Business News - From Newspaper to Internet

News media has evolved a great deal, from newspaper to television, and from television to Internet. Online media has played a large role in taking the news to much wider audience. Business media caters to a section of the society that is interested in this kind of news.
News, as some believe, tells what's happening NEW and the NEWS word is just the plural of it. However, as per folk etymology, the word NEWS stands for all the four directions - North, East, West and South. In any case it tells us an update of what's going on.
There was no proper media for news until the 17th century, when the newspapers came into being. The typesetting technology fostered the beginning of newspapers. Before that, it were the couriers who circulated the news. With time the new media kept on evolving. In 20th century, Business News emerged as a distinct stream of news.
The technology has evolved a great deal and so has the media for news, from Paper to Television, and from Television to Internet, more advances have come in the late 20th century than the rest of the history. With the advent of Internet, News has made its reach much wider.
Business news, as the name tells, is all about the business and commerce. Today, there are dedicated news channels, newspapers, magazines and digital media groups. This section of media caters to a section of the society that is interested in this kind of news.
With business news one can get
Updates about the Stock Market: There was a time when people lost a lot of their money in stock market through ignorance and carelessness. Now, with the stream of stock market news and experts' advice on disposal, there is little chance that an updater investor would lose his/her money. News channels keep giving the updates about the trends in stock market. There are interviews with people who know as well about the markets as the back of their hands. This helps the medium and the small investor to minimize the risk while putting in their hard earned money. One also can check how particular stocks stand in the market and get instant expert advice by contacting the experts.
Information About Corporate World: These news networks keep a full coverage to what's going on in the corporate world. They keep track of all mergers and takeovers and keep interested people informed. As the goings on in the corporate world have bearing on the stock market, it is important for the people to keep themselves updated about the corporate sector.
Budget Analysis: The budget gives an idea about the government policies regarding industry. This is the reason people are interested in knowing about the government's outlook regarding various industries and budget gives enough indication. Hence, whenever the government announces the budget, there is full coverage on the TV, with complete analysis. Reactions from the common citizens are also accommodated in the budget. News channels simplify the budget report so that a common man can also understand what the budget aims for and what impact it would have on the industry.
Product/Service Reviews: Business news media provides the product/service reviews which tell us about particular products or services and advice whether they should be bought or not. These programs are very useful for the people who have little or no knowledge about new gadgets and services. More aware is the consumer, better is the service.

When You SHOULDN'T Become an S-Corp

I'm sooo frustrated with the advice some CPA firms are giving out to people who are just getting started in business! Last week, I had an appointment with a fairly "new to me" client to get their QuickBooks file straightened out for year end. The client is a service based business that has office space in town. 2010 was their first "official" year in business, even though they started purchasing things for their business in 2009.
Why they shouldn't be an S-Corp:In order to start their business, they took out a small business loan, and got some money from their parents. Then, they went and met with a local CPA firm (like they thought they should) to see what was next. What was next was shocking to them...the CPA firm told them they needed to become an S-Corp, because of all the wonderful benefits they'd get. Now, mind you, this was before they even had their first customer! In fact, this was OVER 6 months before they finally had their first customer.
And, I asked what "wonderful benefits" the CPA firm promised they'd get as an S-Corp, and they couldn't tell me!
Because they were unsure, but trusted this CPA firm (which is really the largest CPA firm in the town they live in) they checked around locally for a lawyer to put together an S Corp for them. Couldn't find any good referrals (how sad), so ended up going to an online legal service. They STILL had to spend over $1,500 to get the paperwork done and be legally setup as an S-Corp.
That wasn't the worst of it! The CPA firm said it would cost $1,200 or so to get their bookkeeping setup on QuickBooks, and it would cost another $1,200-$1,500 to get their tax return filed each year. And, on top of that, there is a $170 fee this business has to pay every year to their "Registered Agent".
Maybe in the future an S-Corp would be a great way to go for this business. But, this situation DID NOT call for an S-Corp at the beginning. Looking at the year end records, there was no income! In fact, a pretty large loss remains after their first year in business. The only thing the S-Corp has provided so far is lots of paperwork, large bills to pay, and many recordkeeping headaches.
Here's what to expect when you form an S-Corp for your business:
1. Tax return preparation rates are at "corporate return" rates.
2. Hiring someone to setup your paperwork is not inexpensive for a business just starting out.
3. You'll need to keep yearly Shareholder Meeting Minutes.
4. You'll need to file a yearly fee with the "Registered Agent."
5. Keeping personal and business money separate becomes much more stringent.
6. Once you're making a profit, you'll need to pay yourself a paycheck...which means setting up payroll and filing payroll taxes. (When you're an LLC, you can still take draws from the business).
Now, there are benefits to S-Corporations, but it's obvious that this very tiny business did NOT need the hassles of the S-Corp status right now. They could have saved several thousand dollars this last year by just starting up as an LLC, and slowly growing their way into an S-Corp.
MORAL of the story:
1. If you're thinking about switching your business to an S-Corp, find out what benefits it will provide your business.
2. If you don't understand what benefits you'll get, then I would suggest talking more about it, asking others, and researching it some yourself. Never pay money for things you don't understand!
3. Know the costs of setting it up and maintaining it year to year. It'll cost more time AND money to maintain than your LLC.
4. And, if your business is at the right stage, and is ready to move ahead, then go for it!
Have you ever been talked into becoming a business structure that you didn't understand?

Discovering Taste - Aspects to Find in Spices Exporters

Spices are extremely important to any person nowadays. Without spices, food will taste bland and unsavory. Nowadays we no longer associate spices with things like Indian cuisine or South East Asian delicacies. It is so common across the world nowadays and that is why it is important to serve quality spices and condiments to the food industry and even those who prepare their own food. Spices, however, do not grow just anywhere else and that is why purchasing them from a qualified exporter is necessary. Finding a good one might seem difficult but one has to understand the unique characteristics to search for.
Products
What products do they export from their home country across other nations? Countries like India offer a diverse range of spices since they are known for their aromatic and flavorful cuisines. Therefore, one can find numerous Spices Exporters in this region. Their products could either be processes already and packed or it could also be raw spice that can be distributed to the market in various forms. Therefore, it is crucial to look at the products they offer. Normally, one can find websites of these exporters with a list of products they provide. It would be best to contact them so that the one can ask for more in depth information regarding the products.
Pricing
Look at the current trend for spice prices. It is crucial that you actually know the price and how they are sold in the market. There are small time suppliers that you can check and they might be offer a decent fee for the spices. If you are a small company or distributor, you might find that going to a large exporter might not benefit you the best. If the company offers good quality spices then ask for a good deal when it comes to the pricing. As much as possible, do not make a big fuss about the payment terms as you might suffer the consequences.
Reliability
How fast does the exporter organize and ship the goods? Do they offer open lines of communication? Is the delivery service fast, efficient and safe? Do they help in covering some important costs to save time and energy on your part? A good spice exporter must be able to offer one or more of these things so that at the end of the day, you know that these people will be with you for the long haul. Though it is a business, purchasing and selling, it does not mean that each one has to have cold shoulders for each other. Developing a good working relationship makes the service more reliable and more advantageous at the end of the day.

From Upholstery to Accessories: Qualities of Good Leather Products Exporters

Leather is a quintessential material and nowadays, we see this classic material anywhere. From upholstery, beautiful bags, ready to wear outfits to accessories and other products, leather always is a special product used by different crafters in different ways. If you are in the home furnishing or retail business, finding an exporter of leather products is probably an important deal for you. With the industry continuously flourishing, it is but important to find a qualified set of supplier that can offer the best range of goods at prices and service that you will be most happy about.
Products
What products do leather products exporters offer or more importantly, what industry do they serve? There are leather goods suppliers that offer a wide range of products for furnishings such as leather sofas and other products. You might also find exporters for accessories and other small goods. The best way to make sure is to do some research online. You can use business listings so that you can easily search for competent suppliers that fit your needs. Look at their credentials and visit their site if they have any or if you wish, contact them directly by phone or by email to make an inquiry.
Stability
How long has the exporter in the business? Stability is a good gauge whether they are reliable and if they offer good service. A company that has served years in the business will probably know the best possible methods to make themselves more reliable and to offer faster, more efficient delivery of goods. A business with executives that work for them for several years already is a good sign that the company is offering quality and professional service to their clients. It would probably take a lot faster to manage the goods and dispatch them since they will also have developed good ties with shipping businesses.
Competency
If you need a specific leather good that has been laser cut or has been weaved, the company should have the skills and methodology to supply or manufacture these particular goods. It matters which industry they serve since each industry will demand some unique needs. For those offering leather bags as well as accessories, different treatments are offered. It is crucial that the suppliers have well trained employees. Customer service should also be top notch. Who would want to deal with a company that does not answer their phones speedily or even show any enthusiasm in offering useful information for their customers?
These are just some of the crucial things that you must find in Leather Products Exporters. More or less, if these things are present, you are assured of good quality service that you can depend on.

