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Archive for Business Experts

Are Your Business Practises Admirable or Unethical?

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Tuesday, March 15th, 2016

ethics

Unethical business practices can run the gamut from behaviour that is damaging to the business, the business owners and their customers, all the way to what is considered borderline illegal. What may look like a bad decision on one business owner’s part can turn out to violate the unwritten code of fair practises.

A good example would be Wal-Mart’s long standing practise of making those companies who provide their products dependent upon them. They do this by forcing them to charge extremely low prices or find another outlet for their sales.

Dishonesty is one of the most common types of unethical behaviour we come across in business. False advertising is seen quite often in order to draw in customers, boost sales and profitability. Business owners and their employees take credit for the work of others and huge corporations are responsible for faulty items and machinery that quite often damage our environment and can lead to serious accidents that affect a large part of the nearby population.

On a smaller scale, many businesses provide terrible customer service or none at all, fail to live up to their promises and treat people in a manner that while not illegal, is still not worthy of a business owner.

On the other hand, for the majority of business owners, integrity is everything. They have gained the trust of their customers and do whatever they can to maintain good business practices. Their employees and co-workers are treated with courtesy and their financial dealings are honest.

Many businesses have a code of ethics in place or a code of conduct which outlines the responsibilities and guidelines for all those who are connected with the business. A good example is Kraft, which has a code of ethical behaviour with only 10 rules, but they manage to cover the most important values to guide their employee’s actions. Loyalty, honesty and value figure largely in their code.

The key components of the majority of business ethics emphasize:

Values which involve all day to day dealings.
Personal responsibility with information regarding legal and moral consequences if the code is violated.
Principles of all types including environmental and operational.

There are many other components which make up the whole of what are called business ethics and they are very similar to what we consider ethical in our daily lives. A business is only as profitable as its least ethical employee or member and standards of behaviour count just as much in business as they do in everyday life. Surrounding yourself with ethical employees is the same as spending your personal life with honest, trustworthy people. It makes your company one which can be trusted and also one which customers like to do business with.

Chris Draper © Copyright 2016 All rights reserved.

 

Categories : Business Experts, Small Business
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Business Etiquette – Does it Matter?

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Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016

bad etiquetteThough society has in general become more casual and we don’t tend to follow the strict manners and protocol of previous generations, etiquette is extremely important to your small business. Your customers notice it and talk about it with others. It can often make the difference between a good business and a great business.

Many small business owners make the mistake of not adhering to certain rules, which even in our technological era, are still expected. If they have employees, the employees are not trained to speak or deal with customers properly over the telephone and know even less about how to deal with clients in person.

When greeting customers, it is expected that you will shake hands and listen when you are introduced. Remembering your customer’s names and greeting them by name shows you care about them and their business. People tend to be flattered if you remember them, especially when they have only met you once. If they have called you and left a message, always reply as quickly as you can and the same goes for business email.

One of the most noticeable and unprofessional examples of bad manners, is to use the expressions “no problem” or “uh huh”. It’s “you’re welcome”, “please” and “thank you”. These are necessities and so is answering the phone with the name of the business. When you are running a business, service is expected as it is your job. Be careful of your language. Drop the slang and of course, leave the swearing elsewhere. Your customers are paying attention and expect you to act like a business professional.

Another example of unprofessional behaviour is to accept cellphone calls or texts while in conversation or meetings with others. Turn the phone off unless the call is so important that you can’t risk missing it, in which case it’s best dealt with before important meetings.

When dealing with international customers and those of different cultures, make sure you are aware of their customs. It is easy to insult a customer when their business behaviour is much different than that of the country you live in. Be aware and be considerate.

Be honest and don’t cheat. This involves all members of the business community, social media and your customers. People like to deal with businesses that are direct and honest in their dealings. Any dishonesty in your company will quickly be picked up on and you will lose customers.

Lastly, treat others as you would like to be treated. Customers want to deal with you as a person and not just a business entity. Building a rapport with them and learning about them while following proper business etiquette can mean a lot for your business. It does matter.

Chris Draper © Copyright 2016 All rights reserved.

