Archive for November 2011
Using Your Secret Sauce To Attract New Clients, Get More Business and Increase Your Retention Rates
Do you have secret sauce in your business? Not secret sauce like ketchup, A-1 or any type of condiment.
Some people refer to their secret sauce as their hook.
What’s the thing, in your business, that is specific to you, that pulls people to you, that attracts people to you? What’s that secret sauce you have that nobody else can provide, that nobody else is talking about, nobody else has? Maybe it is your personality. What makes you unique is the key because this is the secret sauce you can offer people.
What’s that one thing that gets prospects and clients to come to you for information, to do business with you? Whatever it is that you do that is unique to you. What it is doesn’t really matter. The fact of the matter is you have it…we all do.
What’s the thing you can offer people? What’s the thing you have that’s the thing only you have, or at least the perception is you’re the only one who can provide them this particular thing or angle.
Most of the time, this isn’t necessarily an easy question. It takes some thinking, it might even take writing some things down. It may require you to go over things multiple times to figure out what your secret sauce is – but it will be well worth it when you do.
For example, one of things that make us very different from an event perspective, and let’s face it, there are a lot of event coordinators who can negotiate with the hotel to get you a good deal and manage your event. However, to my knowledge, we’re the only ones, at least in the information marketing industry, that will help you put butts in seats and fill your event, in addition to the other entire event planning functions. So, that is sort of the secret sauce for us. If someone is looking for an event planner, and they also need help marketing their event, that is one of our secret sauces. That’s one of the things we have that nobody else can offer – or have until now.
We also talk about secret sauce related to your free offer, or your IFO, as we call them, your Irresistible Free Offer. So, on your squeeze page, or on your website, how do you get people to opt-in? What’s the secret sauce they want so badly they’re willing to give you their name and email address, or maybe even their full address if you are going to mail them a CD or DVD?
What’s the secret sauce?
Don’t just put sign up for my newsletter. That used to work, but it doesn’t anymore. Just what everyone wants and needs right, is just one more thing coming to their email in-boxes. Your offer has to be a lot stronger than that today to get, grab, and keep the attention of your prospects and clients.
So, think about what your secret sauce is, and how you can use it to attract people to you. Many times, this may be referred to as pull marketing. It attracts people to you, it brings them to you. It’s a lot easier and simpler strategy than constantly running after clients, beating them over the head with your message – and taking the chance it’s a message they don’t really want to hear anyway.
It’s much easier when the prospects and clients come to you, looking for what you have to offer.
And, remember, you do have to make good on giving them that secret sauce you promised them.
It’s all about being authentic, doing what you say, and fulfilling your promises, right?
Diane Conklin is one of the co-founders of Complete Marketing Systems whereas a marketing and business strategist she specializes in showing entrepreneurs and small business owners how to use direct response marketing to integrate their online and offline marketing strategies, media and methods, to get maximum results from their marketing dollars so they consistently outperform their competition by measuring their marketing and strategically using multi-media campaigns to stand alone in their marketplace as the go-to provider for their products and services. For more information go to http://www.completemarketingsystems.com
How to Stay Safe During International Business Travel
When you go on business travel, are you so caught up in why you are going and the job at hand that you forget other important things or find yourself looking for something at the last minute?
When preparing for international business travel you should prepare just as you would for an important business meeting. Find out about the country you are going to. One thing that is very important is to find out what the weather will be like when you get there. This will help you when you are thinking about the type of clothes to pack. Nothing is worse than getting somewhere only to find out you have packed inappropriate clothing. In addition, women take note of local customs on what women are and are not allowed to wear in the country you are going to. Learn about any local customs that are used in and outside of business circles. Just knowing a bit about the country and showing knowledge or appreciation while you are there can go a long way to help conduct smooth business transactions.
Time difference can also play a big factor in international business travel. Will you be traveling somewhere that is say 8 hours behind your local time? This may seem great as with the flight you are actually gaining time however your body clock will be in flux and you may find yourself wanting to sleep in the middle of a meeting or wanting to eat at times that are inconvenient. Try and adapt your habits for a couple days before your travel. Adjust by 2 hours each day your sleeping and eating habits if possible and that should ease the jet lag suffering. Also, make sure you don’t have meetings booked for as soon as you get off the plane.
Now let’s talk about food! Sometimes even the smallest change in diet can affect people. So just be aware of what you are eating and what foods you may be susceptible to. You normally can’t go wrong with fresh fruit and vegetables along with lots of water. Trying local foods is a great adventure but not worth it if you spend the rest of the trip with a bungee cord to the bathroom. Use common sense and if anything taste a little to please your hosts.