Various Aspects to Think About When Searching for Rubber Products Manufacturers

Rubber is a very versatile material. It can be transformed into industrial materials like those we see in machinery or even vehicles, replacement parts, commercial goods and even toys as well as other products. Processing of rubber can be quite difficult and that is why finding a good manufacturer for your demand for quality rubber products is important. Here are some things to consider when looking for a good manufacturer:
Delivers goods on time
As much as products are concerned, they should be able to offer good products but what's the sense if they cannot deliver on time? In the world of business, especially in retail and other goods, those who are able to offer goods first will definitely gain a more business advantage. In business, timing is of the essence and therefore the Rubber Products Manufacturers must have good shipping partners and should be able to handle or manage the goods effectively and deliver the most effective way. Manufacturers invest a great deal of effort in finding not only cost effective delivery services but also qualified and reliable ones.
Good price
Some companies add the price for raw materials into the retail price that they give to customers and that means the cost is a lot bigger on behalf of the buyer. There are some companies that do not include this cost or offer very minimal additions to the cost making it less costly and more affordable. The best way to understand this is to first research the cost and prices of rubber goods across the market before making any deals with any one manufacturer. This will help in ensuring that the cost that you spend is just good enough for your intended budget. You do not want to spend a lot of money for something of the same quality as a cheaper one.
Minimal paperwork
Let's face it, when dealing with goods; we want the least amount of paperwork for the goods. The company should be able to offer a wide range of services to help easily manage things like buying and other important purchasing matters. An experienced company will definitely have a lot of experience in handling such projects and that is what we want to expect from our manufacturers. They should be experienced or reliable enough so that they can offer more than what a regular one could offer.

Why An Integrated Payment System Is A Must Have For Your Credit Repair Company

Starting a business is pretty tough. It requires courage to take an idea and to make it into a reality. Starting a Credit Repair Business to meet the demands of many who are in need of getting their credit fixed is an excellent choice of business. If there are millions of people who are actively searching for your particular kind of service then you have it set. Just get the word out and customer are sure to come your way.
When that happens you are going to need many systems to handle your customers. You might need to hire a few employees, accountants, and obviously a great Credit Repair Software to help you stay organized. Depending on the kind of Credit Repair Software that you are working with you might have to get other systems to help you with various tasks. One of these other systems that you might have to get from a 3rd party will be a payment system.
We are going to discuss 4 advantages that your Credit Repair Company will benefit from by having a great payment system. There are many payment systems to choose from, but the one that we are going to discuss is a Credit Repair Software that already has an integrated payment system. So instead of using multiple platforms to get the job done, you are only using one.
4 Benefits of Working With An Integrated Payment System
# 1) Greater Organization For Your Company: If you don't have a reliable way to control payments from your clients it will eventually become a disaster. A payment system that is already integrated with your main platform will allow you to control all features of getting paid in one single place. Forget about having to go from one system or software to another. It will all be under one single roof. Thus giving you great control and organization overall.
# 2) Automation and Simplicity: When you are working with an integrated payment system it will interact with your invoice system to create invoices automatically for you to send to your customers. The beauty of this is that all of the information that you would need to make an invoice: customer's home address, name, amount they are going to pay, etc. all of that will be automatically included in the invoice, without you having to manually put it in yourself. Just click a few buttons and the integrated payment system will do the rest for you.
# 3) Makes Sure You Get Paid: This might sound crazy. At times you are overloaded with so many customers and tasks to deal with that you actually forget to charge them before you begin working on their disputes. Now this is actually a great thing because that means that customers are flying your way, but isn't good practice overall for your business. So with a integrated payment system the payment control will be integrated into the dispute area where you are generating the disputes for the customer. As you are generating the disputes for your clients the system will tell you what their payment status is, thus helping you to remember who has paid for your service and who hasn't.
# 4) Lowers Overhead Cost For Company: One of the most expensive things for a company are its employees. When you are working with different systems and software it is only natural to hire more and more employees. If you need a special report about which customers have paid or which haven't paid etc. you would most likely have one of your employees do it on your behalf, and depending on the system that you are using it might take a while to pull up such a report. When working with a Credit Repair Software that has an integrated payment system these reports are created within seconds. You will have the option to select disputes from those who have paid, not paid, or going to pay. All of this at a click of a button. Thus allowing your work to be a little easier and a little lighter on the company's wallet.
Using an integrated payment system within your Credit Repair Software is an essential feature for your company. It will not only allow you to be more organized, but will virtually make the payment side of this business automatic and simple. This will result in lower overhead for the company, thus increasing revenue.

Who Are You? (Or, What To Include In Your Pitch)

I coached a client who had made wine in Paris, modeled for major magazines, and started and sold a tech company. Most recently, to better round himself out, he went to business school. So when he introduced himself, did he talk wines, high fashion, or life as a former CEO? No, he called himself an MBA.
What?!? This eclectic, accomplished professional immediately lumps himself along with thousands of others by picking one of the most generic things on his resume. The MBA was from a good school, yes. It was an interesting counterpart to his otherwise very technical background, check. So it deserves to be mentioned, sure. But not first! It's still much more plain vanilla than any of the other things he also had. So, rule # 1 for your pitch is to lead with the memorable. As a recruiter, I've interviewed tons of MBA's (this guy wanted a financial services career, so no shortage of MBA's there). But, I can count the number of successful entrepreneurs and/ or fashion models. Are you a black belt in karate, a former prima ballerina, fluent in multiple languages? Don't be afraid to be unique.
I'm not suggesting to not mention the MBA at all. It's a key part of his added value because he has the finance and technology combination. But it's the combination that's so interesting. So, rule # 2 is to frame your qualities so that they build on each other. Absolutely mention the different degrees you've completed, industries where you've worked, and functional roles that you've held. But weave them into a coherent plot line so that each adds a welcome dimension, not just another factoid for me to remember. So you started and sold a tech company and have an MBA from Top School X - interesting combo!
Results still matter. The wine stood out because it was Paris, the modeling was significant because he had worked at a top level, and the entrepreneurship added value because of his successful exit. (The MBA also fits in nicely because it's from a top school.) You can't just mention every interesting thing you do, like fluency in Pig Latin, if there is no business context. When I listed out black belt, prima ballerina or language fluency as possible unique items, these are all levels of mastery. So, rule # 3 is to pick the qualities that have substantive results to back them up. You want to intrigue but also amaze.
Your pitch is how you introduce yourself at networking events, informational interviews, on your cover letter, to your friend's friends. It is how you answer that interview staple, "Tell me about yourself." It defines your brand and therefore drives your search. The pitch is critical to positioning yourself for the right role at the right level. Be memorable. Build on your strengths. Lead with results.

Caroline Ceniza-Levine helps people find fulfilling and financially-rewarding career paths, as the co-founder of SixFigureStart®, career coaching by former Fortune 500 recruiters. Caroline has recruited for leading companies in financial services, consulting, media, pharmaceutical/ healthcare, and technology. She is the co-author (along with Donald Trump, Jack Canfield and others) of the best-selling "How the Fierce Handle Fear: Secrets to Succeeding in Challenging Times" 2010; Two Harbors Press.

Teleconferencing Providers - Considerations to Make When Selecting a Teleconferencing Service

The key to any successful business is clear communication. If you want to become a globally known company in your industry, you need to be able to stay in communication with all your clients and customers. One of the best ways to stay in contact with your business associates is to use a teleconferencing service. A teleconferencing provider will allow your business to communicate with multiple clients at once, while keeping your business expenses under control. When you have finally decided that a teleconferencing service provider is the right move for your company, there are a few considerations you need to make before deciding on a particular vender to go with.
1. Packages Offered
Most teleconferencing providers offer different types of packages for your business needs. You should first determine which packages offer international calls. If you are going to be a big player in your industry and do business around the globe, you will want a teleconferencing package that accepts international calls. The next thing you should consider is the amount of callers the hosting service allows per call. If you know that you will be hosting calls that may have over 100 guests, you will need to make sure that the package doesn't have a limit on those who can be part of the call. The third thing to be aware of is how you will be charged. Most teleconferencing service providers charge by the minute for each caller that is logged in to the call. Others will have a strict monthly flat rate. Make certain to read the contract you are signing carefully so that you know exactly what services you should be receiving and how much you will be charged.
2. Operation of the Teleconferencing Call
When making your teleconferencing calls, you want the call to run as smoothly as possible. To help facilitate this, many teleconferencing providers offer full control options that are under your command. You will have control over who can be heard in the conference, and who will be turned on silent. If someone is becoming too loud or interrupting throughout the conference, you have the power to mute them or completely kick them off the call if you so choose. How the teleconferencing call is run is completely in you control. Many providers also offer operator assistance. This can be helpful in getting all guests of the teleconferencing call logged in and properly set up to join the call.

