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Getting To Know People In Seconds

Most everyone belongs to some kind of a club or group. Perhaps it is a civic group, or a service club, or a church group, or even a family group. How often have you attended a “meeting” of your group, and not spent any time getting to know the people in the group? Too often groups are only concerned with agendas, reports, useless chitchat and weather reports, or getting business done. Life is too short to miss the opportunities to get to know people better and foster meaningful relationships.

People love to talk about themselves, their interests, their families and their life experiences. And, if you listen carefully, you can learn a lot about them as they share these things. The problem is that unless they are asked, they probably won’t tell. Then there is the additional issue of limited time in most club or group meetings. Good news… it can be done, if done briefly and regularly.

One president of a Kiwanis club (a community service club) uses a very effective “exercise” in the beginning of the club’s meeting. To officially start the meeting, the members are asked to all stand, do the pledge to the flag, have a brief prayer (some clubs follow with a song), then sit down and proceed with the meeting. But, before letting the members sit down, this leader had them ask one or two people a specific question, or had them tell someone a certain something about themselves. And, low and behold, the members started learning things about one another… and relationships started developing.

So, here are some suggestions for the types of directives and questions to use.

Things related to certain times and seasons:

What was your most memorable Christmas?
What was your most embarrassing birthday surprise?
What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving?
Where were you on 9/11?
Tell someone your favorite summer vacation.
Tell someone about the hottest day you remember - where you were and the temperature.
Tell some one your favorite time of year, and why.

Things related to people and places:

What is your favorite color, and why?
What is your favorite food?
Who are you most like… your mom or dad?
Where did you meet your spouse?
Who is your “hero” and why?
If you could be someone from the past, who and why?
Tell the funniest statement you’ve heard from a child (maybe it was you).
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If you could “fix” or change one thing in the world today, what would it be?
Tell someone your middle name, and why it was given to you.
Tell the funniest joke (keep it clean) you can think of.

Using these to get you thinking, and a little creativity, you can come up with many more. Think about the things you would like to know about those with whom you associate. Think about what you would like to tell others, if they would only listen… then start asking and telling.

Sam Crowley is a best-selling co-author and motivational speaker.
You can see Sam’s home business at
www.DefendYourDream.com. Sam’s mission is to create ten millionaires in the next five years

Launch Your Career with Social Networking

Social networking sites were created as a means for people to make new friends and connect with existing friends but the phenomenon has turned into so much more. Some have found they could launch their careers through social networking sites. Many net saavy job seekers have discovered that using social networking has replaced the “good ol boy” network for job hunting.

Your social networking profile should be designed to catch the attention of those in your chosen industry. For example, an individual seeking a career in the profession of library science may have outrageous interests and hobbies but designing a profile to reflect these hobbies may detract from those who might otherwise consider the education and past work experiences of the individual. Similarly someone who wants to break into the fashion industry should strive to create a social networking profile which is trendy and edgy as opposed to mundane.

Increase Your Circle of Friends

Those who use social networking just to make friends can also benefit from designing a profile that really promotes themselves. This design should not only promote the owner of the profile but should also be tailored to suit the tastes of the type of friends the individual would like to make. For example a diehard Yankee fan might want to incorporate a Yankee themed background to the profile and include a song such as I Love New York. This will make the profile, and the individual, more desirable to those who share their interests.

How To Meet Business Contacts With Social Networking

Social networking community sites provide members with a wealth of networking opportunities. Although these opportunities exist, it takes a savvy user to not only find others with whom they would like to network but also convince these users to join in the networking opportunity.

The best way to find contacts that have similar interests as you is through the search feature that most social networking websites offer. You can find old college buddies, high school classmates and old co-workers easily when using the search feature properly. Find as many people that you can with similar interests and add them to your friends list. You will be amazed at how fast your list will grow. Soon, people will be contacting you instead of you contacting them and you will have fast growing list.

Bottom line, from job hunting to selling your product online, social networking is here to stay.

Carlos Scarpero is the creator of the Success Duplicator downline building system, a free tool that combines the power of Success University and Direct Matches. Try out Success Duplicator for yourself for free at www.success-duplicator.com.

