How To Handle A Customer Problem

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

It's not always easy to handle a
customer problem, but it's a part
of during business. This is the
time to show patience, understanding.

It's extremely important to listen.

"What if they get irate?" You
asked.

Let a customer vent.
Face it, in this economic
down-turn, he or she can
take their business
elsewhere.

Don't allow yourself to get
into a word battle. You're
there to resolve the
customer's problem, and
have he/she spread nice
comments about you,
your business.
It's called free advertising.

Let customers say
what they have to.

Don't give excuses.
Apologize. Be professional.
Start working on the problem,
immediately.

Explain what the customer
can expect. If necessary,
pull in someone else to help
resolve the problem.

If at any moment you feel
the need to be confrontational,
stop. Tell the customer
you'd like to find out what
happened, etc. Take a few
moments to relax, took a
deep breath.

Be sure to let the customer
know you'll going to work on
the problem. Make the
customer resolution a priority.

Make sure a problem exists.
Or, is it something the customer
misunderstood. Your results
must be explained to the
customer.

Economic Turn-Down Survival Tips

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return

Center your attention on customers.
The customers that are up-to-date,
current, offer them discounts,
sales. These are the people you
want to
direct your product or service
at. Keep in touch with them.

Keep customers coming back
by creating a game where they
can play everyday for your
product, service, give discount
coupons, gift certificates,
and free wares.

A contest will keep
them coming back to your
product or service. They try
to win, but purchase if they
don't.

Handle any misunderstandings
with care, quickly. Your
business survival depends on
it.

In an economic turn down, there
are other places customers can
spend their money.

However, smart business owners
survive by making customers
feel appreciated, wanted.

Happy customers come back, and
tell their friends. It means
more profits for you, your
business.


It's very important to screen
customers. Business
survival demands it. You
want the good customers.
The customers that pay
on time.

Don't let customers go
thirty-five days without
notice.

Likewise, economic survival
demands you pay on time
as well. A delay makes it
harder on you.

Keep your team, employees,
aware of circumstances.
Foster a team environment.
Everyone works together
to survive the economic
turn down.

In closing, pay attention
to good customers. Offer
contests, and other offers
to keep their interest,
business.

Stay on top of payment
habits of customers.
Make sure your payment
habits are good.

It's a must that everyone
in your organization,
business, works together.
Keep them advised to the
status of your business,
their employment.

How To Survive An Economic Turn-Down

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

This is the time to take a stand.
Don't give-up your dream when
the economy hiccups. Yes, I
know it's hard.

I will survive thoughts should
blanket your mind. Place
those words on paper.
Tack them to your office door,
computer, desk, information
board, wall, mirror, or
where you can easily
see them.

Think pass the economic
hard times.

Avail yourself to networks.
Don't be ashamed to ask
for business.

It's a must to cut costs.
Anyone not contributing
is moved, or terminated.

People who have been
with you, the company,
for a long time draws
stress when the
T word is considered.

However, in economic
hard times, tough decisions
are made for your business
to survive. Sometimes,
old employees are terminated.

If an employee isn't working
well with his/her new
department, you have to
make the termination choice.

Perhaps, when times are
better, re-hire him or her.

Is it possible for you to
get a more fitting offer
from suppliers?

Contact creditors. Adjust
your payment habits, make
better or bigger payments.

"Why?" You asked out-loud.

It will reduce costs.

All staff members have to
do more, or accept the
alternative. The alternative
is termination.

The most important part
of your business is your
customers. Get to know
them. Inquire about how
he/she found you, your
product or service.

Direct your advertising to
where customers are seeing
it, and stop spending
elsewhere.

Your business survival is at
stake. You can't afford to
be concerned about how
measures look. Keep your
staff informed as to what
is happening with the business.

If the staff feels apart of your
business survival, they will
work harder. They will do
what's best for the business,
their jobs.

The economy will recover,
but it's necessary to swing-low
with it, and rise when it does.

In closing, you survive in an
economic turn-down by using
common sense measures.
Keep the survival attitude,
network harder, anyone not
meeting the quota is moved
or terminated, and keep
everyone aware of what's going
on with the business.

Line Of Credit

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

First, don't panic. Make an appointment
to talk to the person, institution, you
obtained the loan from.

It's possible your line of credit will
not be reduced or taken. Give
yourself piece of mind by contacting
the loan institution.

The credit trouble, in the news, is
pointing to short-term loans big
companies make to one another,
and the rate they pay to borrow
from each other.

If, for some reason, your line
of credit is reduced, taken, make
sure you're not dependent on
one bank, or one credit card.

It's best to have several lines
of credit from various banks.
This, at least, gives you a
better chance at survival.

It's possible your regular
banking institution may
reduce, take back, your
line of credit. If it happens to
you, think outside the box.

Don't let your dream, business,
fade away.

An alternative is to barter with
suppliers. Trade products or
services for supplies. Put the
terms of the bartering agreement
in writing. A written document
spelling out the agreement avoids
future misunderstandings. It will
save relationships, friendships.

Have an informal party for friends
and family. Explain what you're
during with a product or service.
Ask for investors.

In return, one investor asks
that you train his/her son or
daughter in a particular area.
Or, point to the fact that
he/she will get a return on
investing with you, and that's
better than taking a chance
on investing in the market.

When your line of credit is
taken or reduced, cut back on
spending. Out-dated, pass its
usefulness, equipment must be
removed. Employees not making
the quota should be moved to
another area, or terminated.

If John, for example, isn't
doing well in customer service,
move him to shipping.

John is a problem in shipping too.
You have no choice, but to remove
him to the door.

Still, there are businesses doing
well. Even so, be mindful of how
your line of credit is used.

No one knows which bank, lending
institution, will reduce a line
of credit, or take it back.

In closing, always contact your
loan officer with concerns about
your line of credit. Make it a
practice to have credit lines
from different institutions. It
keeps you afloat if one bank goes
under.

Bartering is a way to meet the
economic down-turn.

Rid yourself, your company, of
equipment or people missing the
mark, and stop all unnecessary
spending.

The Bail-Out

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

No one wants to turn-over
hard earned money to help Wall
Street. It's annoying, and
angers many.

"Would my business be
bailed-out if it failed?" A
few asked.

I doubt that the government
would rush in to aid your
failing small business. There
is a process by which you'd apply
for a loan, aid.

In fairness, the failure of a
lone business wouldn't negatively
impact the financial system.
Or, the affects wouldn't knot
our cash flow.

The bailout is necessary
to allow you an opportunity to
borrow funds. The bailout stops
Wall Street's problem(s) from
reaching your street and mine.

In a stable economy, it's
easier to get credit, and keep
the amount, terms, originally
assigned.

Some small business owners
have complained that their
credit line was reduced, terms
changed.

The bailout gives some
opportunities back. You can
save for retirement without
worrying if the bank will close.

America's children, with the
bailout, have a better chance
of getting needed funds for
college.

People agree that a bailout
plan is necessary, but haggle
over specific points.

For the small business owner,
cut-back where you can. Phrase-
out free morning donuts and
coffee. Cut cost anywhere,
everywhere, possible.

Maximize the use of employees
and equipment. If, for example,
a department isn't using Employee
E, send him/her to the next area.

The positive effects of the new
bailout plan takes time to see,
and feel.

Beware: Loan

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

There are many reasons people
apply for a loan. Beware of the
interest rate circling its waters.

The loan comes with a big interest
tag. Do some research on interest.
Find out how to get a bargain rate,
or a rate that's comfortable for you.

Ask yourself this question, and
think about it carefully.

Is this the right time to apply for
a loan?

If yes, don't allow yourself to be
pushed into borrowing money you
don't want, or will have trouble
paying back.

When it (an offer) appears too
good to be true, depart in the
opposite direction.

Search high and low for the best
quote. Yes, contact many
companies. You decide what
best suits your needs.

"This is the best deal you'll
get." A company representative
said.

Don't believe it. Instead, contact
other companies, and see for
yourself.

Remember, a loan effects your
life, and credit rating. Your credit
rating determines if you'll get some
jobs, apartments, just about
everything. So, it's best to take
your time, and find the perfect fit.

Be slow to expose your need for
the loan. Talk about the interest
rate, other details pertaining to
it.

No, I'm not saying mislead anyone.
Your financial information shouldn't
be the topic of conversation,
initially.

"Why?" You look concerned.

It weakens your position.

Your income is discussed
during the process. Once you
have agreed to the loan, the
topic comes up.