The Benefits of Making an Operator Assisted Conference Call

When you are in business, whether big or small, it's imperative for you to be seen as a respectable company that doesn't cut corners when it comes to staying in complete communication with your customers. You don't want word on the street that you are hard to get a hold of, or that your customer service is terrible at getting back to you. You want to be able to get in touch with any of your clients whenever you need to, and the best way to do that is with the help of an operator assisted conference call.
With an operator assisted conference call, you have the ability to hold a teleconference where an operator is there to assist you with the entire calling process. The first thing you will do is contact the teleconference service provider to schedule your conference call. Then you invite all those whom you want to attend to the conference. Before the operator assisted conference call, you will meet with the operator to go over how you want the conference to flow. You are in charge of who will get to speak and in what order. You will also go over any name pronunciations of the guests attending, and any questions you might have before you begin.
To prepare the operator assisted conference call, the operator will connect your guests to the lobby once they have signed into the call. Some operators may also call attendees to connect them to the call directly. Once you are ready to begin, you will have complete control over how the call is managed. You have the power to mute any, or all, of the attendees as you speak. You also have the ability to remove someone from an operator assisted conference call if they are getting out of line and ruining it for you and the rest of the attendees.
Once your call is finished, you can receive a report of all those who were in attendance. You can also receive a complete transcript of the operator assisted conference call. Some service providers also offer the ability to have your calls recorded. This could be a well utilized feature if someone is unable to attend the call live, but needs to still hear the information that was presented. As a management tool, you could also used these recorded calls for training purposes, or use them as an internet marketing tool and sell them as webinars and mp3 downloads.

Tips for Making an Operator Assisted Conference Call

Communication is the key to success when it comes to running your own company. If potential customers cannot get in contact with you, word is going to spread very quickly that you are someone who is not worth doing business with. This is not the reputation you want when you have big dreams of becoming a successful business person. When you need to get in contact with perspective customers, your sales team, or other business partners, you need to consider utilizing the services of an operator assisted conference call.
This is the best way to get in touch with a large number of individuals while keeping the costs to your company down. An operator assisted conference call is the best way to keep your lines of communication organized to make the most productive use of your time. There are numerous advantages to having an operator there throughout the conference process.
The first advantage of using an operator assisted conference call is that you will have an agenda to keep the conference organized and moving along. Before the call begins, you will meet with the operator to sort out the format of the conference (lecture, Q&A, etc). Depending on the format, there could be many people trying to speak at all once. This can make the call very difficult to hear for other attendees. If agreed upon, the operator may have the power to mute anyone that they deem to be getting a little out of order. You as the call moderator may choose to reserve this power for yourself; after all, you should be the one in charge.
A second advantage of using an operator assisted conference call service is that the operator will be there to make sure that everyone is connected into the call and can hear everything being said before it begins. If there weren't an operator there to assist in troubleshooting connection issues, you might have attendees who aren't present that really needed to hear the information presented.
This leads to a third advantage of using an operator assisted conference call service. The operator can record the call in a digital format and keep a record of it at the host server. Then those who missed the call can hear the recording from the server and get the information that they missed. By utilizing this type of service for your small business, you will be in the fast lane for increasing your brand recognition, earning the trust of your customers, and increasing your credibility as a business person.

Utilizing a Conference Call Provider - How to Benefit From Using a Conference Call Provider

The benefits of using a conference call provider for your business are so advantageous that you can forget about ever being considered a big name in your industry if your aren't using them. To understand what you could be missing out on, here are a few benefits that you could receive by utilizing a conference call provider for your business communication needs:
1. Sales Team Communication
If your company has decided to launch a new product or ad campaign, it's important to inform your sales associates how to approach customers. By using these services and holding a teleconference with all the sales team members at once, you will expedite the process of getting the new message out. Plus, the entire sales team will get the same message at once, reducing the risk of there being miscommunication through the use of other mediums.
A conference call provider will also then come in handy for your sale people too, as they can use conferences to pitch your product to potential customers. By using this format, your sales people will be able to get your campaign in front of as many customers at one time as possible.
2. Convenience of Being Mobile
Because many providers are operated through an internet server, the option to make a conference call is available all the time through the use of a smartphone or PDA. This provides an immediate possibility of holding a conference call right away. Almost every conference call provider in the market today offers a mobile app to make setting up a call on the go a simple task.
3. Training Benefits
There are many industries today that demand you stay up to date on current trends or industry rules. Much of this continued training can be presented in the form of web and teleconferences. This is a great way for a company to save money on training instead of having to hiring an outside resource to administer the training. This has become the most efficient way of training new staff or teaching existing staff new policies.
4. Corporate Communication
In many companies, those that are further down the corporate ladder sometimes feel miles away from all the actual business activities of the company. By utilizing a conference call provider, you as management can keep all of your staff up to date with company policies and directions that the company is headed. This will increase the cohesiveness and moral of your team as they will feel involved and a part of the success of the company.

Flat Rate Conferencing - The Benefits of Using Flat Rate Conferencing for Your Business

When you are looking to improve the communication between you and your client base, one of the best ways to do this is through the use of a conferencing service provider. As you sift through the packages offered by each provider, there are a few things you need to consider before you decide on the right package deal for you and your business.
The thing you need to consider is how many conference calls you think you are going to make per month. If you believe you are only going to have a few weekly meetings to make sure everyone in the company is on the same page, you will probably want to invest in a package the charges per minute of use for each attendee of the conference. However, if you know that you and your company will hold a significant amount of calls, you will want to opt for a package that includes flat rate conferencing.
With flat rate conferencing, you will pay a simple monthly fee. This fee will be determined based on how many possible lines for attendees you will desire for your conferences. This will help to notably lower your communication expenses, and thus lower your company's bottom line.
There are other benefits to using flat rate conferencing. First, because you have the option of unlimited conference calls since you are paying a monthly rate, you will be able to make conference calls on short notice if you have to without having to worry about receiving additional charges. We all know that a business emergency can pop up at any time, and you may need to hold a quick conference call on the drop of a dime. By using flat rate conferencing, you will always be able stay in contact with your clients and business associates.
Another benefit of choosing to go with flat rate conferencing is that information will be able to be passed along at a much quicker rate, increasing the efficiency and productively levels of your business. When you are able to hold a conference call with all the team members of your company about a new product launch, they are able to get out and promote the product that much quicker. You will start to see increases in your sales at a faster rate than usual, and you will have more money filling your pockets all the sooner. All this can happen with just a little improvement to your business' communication tools.

Outsourcing Your B2B Marketing Needs

Outsourcing services may look like the next best thing right now. It appears to be a good alternative compared to in-house or some other modes of marketing. There are some things that need to be considered when deciding to outsource a specific service. Take B2B marketing for example. Some clients who do B2B marketing turn to outsourcing to telemarketing firms. These telemarketing firms are not limited to just handling telesales campaigns. Some of the known services other than telesales include lead generation and appointment setting, answering services, market research, and client verification.
Telecommunications has been a major driving force in the modern marketing world. The industry is one of the most sought after because of the professional needs of all sorts of businesses worldwide. Businesses ranging from financial firms, IT firms, even commercial cleaning companies.
The idea of outsourcing your B2B marketing needs might be on your company's to-do-list. But how would you know if you got the right outsourced telemarketing company?
The main thing you need to take notice when choosing telemarketing companies is the manpower. A big workforce doesn't necessarily mean its the right company for you. You have to take into consideration the whole organization. Starting from the telemarketers, the training they receive, their drive and their dedication. You must also take into consideration the amount of knowledge the telemarketers know about your company or your product/service. There must also be responsible team leaders who will handle the professional telemarketers. Lastly, there should also be a team of quality assurance analysts who can make sure that all calls are monitored.
A reliable workforce is just a part of an effecting B2B telemarketing campaign. Client and the outsourced telemarketing firm should work hand in hand if they would want to get better results. Clients can provide their own generated calling list to give the telemarketing firm. Although some telemarketing firms insist on using their own calling list based on their database. There are extra charges if you choose the latter but the calling list generated by the telemarketing firms are guaranteed fresh and up-to-date.
Taking all these things into consideration, one must never rely everything on the telemarketing firm. For one, the criteria is set by the client. This means, all the possible customers will be judged based on this criteria. This thins out the market into a smaller group, making the hunt easier, faster, and more accurate.
Although having all these things can give positive results for a telemarketing campaign. There are some things that cannot be controlled by the telemarketing firm that would greatly affect the whole project. One of these factors are the goals on the client side of the project. If a specific client would like to target the top dogs in very big companies, the campaign would have close to zero chances of success. Targeting those that have decision makers that range from a CEO, COO, or those C-level executives is unrealistic if not unattainable. If the goals set by the client are realistic enough and are attainable, the campaign would have greater chances of success.
It has always been known that a specific campaign is only as good as specifications and qualifications set by the client. If the specifications and qualifications are clear enough, conversions will soar. To this extent, the client should still look over the operations to some degree to ensure less errors.
Outsourcing your marketing needs might be the next best idea there is to strengthen your marketing campaign. It has been proven effective and efficient time after time. Although a good and healthy give and take relationship between the client and the telemarketing firm is necessary for success.