How to Network Successfully Online

Social networking has exploded in recent years with the popularity of sites like My Space and Direct Matches. Social networking websites are sites are places where members can meet to share photos, journals and interests with an extensive network of friends.

When networking online it is important to consider who you want to meet in your networking endeavor. For example, do you want to meet business people? Then, you should focus on a more business oriented social networking site like Direct Matches or Ryze.

Where Can You Find Those You Want to Meet?

One of the best ways to quickly find who you want on social networking websites is by using the search feature. You should compile a list of keywords which are likely to be used on the profiles of members you would like to meet. Searching for these keywords can help you to locate those who share your interests.

Most social netwoking sites have features that make it easy to visit the profiles of your friends’ firends. Visiting the profiles of your friends’ friends can also help you to meet more interesting individuals. Those who you already consider to be friends likely share some of your interests. Likewise, many of their existing friends may share these interests as well. Investigating profiles of those who are friends of your friends can put you in contact with many more people who might be potential friends for you.

Do You Want to Take Your Networking Offline?

After networking online, the natural progression is to determine whether or not you want to expand on your network to include face to face meetings as a part of this networking. Care should be taken when making this decision to ensure you are not putting yourself, or others, at unnecessary risk by arranging these networking meetings.

The most important aspect in arranging offline networking meetings with those who you meet online is choosing a safe location for these meetings. A well lit, busy, public location is ideal for these types of meetings. These types of locations not only minimize the chance that any participants in the meeting will attempt to harm others but also helps to make those who are planning to attend feel safer. You might think a house belonging to your friend is an excellent location because you are familiar with the location and will have friends with you but it is important to note those you are meeting may be just as suspicious of you as you are of them. They are more likely to be interested in attending your meeting if it takes place in a public location because they will feel more comfortable.

Another aspect to consider when deciding whether or not to take virtual networking opportunities offline is whether or not you think the friendships will be the same offline as they are online. Many Internet users feel freer to express their opinions online than they do in face to face meetings. Friends who have wonderful relationships online may find their relationship falters when they actually meet in person.

If you follow these tips and do your research you will have networking success.

Carlos Scarpero is the creator of the Success Duplicator downline building system, a free tool to explode your leads, your income and your duplication that works with any MLM program. Claim your free copy of Success Duplicator at www.success-duplicator.com.

What Do You Do For A Living?

When someone asks, “What do you do for a living?” How do you answer?
Do you say, “I work for XYZ Company and have a home based business.” Or do you say “I work from home?” and leave out the day job part or something similar? Or even worse, you fail to mention your home based business at all? If you’re new to Network Marketing/MLM; I’m betting you say you work for XYZ Company and my network marketing company or you fail to mention your business at all.

It’s a tough habit to break. I know it was for me. I went to a Chamber of Commerce Breakfast at Teddy Gentry’s (of the group Alabama) farm a few years ago and as I was introducing myself to people, I noticed myself saying “And”. This thought has stuck with me for all these years as I think about why some people succeed and some fail in Network Marketing. You can look at the success stories and figure out that almost anyone can succeed. There’re people who were educated, high school dropouts, executives, factory workers, geniuses, and the not so smart. I even remember reading about a guy who was homeless on the street who succeeded and I’m sure you can find members of the same class of people who failed so background isn’t the reason. It may be part of the reason but it isn’t the entire reason.

If you started a business on Main Street, it’d be easy to say you own it. After all, chances are that it would be ALL you did. You’d give it 110% of your focus and your energy. You’d probably be there 10-16 hours a day and think about it all the time until it became successful or you burned out.
There’re books out there that say you should quit your job so that you’d have no choice but to succeed in your company, but I can’t agree 100%. My belief is that it’s better to have the mind set that your business is #1 and your job is #2 (not including family and other important things). If you’ve ever worked 2 jobs, you probably didn’t mention both of them when people asked so why mention your job now unless you are at work? Does that make sense? It’s nothing but a mind set but it’ll make a world of difference in how you act inside and out.

If you’re saying you work for XYZ Company and… you’re missing a great opportunity to have someone ask about your business. Would you rather have someone ask how he or she can get a job or have their own business? I know which would be better for you and the person who may be asking. If you’re in a reputable company that provides training and a way to make money, without costing an arm and a leg, and you are supporting your downline, they would be better off in your downline. What about your products? Would they help the person asking? Would the products save them money? Would (your product) solve (enter problem here)?