Always have backups of everything! Nothing is worse than arriving at your destination and finding you have forgotten that super important presentation or paperwork. I would advise keeping copies of everything in a virtual space.
ALWAYS keep scanned copies of your passport and other visa documents in your email. You never know when you might lose them or need to provide them in triplicate to immigration. Use the hotel safe for your documents and laptop when you are not in your room. I would also advise not unpacking and keeping zip ties handy for your luggage if you don’t trust the maid service.
Getting to travel internationally for business is a privilege not a right be gracious and leave a good impression on your hosts.
As an expat who loves to travel Janice Chaka has experienced living and working in different countries and cultures. She has worked for large multi-national companies as well as start ups and small businesses. All of this has mainly been in a Human Resources capacity and she has quickly risen due to her hard work, professionalism and gift for making long lasting friendships. She is starting her own consultancy http://www.jcglobalservices.com which specializes in Human Resources, VA and translation services for small businesses. You can connect with her on Twitter @globlahrblog or on LinkedIn.
Small Business Finance Mistakes
When you are in business the whole idea is to make a profit. Without a profit your business will go down the tube. This will even happen sometimes when there is a profit if cash flow is not seen to. While most people who run a business – especially a small business – are good at what they do, some of them are not good at managing money.
Good small business finance management is critical if you are to stay in business. Here are some mistakes that people often make in managing the finances of their business.
They often buy things their business really cannot afford, using a credit card. They then have to pay a great deal of interest on top of the purchase price. Rather than paying out all this money, consider other options such as buying second-hand or even doing without until the business can really afford it. Even getting a small loan will give you a better interest rate.
Most business owners have a transaction account for their business and this is good, but you also need to have another account with higher interest so that you can make more money from your profit. Leaving money on the table by keeping all the business money in an account that offers little interest is just plain wasteful.
Many business finance mistakes are made because the owners do not track their expenses. They have no idea how much they are spending or whether all the invoices have been paid. When you don’t know where all the money is, how can you know how much you have to spend? A monthly budget is a sensible idea and will help you to plan for the future.
Trying to do everything when you are not good at doing it is another mistake many business owners make with their business finance. Outsourcing certain chores such as accounting may seem costly but it will free up your time to do what you do best – run the business. Besides which, when you try to do things for which you have no training, your mistakes are likely to cost you more than outsourcing fees would have.
Trying to look flash can cost you more money than you should spend on your business. While the latest design in office furniture and fittings may look wonderful, it does not really bring in the money. Your customers will be more interested in whether you offer them value for money and treat them with respect.
Not learning from your mistakes can also be a costly exercise. Many business owners simply don’t seem to see where they went wrong the first time and they do the same thing over again, expecting to get different result. This is a form of insanity, according to some people.
Not asking for help is a big mistake in business. Flying solo is more difficult than taking on board a mentor or two, especially when much advice can be accessed for free from government agencies. A mentor can help to keep you going and show you where your worst mistakes are if you cannot see them for yourself.
Dex has been in the debt collection industry now for over 10 years. He specialises in credit management, credit collection, debt recovery and skip tracing. If you require tips and advice keep an eye on his articles.
Find Restaurant Supply Companies That Are Affordable and Reliable
Restaurant supply companies are one of the most important factors for restaurant owners and chefs to consider when looking at refurbishing their business. Whether you are setting up a new business or want to replace some of the equipment you currently use, finding the best restaurant supplies is essential.
The success of your restaurant will depend on several factors; however, using the best catering equipment will put you ahead. Restaurant supply companies will be able to assist you with all of your needs within your budget and ensure that you have the best equipment possible. Although you may feel like cutting corners and purchasing equipment that is not intended for commercial use, this is a bad move.
Although domestic appliances are cheaper, they will never cope with the quantity of use that you will be putting them through on a daily basis. By spending more on the restaurant equipment, you will be guaranteed that it will last longer and be more effective. Taking the time to research the different pieces of equipment that you need will also save you time and money in the future. There are several different pieces of equipment that can be used for the same purpose in a restaurant.
To the untrained restaurant owner this may seem very overwhelming; however, if you choose the right restaurant supply company they will guide you through your choices. You will want to build up a great relationship with the company that you choose, so that in the future you can call upon them in your hour of need and they will help. You can always guarantee that something will break in the most inconvenient of times.