Put the Right Performance Measures in Place and Play Your Game to Win

The right performance measures, well-used, are a vital business and team tool.
And yet, not many people are comfortable creating or using performance measures in the most substantial and valuable way.
Great customer- and goal-oriented performance measures can turn a good plan into a series of steady, sure actions that lead you to your goal, often in the most direct way.
Without the direction that the right measures provide, a team often works in the dark, guessing, rather than knowing, hoping rather than managing to know that things will work out.
The right measures can also free you up as a leader to get to the higher value, more strategic work you may not be able to get to now if you're busy keeping your team on track. If you're a leader, there are easier ways to provide meaningful feedback once work is underway. You can do this if you set your organization or team up to be as self-managing and self-correcting as possible, through the right process measures and information about their progress to milestones.
That leaves you to focus your time and attention, and your work with them, on more strategic and long-term issues that have you better-prepared for the future.
Create performance measures and feedback mechanisms that enable your team to know, almost at a glance, how they're doing all along the way to their goal.
Below, here are a few questions to answer as you try to do so. These questions, and your answers, won't solve all performance measurement design challenges, nor will it make your team immediately comfortable using measures if they aren't now. But these questions will help you start to create measures and feedback mechanisms that help you choose and take the right actions to get you to your customer-desired goals most easily.
Answer these questions to help you design performance measures and feedback mechanisms that work well for you, your team, and, as a result, your customers:
Goal
1. Who are the customers for this work?
2. What is success to them?
3. How would they quantify that goal? In other words, what are your customer requirements for a successful outcome?
Starting Point
4. What is your starting point, or your current state, on the way to that goal?
How You'll Close the Gap
5. What's the gap you're trying to close between your current state and the goal?
6. What actions do you and your team need to take to close that gap?
How to Know You're Closing the Gap...Or That You Aren't
7. What can you measure to track and manage the actions you need to take? Consider measures in these types of categories when you consider performance measures that may help you:
- Timeliness
- Cost
- Customer satisfaction
- Cycle time
- Flexibility
8. What are some major milestones on your way to the goal, and how can you quantify them?
How You'll Make the Information Easy to Get and Use
9. Who needs to see the measures and progress indicators, and to be able to use them to monitor, manage, and correct performance?
10. What is the easiest way for the people who need to use the information to get it when they need it?
How You'll Know if You Need to Improve Your Performance Measures
11. How will you know if your performance measures are working well?
12. How can you adjust the measures if they are not providing you the right direction, incentive, and momentum for your team to make the progress you seek?
How You'll Know When It's Time to Celebrate
13. How will you recognize when you've arrived at each major milestone?
14. How will you know when you've arrived at your final, customer-defined goal?

Your Business Stakeholders - More Than You Might Think

Identifying the stakeholders in a business is not merely an academic issue, nor as simple as many might think. It is certainly not just the bank and the shareholders who are the stakeholders. There is actually a wide range of important influencers affecting not only the operational performance, but also the way in which the business is perceived. Every business needs to identify these and reappraise them on a regular basis.
Defining a value chain
Each and every transaction involving the business will have significance and this applies regardless of the size and type of business. Also, it is not possible to generalise. Each business will be different and the relativities will change over time. Some will initially seem more important than others due to size and immediate effect. In addition to ranking them, it is vital to identify them and their relationship with each other and the business, with particular emphasis on cause and effect.
Cause and effect examples
Some of the following examples, deliberately chosen to cover a diverse range of business types may appear simplistic or far-fetched, but are they? Again, cause and effect matters, both in the short and long term.
A small manufacturer will probably want to include not just the financial backers but also stakeholders that affect purchasing, technical and delivery issues. Fine, but what about the machinists who are not happy that a large proportion of components are now sourced from overseas, putting their employment at risk? Unless the business has a clear strategy, explains and assures them of their continued importance and considers their working environment and conditions, there is considerable potential for bad publicity on a scale that can quickly spiral out of control. These guys will talk to a wife who works at the bank, to a union rep, a supplier, a competitor, frequently in a campaign of negativity and disruption.
Big businesses like, say, supermarket chains think they have all the answers due to the money they spend on research and by changing the CEO or advertising agency on a regular basis. The buyer is scrutinised for financial performance, but is the significance of small-volume but strategically important lines considered? How many times does a shopper need to find that several of her favourite products have been deleted before she moves to the competitor? Multiply that by a hundred shoppers times a hundred stores and the effect is no longer irrelevant.
Another typical example is the importer/service agent for one or more international brands of equipment like, say, machines, instruments, or components. Most of these businesses want it both ways. They want to supply resellers - mostly small retailers, but they usually also want to sell direct to specialists like associations or government and perhaps the general public. The stakeholder mix is actually quite complex as are the cause and effect scenarios. Breaking the distribution or pricing models of the parent manufacturer is the quick way to lose the agency. Selling to the public is not likely to ender the agent to a reseller. Trade associations, magazine or online reviewers, compliance authorities and so on will need to be able to differentiate between a professional and a consumer version of the product so the communication of product positioning and values is abundantly clear to whoever needs to be assured.
Map the relationships for any business and that chain of stakeholders no longer looks so simple.
Message development
While there is no simple answer that fits all scenarios, the overriding consideration must be to understand the specific characteristics, motivations and information-needs of each stakeholder group, develop the value propositions to which each group will relate, then devise comprehensive communication strategy and delivery.
A fundamental requirement for strategy development is the objectivity to reject or revise cherished beliefs based on "we know our business best" and/or "this is the way we do it here" arguments. These must be taken into account, but they must not interfere with the need for change. The newly defined value propositions, presented in a matrix that includes and qualifies all stakeholders should suffice to convince the business management of their validity, especially if the process has involved discussions with selected stakeholders.
Communicating with stakeholders
It should now be obvious that developing concise and effective communication material is not as simple as it might first have appeared. Those value propositions, complete with supporting product selection guides, specifications, maybe testimonials, case histories and whatever else is appropriate to the needs of each stakeholder group must not only be developed, they must also be devised to suit each and every relevant communication tool, These might include one or more websites, an intranet or the use of staff and resellers, newsletters, direct mail, advertising for each distribution channel and so on.
In big business, the marketing director and a specialist team will probably have the resources and skills to conduct these tasks, but for smaller businesses, a do-it-yourself approach is unwise, wasting time and frequently causing more harm than good.
Extending the analogy based on the examples above, communications professionals do not manufacture, import or distribute, even though their career histories probably include some such involvement. Why therefore should industry managers consider they, or their friends and families have appropriate strategic and communication skills? If you want to bark, get a dog.