This isn’t the end all be all success key in network marketing but it is a very important piece of the puzzle. If you do this, your bank account won’t explode overnight, but it will get you on the path to not having that job.

Brian Baldwin has been a professional network marketer for over 5 years
and a Cognigen agent for more
than 2 years. To find out more about Brian Baldwin and receive a free
subscription to his Proven MLM Training Newsletter, visit
http://www.brianbaldwin.com

Influencing Skills - How To Influence People

There is no right way, nor is there only one way to influence others. Everything, but everything, is a factor when influencing people.

And we are, all of us, influenced by people, places, events and situations at all times. Sometimes we are affected more or less by these things, but we are continually being influenced by what happens around us.

So what about the specifics in the workplace?

Your job requires you to influence people just about all of the time. It may take the form of gaining support, inspiring others, persuading other people to become your champions, engaging someone’s imagination, creating relationships.

Whatever form it takes, being an excellent influencer makes your job easier.

An interesting point about people who use their influencing skills well, is that other people like being around them. There’s a kind of exciting buzz, or sense that things happen when they’re about.

It’s because they don’t sit around wishing things were different while moaning there’s nothing they can do about it.

They don’t sit around blaming others or complaining about what needs fixing that will make things better. They see what needs doing and set about getting it done.

Truly excellent influencing skills require a healthy combination of interpersonal, communication, presentation and assertiveness techniques.

It is about adapting and modifying your personal style when you become aware of the affect you are having on other people, while still being true to yourself. Behaviour and attitude change are what’s important, not changing who you are or how you feel and think.

You may try to exert your influence through coercion and manipulation. You might even succeed in getting things done; but that isn’t really influencing. That’s forcing people to do what you want, often against their will. You won’t have succeeded in winning support.

Pushing, bullying, bludgeoning or haranguing DO NOT WORK! Like elephants, people will remember the experience.

Indeed, if you force someone to do something you want, without taking their point of view into consideration, then the impression that person is left with is how they will see you forever. You’re stuck with it, unless you deliberately change what you do in order to be seen differently.

People are far more willing to come halfway (or more) if they feel acknowledged, understood and appreciated. They may even end up doing or agreeing to something they wouldn’t previously have done because they feel good about making the choice.

Influencing is about understanding yourself and the effect or impact you have on others. Though it can, on occasion, be one way, the primary relationship is two way, and it is about changing how others perceive you.

In other words, the clich

Turning Recruiting Into A Game

Today we’re going to look at an easy way to grow your business. This is so easy; you’ll probably be surprised at how well it works and it’s so easy that I tend to think of it as a game.
You’ll need business cards and belief that it will work.

Here’s how I play the game.
When I get up each morning and when I’m out running errands, I set an intention to meet at least one person that I need to meet. I usually say to myself while driving to the store that I intend to meet at least one person that I need to meet and then I keep an eye open for those people. Some times, they are people who are looking for a home based business, some times they are people who are looking for the products I sell and some times they are people who need my help lifting a heavy object into their shopping cart. The point is that every time I expect to meet someone, I do.

Now, you may not believe me, but give it a try. When you go out today or tomorrow, expect to meet someone and keep an open mind. If it doesn’t work for you, then try again the next day and actually expect to meet at least one person.

Since I started playing this game, I’ve recruited several people into my downline, made several sales, made a contact that may prove very valuable in the future and helped an elderly lady put a heavy object into her cart. But, more importantly, I’ve had fun.

By the way, this idea came to me while reading the book, “Ask And It Is Given” by Jerry and Esther Hicks. It’s a book on the Power Of Intention and Law Of Attraction.

If you need a logical explanation for how this works instead of whatever you ask for, the universe will give, then it’s simple. You pass by dozens of people each day that want a home based business or your products and you don’t notice them. This game will cause you to change your focus and actually see those people. How many times have you had a clerk that was tired of her job and it showed? I used to get slightly irritated about it until I started seeing these people as needing a better life. Now I hand them a card and ask if they’ve ever thought of having their own business.

Now, go out and play. If people see you having fun, they’ll want to know how you do it.