Choosing the restaurant supplies should be fun and enable you to design the area of your dreams, running and owning your own business can be very satisfying. Finding the best restaurant equipment for your business will help you to fulfill these dreams. You should never compromise on the design elements or the restaurant supplies. For the restaurant to be a success, you need to believe in every single element of it.
In the past, the choices for the restaurant supplies and equipment would have been limited; however, today all that often holds you back is your imagination. If you are new to the business, choosing the right supplies can be daunting. However, if you find the right restaurant supply company they will become your guide as well as your supplier. They will be able to pass on their extensive knowledge to you.
Planning is essential when starting any new business, especially a restaurant as there are so many different areas to plan. From the food that is to be served, to the design of the menus you will have so much on your mind. However, if you choose the right restaurant supply company selecting your equipment will be one less worry that you have. You can go back to worrying what you are going to cook on the, top quality restaurant equipment that you have purchased.
Burkett Restaurant Equipment is one of the largest commercial restaurant supply stores in North America.
Their unique reconditioning process on all of their used restaurant equipment separates them from the competition.
Click on the links for more restaurant supply information or to shop safely and securely on their state-of-the-art store!
Finding a Good Job In a Bad Economy
Finding a good job any time can be tough. But, let’s face it, finding any job in a bad economy can be a very serious challenge. There are lots of questions like:
• Who is hiring?
• Are they a good company to work for?
• How stable are they?
• Have they fired or laid off any employees in the recent past?
• What type of salary do they offer?
• Is the salary and/or benefits package competitive?
• What positions are they looking to fill?
• Am I qualified?
And this could go on and on and on. And unfortunately, for most of us, there might not be very many concrete answers. You might just be taking a shot in the dark, rolling the dice, trying your luck or any number of old, used up cliches. The bottom line is, finding a good job, no matter what the current economic client is, can be a very tricky endeavor indeed.
Fortunately, there are several industries that somehow seem to be almost impervious to the economic client and good, strong candidates with the right experience, credentials and skill sets are always in demand. Take for instance the field of IT (Information Technology). Throughout the ups and down of the latest economic roller coaster, this field constantly shows growth and the right candidate applying for the right position is almost assured a position. Also consider the medical field. No matter what the economy does, people are going to always get sick and many will require medical attention. This fact makes the medical field another almost sure-fire bet.
Another field that doesn’t appear to suffer much ill effect from the state of the economy is the communications field. Granted, it too may have suffered somewhat from the current state of the economy but, the bottom line is, there are quite a few companies out there that are searching for the right candidate to fill that one opening that is open and requires just the right person, with just the right skills in order to keep the company moving forward.
So that brings us right back to where we were before. The plethora of questions that a potential employee has. And, let’s not forget, the potential employer has their own set of questions that they need answered, as well. So, the big questions is… How does the right employee and the right employer go about finding one another?
Fortunately, in the world of executive communication positions, there are executive search firms that make it their business to find the right employee and match them with the right employer and create a bonafide win win situation for all parties involved. If you are an employer looking for that special executive candidate that has all of the right skills, experience, tools, desire and energy or an executive candidate that is looking for the right company that will treat you with honor and respect, give you a challenge, help you to further your career and will definitely compensate a stellar candidate when they see one…. then you both need a quality, tried and true executive search firm and in the DC Metro area, that would most certainly be the Travaille Executive Search Firm.
Travaille has been in business since 1972 and they specialize in bringing together the right candidate and the right employer. Their years of dedication and service to the Communications industry have made them one of the front runners in sizing up the talent and making sure that the employee and employer get exactly what they want and need, even if neither initially knows exactly what that is. Their years of experience, attention to detail and unwavering dedication to optimal customer service, has given them a supremely unique ability to find the exact right square, round or oblong peg to slide seamlessly into the hole presented by the employers’ current needs. And since they serve all of the major metropolitan areas, including Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Chicago, New York, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia and Los Angeles, you can be sure that there is position with a great firm that is challenging and rewarding in just the right area to suit your needs.
For the best in executive search, communications jobs, etc. visit: Travaille Executive Search.
To find the best products to brand your business including Web Design, Brochures, Postcards, Business Cards, Jingles and more… visit Make Your Mark Advertising.
Entrepreneurship Conferences: A Way to Learn and Grow
If you are anything like me, being a creator of something valuable to the marketplace can be quite daunting. Face it: if you’ve been trained to make a living in the 9-5 world, stepping out on your own requires an almost entirely different mindset and skill set. I will certainly say it has been so for my journey. Add to this the likelihood that the people who you have hung around with to date- I’ll call them the J.O.B. crowd, will continue to think, talk, and act in the ways you want to get away from, and viola! You already have the deck stacked against you in your quest for financial freedom.