International Audio Conferencing - Tips for Utilizing an International Audio Conferencing Service

The main goal of many businesses is to expand globally; to provide a product or service that is recognized throughout the world. To broaden your business to clients, business associates, and customers on all sides of the globe, it would be beneficial to your company to start utilizing the services of an international audio conferencing provider. With this ideal option for business communication, you will be able to stay in contact with anyone you are doing business with at any time. To see the full potential of obtaining an international audio conference service, check out the following benefits:
1. Increase in Sales
In today's business world, the faster that information is obtained, the faster you can achieve success. This can be applied to your company's sales numbers. For example, say your company is going to launch a new product to your overseas market. It's your job to get in contact with the entire sales team so that they know everything they need to in trying to sell this product. Instead of sending out a mass email, hoping that everyone got it and opened it, or calling each sales team member individually, you can use an international audio conferencing service and talk to everyone at once. This will allow for any questions that the team members have to be answered. This will also give you the opportunity to get them excited about the product. With the quickness that all of this information can be passed along, there will be more time spent actually getting out and selling the product, thus increasing your sales.
2. Improved Project Management
Another benefit of using international audio conferencing services is that you will have an easier time managing projects with teams that are all over the world. Conference calls allow all members of a project to communicate with each other at once. This helps to keep everyone on the same page and up to date on how the project is moving all. With these services, you have the advantage of knowing what parts of the project may need some extra focus, and you can delegate help as needed.
3. Travel Costs Eliminated
A third benefit of using an international audio conferencing service provider is that you will eliminate travel costs. Having to fly back and forth overseas to do business can be a very large expense. By using conference calls, you will save on travel and accommodation costs, plus you can use the time that you would have spent traveling by improving your business.

Teleconferencing Providers - The Benefits of Using a Teleconferencing Provider for Business

As a small business looking to make a name for yourself in your industry, you have to make every effort to have the top of the line business tools to make your company a success. You not only have to have the right set of marketing tools to get your brand in front of customers' faces, you also have to have the right set of communication tools to keep in constant contact with your customers and other business associates. This is where your business should decide to start implementing the use of teleconferencing services.
Teleconferencing allows you to communicate with multiple clients at all once. Here are a few benefits that your business can take advantage of by utilizing the services of a teleconferencing provider:
1. Company Saves Money on Travel Costs
As a small business trying to expand your global market, it can start to become expensive when you are traveling all over for meetings with perspective customers. When you start making teleconferencing calls with potential clients, you will see many savings affecting your bottom line in a positive fashion. You will save money on accommodation costs in hotels on the road. You will save on car rental expenses and flight costs. All of these savings can be invested back into your company and you will start to see your stock grow.
2. Show That Your Company Is Technically Up to Date
By investing in a quality teleconferencing service to run calls for you, you are showing perspective clients that your company is technically advanced and using the latest technology. This will provide a sense of comfort and trust in you as a business partner. Some teleconferencing calls can also be run with Skype so that you can include video in your conference call. Having this is especially helpful in gaining a customer's trust. They will be able to put a face with a voice, and get a better sense of who you are as a businessperson. Having a good rapport with the customer is a great way to increase your chances of a sale, or gaining a repeat customer.
3. Your Company's Carbon Footprint Is Reduced
By utilizing teleconferencing calls, your company will help to reduce its negative effect on the environment. If you were to send emails, chances are that they will get printed out. With teleconferencing, there will be less paper used. With these services, you will be traveling less, which is less pollution emitted into the atmosphere.

How Important Are Reliable Outsourced Telemarketing Services?

The importance of an object or an event cannot be judged by mere sight alone. One cannot determine the quality of a product or service just by looking at it. There are numerous determinants to ensure a person that the goods that they have purchased with their hard-earned cash are of top quality.
For business owners, whenever they outsource their marketing campaign the first question that may pop up in their heads is, "Will it guarantee an increase on our sales output?" Most business owners of today opt for telemarketing when it comes to handling their marketing campaigns. Outsourcing the marketing course allows them to secure numerous benefits for themselves and their companies. Some of these benefits include:

• Discovery of a whole new range of market
• Use of an integrated pipeline for faster information retrieval
• Decline in training expenses for the company that employed these outsourced services
• Allow faster lead gathering
• Ability to hear out a prospect's voice including their feedback and opinion in the quickest manner possible
• Reduction of overall travel costs to meet prospects
• Can give the highest probability of an increase for the company's return of capital

These benefits sound all too tempting that a business owner may outsource their marketing campaign to a telemarketing company at a drop of a hat. The first and foremost thing that should be done is to look for reliable telemarketing services. They should always remember that the welfare of their company is on the line here. As such, picking the wrong company to outsource to may very well be their last. That's how gravely important it is to get the right service for the marketing course.
Let us look at some of the fundamental determinants that are needed to be taken into consideration in the search for the most reliable telemarketing services.
Experience is the base for a profitable outcome
One of the key ingredients to a successful telemarketing campaign is to outsource it to a company that has already amassed loads of experience; more specifically those that have completed highly successful campaigns. It has already been said by many that experience is the greatest teacher known to man. As such, when a telemarketing company has had tons of qualifying experience then business owners are guaranteed of a grand outcome from their marketing campaign.
Professionalism should be always kept in the heart and not just the mind
Being called a "professional" is highly appealing but at times can just mean as a simple title. Acquiring the aid of professional telemarketers means that the campaign should be in good hands. Nevertheless, the job for the business owner does not end there. They need to reassure themselves that these professionals have a good attitude towards their line of work and to their potential clientele. When the telemarketers have these two traits, leads and prospects can be nurtured well into becoming long term clients and customers for the business.
Reasonable pricing must be adhered
Lastly, when it comes to getting the services of these cold calling experts, they must have priced their services that will allow almost all types of business to get their aid. Telemarketing companies that price their services way over the limit can prove to be more of a disadvantageous option rather than a beneficial one. Companies that acquire the services of these high priced telemarketers may find themselves having a hard time recovering their expenses.
With these determinants, business owners can be lead to the right path into acquiring the right service for their marketing campaign. Failure to follow these may cost the stability of their company to fall.

Advantages Of Direct Debit

Gone are the days when suppliers had to chase their customers to get payments because most businesses now insist on a direct debit system of payment. In this system, the customer gives instructions to his bank authorizing payments to the supplier. In cases where the business is of a continuous nature, the instructions state the amount to be paid and the frequency of the payment. Direct debit works wonderfully because it is a safe method of doing business and it allows both parties freedom from the tensions of payment and enables them to concentrate on other more productive aspects of their business.
How Online Agencies Help With Direct Debit
Instead of setting up the direct debit system on their own, businesses are now turning to online agencies that undertake the procedure on their behalf. These are reliable agencies that set up a regular payment collection procedure with the help of direct debit. All that the business has to do is to register with the website of the online agency and provide information regarding the party from whom the collection is to be done along with the amount and frequency of collection. The agency will inform the bank of the payer about it. After the lapse of a pre-specified period, the payer's account will be debited and the amount will be credited to the payee's new account that will be set up by the agency for this purpose. The realized funds will then be transferred to the regular account of the payee by the agency.
Benefits Of Direct Debit
It is a very popular method of making payments because it is simple, secure and reliable. Even individuals use it for giving standing instructions to their bank to transfer amounts from one of their accounts to the other depending on a specific need or for payment of credit card or other bills. In the case of businesses, direct debit saves time and money and makes the cash flow management easier and more organized. The other benefits of direct debit are:
* With a direct debit system in place for transferring an amount from one account to the other on a regular basis, the person can plan his money flow properly so that any anticipated shortage can be made up on time.
* The person or business that has to make payments on a regular basis might not remember when to pay and might default on the payments. With direct debit in place, payments will be made on time and there will be no likelihood of any penalties or increase in interest rates due to late payments. A lot of time and energy is saved because the person does not have to remember to take time off to go and make payments. In the case of businesses, the online agency sets up the system on behalf of their clients.
* The system is secure because the payments emanate out of the bank and as such, other online methods that are liable for cyber crimes need not be used. There would be no likelihood of hacking of payment portals and diversion of funds. Moreover, the risk of credit card information getting into wrong hands would be eliminated.
* Direct debit methods are paperless and because of this, not using paper helps to keep the environment green.
Whether you are running a business or whether you are paying off your loans individually, it can be very helpful especially if you are going through an online agency.