Brian Baldwin has been a professional network marketer for over 5 years and a Cognigen agent for more than 3 years. To find out more about Brian Baldwin and receive a free subscription to his Proven MLM Training Newsletter, visit http://www.brianbaldwin.com

Do You Listen Or Do You Actively Listen?

Listening is one of the most effective communication skills we can learn.

For it to be really effective we must learn to ‘actively’ listen. Normal everyday listening allows us think about what’s being said, form a response, offer a solution or advice or just be waiting for them to stop talking so we can say jump in with our own opinion or perspective.

However, listening is about more than what’s being said. What are the words being used? What is the tone of voice, what feelings are being expressed? What is the body language of the speaker?

Active listening is about listening to what the person is saying without jumping to any conclusion or interpreting what they’re saying according to your own perceptions. When we listen to someone speak, we do so at a number of levels from the superficial ‘only half listening’ to the total focus of deeper listening.

Superficial - not really there, thoughts or attention are somewhere else and the interest is low. May make the right ‘listening’ noises, nod and murmur agreement but the person isn’t really listening.

Level 1 - What does this mean to me? We hear the words but are using our own interpretation and judgement to decide what it means to me. There may be a need for more information. Someone listening at this level is likely to impose their own opinions and thoughts on the conversation.

Level 2 - Focused on the other person and not what’s going on around them. At this level the listener may be leaning forward, head to one side, making eye contact, shows they are listening. They are aware of the speaker’s feelings as well as the words being said. Keeps focus in order to fully understand. Is able to summarise and clarify what’s been said.

Level 3 - This is a much deeper level of listening. It’s about listening for what’s not being said. Using your intuition to truly understand the other person and what they’re feeling. The listener is totally focused on the other person and totally unaware of themselves, their thoughts or anything else.

How to improve your listening skills:

Adopt a listening posture, face the person, make eye contact and nod your head or make appropriate sounds or gestures to show you’re listening.

When encouraging someone to talk - don’t ask ‘closed’ questions that simply require a ‘Yes or No’ answer but ask ‘open-ended’ questions - how, what, when…?

If you catch yourself being distracted or drifting off in your own thoughts - be honest and apologise to the speaker - “Sorry, I was thinking about what you said earlier, could you repeat what you just said”. Focus your attention back on the person in front of you.

Try listening not just with your hearing but with all your other senses. What is the person really saying? Do the words match the tone and energy of the speaker? How do they feel?

Summarise what’s been said to you to show you understand.

Notice your conversations over the next few days. When are you really listening? What difference do you notice when you change the way you listen.

Copyright 2006: Clare Evans

Clare Evans works with busy, stressed individuals and small business owners to help them plan and organise their time more effectively. Contact her now for more details and a free consultation. http://www.clareevans.co.uk

How To Make Sure You Never Forget A Name Again

Do you have problems remembering names or are you really lucky and never forget a face … or a name? If like many of us you go to network meetings or social events where you will be meeting a large number of people, how do you remember all those names?

Get Ready

The first step is to prepare yourself mentally. Make a conscious decision to remember all the names of the people you are about to meet.

Listen

When you’re about to be introduced to someone, listen carefully and CONCENTRATE! How often does it go in one ear and out the other because we’re not really listening or our thoughts are elsewhere?

Repeat

If you miss it, ask them to repeat it. When you first hear someone’s name, repeat it straight away, “Good to meet you John” and try to use it three times during your conversation, “So, tell me John …” and when you leave, “Thank-you, John, it was good to meet you … If you realise you’ve forgotten their name by the time you come to end the conversation - politely ask them again? This will help reinforce their name in your mind. If it’s an unusual name ask how it’s spelled.

Association

The easiest way to remember someone’s name is by association.

* Do they remind you of anyone? A friend, relative, work colleague, actor or well-known person, living or dead?

* Do they have the same first name as someone you know? Does their first name or surname create an image in your mind?

* What type of person do they look like - a lawyer, an accountant, a typical …salesman, teacher … (what’s typical to you will be different from someone else, use your association)?

* Does their name link directly to an occupation in which case the image is easier to form - Baker, Gardner, Porter etc.

Create a picture

Now create an image with as many of the elements as possible - the person who they remind you of, a location, the image of their surname and the person you know with the same first name. Make it as visual, colourful, bizarre and as detailed as possible.