Entrepreneurship conferences, gatherings of people who share the same desires you do to experience that freedom, are good places to buffer yourself against this. Normally, these events tout themselves as a way to stir creative juices. Think new markets of opportunity which you may become the first to realize and take advantage of. But there are deeper, more fundamental values to these events than that. Consider:
1. You are not alone in wanting to make your life better.- Most people could never understand why you would want to spend your evening working on your dream rather than watch TV tonight. If you are alone, it can also feel as though that your dream is impossible. Imagine what it’s like in a room of hundreds of other people who not only share your desire, but have made noticeable steps in that direction! The reminder that “It’s possible!” is often far more powerful than “This is how it’s done.”
2. There’s a thought process which needs to be learned- and mastered! Developing your thought process the right way – on purpose – is crucial to your success. Who will teach that process to you? The people who are satisfied with where they are? Hardly! Entrepreneurship conferences will give you insight into the right way to think, and will give you the necessary confidence until you grow you own skill set.
3. There may be something you can teach them, too! Don’t think you have nothing to contribute. In addition to your own idea for a better mousetrap, there’s also the matter of your own story, your own journey to success. Your participation may be just what inspires someone else to their next level of greatness. Around people who are hungry to learn, you may inspire countless others to their next level.
The good news is that most universities have entrepreneurship conferences for you to check into and be a part of. Your local college’s business school ought to be able to point you in the right direction. Take action now! Your future will love you for it.
Busymom has been scouring the net for a viable and ethical way for a novice like her to develop passive income on the web. She now has the resources to enjoy time raising her four children. Learn more- http://busymomseasyincome.com/.
The Business Benefits of Private Jets
Private Jets guarantee business efficiency
Many people find that travelling by private jet can be an expensive mode of transport when actually travelling in this way is practical and can even be considered affordable. Although private jets are considered by many as exclusive to the rich and famous, they can also be an effective transport option for businesses.
As businesses we often look towards saving time and money where possible, without compromising on quality. Private charter jets are important business resources when it comes to cutting the amount of time it takes to fly to meeting destinations. We have all spent hours queuing for check points and delayed flights at terminals which has had an effect on the duration of our holidays or made us late for important meetings. We often find ourselves waiting for hours on the runway before takeoff causing distress and wasting our time. A private charter can make it possible to eliminate all of these disruptions.
If you are travelling as part of a group or project team private jets are a great way to travel affordably. A private charter lets you bring as many of your team with you as can possibly fit on the plane. Compared to the costs of flying each member by first class on a commercial liner, private travel can actually be an affordable travel expense as well as saving you time.
Private jets can even accommodate for in-flight meetings, allowing you to present and discuss important topics without having to worry about others listening in on your conversation. Even if you are flying in first class on scheduled flights you run the risk of others listening in on your discussion as well as there being an obvious lack of space for a meeting to take place. Travelling privately allows you to relax and enjoy first class service and accommodating furnishings such as meeting tables and comfortable chairs, allowing you to use your time efficiently.
Guarantee exclusivity with Private Jet Charter flights
Private jet charter flights give you exclusivity, with a wider selection of airports available to you, allowing you to avoid busy airports and crowded runways. Smaller airports that are generally avoided by the larger airlines are available to private jet companies and are often more ideally located to your destination. The queues for customs checks and security are shortened as you are travelling as a group and are the only passengers on-board. Private charters have some of the most highly trained flight staff and can accommodate for virtually all of your in-flight needs to ensure that you are fully catered for and can relax comfortably. The aircraft can also cater for your travels with business lunch bookings made available to you prior to your flight. Most private jet charter companies can cater for all tastes and dietary needs with your favourite foods available to you during the flight.
With aircraft on standby, you can arrange a private charter at short notice without having to book months in advance to guarantee a seat. When booking for large groups this is a common issue as you may have to book a long time in advance to guarantee places. The scheduled airlines are unable to accommodate changes if you require an earlier or later flight at last minute which could affect business relations.
Air Partner PLC is a world-class provider of private jets among other services to industry, commerce, governments and individuals worldwide. The company has earned global recognition as a leading private jet charter supplier and organises ad hoc charters of aircraft of every size for any reason. Air Partner is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant (as Supplier of Aircraft Charter to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) a globally recognised mark of excellence.