Have a clear understanding of
what the contract says.

Take time to read it.
Ask questions.

It's an exciting time.
Still, read the fine print.

There is no such thing as a
stupid question.

Avoid signing a half filled in
document, or one that is
blank. Make sure the contract
has the terms that were
discussed, and/or agreed on.


In summary, apply for a loan if
you have made the decision to
do so. Don't be pushed into it.
Take your time when looking
for the right institution to
address your needs. Don't
reveal too much before
knowing details of the loan.
Never sign a blank, half-filled in
contract. Make sure the document
has the agreed on terms listed.

Partnerships

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

A business partnership is
when two or more owners
share in the profits and
losses.

This post refers to people,
two or more, owning a
business. They share in
the profits and losses of
that business. I'm referring
to general partnerships.

General partnerships
allow each partner to give
his/her opinion, advice,
and have a hand in its
operation.

General partnerships are
easier to manage. This
form of partnership means
the business is not a
corporation.

It is important for
everyone to agree on
the business' direction,
or its plight.

If, for example, one of
the partners is in the
planning stages of
building a second store,
but another prefers a
bigger pay-check,
what happens? The
confusion destroys working
relationships, and your
business.

Each partner is assigned an
area. Partner A over-sees
hiring, Partner B takes care
of the books, etc.

A plan to open other stores
requires careful thought.
Why open other stores?
When? Five years?

An agreement documents
everything. Is the partnership
fifty-fifty, eighty-twenty, or
fifty-forty, and ten to an
outside person, group?

I advise against any oral
agreements. Time, issues,
will erase memory, and/or
provide selective memory.

Keep a strong business
by putting everything in
writing. Have the partners
sign and date it.

The agreement covers
compensation of the
partners, what happens
when there's a loss, business
type, what each partner
invested, role of each partner,
dispute plan, course of action
due to death or illness, what
happens if the partnership has
to be dissolved, and how long
will the business be in
operation.

Tailor-cut the agreement to
your specific business.
Add anything to the agreement
that's important to you, your
business.

It is important to keep the
line of communication open.
Find time to check in with
the partners. Discuss your
concerns. Inquire about
problems.

Meetings should be
scheduled regularly.
This is the time to bring-up
how to improve sales. Or,
get suggestions from the
sales team. Discuss anything,
everything, pertaining to the
betterment of your business.

What can be done to
improve productivity?
Employees working as
a team? If not, find out
why. Do they have the
proper incentives?

Can you get better
deals on supplies?

Are the partners working
well together? Is the
advertising bringing in
more sales? If not, how
can the advertising be
improved?

In conclusion, general
partnerships tend to be
less complicated. Each
partner shares his/her
opinions, knowledge.

Keep the line of
communication open.
Schedule frequent
meetings.

Every action concerning
the business should be
in writing. It doesn't matter
how small or big the
decision.

The Advantages Of Business Cards

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

The small business owner must
present him/herself professionally,
at all times.

The purpose of the business card
is to open a line of communication
with the public, your target market.
It is the first observation into what
your product or service is. The
business card gives access to your
e-mail, telephone number, cell number,
fax, and/or address.

A major advantage of having a
business card is the creditability
it affords you.

At a gathering, the topic of your
service or product is mentioned.
Several people ask for a business
card. Only, you don't have any.

It reflects badly if you have to
write your business related
information on a paper plate.

The business card is your ad.
It should show-case you, your
product or service. It should
have, only, necessary information.

The advantage of a business card
is its a tool to increase sales.
Use any business tool selectively.

The idea is to provide business
cards to people who have a high
interest in your product or
service, or to your target
market.

Of course, there isn't anything
wrong with handing out business
cards to other people. No one
can say, for sure, a specific
person will not be a potential
customer.

Your target market is teens,
for example. Other groups could
have teen relatives, and would
buy your product or service.

Person A receives your business
card, buys for another person.
It equals more sales.

The business card explains to
people how you can help them.
In this time of recession, people
are careful about what they
spend money on.

People must see a benefit before
buying your product or service.

"What will your product or service
do for me?" They will ask.

In other words, your business card
has to say specifically what
benefit(s) the product or service
offers.

The advantage of business cards
being tailored works in your favor.
The design can be unique, different
from the wallet size cards. Print
on half of the card, and leave the
other half blank. It can attract
more sales.

Finally, the advantage of carrying
them in your purse, wallet, or
pocket is a plus. There isn't
anything special needed to lift them,
or transport them in. They aren't
bulky.

In our society, it isn't uncommon to
exchange them anywhere, everywhere.
Or, give them out at random.

In conclusion, be prepared all times
to exchange, pass-out, a business
card. The business card marks
you as a professional. The advantages
of purchasing business cards out-
weighs the investment of money in them.

Successful Internet Business

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

A successful Internet business
must keep in mind its target
market. I'm referring to any
product or service sold on
the Internet.

Direct your advertising at
your target market.

"Where do I find my target
market?" You tapped
your fingers on the desk.

Find your target market
by researching. Get an
idea about who they are
from forums.

Discuss your idea, part
of it, and see who responds.
The 20--35 year olds, teens,
or senior citizens? The
age group who shows an
interest in your product or
service is your target market.

Don't be afraid to try chat
rooms. It's possible to get
tips, pointers, and a new way
of looking at an old idea.
All, any, information is possible
feed-back. Sift through it to
see what's useable.

Personally, I've found chat
rooms to be a wealth of information.
A few hours spent in a chat room
helped me come-up with new ideas.
I didn't dismiss the old, but held
onto it for future use.

Every e-mail or snail mail should
list your product or service. Every
person is a potential customer.

Person A mentions you, your
product, to person B, and
the second person could become
a customer.

The word-of-mouth advertising
from person A and B spreads
like wild fire. Word-of-mouth
gives you more coverage than
a paid ad.

A happy customer is a repeat
buyer, and loyal. Every successful
Internet business strives to keep
customers informed of new products,
services, and provides information
to help them.

Sponsor contests, no shipping and
handling charge on orders over a
certain amount, promise a free gift
to the first one-hundred customers,
give away free reports, and/or ask
for suggestions to better serve them.

Sales is increased by linking to
another web site(s). Once traffic,
people, visit, your page should
inspire them to buy.

The ordering process must be
easy, and use of a credit card
smooth, secure. Everything on
it is user friendly.

Don't become frustrated,
disappointed, with yourself if
you're not making money. A
successful Internet business
isn't made in a few months.
It takes years. Often, it'll be
five or more years before
seeing a profit.

The successful Internet business
keeps its target market satisfied.
Your line of communication is
always open. E-mail with
updates, special offers, discounts,
and/or information to help them.

Make money by linking to successful
web sites. It gives your target market
options.

Of course, be open to feed-back on
your product or service, and a
successful Internet business will
be yours.

How To Repair Credit

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

Recession, rising gas prices,
loss of a job, foreclosure, and/or
illness contributes to a
damaged credit rating.

Most times, you can't control
the circumstances that
lowered your credit rating.

At least, there are ways to
help repair it.

Start by getting copies of
your credit reports. You
have a right to free reports.
You are allowed one a year
from each of the bureaus:
Annualcreditreport.com,
Transunion, or Equifax.

If you're in the UK, and
want to check your credit
report, for free:
http://www.annualcreditreport.co.uk/.

"Why get a credit report?"
Several people asked.

It describes what needs
repairing. Check off any
information that's incorrect.
Start making telephone calls,
writing letters, or take the
necessary steps to get it
repaired.

It takes time. Often, you'll
have to stay on top of it.
Keep pushing until it's
repaired.

Remember, your credit
rating determines if you'll
get some jobs, loans, just
about everything.

It can be emotional, hard,
but think of the results.

Contact creditors to
right bills paid, but not
noted.

If you find you can't pay
incoming bills, don't
panic.

Call the creditor. Let
him/her know you're
having financial difficulties.
You'd like a payment plan.
Will he/she work with you?

Some credit card companies
will reduce interest on your
credit cards. It isn't
automatic, ask about it.

Use the interest rate
reduction to help pay
the debt.

It's a must that you
stop using credit cards.

Spending at this point
makes your situation
worse. It puts stress on
you, because you're
struggling already.

Cut-up the credit cards,
for now. Concentrate on
repairing your credit. With
the credit cards in pieces,
the habit, need, to use them
disappears.

Budget everything. This includes
the amount of water you use,
electricity, etc. Try not to
spend more than is allotted.