For example Michael White - reminds you of an accountant, visualise him with a massive ‘white’ calculator, pouring over a pile of papers and account books, surrounded by large, colourful numbers.

David Brooks reminds you of Woody Allen and has the same name as your Uncle David - visualise your Uncle David in ‘Manhattan’ dancing around in a ‘brook’ that meanders between the buildings.

Another obvious association is between someone’s name and a physical feature or trait. The shape of their face, a distinguishing part such as eyes, ears, chin, nose, hair colour etc. Alan Blackburn has big black sideburns (does that translate?). So emphasis the image - see your friend Alan (also called Alan) with big black sideburns or a large ‘allen’ key with great big Black sideburns.

The first thing you think of is the strongest association - use this, it will make it easier to recall later.

Practice

This might sound like a very long-winded and lengthy approach but the brain is amazingly fast, efficient and brilliant at recognising images. The more you practice, the faster you will get at making associations and the easier it will become. The brain works more effectively with images and the more bizarre they are the more likely you are to recall the information.

Try not to link the image to their clothing or something they are wearing such as jewellery, especially if you are likely to meet them again. They are highly unlikely to be wearing the same thing when/if you next meet them.

If you’re with a group of people for a whole day, linking to clothing can work while you get to know them better. It helps to keep recalling their names throughout the day and using their name when in conversation with them.

OK, my examples may not do it for you but hopefully you get the idea.

If you get introduced to more than one person at a time, for instance in a group, take your time, scan each face and find the association. The more you do it the faster you’ll become and the easier the associations will be to find.

Review

Another important key to remembering names and faces is to review them regularly. When you’re at a meeting or social event, you can briefly scan the faces in the room and recall the names. The more often you do this, the more likely you are to remember them. When you get home, recall their face. If you have their business card, recall their face linked to their card and if possible do the same the following day and a week later to get it into longer-term memory.

The more often you associate the face with the name, the more likely you are to remember them the next time you meet them. You know how good it feels when someone actually remembers your name and people are always flattered when you do.

Use these ideas and with a little practice you need never forget a name again.

Copyright 2006: Clare Evans

Clare Evans works with busy, stressed individuals and small business owners to help them plan and organise their time more effectively. Contact her today for more details and a free consultation. http://www.clareevans.co.uk

The Customer Is King

All too often we think ‘we know what is best for our business’ when in fact we do not know if the customer agrees with us or not! The good news is that most business operators are keen to gather new information - but the bad news is that many will never put any of the ideas they read into action! It is not so much that they do not believe what they are reading or hearing - it is more the fact that it is more ‘comfortable’ to continue along the same path as before. They justify this path of non action by saying “it is better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know.” Just remember - ‘non action means no results!’

Another thing that busy operators tend not to do is measure the results of what they do put into practice. If you place an advertisement, keep a record of what the ‘hits’ are you get as well as the sales. Then change ONE thing - it may be the heading; it may be the price; it may be some of the wording; it may be the guarantee; then check the results again. Be prepared to do this a few times until you get the winning combination for your target market.

It never ceases to amaze me how much money people will spend to gain new customers e.g. through advertising; but virtually spend nothing to keep existing customers. The old adage ‘the customer is always right’ is still relevant and real. It is also the case that ‘without customers you do not have a business’.

So put some time into developing customer incentives and reward systems; keep hard at work to build on your relationship via a newsletter and website; be prepared to invite them as guests to seminars and conferences you go to (you may pay for them or just invite them to join you); give them gifts at appropriate times of the year - in other words - treat them like kings and queens - make them feel special. This is the way to get a customer to become your ambassador and ’spread the word’ about you, to their individual networks.

If you want your business to be on ‘everyone’s lips’ then don’t neglect your existing customer’s lips. Word of mouth is a powerful tool. As well as treating your customers admirably, you need to build credibility and trust. What can you do to make your business ’stand out from your competitors?’ Think about it from a customer’s perspective. Let’s say, you, (the customer) are looking for an electrician. You check out the local papers and phone books and find fifteen listed. Which one will you choose? Your choice may be based on the headline; the text; or a graphic - but basically your choice will be based on luck! Now re-wind. If one of those 15 electricians had a ’star rating’ and this was indicated in their advertisement - wouldn’t you be tempted to pick that one?