Publicize Your Business With a Local Business Directory
The 21st century has seen a massive rise in the technological sphere of the world which has empowered every business owner to amass a profitable businesses venture with the new marketing and promotional tools that are supported by the new technology. The internet was initially made for the purpose of war by the US military as a new mode of communication, however today it is helped connect the world at a whole new level. The World Wide Web is one of the biggest and the most cost effective way to reach people around the world. Online web promotion is one of the quickest ways to reach out into the world and touch the lives of millions of people who have been unaware of the possibilities the world has to offer them. Quick and efficient service online helps people decide on the services and items they need without spending too much time over it. A good business directory needs to have a high ranking over engines to make a prominent effect online which includes images, contacts information, business description and business URL. An internet business directory develops a strong online presence and connects with the right customers in a particular area.
Local Business directory is the best place to improve your visibility online, where you can connect with a massive base of customers that your organization was not able to reach before. Listing the businesses information helps in boosting your possibilities for monetizing interested clients that find your product attractive. These businesses are sorted by: business type, locality, activity, volume & size and an area like Spain, India, UK, and US etc., most local business directories have sub parts in which businesses are recorded in systematic order that makes simpler to search engine to find the businesses in the directory. Most local business directories memberships are free to contact for promoting their trade and modify or update listing accordingly.
In the local business directory, it is necessary to make your content rich with keywords that would help boost your visibility online. The only such keywords should be focused on which match with your product lines and business name for high precision. The level of competition keeps varying online because the search engines keep changing the way they pick up unique content online. Hence, greater the agility present in the content that is submitted make the organization more attractive to the search engines. In local business directories the new content is posted regularly which helps draw the right people towards your businesses and through listing gets a chance to appear on top of the search results. Keeping all basic things in mind will help you take full advantage of listing that you put out online. Customers get more information regarding the businesses through businesses directory which helps them to buying new products and services. Such directories allow to modifying and updating the profile with an inexpensive way to make their businesses more visible to all.
For more information regarding Local Business Directory, Please visit Localbusinesssearch.com.au
Modern Day Catering Supplies
Investing in the purchase of good quality catering supplies goes a long way in preparation of good food and well as general functioning of any catering establishment. In fact I am of the belief that good quality catering equipment can make all the difference to your restaurant. In light of the above statement it’s extremely vital that we invest in contracting quality companies who provide on time delivery. The catering industry is among the most competitive industries worldwide and competitors go to great lengths to make sure that they retain their Stature in the businesses. In light of the earlier statement its very important to make sure that your establishment is using the best quality catering equipment which will assist in the upkeep of customer Satisfaction and on time delivery. Excellent customer service and prompt delivery are some of the attributes you can achieve by investing in good quality catering establishments. Inorder to get the best out of one’s cooks, the owners must invest in the purchase of good quality catering supplies which will assist them to bring out their best.
Investing in the purchase of high quality catering equipments is a prerequisite for any start up catering unit or a well established catering business. Investing in the purchase of good quality catering equipment makes your kitchen stylish and trendy as well as organized and convenient to use for all cooks. In order to reach international standards of hygiene and upkeep one should never repeatedly use old or stained equipments while cooking in the catering business. It would be a good idea to always dispose off your old discolored or ruined equipment as that could be a bad representation for your catering business. Always remember that if you want to make it big in the catering business the key is to do everything that is required to keep the customer happy and this includes investing time and money in making sure that the catering equipment is sparkling clean. Catering supplies can generally be subdivided into two categories that is raw materials and equipment (machines and tools). Purchasing of these equipments should be allotted to different specialist companies as it’s found that there is no single general company that can provide all the equipments.
One should be selective and always choose only that supplier that can provide good catering equipments on a commercial scale. Spending time on doing research as well as analyzing feedback from various sources is a good method of identifying the right catering supplier. Commercial catering enterprises constantly require lots of catering equipment on a regular basis thus it’s very important to contract companies that can regularly provide the same. One should also make sure that the purchased catering equipments are stored in a very hygienic manner, this is especially important in the catering business. Reputed catering companies across the world also provide regular maintenance services for their own equipments in a time wise manner. It now depends on owners to make avail of these services, they should be prudent in understanding that good maintenance of these equipments goes a long way towards making them last their time.
RedStone is considered the leading via the internet supplier of chefs utensils. In just a short period of time, a strong distribution base has been created and many hundreds of satisfied consumers trust us to supply in the United Kingdom.