing is to be very mindful that guarantees have a cost, learn to live with that and allow for it in your forward planning.</div></div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9184792077580205142.post-61805606405601381812011-09-23T08:36:00.002+07:002011-09-23T08:36:45.963+07:00Step in early or wait for the problem to arise.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">It’s a dilemma many Supervisors, Managers and Leaders face. You have a team who waiver from the path occasionally, do you let it go until it becomes a problem, or do you step in early and keep things on track.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I figure if you take a Leaders view you provide the guidelines so the team can follow the lead, therefore you don’t wait for a challenge to arise, you provide a great set of guidelines to ensure things stay on track. If things stray from the path, you then get to put on your ‘coaching hat’ and provide support to ensure the team are aware of the guidelines and assist them to explore how they might have ‘strayed from the path’.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is one of the reasons I often suggest a great set of Values – Mission and Vision be in place as a foundation to always work from. It allows the Leader to have back up, to allow the team to explore if they are holding true to the values of the organisation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I guess it becomes a case of ‘see something, do something’ before things become an issue. In a decent situation it can be more of a chat which takes place asking questions about how things are going, and what sorts of examples the team may have about how things are going and if they match to the values etc.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This can be a more powerful position to work from as it works more on the teams internal motivation and thought processes rather than having things imposed or pushed on them when challenges arise. It’s as if they have come up with the solution or drive to solve the challenge, rather than being told the answer.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The real trick to all of this is getting things to fit to the way people communicate – If people are not used to being asked questions relating to ‘values and beliefs’ then they might find it hard to respond, let alone act on the information. However the Leader who is a more flexible communicator will find ways to weave these into normal conversation and start the ball rolling, perhaps using examples of how things might fit in certain situations.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Be flexible in your approach, get in early and lead the team then tweak the details to suit, I’m sure you will find leadership can become a whole lot easier if you try this out.</div></div>Ninis Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945732107724474926noreply@blogger.com0