Everyone knows what a ’star rating’ means; so if you are rated, you will definitely increase your customer base and add credibility for your existing customers to take notice of. Never underestimate the importance of making your customers feel special - you, as a customer, like to feel special - don’t you? Spend some time and effort into putting strategies into place to reward and thank existing customers and you business will grow and prosper.

Barbara Gabogrecan is a renowned artist and author, winning many awards. You can access the FREE e-report “Network and Make Your Customer King.” http://tinyurl.com/f67z2

A Proven Way To Boost Your Customer Numbers and Increase Your Sales

It is important that you are aware of who it is you want to sell your product/service to. Recognising your target market is an important step in running a successful business.

Many new businesses believe that their customers are anyone who buys their product. However, if you can define exactly who your market is and specifically target your customer, you are more likely to be successful.

Don’t get caught in the trap of believing you must keep getting new customers, and put all your resources and efforts into opening up new markets. It is more important to plan how to get repeat orders from existing customers. It costs seven times more to gain a new customer than to keep an existing customer.

Without customers you have no sales. It is therefore logical that you must look after you customers as though they were the most important part of your business - because they are!

When developing your business structure it is important that customer loyalty be considered. This is important because:

Body Language - How To Know What They’re Really Saying

When we communicate with someone we will be doing so on a number of levels, not just the words that we use - tone of voice and body language are also important factors in non-verbal communication.

Eye contact - is one of the most powerful means of communication after words. It can be direct or indirect, long-lasting or short and more usually intermittent when talking to someone in normal conversation. Staring or holding eye contact for too long can make people feel uncomfortable and is unsettling. Appropriate eye contact is important for effective communication. People who like or feel comfortable with each other engage in eye contact more frequently. People who avoid eye contact are likely to be feeling uncomfortable, guilty or embarrassed.

Face - next on the list after the eyes. This is one of the first features we notice. By looking at someone’s face we can read their emotion. Small gestures like the eyebrow flash happen almost subconsciously when we greet people we are pleased to see or who we know. A smile can also work wonders when greeting someone for the first time. It can also be used to calm and help people to feel at ease. A genuine smile lights up the whole face including the eyes, a forced or nervous smile tends to stay around the mouth. Where someone looks when you talk to them can tell you which side of the brain they’re accessing and if they’re a visual, auditory or kinetic person.

Posture - has a lot to say about how a person feels about themselves and the person they’re with. Are they leaning in towards each other or away from each other? Mirroring someone’s posture is a good way to create rapport and will happen naturally in some situations. Try it out but don’t make it too obvious or it can be off-putting. What is the posture of someone who feels confident? How does someone sit/stand when they feel threatened or fearful? If you have to give a presentation and feel nervous - adopt a posture of confidence and think yourself into a positive mode. See what a difference it makes.

Hand gestures - particularly at the moment, we are exposed to the carefully managed gestures of politicians when giving their pre-election speeches. The use of hand gestures can be another interesting aspect of body language that show attitudes and emotions. An open palm signifies sincerity, openness. Steepling of the fingers is seen as authoritative, or used during negotiation when considering a proposal. Tapping or drumming the fingers shows impatience. Touching the face indicates thinking, the hair insecurity and the ears indecision.

Personal space - everyone has their own sense of personal space that we carry around with us. We should be aware of this personal space so that we don’t invade someone’s personal space uninvited. Invading someone’s personal space can seem threatening and the person will move away to a more comfortable distance. In crowded situations personal space is greatly reduced and other factors will come into account such as avoidance of eye contact and the use of defensive postures.

Body contact - the handshake is the most recognised form of body contact and used in greetings and farewells. A firm handshake is preferred in both men and women. A weak handshake shows either ineffectiveness, insincerity or reluctance. Bone crusher handshakes on the other hand are seen as aggressive or overly dominant. People brought up where body contact is a normal part of family life tend to be more positive and open than those with less. Always be aware and observe what is acceptable with an individual or for different cultures.

When interpreting body language you need to take into account all parts of the body. Changes in a person’s normal body language indicate a change in emotion or attitude. Don’t assume that because someone has their arms crossed they are being defensive, perhaps they really are just cold! Look at all the different signals before interpreting the final message - at least three to four.