End eating out, trips to the
theatre, and using money on
anything that's not a
necessity.

The prepaid credit card gives
you an option. It helps while
you're repairing your credit.

In conclusion, an account,
credit card, that's paid late,
stop using it. Pay it on time,
or make a deal with the
creditor. Cut-up credit cards,
and budget.

Money Scams

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

There isn't one person who doesn't
want to make money. Or, at least,
have more of it coming in than
going out of the door.

So, a few people will take
advantage, of that fact, through
money scams.

Money scams crawl in
through many forms, flavors.
They, all, have one thing in
common, and that's an
emphasis on how you can
make lots of money.

Recession, rising gas
prices, and sky rocketing
grocery bills can make it
harder to resist money
scams. It's just a trick
to steal your money,
pull you in.

Money making schemes
fatten the pockets of
those who thought them
up. The schemes are
appealing, looks
reasonable, profitable.

The scam artists pride
themselves on convincing
you it's harmless, and the
tons of money to be made.

"What can it hurt?" You'll
say. "I only have to put a
little out.

Follow this rule, anything,
anyone, that sounds, appears,
too good to be true, he, she,
or it is.

Move in the opposite direction.
Disconnect yourself from he,
she, or it.

You'll hear someone, here-there,
claim to have made money.
However, that statement doesn't
take into account the thousands
that lost money.

My opinion, chain letters
are a scam too. They are
misleading, and should be
avoided.

The binary scheme from
South Africa is a new one.
It's operated via the Internet.

The basis is a person must sell
a product to two other people.
The two other people repeat
the process. Each new person
keeps the scam going.

The commission is from sales.

It's another Pyramid Scheme
to be avoided.

Con artists have no shame
in stealing your money through
scams. They have come to the
Internet for that purpose. Age,
race, or health will not stop
them. Only, you can.

I've, personally, received
e-mails from scam-mers, and
deleted them.

I've come across people
asking for money to help a sick
family member, deleted. A
few mentioned leaving me money,
deleted.

Why would a stranger leave me
money? How does this person
know me? Why pick me to send
money to? My guess, it was a
ploy to establish communication
with me. Eventually, me sending
money for fees or the like would
have come up. In short, deleted
it.

The best course of action
when receiving money scams
via snail-mail or e-mail is to
trash them.

An Effective Marketing Tool

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

The small business owner has to stay
competitive. He/she doesn't, always,
have access to deep pockets, or a large
advertising budget. Success comes
to the individual who takes what's
available and maximizes its use.

There are many effective marketing
tools like link strategies, ads with
affiliates, or swap ads.

A tool is effective when it reaches
your target market, and they respond.
The target market represents the
people who are interested in, will buy,
your product or service.

"How do I find my target market?"
A few asked.

Visit forums, social networks, and
anywhere else people go online. The
feed-back gives you an idea of how
to improve the product or service.
It, also, answers questions about
how well your product or service
will be received. What adjustments
are needed. Questions, possibly, you
haven't thought of will be answered.

"Which marketing tool is best?"
Several people asked.

An effective marketing tool is e-mailing.
This is an excellent way to keep in
touch with customers. It allows them
to provide you with feed-back.

Feed-back helps you better serve
them. The goal is repeat buys, or
returning customers.

E-mail customers about updates on
products and services. Coupons,
discounts, are easily given to
them through e-mailing.

There is not one customer who doesn't
want to pay less for a product or service
they're already using. A coupon or
discount is an incentive to purchase
more.

A discount can be in the form of
no shipping or handling fee. Or,
order two or more products, and pay
one shipping/handling fee.

E-mail customers newsletters. Keep
them informed of what's happening in
the company. Explain how the new
changes will benefit them.

Loyal customers will want to be
apart, comment, and e-mail you back.
Customers share their opinions
with friends and family, which leads
to additional advertising. It rolls into
more profits. It's a chain effect. Happy
customers share their experiences with
others, bringing you more business.

Every e-mail, snail mail, should wear
your business contact information.
Small business owners must take
advantage of e-mail marketing. Think
in terms of every e-mail, snail mail, as
a possible customer.

E-mail customers the today's special
information. Let them know about
special promotions.

Who wouldn't be interested in an
e-mail that speaks directly to you,
makes you feel special. The e-mail
allows customers in on a promotion.
Usually, members only receive such
information, and it encourages them
to buy.

E-mails can be tailored to your
customers. Be sure their name is
on it. Make it personal.

Some businesses go the extra step of
noting birthdays. A mention could
be enough. Work within your budget.

E-mail is an effective marketing tool,
because it gives instant results, keeps
customers updated, allows you to
remain competitive, and is easy to
use. Yet, it works within your
advertising budget.

Five Business Questions

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

This session answers five questions
people have asked me.

"How do I make money copy-writing?"

The first line in copy-writing, head-line, must
hold the reader's attention. Its job is to stop
his/her eyes from running to someone else's
advertisement. The individual must see a
benefit(s) in that line.

Think about what grabs your attention.
The head-line should be no longer than
six words.

As with all good copy, there's a beginning,
middle, and ending. Don't drag-out the
middle. It'll lose the reader.

Describe how the product or service will
benefit him/her. Urge the reader to buy.
Make it easy to purchase. Perhaps, include
a payment plan. Close.

Check out The Freelance Work
Exchange for copy-writing
opportunities.

"How can I increase sales?" Several
people asked.

The first step is to make sure the customer
is happy, satisfied. If he/she is, you'll get
repeat business.

Arrange easy payment plans. An
installment plan, for example. This
is where the customer pays monthly
until the bill is paid. The customer
receives, wears, flaunts, the product
before it's paid for. It couldn't get
any better for the customer.

Work within a customer's budget.
Show them you're on their side.
E-mail them about discounts,
coupons, and any information to
help them.

This will show you care, and you'll
receive customer loyalty.

Customers will give you free
advertising by telling friends and
family. The word-of-mouth advertising
spins more customers your way than
a placed ad.

"Is there, really, a way to make
money online?"

As with anything, be cautious
when deciding to work with a
plan. The following is a starting
point.

Weblogsinc.com pays you to blog
for them, or you choose a writing
idea.

Reviewme.com allows you to
review, promote, products.

Blogburner.com pays you to
blog, and make money. They'll
split the revenue fifty-fifty with
you.

Textbroker.com is a work-at-
home job. You determine writing
time. The title is Freelance Author,
and payment is up to $20.00 for
500 words.

"How to stop employee turnover?"

Place the right person in a job.
Don't sit Mack in Customer Service
if he has no experience. Employees
should be in areas they excel at.

Encourage a team atmosphere.
Everyone must work toward a
common goal, the organization's
goal. Give credit to the team when
a job has been well done.

Be open to suggestions, questions.
Don't be afraid to interact with
employees. Although, it's,
sometimes, hard due to work
activities. Still, make the time. It
develops loyalty from employees,
and demonstrates 'you're all 'ight'.

Express, applaud, how well an
employee is doing, have done. It
fosters tighter bonds to you, the
organization.

"What are the best businesses
to start?"

Read article in it entirety at:
www.freewebs.com/cr1t1qu3r

Terminate An Employee

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

It's not pleasant to terminate
an employee. Even though,
some employees are rude,
loud, and never follow the rules.
Still, the task of firing him/her
isn't the brighter note in a day.

I propose, if it has to be done,
it should flow as smooth as
possible.

Give an employee a chance
to improve poor performance,
or behavior not becoming.

Other members of the
organization will watch how
it's handled. No matter how
you deal with it, you're setting
the tone. Managers, in the work-
place, will adhere to your decision,
and take similar actions.

There should be guidelines,
in the organization's procedures,
on how to resolve problems. Still,
each occurrence is individual,
unique.

"Can you be more specific?"
You stared at the computer screen.

First, always, be civil. It doesn't
matter if the employee is vulgar.
He/she is on his/her way out of
the door. So, it doesn't matter
what the employee says. However,
if you return anger, it'll be noticed
and noted.

I know, it can be hard to not react,
or say what you really think. Matters
worsen if you, the manager, name
call.

Any, all, relevant documentation
should be in order. A letter
stating the reason(s) for
termination is included.

Schedule a meeting. The person
doing the firing, and two
witnesses should be the only
people in attendance.

State the reason he/she is being
terminated. Be brief. Collect
anything belonging to the
organization. This is the time for
the employee to say his/her last
words.