Industrial Shelving Systems Used By A Variety of Industries

Industrial shelving isn't just for large warehouses. It is common to find roll-out shelving systems in a large variety of industries including aerospace, industrial manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, medical laboratories, packaged goods manufacturing, oil and gas production and the military. Driven by a need to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs through space savings, these industries and many more depend on industrial shelving systems.
The aerospace industry relies on high quality industrial shelving systems to store large and heavy engine components. Specialized roll-out also play a key role in protecting important avionics because they can be customized to include additional protections for sensitive parts. Security is vital when dealing with aircraft parts so many airline suppliers use industrial that feature 12 gauge steel sides, back and doors and locking mechanisms for additional security.
Industrial manufacturing companies use industrial to maximize storage and security of materials. Industrial roll-out shelving racks provide ease of use and ergonomic access to all items on a shelf. Many companies choose customized units to maximize valuable plant space. Racks can be designed with load capacities up to 40,000 pounds per shelf for maximum flexibility. Companies also appreciate the automatic safety interlock feature installed on better systems which prevents more than one shelf from being rolled out simultaneously.
In the automotive industry major automobile companies and part manufacturers use a multitude of shelving systems. Shelving systems are used for tool cribs, work cells, assembly lines and of course general storage. Businesses in this automotive industry customize shelf sizes and cradling in order to maximize storage space and more importantly speed of assembly. Whether operating an old plant or a new facility, custom are recommended to drive maximum manufacturing efficiency and employee safety.
Medical laboratories frequently utilize roll-out to enhance their operations. Many specify custom tops and shelf decks that are necessary to operate in the medical, disposable and implantable device markets. Surfaces designed for high heat, chemicals and clean room environments are available with custom roll-out shelving racks and cabinets. Roll-out shelving racks are perfect for quick and easy access to equipment and finished goods. The medical industry also utilizes lockable for security and control.
Many packaged goods manufacturing companies find that industrial roll-out are excellent for equipment and tooling storage near production lines. Just like other industries, these manufacturing companies typically customize rack systems to maximize available space and minimize production change over time. Roll-out shelving cabinets come equipped with sides, a back, and lockable doors for equipment security.
The military uses roll-out shelving for storing and handling munitions as well as other equipment. Several branches specify systems with built in fork lift pockets so entire racks can quickly be relocated and even transported into theaters of operation. The military also uses for material handling and maintenance processes. Everyone from the Air Force to the Navy relies on industrial shelving solutions.
In closing, you can easily see the popularity and necessity of industrial roll-out shelving for a myriad of industries. Increasing efficiency, driving cost reductions through space savings and improving employee ergonomics are critical in competing effectively in today's global economy and are made possible through industrial shelving systems. Many industries beyond the ones mentioned in this article depend on industrial roll-out shelving to improve their operational efficiency and thus maximize profits.

How To Become A Radiology Technician Or X-Ray Technician

Career prospects are very bright for radiology technicians, also called X-ray technicians, even though it is a competitive profession. They belong to the health care industry and handle medical imaging equipment used to diagnose and evaluate patients. They need a background in biology, chemistry and other health care related subjects through an accredited college degree followed by specific on the job training. Thus, at the time of exploring schools for radiology technician courses, it is necessary to find programs that focus on radiology specialization and training with the latest equipment. This equipment includes:
* X-Ray machines
* Scanners
* MRIs
* 3D medical imaging programs
* High tech cameras used in surgery
* Sonogram machines
* Other related web based software
The most critical aspect of radiology technician education is the training aspect.
Career Prospects For Radiology Technicians
As the job market for radiology technicians is competitive, students often opt to study for a bachelor's degree in medical assisting or radiology technicians even though it is not mandatory. The radiology technology program can take from one to two years to complete. After this program, students take up a one-year internship before getting a job as an X-Ray technician. They go through various rotations on the job to gain experience in different areas of radiology. Following the training, they can choose to go for another certification if they wish to specialize further. After this they can opt to appear before the radiology technician board for certification, which when they pass, will allow them to practice as licensed.
Types Of Radiologist Technician Programs
Radiology can be part of a medical program or an independent program based on certain eligibility criteria. Many medical health schools offer radiology technician programs where students can choose to specialize in the following areas:
* Medical imaging
* Musculoskeletal radiology
* Neuro radiology
* Nuclear medicine
* Cellular imaging
* Medical sonography
* Computed tomography
* Paediatric radiology
* Magnetic resonance imaging
* Mammography
Medical schools allow students to opt for these courses and after they graduate. They pursue a certificate course or graduate diploma if they want to get ahead and get good job placements. It is possible to earn the certificate and diploma through residency programs or standalone courses. The programs can be full or part time depending on the student's convenience. While some schools offer the general certificate program, some have a well-equipped radiology department where students can specialize further. The duration of the program would depend on the type of course being offered. The full residency programs can integrate the specialization and general residency and extend to two years, while certificate programs can range between six and eight months. The accredited programs help the students get ready for the board certification exam in radiology.

Tips On How Much to Charge For CDs

In some industries, pricing an item for sale is a pretty straightforward task. You simply base the sales price on the cost of the item.
For example, a guy I know used to sell construction fasteners - which is a fancy term for screws - and the company he worked for had detailed price lists for every box of screws they sold. The lists had several columns of pricing for each item based on the quantity being ordered. If you bought a single box, you were charged the highest price. If you bought a whole pallet, you got a discount and if you bought ten pallets, the discount was even deeper.
All of these prices were based on the physical cost of producing the screws in factories overseas, shipping them across the Pacific Ocean and then delivering them via rail to various distribution sites. However, those factors are all hard, tangible costs that you can easily enter into a spreadsheet and analyze.
How do you put a price on your creativity or sheer genius?
Sure, there are some fixed costs of doing business that you can factor into some pricing structures. If you are going to distribute a CD or DVD, you'll have the unit cost of each disc which includes duplication, screen printing on each disc, the packaging and shipping. You will need to figure out these costs first to base your price on. However, I usually pay less than $5.00 per unit for all of that.
So, how do you arrive at a fair price for your intellectual properties?
If you've been paying attention to me for very long, you already know the answer. Split test it!
Another friend of mine split tested the price on one of his recent products. He tested price points of $47, $67 and $97. Think you know which one tested best? A lot of you will be surprised - but probably not those of you who actually split test - that the $97 price point got the best response. Think about how powerful that piece of information is right there. Not only did he find out what his customers would pay, but he also found out a very valuable thing about them as well.
They place a high value on his work.
Finding out what to charge for his work was worth the trouble of split testing, but finding out his customers' opinions about the value of it was invaluable.

Top 10 Elements of a Killer Business Plan Which You Must Know

Any growing company needs a business plan if it is to be successful. When it contains all the essential elements, a business plan is literally a road map for the company to follow.
A good business presentation is also essential in communicating the value proposition of the company to advisers, employees, customers, partners and investors. The business plan is the document that the majority of investors will pay the most attention to, and an effective business plan can play a large role in acquiring capital for the company.
A good business plan will normally comprise of 10 key sections:
1. Executive Summary
2. Company Analysis
3. Industry Analysis
4. Customer Analysis
5. Competitive Analysis
6. Marketing Plan
7. Operating Plan
8. Management Team
9. Financial Plan
10. Appendix
Business Plans: Guide to Success
A business presentation has to establish credibility for the company, and to do so it must avoid making certain mistakes, such as underestimating the competition or overestimating market sizes, and must focus instead on realistic plans for the company's success. These should include:
Define the Relevant Market - a poor business presentation will often fail to define the size of the target market accurately. It will be immediately apparent to investors when the target market is wildly overestimated. A far more effective strategy is to clearly define the relative market - the sales of the company should capture a large % of its niche - which will provide the potential investors with more to go on than simply including generic figures.
Focus on Previous Accomplishments - the track record of the company will be the most accurate indicator of future success. It is important for your business plan to demonstrate the milestones that have been achieved using any previous funds, as well as presenting the achievements of the management team to show how future challenges will be overcome.
Focus on Customer Needs - the relationship between a company and its customers is absolutely critical for investors. The business plan should clearly demonstrate how the needs of customers are met by its products and services, and should include specifics of the target markets which best demonstrate these needs. Showing how the company will penetrate its customers by means of a clear road map is also an important part of the business plan.
Barriers To Entry - it is not enough in today's funding environment to simply claim first-mover advantage, and this is not sufficient grounds to appeal to an investor. Instead, an effective and compelling business plan must prove barriers to entry by demonstrating clear strategies that show how the company will construct barriers around its customers.
Realistic Financial Assumptions - the financial section of the business presentation is often the first section that potential investors will look at, and for this reason a company must refrain from repelling them with unrealistic assumptions and projections. Any plan that highlights unrealistic, inconsistent or badly reasoned penetration, revenues or operating margin will damage the business plan's credibility. Making realistic, accurate projections will be far more effective in demonstrating the credibility and operational maturity of the company.