Fun Exercise: Watch people’s body language when you’re next in a position to observe. How close are they? How much eye contact is there? Can you tell if they know/like each other? Are they strangers or friends? See how much of the conversation you can guess from observing people’s body language.

Copyright 2005: Clare Evans

Clare Evans works with busy, stressed individuals and small business owners to help them plan and organise their time more effectively. Contact her now for more details and a free consultation. http://www.clareevans.co.uk

Creating A Business Image That Counts

Many things can contribute to creating the business image that you want and they should all be considered before you rush into having anything printed to promote your business.

Start with the very name you call your business. When deciding on the name consider just what the image is that you are trying to convey e.g. fun, serious, sensitive, caring, knowledgeable, etc. Don’t have the name too long or too difficult to pronounce or spell.

As well as a short name, if possible it should also give an idea of what the business is about. This will help your potential customers to recognise and remember your service/product. You can also create an image or ‘branding’ by supporting the name with a logo (a graphic or drawing) to help customers visually recognise you. A logo does not have to be complicated - it can simply be your name, which is written in a particular way e.g. Coca Cola just uses the name of the product written in a specific style.

In most countries you have to legally register your business name. In Australia registration allows you to have an individual name for your business that is not identical or similar to another business name within the State where it is registered. The cost of registration is around $70 in most Australian States.

As you may not get your first choice of a name, the registration form allows for alternative suggestions. Do not make the name of your business too long. It is difficult to fit in computer fields, and you may find clients end up abbreviating it.
Registration will not necessarily protect the rights of the name from being used by other businesses especially if they create a company or add another word in front of the name.

In Australia, the registration lasts for three years and can be renewed. The Certificate of Registration you are given must be displayed in a prominent position at the place of business or outside every location where business is conducted under that name.
The registered name also must appear on all stationery such as letterheads together with the ABN (Australian Business Number).

It is important that you do not commence using the name you have chosen, or have it printed on anything, until you receive notification that it has been accepted for registration (you will receive a Certificate with your business name attached). You cannot claim any expenses in relationship to your business until you have a registered name (unless you trade only using your actual name)

Business cards are a cheap and most effective way to promote and advertise your business and are an invaluable networking tool. Each business card should contain the business name, persons name, title, address, phone, fax, email and web address. If the name of your business is not self descriptive, put a couple of words to explain what your business does, e.g. Gabogrecan Enterprises - Art Commissions, Tourist and Fashion Product.

Your card should be designed with the image you want to create, in mind. Colour, style and size of fonts, logo and the quality of card used, can all contribute to the image you wish to create.

Business cards are often stored in special containers or plastic sleeves by participants. If your card cannot fit these receptacles, they will be placed in a drawer and forgotten. If you want to have a magnet card, or some other type of interesting format - produce and present two business cards. One for storing with others and the special one to make an extra impact.

When exchanging a business card, take the trouble to read the information at that moment (it shows genuine interest and helps you remember the person). Jot some details on the back e.g. Date and function at which cards were exchanged, and any special details to assist you in remembering the contact e.g. opened the door for me!

Business cards that have a great deal of information printed on the back, are laminated, or are of a very dark colour, make this networking function impossible.

Always have business cards with you. Keep them in a wide variety of places so you do not forget them. Carry blank cards with you for those people you meet who have forgotten theirs.

Remember, business is often about perception. If you are targeting the small or micro business sector and your printed material is ‘over the top’ this can lose customers just as quickly as promotional material that is scatty and obviously disjointed.

This ‘over the top’ material is something big business does all the time and then they wonder why they cannot win over customers from smaller business. The bigger and bolder the ’splash’ of your promotional material is the more is will suggest that what you have to offer is expensive - is this the image you want to portray? Remember that the smaller business does not necessarily think expensive means quality service or product.

Think out your image before having a single thing printed and this includes how you will present it e.g. will a brochure, flyer, business card be presented in a folder? Once you have decided on your image - then promote it and build up your brand recognition.