Some organizations have the
employee sign pertinent papers
before departing.

The employee, for the last time,
is walked out of the building.

Any Business Start-Up

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

A business, start-up or not, demands lots
of time, energy and money. You must,
mentally, understand that there's a
possibility of failure. Life goes on after
a debacle.

Pick an area you're passionate about.
Surround yourself with people who feel
success of the business is important.

It wouldn't be wise to have Bill in
customer service when he excels at
accounting. Or, if Bill works in
customer service, he shouldn't do the
books.

Place each individual according to
their skills. Do you need to brush-up
on you managerial skills? Take a
refresher course. Thumb through
business magazines, books, and/or
visit business blogs.

The requirements to a successful
business: Map out a plan. Ask
questions. Will your product or service
be received well? Don't start a business
with a, single, doubt. Set goals for
the business, in two years? Five years?
Do you have enough to finance it? It's
best to have more than the cost of your
business. An emergency fund? Why
are you starting a business?

How are you going to get the word
out? How will you get the attention
of your target market?

Target market refers to the people
who will buy your product or service.

Find your target market through
research.

Research where?" You tapped your
foot.

Try forums. They are free. Mention your
wares, and get feed-back.

Have an informal idea party. This is
where people share ideas. See
how well they're liked, chance of
success.

Don't be afraid to mention your product
or service on the social networking web
sites. There's lots of traffic, potential,
customers.

Survey people you know about a
particular idea. Ask specific
questions pertaining to your product
or service. One question could be, how
much would you pay for...?

Remember, every product or service
should be geared to the customer.
People want to know, see, how a product
or service will benefit them. Dig into,
find, ways to start-up your business.

In conclusion, your business start-up
must be in an area you care, deeply,
about. Do research to target people you
know need, want, your product or service.
Finance it, and you're on your way.

It Doesn't Matter How Many Cheers

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.


I copied and pasted the following
desperado's page.

Democratic Showdown On Saturday
Could Get Ugly

The meeting of the Democratic Party
rules committee in Washington on
Saturday, which is set to decide what
to do about the delegations from
Michigan and Florida, could get ugly
in light of a memo released yesterday
by party lawyers.

The memo was sent late Tuesday to
the 30 members of the party's Rules
and Bylaws Committee, which plans
to meet Saturday at a Washington
hotel. The committee is considering
ways to include the two important
general election battlegrounds at
the nominating convention in August,
and the staff analysis says seating
half the delegates is "as far as it
legally can go."

"I know to pay my taxes, keep accurate
books, fair practices in advertising,
etc." You explained to me.

I'm referring to the paragraphs from
desperado's page. Why try to force
a law, piece of equipment, when it's
time to go home or retire it?

A piece of equipment could have
been a winner for you. Still, there's
no sense in trying to operate it when
it costs more to fix than its producing.

Likewise, the same applies to humans.
If you're in a race, job, that's not giving
the best results, retire, move on. Let
someone else occupy the position,
place. It doesn't matter how many
people are cheering you on.

The longer you postpone the inevitable,
the bigger your disappointment will be.
In the long run, you'll be respected for
having operated sensibly.

This lesson is for anyone, everyone,
all walks of life, business life.

Why Adhere To Business Ethics?

Be fair, attentive, and customers will
return.

Business ethics is how you handle
moral, social, business activities.
It brands you. When your name is
thought of, so is your moral out-look
on business.

Your personal ethics determine how
you communicate, do business.

On a scale of one to ten, business
ethics sits next to ten.

"Why is it important?" You asked.

It points to honesty, fairness. If,
for example, customers were paying
too much for a product or service,
what would be the fair course of
action?

Notify them with the refunds, credit
their accounts, or allow them to make
the decision?

Customers appreciate honesty, and will
become a repeat buyer. Often, they
will recommend others.

You, your business, adhered to a moral
standard. The act of returning money
that didn't belong to you gained customer
loyalty, and new customers.

Customers will share the experience
with friends, family, and associates.
It adds up to free advertising. Word-of-
mouth advertising spreads faster, gives
more exposure than an ad placed.

Weave the same quality, character trait,
throughout your business activities.

On an occasion, your supplier gave you
a discount. A second call was made by
you to the supplier. The partner didn't
know you received a discount. He was
going to give you a second discount on
the same order.

What should you do?

Eventually, the mistake will be found. In
short, if you're aware of a mistake, yours or
someone else's, speak-up.

Don't wait for it to be pointed out. Sometimes,
the person exposing a blunder
misunderstands your side, point of view.

The organization's business ethics is explained,
on day one, to new employees. In meetings,
bring up the topic, and where to report
questionable practices.

It has been my experience, when an employee
encounters a situation, it's too late. If no
one mentioned how or where to take a problem
since day one, the employee will handle it
his/her way.

It's one of the responsibilities of leaders,
managers. Keep employees informed.

It's easy to go along, for some, with bad
business ethics. It takes strong, determined,
people to pick the right rode.

You, the small business owner, must adhere
to business ethics.

Employees take actions according to
your behavior, or follow your lead.

"If it's good enough for the boss, it's good
enough for me."

A customer, with a major account with you,
wants your help to get a contract. He
can't get it on his own. Why? He was
involved in dealings under the table.
He disregards business ethics. He
offered money for your help.

Why you?

Situations will arise that test your
business ethics. What would you do?

Once you give into it, the person has
something on you. What's to say he
won't use it to force you into a worse
situation.

It's important to adhere to business ethics
to keep reputable customers, suppliers,
and anyone involved in your business life.

Also, business ethics keeps you on the
right side of the law.

You are branded by your moral, social,
code in business.

Happy customers share their experiences
with associates, friends, and family. The
act of talking about you, your business, is
free advertising, and it ignites faster than
an ad. The organization's business ethics
must be discussed in meetings. It's too late
to apply business ethics after a problem is
in motion. Grow your business as you
adhere to business ethics.

How To Advertise For Maximum Profit

Be fair, attentive, and customers will
return.

A small business owner's objective is to reach as many
of his/her target market as possible.

"What is target market?" You tapped on your desk-top.

Target market is the group of people an organization,
business, directs its advertising at. This group wants
or needs the product/service your business offers.

"How do I find my target market?"

Small business owners are on a budget, but
research determines, finds, your target market.

The wrong way for a small business to advertise
is before the research is done, or not doing any
research. You're throwing away money, wasting
energy, without it.

Here are some options for researching.
Small business can use forums. Forums
are free. The act of talking about your product
or service is advertising. Explain your idea for
a product or service. See how well it's received.
Take notes on the feed-back.

If you don't want your plan known, stop short
of exposing it. Or, mention a version of it. Still,
you'll get an idea of what people want, age group,
gender, and what people can afford.

Give the target market incentives to buy. Pass
on discounts to them, introductory specials, and
coupons.

Your ads must grab the reader's eyes. The
first line's job is to hold the reader's focus, and
that's the head-line. It should be up to six words.
Make the point, be clear.

A benefit should be listed in the head-line. Most
people want to know what's in it for me.

The target market will ask, "Why should I
purchase that? How's it gonna help me?"

List the benefits, and then tap on the features,
if there's enough space.

The social networking web sites are other
ways to advertise your business. Let people
know about you, your business. Those sites
have a large amount of traffic.

There's another, must have, business tool.

I'm referring to Craigslist. Craig Newmark, in
1995, used a list server to post notices about
events. The snow-ball effect happened.

People placed personal ads, job openings, and
anything you can think of with him.

Today, the traffic ranks on the level with Google
and Yahoo.

It's free to advertise, except in a few states. Still,
the fee is nominal.

"How do I access Craigslist?" Someone wanted
to know.

Type Craigslist in a search engine.

It's a good idea to browse, get comfortable with
the site.

Advertise for maximum profit using the resources
available, wisely. Type your web site address,
URL, on each e-mail sent. Or, some other information
explaining, advertising, your business.

Your nick-name, identification, should describe
your service or product. M. Glenn's Writing
Services@yahoo.com, for example.

Every letter, e-mail, group gathering, or chance
encounter mention, show-case, your product or
service.

Target your market for maximum profit by
researching. Provide incentives for your
target market. Use forums and social
networking web sites as a way to get helpful
feed-back, and free advertising.

Craigslist is a business tool for advertising.
The web site gets billions of hits. Explore
this means of getting your message out to
the target market., and it's free in most states.

How To Keep Employees

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

One objective of an organization, business, is to
keep employees happy.