Bartering Your Way To A Better Brand

Winning in business today requires being incredibly resourceful. For those launching new ventures or who are stuck and need a little kick start to get to the next level building a more recognizable brand and getting more visibility for your brand is essential. So what about bartering your way to a better brand and ultimately bigger profits?
Perhaps the top complaint or excuse of entrepreneurs and small business owners today is not having enough resources. Though no matter how little cash you are sitting on for spending on your brand image or marketing you certainly have a wealth of other resources in one form or another.
For those just starting out with a new business developing a solid brand identity is crucial. However it is also one of the areas that far too many small business owners tend to skimp on. Then wonder why their business is not getting traction. If you don't have the extra cash laying around for branding materials why not barter for it?
So you need a logo, vanity phone number, matching web domain name and perhaps some custom designed images for your social media and headers and footers for your website and blog. Are there any marketers or designers who need what you are offering? If you are a dentist or restaurant owner everyone needs to eat and eventually go to the dentist right? Why not exchange services? If they don't need your service then perhaps they will be happy with a mention and back-link from your website, blog or social media profiles promoting their work. If not, consider seeking out and joining a barter exchange.
While in many barter exchanges providers do not always offer discounts you will surely find opportunities where you can great bargains on services and products, while getting a premium for yours.
Once you have crafted a winning brand identity it is time to get that brand out there, get it in front of people and claim your share of the limelight. This is where you can really use bartering in one form or another to really explode your business, not just in terms of sales volume but adding incredible value to your brand name if you do it right.
How can you achieve this through bartering? The opportunities are really endless and are only limited by your imagination. Perhaps you can offer your content for guest blogging on another company's blog in exchange for links back to yours creating more referrals and building your SEO. Perhaps you can offer your services through an affiliate program type arrangement that others can bundle with their products and services? What about other entrepreneurs who are throwing events or are looking to add value to their offerings by including giveaways? Can you offer them your product or service to distribute alongside theirs which will position you along side another winner and give your credibility a quick boost?

Chuck Boyce is known as the Independent Executive. After achieving success quickly in the corporate world he decided to step off of the corporate ladder and make his business work for him. He is now dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs and business owners achieve the Independent Executive Lifestyle by creating business with a purpose, passion and plan.

Employers Must Engage Elderly Workers

Businesses must put more effort into engaging elderly workers in order to remain on the right side of employment legislation.
Employers must provide their older workers the same level of training and performance management as they do the rest of their staff or risk legal action when the default retirement age (DRA) becomes obsolete.
The phase-out of the DRA requires organisations to focus on improving the performance of older workers or face discrimination claims if there is a dispute over employee capability.
Research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) revealed that a significant number of employers may be placing themselves at risk of discrimination claims because they are neglecting older workers.
The CIPD discovered that just 46 per cent of employers aged 65 and over have had their performance formally appraised on a regular basis compared to 65 per cent of workers of all ages.
It was also reported that older employees do not have the same opportunity to receive training as just over half of staff aged over 65 said that they had been given no guidance over the previous three years in comparison to one third of all workers.
This research demonstrates that many organisations are guilty of neglecting their older workers and this can damage business productivity and workplace morale which affects all employees.
It is also the responsibility of employers to ensure that they adapt the working practices and the workplace environment to meet the requirements of elderly and less physically able staff.
Employers with elderly and physically impaired workers should looking into providing access to occupational health services, offering reduced hours and implementing flexible working.
Dianah Worman, CIPD diversity adviser, said that organisations must be more understanding of the requirements of their employees.
She said: "Employers need to do more to provide reasonable adjustments for workers of all ages to enable them to carry on working in light of physical or mental health difficulties, or indeed caring responsibilities."
British businesses may have to provide more employees with flexible working hours as the coalition government has announced plans to extend the right to request flexible working to all workers.
Organisations should employ the services of performance improvement consulting experts if they are unsure how the phasing-out of the DRA will affect their business processes.
Performance improvement consulting professionals can also help organisations maximise the potential of their elderly employees by discovering ways to enhance efficiency through the application of business theory.

International Freight Services - Reminders About Shipping Overseas

International freight services make life easier for you as they are like one-stop shops that help you organize your shipments to other countries. Sometimes these shipping agents are also the couriers themselves, but more often, they function exclusively as agents who offer you different shipping solutions and use various courier companies, depending on their clients' needs. Carriers used are usually planes and ships.
Among the common offerings of these companies are worldwide shipping that includes LCL (loose container load) or FCL (full container load) shipments, personal effects / excess baggage shipping ideal for backpackers and foreign exchange students, customs clearance, wharf cartage and, of course, air freight.
These companies know the ins and outs of worldwide shipping, which include processing of documents containing pertinent information, such as commercial invoice, shipper's export declaration and other documents required by the carrier or country of export, import, or transshipment. These days, these procedures are completed faster and more efficient, since all documents are processed through the Internet.
And to make your shipment even more hassle-free, there are some things you should need to be aware of when sending things overseas. First of all, you need to describe your goods as detailed as possible. You must state what the items are in your package. Write down every item to make sure you avoid delays. Also remember that you need to mention the replacement value of the goods you are sending when shipping to another country.
You will also do yourself and your forwarding agent a big favor if you avoid sending prohibited or restricted items. International air freight companies and even sea cargo agents, generally do not allow sending of articles of exceptional value like precious metals and stones and antiques, real and replica firearms and ammunition, human remains or ashes, live animals, illegal goods and many others. If you try shipping any of these, you may face prosecution, imprisonment and heavy fines.
In addition to this, items like fur, ivory, jewelry made of precious metals and stones, and firearm parts, among others, are restricted in shipments. Delays, surcharges and confiscation may happen if you attempt to include them in your shipment. The best thing to do is ask your international freight services agent for a complete list of prohibited and restricted items.
Lastly, keep in mind, too, that your shipment may have custom charges. This depends on your shipping destination and the item or items you are sending. Some items incur duty and taxes, while some do not. Generally, charges like these will have to be paid by the recipient.

How to Find the Right Freelancer

Freelancers can be a very useful resource when you are under a tight deadline, a severe cost constraint or when you need some help in a field you are unfamiliar with. But how do you know you are getting a good deal for your money, and how do you know the freelancer will carry out the work to the standard you expect? Well we're here to run down some useful tips to help reduce the risk of you wasting your time and money.
1. Make sure it's a freelancer you need - a lot of projects are not suitable for a freelancer to produce, because they need specialists from different areas to work on them, in order to be carried out to the standard expected. If you try to get a single freelancer to do one of these jobs, you might end up being disappointed - thus for larger projects you should think about using an experienced digital agency with proper processes.
2. Find a trustworthy freelance portal - We are in an age where more and more people are finding it hard to find a job or are being made redundant as many companies look to try and recuperate from the recession which crippled our economy. As a result, more people are turning to freelancing as a way to make money and pursue their new career. With this comes an abundance of freelancer portals for you to find your perfect candidate. Use Google to search and sign up to some of these portals. You could try OfficeCavalry.com or Guru.
3. Clearly explain your project - When you are posting a new job online, make sure you provide as much information as possible about the project and what you want to achieve. Don't just state that you need a new website built, start by explaining why you are starting the project, the importance of it, why you need the freelancer, the jobs they need to carry out, the budget you have allocated, the time it needs to be completed in, the standard of work you expect and always include the goal or outcome of your project. If there is any other important information, be sure to include it in the description.
4. Read reviews and profiles - Once you've found a portal you are happy with, you then need to search for your ideal candidate. This is a person that in your eyes will be able to sufficiently carry out the work in the time scale you allocate to them.
Take time to look through their profiles, and look into their areas of expertise, and their previous work experience. You may also want to ask them to send you a portfolio so that you can see the quality of their previous work, and whether it matches up to the standard you require. Look for feedback from other users of the portal like you. All freelancing websites will have a review system, which can help clarify the credibility and quality of the end product.
You will also want to ensure that they possess great soft skills like good communication, a personal service and a professional approach to how they carry out their work. No matter how good a freelancer they are, you need to have a good working relationship with them.
5. Look for qualification and experience - Ensure that your chosen or prospective freelancers have the skill set required to complete the project. If you are happy with the service your freelancer is offering, then the next thing to do is refer to any previous work experience they have, determine whether this is relevant, and whether you feel this sufficiently equips them to carry out the task in hand. You should also see what qualifications they have, as this can be a contributing factor to the price they charge you.
6. Ask for references - Finally, if a freelancer can boast an array of credible work and work experience, then do a background check to see if their previous employers can back up their claim. If they have experience with an award winning digital agency, then make sure they have actually done this, and ask why they left their previous job. If they are as competent as they claim to be on paper, then they will have no problem providing you with contact details of previous managers. You will be able to obtain an honest evaluation of their work ethic, and the standard of work they produce. Any freelancer who is reluctant to give you references may have something to hide from you.