Barbara Gabogrecan has spent the last 10 years helping the Micro/HBB sector to achieve a ‘point of difference’ so that they can ‘beat their competitors to the punch’, grow their customer base and increase their sales. To discover how you can do this go to http://www.micronavigator.com.au

Finding MLM Software

One of the keys to running a good MLM program is the ability to manage affiliates without spending too much money. Lucky for you, there are MLM software programs out there that can help. They vary in type and effectiveness, so you must look through them and determine what will work best for you. Some are literally junk and others run like a charm. Don’t hesitate to check reviews of the software and also check testimonials.

One type of MLM software that you will commonly find is stand alone software. For this type, you would pay one fee to actually own the program. Once you have installed it on your server, it is easy to get it integrated with your other systems. Generally this type of MLM software has a lot in the way of functionality and does not cost you a lot after the initial fee. On the other hand, it does need to be installed, and you may have to hire someone to do that for you. You may also find that you need more web space and thus have to upgrade your hosting service. If you arfe skilled enough, you will be able to install this software on your own, eliminating the extra cost.

Another type of MLM software is hosted. In this case, a third party provides the program to you. They actually host the program and then charge you to access it. The best part about this type of MLM software is that it requires no real skill. In addition, upgrades are put out on a regular basis in most cases. Also, up front cost is usually lower. On the downside, fees are there every month and often increase with volume. So it actually costs you more as you have more success.

MLM software can and should be a big part of your business plan. It can help you track your business while also increasing your customers and recruits. The key is to find the type of software and particular version that is right for you. Aside from stand alone and hosted software there are also other types that may interest you. The best thing you can do is simple investigation to find out what will work for you. Do some searches on the internet to determine what is available and what would best suit your particular situation. I prefer to use google as my search engine of choice and most of the time I get good results.

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. For more information on Identity Theft, please visit MLM Information for a wealth of information. You may also want to visit keith’s own web site at http://keithlondrie.com/

What You Should Know About Business Phone Systems

A phone system is crucial to any business, especially a small business. As a small business owner you cannot afford the huge billboards, glossy flyers, and expensive websites that large companies employ in order to win customers, nor can you personally visit each of your clients, customers, vendors and franchisees. A reliable business phone system helps you keep in touch with the people that are important to your business.

The three major ones are KSU less, Key Systems and Private Branch Exchange. This article explains the different types and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

KSU Less Systems
The KSU Less Systems are the best option for small businesses. If you employ less than 10 people, then the KSU Less phones will give you all the necessary facilities.

Advantages of the KSU Less System

1.The KSU Less Systems can be transferred to other locations easily, since they do not require permanent electricity sources.

2.The KSU Less System is less expensive compared to other kinds of business phone systems.

3.You can designate particular extensions for different people.

4.Privacy is guaranteed through restrictions on calls to different areas and barriers against anyone accidentally listening to the conversation through another line.

5.KSU less Phones are not routed through a central control box. Therefore, you do not need to invest in additional space and funds to install a central control.

Disadvantages of the KSU Less System

1.Companies selling KSU Less Systems do not provide extensive installation and maintenance support. You need to install the phone system on your own, and take care of maintenance glitches as well.

2.If you are holding simultaneous conversations with two or more people, the conversations may cross each other.

Private Branch Exchange (PBX)
If your business has expanded and you need a bigger and more sophisticated system, you could consider investing in the PBX system. While the PBX is more expensive than the KSU Less, it is a good investment if you need additional features that are not there in the latter, of if you employ more than 40 people.

Advantages of PBX

1.The vendor provides installation and maintenance.

2.A single phone number as your official contact will reach all employees.

3.Possesses a Web Configuration facility.

Key Systems

With the Key Systems a central control unit or Key manages functions like dedicated lines for particular conversations.

Advantages of Key Systems

1.The Key Systems allow you to call another extension.

2.They are secure against someone accidentally overhearing the conversation on another line.

Final Thought
When investing in a business phone system, you must keep all the above points in mind. If you have a small business, you can use the KSU Less System since it is more cost effective. If you employ more than 10 people, then the PBX System should be a good option. The PBX Key hybrids that have been recently launched in the market are also worth a look. If you need to know more about the advantages of different systems, then you should consult a small business advisor.

David Gass is President of Business Credit Services, Inc. His company publishes a free weekly e-newsletter on Small Business Consulting at their web site http://www.smallbusinessconsulting.com