"That's tough to do." You explained. "Some
employees prefer money, but not others."

Rarely, an individual will find a job that's perfect.
Everything, everyone, at the work-place will not
be a fit. As with life, mishaps, misunderstandings,
happen at the work-place. It is a matter of
putting it in perspective.

The goal of an organization is to find the right
people for the job.

A way to keep employees happy is to ask
their opinion, consult them for job related
activities. Let them know when they've done
a good job.

Major changes in the work-place are hard.
Still, enlighten employees before they are
faced with the interruption. Plan a meeting
to discuss it. Meetings should be scheduled
regularly.

It's not unusual to have a brief meeting
everyday. It serves as a motivational tool.
Work related problems are flushed out,
too.

Remember, any change takes time to
get use to. Prepare your employees. They
will appreciate it, and stick-it-out with you.

We, all, know to smile at customers.
However, it's a good practice to smile
at employees.

Take a moment out of your day
to ask, "How are things going?"

I'm sure you can't sit around chatting
for hours, but there's no harm in
giving an employee some time.

From time to time, discuss organizational
plans with employees. Suggest a position,
move, where John can make money. Ask
him his goals. Would he like to work in that
department. Explain ways, for him, to get
the promotion.

Or, he may not like working in the
proposed department. The two of you
will find a work area where he's more
productive, happier. Let John express
his wishes, and then add your input.

Always be available to talk to employees.
If you go the, extra, step to show them
appreciation, concern, they'll give the
organization, you, loyalty, and be
productive.

On day one, establish a communication
link, open door policy. A place where
employees feel free to walk in with a
problem.

An employee could be having
problems at home. He/she carries the
negativity around. Naturally, confusion,
a short temper, low productivity follows.

"Why?" You tapped an ink pen on the
desk.

The employee has no outlet, no one
to discuss the problem with.

An open door policy allows you to
help employees with work related
problems, and personal issues.
Explore options. Recommend,
possible, solutions.

The fact that you took time to discuss
it with him/her stirs in happy feelings.
Why? The exchange of words with
someone, for the employee, relieves
the tension. It inspires the employee
to be productive. If, by chance, the
problem was solved, he/she becomes
happier, and gains a new respect for
you.

It encourages the idea of you and your
employee(s) handling future issues,
organizational ones as well.

When one employee has a new out-look,
energy, others will follow. Good energy,
positive energy, fills the air. Employees
are happy.

Also, if employees see how you dealt,
with, helped, someone, they view you
differently. Now, you're a real person,
not just their boss. You care, you
extended yourself to one of them. You're
more than the boss. You're someone who
went the distance with one of them. They,
in turn, will be productive, and try
to meet, surpass, organizational goals.

Keep employees by showing them
respect, treating them like human
beings. They will appreciate it, be
happier, and productive.

How To Put Recession Concerns In Perspective

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

The, word, recession, has been thrown at you
from the President, news media, friends, and/or
associates. Rising costs, no investments by
corporations, and less money to spend signals
a recession.

Have you felt the pinch of a recession?

If you have, don't panic. Instead, plan, write
down your concerns.

"What do you mean?" You pushed your
chair back.

Take a moment to write down your options.
If you, your business, lack money, cut-back.
Find areas where you can spend less, or,
even, get rid of.

In other words, close out an area costing more
than it's producing . Work done
by that department can be shifted elsewhere.

You planned to update your equipment, for
example, but the recession happened.
Squeeze more productivity out of it until
circumstances improve. Or, purchase
almost new, replacements.

Run a business during the recession by
eliminating unnecessary expenses. It
was your practice to bring fresh bagels
to the office, every morning.

During the recession, the practice has
to be stopped. The expense adds up.
Allow what was spent on bagels to
buy supplies. Or, place the funds in
the emergency fund.

Leave stress out of the equation. Put
concerns about the economy in
perspective using common sense. This
method helps any situation.

Supplies are needed, but the bagel
funds wouldn't cover the cost. Determine
what to do.

Get a note-pad out. Answer the question
in it. Is there something the business, you,
can do without. What can you do to make-
up the difference. A, low interest, loan from
a friend, trusted family member could help
you. A sale of unneeded items would fill
the void. An auction of your old gold?
Furniture, office equipment not usable by
you, and/or any other ideas on helping your
business should be explored.

Sometimes, employees have to be
terminated for business survival. Perhaps,
when times are better, they can be re-hired.

Move out the least productive people, first.
The idea is to manufacture as much as
possible. The workers that, actually, do their
jobs should keep them. Shift, rotate, people
to where they produce more out-put.

Mack, in customer service, has poor
people skills, move him. Put him where
he does better, more efficient.

Discuss it with him. Give Mack the option
of choosing his work station, in the
organization. There's a possibility his
choice would be to leave, resign.

The organization's, your, advertising
budget requires conformity. A
recession demands less spending on it,
too.

Sit down. Decide on what area of the
advertising budget to cut. Is it your
decision to leave it alone, and find
other areas to shift funds from?

Take the resources you have, and
get more out of them. You manage a
business through a recession by being
thrifty, wise, working more hours than
usual. Focus on what you can control.
It's a waste of time, energy, to stress
about factors you have no control over.
Besides, stress will make you sick.

Use the note-pad to plan out your
day. Stick to it. It helps your
productivity, pushes distractions of
the recession away.

Put concerns about the economy in
perspective by writing down a plan
of action, cut back on spending, sell
equipment/items you'll never use,
and/or encourage employees to be
more productive. Also, make your plan
of action work for you.

How To Get Customers To Return

Be fair, attentive, and customers will
return.

People, in general, are short on time and
money. They are concerned about how their
money is spent, and on what.

There are numerous ads on posters, television,
at the market, store fronts, library, cars are
sporting messages to buy, and anywhere else
you look.

Customers have access to information via
the Internet. They are informed.

They will buy your product or service if
you've answered the following.

Will your product or service save me money?
Why should I buy your product or service?
How can your product or service help me?
Will it make me money? Will my life be
improved?

Answer one or more of those questions before
presenting the sales campaign. The answer(s)
must be stirred in the advertisement.

"There isn't, just, one thing." You stabbed
your eyes at the title.

You're right. There are other means to get
customers to return, but one action on your
part is essential.

Yes, new ideas, cutting-edge products or
services, faster, better technology, and
easy payment plans help repeat business.
Also, fairness, answering questions when
it's not a good time, and resolving issues
that arise with customer purchases bring
customers back.

"What brings 'em back?" You tapped three
fingers on your desk.

The secret, to keeping customers, is
consistent behavior. It pulls customers
back faster than anything else. The
principles that landed you their trust,
initially, is the glue securing,
additional, business from them.

Consistency, no matter where, is relaxing.
It's easier, better, to deal with.

Happy customers advertise for you. They
tell friends, associates, which means new
customers.

Clients, customers, mouth-to-mouth
advertising is more productive than an ad
placed by you. Mouth-to-mouth ads spread
faster. You're likely to see results with
it, first. A big advantage to you is that
it's free.

Let's look at an example.

A customer buys fresh fruits and vegetables
from your place of business. A play-area
sits in front of the store. The customer
leaves her baby there while shopping. Of
course, there's an attendant, maybe three.

The lady, when finished shopping, takes her
baby home.

The baby is tired from the trip, playing,
and takes a nap.

The mother unpacks groceries, undisturbed.
She does other duties around the house
before the baby wakes up. Perhaps, she
naps too.

The customer is happy with the consistency,
order, and flow of her day.

What would happen if the play-area was
removed?

It forces the lady to get-up earlier, or
run late for the day.

"Why?"

She'll need time to adjust her plans,
routine, before shopping.

She dislikes the time spent to find a
sitter. A sitter for her child is
expensive. Maybe, she can find a
relative to take care of the child.

She, still, has to slice time away to
arrive at the relative's house. Allow
the child to get comfortable.

By the time the customer gets to your
store, she's rushing. The customer is
cranky. Consistency is removed.

The baby cried on the way to the
relative's house. The baby felt the
mother's frustration.

The customer will look for a store
closer to where the baby-sitter lives.

At your store, she's stressed.

The ripple effect happened because
one factor was removed, and that was
consistency.

Customers will return to consistent
behavior from you, your product, or
service. The secret is using the same
principles that closed the deal on day
one. Customers will word-of-mouth
advertise for you, which brings new
customers. Customers purchase products
or services if they see benefits in
doing so.

Buy A Business, Or Not?