Let's Take the Family Out of Business

Who is Piloting Your Plane?
Consider this question for a moment: If you were on an airplane, would you rather it was flown by a very competent pilot, or a member of the pilot's family? In this scenario, who really cares about family affiliations? By answering this question, you are beginning to grapple with the issue that we are pointing to in this analysis. Of course, you'd want the pilot to be competent and family affiliation be damned.
The title of this article is a hook describing those people who are lucky enough to be in your family. Some of those lucky people may be working with you, too. The message here is specifically for those with companies owned by families or companies who have family members as employees. The term "Lucky Sperm & Egg" is a way to refer to people who share a similar genetic pool and are related. The "Club" refers to family members who also work at the same company. If you have family members in your company, you need to proceed with caution and know that there are clear pitfalls.
What Do Owners & CEOs Want?
As a business owner, what I want is for my company to be run in the best possible way so that it makes money, customers love doing business with us, employees love working with us and the community is thrilled that we are around. As an owner and founder, the next question is: Who can best provide the these things for your organization?
Could the best candidate be a member of The Lucky Sperm & Egg Club? (I do like the sound of that!) After all, these employees may have grown up in the business and may have been schooled by the founder. They may be steeped in specialized knowledge that's important in your industry, fit into the culture of the company's working environment and understand the winning formula of your company. They could really know and love the business and its customers. It is possible that a family member really is the best candidate.
The Head of the Pack
I have seen family members lead businesses successfully a number of times in the commercial laundry business. Take the case of Ralph and Sam (the names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent). Both of these guys are second generation and highly successful in running and growing their companies. They grew up working for the companies they eventual led. They know the company's business from the ground up because they drove a truck, brought in the clean uniforms and took out the dirty ones. They know operations because they filled washers and hung pants. They know customer service because for years they answered the phones. They have been yelled at, cussed at and also complimented.
Ralph and Sam are capable business people with experience that they gained elsewhere and brought with them to their family firms. Their ability to lead and develop their companies is obvious. If they were not CEOs of their family businesses, I am sure they would be CEOs of someone else's company.
Ralph and Sam have the right genetics and both are sons of the founders: thus they are authentic members of The Lucky Sperm & Egg Club. They are also bright and talented. Because they are connected by blood, they are trustworthy. This is all true. I have found it to be this way innumerable times in my consulting practice.
Not All Eggs Make a Good Omelet
There also could be a dark side to having a Lucky Sperm & Egg Club member running the company. For example, family members could be in the company because they could not think of anywhere else to go. They could be in the company because it pays them better than anywhere else. One of the reasons that they got the good pay was because they needed it and they had the right last name. Perhaps their CEO parent felt guilty and wanted to help out. After all, that's what parent's do-help out, right?
Recently, at a dinner, I had a CEO tell me how her children were her web developers. I have seen cases where this kind of relationship really does work. However, not in this case. The CEO told me that she was paying above market prices for their services in order to help them out. She was not particularly pleased with the site they were designing, nor the service they were providing. But the CEO was helping out her kids because they needed her to do that.
SUDDENLY, A BOLT OF LIGHTING RIPPED THROUGH THE ROOM AND WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARED THERE I STOOD IN MY RED AND GOLD SPANDEX. "BLOOD SUCKER" WAS EMBAZONED IN NEON ON MY STUDLY CHEST. I WAS ON TOP OF THE TABLE LOOKING DOWN AND I SPOKE IN A BOOMING VOICE:
"YOU, MY BELOVED CEO, ARE IN DANGER OF SCREWING UP BOTH YOUR COMPANY AND YOUR FAMILY.
"WE IN THE PROFESSION CALL THAT A TWOFER."
Unfortunately, that only happened in my head. But the CEO is in danger on a number of fronts and I begged her to come to her senses.
Pretending in Order to Please You
Children could be in the company because they feel they owe it to a parent who is the CEO to carry on the family tradition-despite the fact they may have very little talent, passion or ability in the business-and they spend their time attempting to hide this. Their direct reports work with them to keep up the pretense. That is what the direct report's job is. Here is an example:
Robert was an artist. All Robert really wanted to do was paint, be with his young son and sell his artwork. Unfortunately, he found himself inheriting a failing company as co-owner with another family where there was real discord. Robert was the head of Marketing and web design with very little experience or education in Marketing. His staff had both experience and talent and did their best to protect and cover for Robert. You can imagine that there were problems in this scenario, significant problems.
My Mother The Boss
Here is a case of a CEO who is confused about her role. "She should look for another job," the CEO-also known as "mom"-told me. "If I change them from hourly to salary, I will not get forty hours out of them." The daughter, Sally, was clocking out at 4:30 pm, going to the bank and going home. This was outrageous behavior according to "mom," the CEO and Founder. "What do I do with these kids she cried?"
The CEO was in pain because she was operating from a "mothering" state and applying it to business. Mothers do not fire their youngest daughters. It can't be done. It is, however, apparently valid for moms to complain about their daughter's behavior.
It's interesting; they are both living and working together. Sally is making $40,000 a year and says she is not making enough. "Mom" is trying to find something for the twenty-five-year-old marketing major to do. The CEO admits that if her daughter were just an employee and not a member of The Lucky Sperm & Egg Club, she would let that person go and move on.
If this woman puts on the "CEO hat" and looks at the situation from that point of view, a pathway opens up. As CEO of a small company, the decision about who belongs in the company and who gets to play in the sandbox is of primary concern. The right person on the right seat of the bus and so on.
If this woman puts on the "mother hat" and looks at the situation as a parent, this is a different kind of game. The little darling, also known as "your baby," comes out with limitations and gifts. You have the rest of your lifetime to deal with these and deal you must. Connected by birth, blood and genetics, you are family-God help you. There is no choice here other than the existential one of choosing the way it is and loving it.
As a brother, I can relate to this story. My brother has brain damage and suffers from a number of psychiatric conditions. Would I fire him? Never. Have I thought about it? Definitely? Could I walk away from him and abandon him? Never. However, for sure he would never work for me. It simply would not work for my business.
Choosing Your Work
Where you work is a choice you make. Sometimes it is not seen as a choice, but still-no matter what-it is a choice. This is not slavery after all. It is employment. It may be complex choice, but where you work is a choice nevertheless.
Parents owe their children-whenever possible-food, shelter, love, medical care, education, guidance and coaching to become independent adults. However you do not owe them a job or a jobs program. These are interesting dynamics: Family and Business can be dueling systems. When they compete with each other, prepare for catastrophe. I have seen these destructive dynamics play out numerous times within companies.
So what is the point? This is: Have the leadership in your company be based on talent and ability. If it turns out they are members of that special club-family members-who actually qualify, consider it a dividend and karmic reward. However it is critical is that you go with the leaders who have the talent and ability to best lead and grow the company.
Why You May Not Be the Best Choice
A number of times I have told my clients that the best thing that they could do as a business owner is to replace themselves as President. They need to bring in someone else with more leadership, ability and talent that can build and develop their biggest, most important asset: their company. Membership in The Lucky Sperm & Egg Club is not a qualification.
Jesus is a case in point. For years he complained of the burden of running the 250 million dollar company that he grew from scratch. He didn't like having to teach everybody. Finally he made Laura-a talented woman who was not a family member- the President. She proceeded to work with his great leadership group to grow the company in a down year. They made all the financial targets and opened a new plant and are planning to soon open yet another one.
Jesus is now semi-retired. He is still Chairman of the Board and works part time. "I exercise and do a lot of fishing, especially during the summer," he recently told me. "I like the Green River but sometimes I go fishing in Colorado," he related. I spent several days with him on a trip and I have never seen him so relaxed and available.
Rules for Relatives
I have often told my client CEOs that they will potentially destroy, and certainly slow the growth and development of their company if they have lower standards or different rules for family members. So, if you have members of The Lucky Sperm & Egg Club in your business, and you truly love and want to support them, do the following:

1. Have the highest possible standards for family member behavior. Make sure that they know it is their responsibility to exemplify the company values beyond what any other employee does.
2. Only have them in roles where it is obvious that they have the essential abilities and talent to excel and bring real results to the company.
3. Coach and work with family members so that if they ever leave the company they will be able to easily command what they make at your company.
4. Make it clear to family members that because they are Club members, more will be expected from them. For them to be at the company, they will be expected to work harder and longer hours.
5. Actively encourage them not to work at the company and if they decide to continue to do so, then reinforce that it is a choice that they are making.
6. If you have any unresolved issues with your siblings, cousins, children, spouse, etc., and you hope to work it out by working together, forget about it. Go see a therapist and leave the business, organization and company completely out of the equation.

These are my views. Now you have deal with these insights in the context of your own family and your own business. I hope it goes well for your business and well for your family. Let me know your thoughts.