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

There is risk in purchasing any
business. It requires large amounts
of capital, up-front. A failed business,
that you feel would be profitable under
your management, entails many resources.

"Expect to call and investigate plenty
of businesses to find one that makes
sense for you," Gregory Caruso said.

Karen L. Klein, Los Angeles times,
reports, Caruso is a principal at mergers
and acquisitions, Harvest Associates.

When you have decided on the kind of
business, or the area you want to concentrate
on, call local businesses. The process takes
from nine months to two years.

Personally, I feel a, life changing, decision
should take time from start to completion.
Always double-check references. It's best to
make sure, parties, people, unknown to you have
the good intentions expected.

Doubt can't be, a shadow, in the back of your
mind when in the last stage of closing the deal.

If there is any hint of apprehension, stop, and
re-think. Look in the classifieds of major newspapers
for legitimate business listings.

The web sites to browse through are: www.bizbuysell.
com, and www.mergernetwork.com.

The purchase of any business is a major undertaking.
Make sure you are emotionally, financially, ready, and
have the resources to proceed.

How To Rise Above The Competition

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

The objective of a business is to
rise above the competition, gain
new customers, and keep old
customers coming back.

"That's hard." You and a friend
talked about the topic.

The first impression is very
important. You'll never get a
second opportunity to give that,
all important, unique, insight
about you, your business.

You win at business by communicating,
stating, how better, different, cost
effective, your product or service
is. This happens at the first
contact with potential customers.

In person, use short and long sentences.
Stay relaxed. Take a deep breath
before starting, three if needed. Speak
like you're talking to a friend,
associate. Pause every three to four
sentences. Allow time for questions.
Make it clear that you're available for
questions, concerns. Point out that no
question is too small, or not worth
bringing to your attention.

In an ad, the benefits of your product or
service is emphasized. Project how your
product or service is best for him/her.
Provide an easy payment plan, for example.
The easy payment plan can be installments.

The customer receives the product, uses it,
enjoys the results, and pays for it in
three months. He/she tells others about it.

The word-of-mouth advertising brings in
more customers. More customers equals
profits.

You give customers contact information.
Make sure you get his/her contact
information, also. You send customers
trial offers, samples, and other helpful
information using his/her contact
information.

"Tell me more about contact information."
You sipped on coffee.

Contact information is your mailing
address, office telephone numbers,
cellular numbers, web site link(s), e-mail
addresses, and home telephone number(s) if
your business works that way.

Stay in touch with customers through
contact information. Send follow-up
telephone calls, letters, and e-mails.

Telephone conversations are kept
professional, to the point, but friendly.
There is nothing wrong with asking how
the client is. Don't spend ten minutes
chatting about the weather, but a cordial
tone is best.

You want the customer to feel cared
about, and not that you're there just to
make a sale.

Some people prefer to be e-mailed over
telephone calls. You'll know which form
of communication a client wants after
speaking with him/her a few times.

You engaged a client in conversation.
Ask how he/she liked the product or
service. Could the product be improved?
What suggestions do he/she have? What
aspect of the product or service he/she
liked best? Would he/she like to see
similar products in the line? Do he/
she have a suggestion for improvement?

It gains loyalty from the client when
his/her input is taken seriously. They
feel apart of the organization, respected.

Rise above the competition by going the
extra step. You win at business being
better at providing friendly service,
quality, and a fair price. Be sure clients
have your contact information, and you
theirs. Use a customer's contact
information to send them samples, discounts,
updates on products/services, and general
information to help them. Customers will
be loyal, and encourage others to buy your
products and services when they feel you
care.

What Profitable Businesses Must Have

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

"There are too many things to mention."
You complained to your bird.

Yes, profitable businesses involve many
factors. It can't be denied. Success follows
the inventive person, that means investing in
new product(s) and/or service(s).

You must find ways to keep your target
market coming back. Yet, a business
must attract new customers.

"How do I manage that?" You blurted.

Provide discounts to customers, send
loyal customers, free, samples, inform
them of new products that can be
purchased below cost, and fill them in
on information they can use in their
businesses. Make it clear that the below
cost on new products or services lasts
for a short time. Buy now at the introductory
price, because it'll go away in two weeks,
for example.

Pitch the idea of he/she referring others
for a rebate, or price cut on future purchases.

Happy customers tell others. The word-of-
mouth advertising spreads like a wild fire.
It's priceless, and an effective, business, tool.

Be fair and attentive to your customers.
They will be loyal, and bring you new
customers. Of course, the new customers
will tell others.

"What is the profitable business must
have?" You rolled your eyes upward.

Customers, potential customers, should
be treated with care. Your business
establishment is to deal with them
professionally, fairly.

If a product or service costs less than
what a customer paid, what should you
do?

Immediately, refund the difference, or
give him/her a credit. Certainly, bring
it to the customer's attention.

"But, if a customer gets irate, I can't
stay calm." You rolled your eyes.

Take a deep breath, two if needed.
Focus on the problem, issue, and not
the stressed customer.

Let customers know you understand,
and are willing to resolve the issue.
Assure them that the issue, problem,
will be handled. As a matter of fact, tell
them you're on it, now. Ask for time to
address it. Move away from the client,
or put him/her on hold.

It gives you time to collect your thoughts.
Still, get to the, root, cause of the customer's
problem. Enlist the help of someone
else if needed. Perhaps, you over-looked
something. Stressful moments does that.

An effective staff, employee, will tackle
a customer's problem, and solve it. Some
businesses have a person, department, to
handle issues, concerns.

Every employee must understand the
organization's goal(s), code on handling
disputes in regard to customers.

When an employee is hired, explain
what is expected, and how it is achieved.
Yes, it is a strict routine.

However, when you communicate it to
employees, allow it to come across in a
friendly tone. Employees will strive to meet
the objective(s).

Remember, pause for questions or
comments. Leave an opportunity for those
who want to exchange thoughts. Encourage
input from employees, at anytime.

All profitable businesses hold onto
patience, attentiveness, not only when
customers are smiling, but, also, as
stress grabs them by the throat. The
way you, your employees, resolve the
situation determines whether or not he/
she returns as a customer. One of the
goals is to keep, existing, customers.

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

How To Power Smile

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

Power smiling is a crack of the
lips. I'm in control, type smile.
It's not bold, but free, honest.

Most of us have meetings. Naturally,
there are hundreds of other things we
could be doing. The late comers can
tease-up the atmosphere. Instead of
allowing the pressure to give you
stomach problems, headaches, and a host
of other ailments, power smile.

Take a breath, let it out slowly, and
curve the lips. Let that bad energy
go. Do it a second time, if needed.

Add your opinion, input, in the meeting.
This, too, encourages others to get a
second burst of energy.

The momentum is changed. You power
smile, and your meeting is over.

If you're at any place, uncomfortable,
smile. Focus on the smile, and the
uneasiness will disappear. Most likely,
others will follow your lead.

A power smile opens the door for
chatting, kills the tension,
friendships can be formed, and business
contacts made.

How To Set Yourself Apart

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

The goal of any business is to set itself
apart from the competition, keep current
customers, and gain new ones.

"It isn't that easy." You blurted loud
enough for your cat to stir.

It's true that your first impression is
the most important. You'll never get the
chance to re-live the first impression, in
business or life.

The means of contact you use must
communicate, state, how better, different,
cost effective, your product or service
is. Anticipate questions, and answer them.
Put yourself in the customer's place. What
concerns would you have?

Make it clear about being available for
further questions. No question is too
small, or not worth asking. Naturally,
you provide contact numbers, again, at
the end of the correspondence.

Make sure you're addressing the correct
party. Have his/her contact information?
If not, be sure to ask for it.

"Contact information?" You asked.

Contact information is your correct
mailing address, office telephone
numbers, cellular numbers, web site
link, e-mail addresses, and other
information to make it easier to close
the deal.

Keep in touch with him/her through the
contact information. Send follow-up
letters, calls, and e-mails.

Telephone conversations are professional,
and to the point.

After talking with a person a couple times,
you'll know which form of communication he/
she prefers. Lean toward using that
particular mode.

In the world of business, set yourself
apart from the competition by sending
the additional letter, advice, answer
the same question twice, or go the extra
step to close the deal.

Map Out A Business Plan

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

"I have an idea for a business,
but not sure of a few things."
You explained to a friend.

It's best to write down
uncertainties. Why are you not
sure? Don't start a business
with doubts.

A business plan helps in
determining if your product or
service is reasonable, do-able,
or have a chance at success. It
is the deciding factor in whether
or not you want to continue, start,
the business.

A good business plan defines
goals, dead-lines. It answers
who will handle the accounting,
for example. Will you, someone
else, be in charge of customer
service? Day to day operations?
Suppliers?

Why have a business? What purpose
will you, your business, serve?

Predict, estimate, yearly revenue
projections. Allow for the
unexpected.

How are you going to promote your
product, service? Your target
market? Narrow down a segment
of the population that your product,
service, is directed at. Take into
consideration the competition. Is
your product or service a trend?
Have more than one product, service.
Make sure your budget accommodates
your choices.

Explore a distribution process. How
will you get the product, service, to
customers?

After going through the steps of a
business plan, are you ready to build
a, profitable, business?

Price

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

You offer a product(s), service(s),
for a price. You're in business
to make a profit. Or, at least,
break even.

"Suppose my customers don't want
to pay the asking price?" You
frowned, looked away.

Your product or service should
be high quality, competitive,
better. As we, all, know,
products, services, that make
one feel better, look good on,
perk one up, should cost more.

Don't be afraid to have a costly
product, service. The best costs
more, fact of life.

If a person is satisfied with it,
he/she is willing to pay the going
price. Price, for an individual,
isn't a factor when a promotional
campaign has stirred desire.

Advertise to your target market.

"Who is my target market?" You
blurted the question.

Your target market refers to the
group your advertising is directed
at. Once that's determined, spell-
out the benefits to those individuals.

The product, service, will encourage
new customers, bring repeat buys,
when people can see the benefits.

Happy customers tell others, and that
equals free advertising.

Fear shouldn't be a factor when
determining the price of a product
or service. There are no restrictions
when it comes quality, make-me-feel-
better, look good, kick-start-my-
esteem, and just-have-to-be-mine.

Don't Fight Over The Business

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

The financial start for a business
is larger than most of us can handle,
alone. Everyone doesn't have ready
cash at hand, or a rich relative able
to supply funds. Often times, you
can't get a loan from the bank. Or,
the loan wouldn't cover all expenses.

"I've been in that situation." You
shook your head.

An option is to turn to someone that
will lend you money, for a reasonable
interest rate. Perhaps, that person
wants to help run the business.

From the start, in writing, explain
what your partner's responsibilities
are. Leave nothing to chance.

Who will handle the accounting? The
suppliers? Will someone other than
you two hire, fire, employees? One
or both of you should be on site at
all times? When a major issue comes
up, who will do the problem solution?

Tailor the questions specifically for
your business. This list should be
prepared prior to signing a contract.

The fighting, over business affairs,
is eliminated. There isn't wasted
efforts on a task(s) done already.
Naturally, the business runs smoother.
You and your partner can focus on a
profitable year.

What To Do When Your Business Fails

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

Failure, as in any other aspect
of life, happens to small
businesses. Pointing the blame
finger, helps no one, is fruitless.
More importantly, push away your
hurt feelings. Take solace in, the
fact that, your best efforts were
given.

Address the situation at hand. Go
to your creditors, explain the
situation.

"A failed business makes it hard
to look at the staff, impossible
to face creditors." You lowered
your eyes to the floor.

It's not going to be easy
explaining to creditors, employees
needing their pay-check that will
never come, or your mentor who
cheered for every success.

Muster the courage to disclose
it. Don't hide behind your
mentor, family, or the pit-bull.
Advise everyone that has a right
to know.

In time, people will respect you.
The, mere, fact that you stood-up,
and chose to face the people who
trusted you, speaks about character.

Tie-up the end of business, and move
on.

Take some time to relax, do activities
you didn't have time for. Read the
book you've been trying to for three
years, visit family members, or
start an exercise routine.

Later, when you're ready, analyze
why the business failed. Was it
poor business decisions, on whose
part? Were your finances managed
by properly? What part, if any,
did you play in the failed business?

You must be honest with yourself.
If you don't find the true causes
of why the business failed, correct
them, you will continue to make the
same mistakes.

A failed business requires you be
fair with all concerned, move on
with your life, and find out why
it happened. At some future time,
build a new business.

Protect Yourself From A Thief

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

"Huh?" You fixed your eyes on the
title.

A thief is a person who helps himself/
herself to another's property, cash,
without permission.

Sadly, employers, unknowingly, hire
people who are thieves.

I'm not saying, all book-keepers,
accountants, are thieves. There is
a, small, percentage lurking, that
know how to gain the trust of their
employers.

The check-book should remain under
your control. If an employee needs
a check, let him/her come to you.

It curtails anyone helping themselves
to business funds, by signing your
name. Also, you can spot when/if
too many checks have been written.
It keeps you involved with that
aspect of the business.

No one should have complete control
over funds, but you. It protects you
from a thief.

The only time you relinquish control
is when you have a partner. At that
time, you and the partner's signature
should be required.

Invest in a deposit stamp.

"What good id that going to do?" You
questioned.

A deposit stamp keeps your checks
from going to an account that has
a similar name, either, by fraud or
mistake.

The deposit stamp can read: For
Deposit In, Your Company's Name,
and the account number.

It's a must to save receipts, any
papers, from your accounting
personnel.

Criminal, back-ground, checks are
tools small business owners should
utilize. Still, errors will, can,
show-up, for one reason or the other.

Use common sense in an effort to
protect yourself from thieves. In the
long run, time, piece-of-mind, and
money will be saved.

Address Business Issues

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

"It's a problem." You tossed
around the bed, half asleep.

Collect the, necessary, tools
needed to address the business
issue that's costing you sleep.
Most likely, it's stealing profits
as well. It's a waste of business
sources, your energy, and other
human resources to allow a business
issue to drag-on.

A business issue, problem, is
employees disregarding rules,
stepping across boundaries,
obsolete equipment, and/or suppliers.

Employees who do what they please are
bad examples to others. If they
continue, people will follow. Conflict,
confusion, flows from disrespectful
employees to everyone around them. The
negative energy fills the air.

Naturally, employees doing their jobs
become the objects of sarcasm. They,
eventually, produce less, and are
unhappy.

Sit the parties down, talk to them,
individually, and then together. Make
it clear that rule breaking will not
be tolerated. Lend or move people to
different departments, areas, permanently.
If negative behavior continues, dismissal
follows.

The business issue of antiquated equipment
can be difficult. It takes a toll on
employees, and profits. Address the issue,
move on with running a successful business.
The longer you put-off addressing the issue,
the more costly it becomes.

What employee wants to war-and-tug with
machinery, just to get a job done?
He/she will call in sick, often.

Perhaps, you have an in-house maintenance
team. It, still, takes time to get the
equipment running. Again, wasted human
resources, and possible profits.

A business issue with a supplier should
be addressed immediately. If materials
are less at supplier B, that particular
dealer is the one to work with. It isn't
personal, but a business decision. It
doesn't matter what the issue is with a
supplier, direct your attention to it.

Address business issues, and make your
life, business life, easier.

Customer Service That Brings Repeat Business

Be fair, attentive, and customers will
return.

Customer service is assisting, providing a
service, giving help and/or support. How
you, your employee(s), handle customers
determine whether or not they return.

"What will bring a customer back?" You
asked.

The first factor is attentiveness. If a
customer complains, for example, about
being on a certain floor, of a hotel,
direct your focus to the problem.

"I don't like staying on the third floor,
uneven numbers are bad luck.," Mr. Tate
said.

"It's nothing wrong with the room, and I'm
not sure there's another room available."
The clerk taps information into the computer
system.

After that, the customer, most likely, asked
for a manager, or packed immediately.

The clerk didn't, politely, address Mr. Tate's
concerns. He didn't want to stay on certain
floors, no matter how nice the room was.

His/her response should have been the
following.

"I understand, Mr. Tate. Would you like
to visit the bar, or get something to eat?
I'll have your luggage moved to a different
room."

"Sure."

"I'll notify you when the room is ready."

Mr. Tate is happy, will tell his friends,
and some of them will want to visit the
hotel.

Word-of-mouth is free advertising,
additional benefit.

The second factor in getting repeat
business is solving the problem
quickly.

Address Mr. Tate's issue promptly.
If you encounter difficulty finding
another room, go to Mr. Tate, and
keep him updated.

Chat with him for a few minutes,
and depart.

It shows that his fears, he, is
being taken care of. The hotel,
you, care.

The moment his room is ready,
advise him. Give him a
complimentary gift.

The last factor is get to know
customers.

"I'm busy, and don't have hours
to get to know customers." You
complained.

You don't have to spend hours talking
with them. Converse during the times
you see, speak, to them.

"Good morning, Mr. Tate. You sleep
well?"

Exchange pleasantries. Sometimes,
people will talk, ask questions.

The important key is you, your
staff, left a, friendly, door of
communication open.

Not Enough Time

Be fair, attentive, and customers will
return.

"I scheduled to do several jobs on Monday,
but wasn't able to." You said. "Now, I'm
running behind."

In my opinion, it's best to be organized,
have everything mapped out. You know what
is to be done on Day One to the end of your
week.

However, life, circumstances, don't, always,
allow us to stick to the plan. There, simply,
is not enough time.

"How do I make more time?" You sighed.

Don't get frustrated, disappointed, with
yourself.

You make more time by re-evaluating your
schedule.

It doesn't matter if for a business, or
a cluttered life. You must prioritize.

I'd like to write, for example, a book
per day. Update my web log once a day,
work on writing projects that interest
me, and instrust students.

Perhaps, there are people who can write
a perfet, need no editing, book, but I'm
not among them. I can write two or three
pages a day, more realistic for me.

My web log is revised in a timely fashion.
It's pointless, waste of energy, to worry
about it. The energy can be used for taking
care of tasks under my control.

I arrange students, who need my help, to fit
my schedule. If I can't work with someone
today then tomorrow.

Work projects, writing projects, are fitted
to my schedule. I'm relaxed, and work faster.

The same should hold true for you. Pick the
most important projects, tasks, to do, first.
Each one is given, only, a portion of your time.
Otherwise, you're loaded down working on jobs
that could have waited. At the end of the day,
you're stressed out, because you, still, have back-
logged work.

Practice pacing yourself. If necessary, jot
down what's urgent. Tape the paper near your
work-station.

If, only, you had decided to use this
practice sooner, your profit margin would
be larger.

Especially, the day the Browns called
about their order. The folder was mis-
filed. You had to call them back. You
found the folder on top of the filing
cabinet. Your stress level elevated that
day, needlessly. Hopefully, the Browns
become repeat customers.

Make a schedule to never have to use
the title words: Not Enough Time. Allow
time between tasks, projects, for the
unseen.

Also, if you stick to the schedule,
don't worry about what didn't get done.
Do your best.

It promotes happier, less stressful,
lives.

Schedule what you will do tomorrow, and
not be stressed, because you know what
to do next. Or, never again, spend too
much time on Product A, Task D, or Service
G.

Successful Internet Business Must Do

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

An Internet business requires
certain factors to be successful.
I'm referring to any product, or
service sold via the Internet.

Your advertising must take them
into consideration when promoting
products and/or services.

"Take what into consideration?"

The first factor is your target
market. Do some research. Who
will you direct your product or
service to. Exchange ideas in
forums. There's no harm in trying
chat rooms, related to your
business. Or, just to get
general information. Of course,
writing articles for e-zines
will give you exposure.

You want to know, exactly, who your
target market is. Senior citizens?
The eighteen to twenty-five age
group? Male? Female?

Next, explore ways of increasing
sales. Link to, for example,
another web site(s).

Once traffic, people, start
visiting your web site, the
sales presentation should
inspire them to buy.

Finally, build an e-list.

"How do I?" You stopped reading,
answered the telephone.

An e-list equals e-mail addresses.
Collect them to stay in contact
with customers. Send them new
offers, keep them aware of sales,
offer discounts, etc.

Online businesses must target
their market, increase sales,
bring in traffic, and build an
e-list to be successful.

What Am I?

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

Alexander Bain was the first to
design me, about a century ago. I'm
user friendly.

My photo sensor can focus on a small
piece of paper. The drum rotates,
helps me read what's on paper.

Do you know me?

Maybe, you don't.

Paper is sent through me.

When what I send reaches its
destination, there's another
rotating drum.

Any kind of information can
be sent through me.

I require a modem.

You know, now, what I am?

Answer:
I'm a fax machine.

How To Write An Ad

Be fair, attentive, and customers will
return.

Writing is communication. You know more
about your business, the direction it
should go then anyone. You, first, exposed
your wares to the world. The product(s) or
service(s) formed in your mind. Who else
could know the background information better?
No one explains the product or service
clearer than you.

"I'm not a writer." You complained to a
friend.

Let's look at that point.

Don't get technical as you spell-out your
offers. No one wants to know about your
struggle to find the right packaging. Or,
it will be boring, costly, to mention how
your grandmother helped finance Product B.

Simply, state the benefits, features, as if
you are talking to a friend. Be concise.
Use short and long sentences. Don't clatter.

Remember, advertising is, can be, costly.
The more you describe, the higher the bill.

Also, people are busy, stressed, and prefer
not to read paragraphs. Make your point, and
stop.

The head-line of an ad should be three to
five words long. Its job is to catch the
individual's eye, because the ad offered a
desired benefit. The ad you're presenting
must be interesting, and spark a desire,
need, in us.

It is best that your product or service reach
the right people. If your ad, for example, is
for senior citizens, and it is placed in a
college paper then your ad failed to reach its
target market.

"How do I find my target market?" You questioned.

Research is required to make sure your ad finds
its target market.

Get feed-back from forums about products or services.
You can get an idea of how well offers will be
received. Gain advice on rough spots. Sometimes,
it's advisable to discuss a version of your
business plan.

"Why just a version?" You stared at the last
sentence.

It's a safe-guard. A wise person unveils actual
plans at the right time. Some are more at ease
not talking about authentic business ideas.

There's an advantage with forums.

"Which is?" You asked.

When you introduce wares to forums, it is free
advertising, free ad.

Answer some questions before writing the ads.

How would it benefit a person to purchase your
product or service? Is your product or service
less in price than a similar product? Can
people get a deal on it? Or, order another
product, and shipping is free?

Some head-lines get attention. Buy One, Second
Free, Buy Now, Get Free Shredder, Free Trial,
It Works or Money Back, Buy Today, Free Shipping,
and Sale.

Practice with creating head-lines. After you
decide on which ads are useable, ask yourself,
would they grab your attention?

I chose the following head-line for my five
lesson fiction writing course. Learn Fiction
Writing--Five Lessons...

"Where's the benefit?" Someone asked.

The benefit is someone can learn to write
fiction in five lessons.

Sell your wares with ads that grab the
reader's attention. Those three to five
words are the head-line. The body makes
the point. Easy to understand words are
best to use.

List the benefits and/or features of
your product or service. Why should
anyone buy your product over Product C?
Why is your product/service different?
Better?

Most people look for what's in it for
me.

Most importantly, repeat business happens
when you have been fair with customers.

Profitable Businesses Run In Families

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

"How so?" You asked.

More than 90 percent of all businesses
in the United States are family-owned,
and almost 35 percent of all Fortune 500
companies are family-controlled, according
to a University of North Carolina study,
reported by the Epoch Times.

"What is a Fortune 500 company?" Someone
questioned.

The Fortune Magazine give points, ranks, to
500 of the largest corporations, in the
United States. Factors such as market
value, earnings, number of employees, assets,
and sales determine whether or not a company
makes the list.

Companies start out small, grew through
the years. After a few generations of
survival, they become huge.

Of course, there are those that failed.

In my opinion, after years of being in
business, you learn, grow. You have to
adapt to survive.

Savvy business decisions, adding products,
services, that complement each other,
repeat customers, all, help a business
become a fortune 500 company.

If you, your business, used rocks
instead of a calculator for counting,
for example, your business would be
a failure.

Re-investing funds, adding products/
services that complete your line,
customer satisfaction, all, help
toward building a fortune 500 company.

Reflect

Be fair, attentive, and customers
will return.

"What do you mean reflect?" You
asked.

I'm referring to looking over
your business behavior. Think
about what you could have done
better, more, to make your business
more profitable.

This is a new year, time to implement
new ideas.

You, your business colleagues, decided
Product A, Service A, would be a good
addition, but you chose not to bring
it onboard.

However, after thinking about it,
you want to include the service or
product.

Ask yourself some questions.
Is it the right time? Would it
cost more than is in the budget
for new services, or products?
Will customers benefit? Has any
new data been uncovered on it?

Reflecting gives you, your business,
a second chance to profit from a
product or service first thought
too cutting edge.