Image courtesy of marketmyclients

Categories : Business Experts, Customer Service, Small Business
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Taking Control of Your Business and Life

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Wednesday, February 24th, 2016

which pathTaking Control of Your Business and Life

You’ve built your perfect business, it was challenging and at the onset, chaotic. You are in control of so many things and at the same time, your thoughts about where you are headed from here are constantly in your thoughts. It’s a lot easier when you keep in mind several necessary things that will help you stay focused and on track.

Relax and get busier. While the two may not sound like they belong together, what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. Concentrating fully on one task in particular, completing it and getting it out of your way keeps business worries at bay. At the same time, if you tend to be the type that gets anxious and/or nervous, if demands have you stressed to the point where you can’t concentrate, relaxation is probably the best choice. Give yourself a holiday, even if only for one day.

Don’t pay attention to the opinions of others. Always think about where the opinion came from. Most business owners know when they are doing their best. Listen to others who have experience in your field but don’t feel you have to take into consideration the comments of those who probably have no idea what is in your best interest. Seek knowledge from those who have it and learn to navigate around any pitfalls that could arise from the negative messages of others. You didn’t get where you are by not thinking for yourself.

Keep your originality. Though imitation is a form of flattery, when it’s your business that’s involved, being different and being the best at what you’re doing is more important. Take some time to discover which options are available to you that can make your product or service stand out from the rest. After awhile, most items available at all businesses resemble those that are sold elsewhere. The most famous businesses didn’t become that way by becoming carbon copies of all of the others that were out there. Being afraid to take big steps in your business is normal. If there’s something you’re not sure of or don’t have knowledge of, consider outsourcing certain tasks to a virtual team with experience.

Ignore the small stuff. Business owners tend to worry away at the smallest things that in the long run will have absolutely no effect on their business. If you are one of these, take note of what is it that is bothering you and put it away until later. You aren’t looking for perfection, you are looking at the big picture and what will work best for both you and your customers. In the same vein, if it has already happened, then it’s over. Once again, acknowledge it and if you have made a mistake, ensure that it doesn’t happen again. Sometimes you just have to be able to let things go.

Don’t limit yourself. Most of the time when we think we can’t do something, it isn’t that we can’t do it, it’s more likely that we just can’t believe we could ever climb that high. Putting boundaries on your business will slow your growth and keep you from expanding even more than you already have. Listen to that inner voice that tells you what you really can accomplish.

An important part of managing any business means keeping in mind that knowledge means power. A business owner who is not learning about new technology or business practices becomes stagnant. But more importantly, it means learning about yourself and the way you think. Learning to trust yourself is the most important step you need to take, ahead of all of the others.

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chris Draper © Copyright 2016 All rights reserved.

image courtesy of buttontobeans

Categories : Business Experts, Productivity, Sales, Small Business, Success, Work/Life Balance
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How to Improve Your Client List

Posted by: admin | Comments Comments Off on How to Improve Your Client List
Wednesday, February 17th, 2016

new clients

As beginners, most entrepreneurs take on all the clients they can attract, not thinking about anything other than bringing in immediate income, but once their business is grown, they need to learn that not everyone is the best match for them. They need to spend more time learning how to attract clients that have the same mind set as they do. Matching mind sets result in greater success for both you and your client.

But how exactly do you do this? Start with your website and advertising materials. Everything on both of these should reflect your personality and way of working, your beliefs and how your business does its best work for potential clients. This will avoid attracting less than ideal clients that can cause problems for you and are never happy, regardless of how you work together.

Your ideal clients should be those who are focused on the same outcome as you are and the steps taken to get there. They are seeking great value with a fantastic outcome and realize that is what your business provides. They have a healthy respect for both your time and efforts and are results oriented. Their way of working matches yours, both in ideals and energy output.

You need to know what personality type would work perfectly with you and which qualities you are looking for. Looking at your competition and what they offer is vital to this process as you could be vying with many others for the same type of client and pricing will make a difference at some point, as well as quality.

Look closely at your business and that will help you figure out which clients you would like to work with. If you were them, what would you be looking for? Establish a reputation for that type of business in order to draw more clientele that is compatible with you and the way you work, what you offer and how you offer it.

First point of emphasis is that you are comfortable with those clients you choose. If it doesn’t feel right, then move on and look for others. The longer you are in business, the easier it will be for you to recognize those who will work best with you and that you will be happy working with.

Realizing that not everyone will be a good match for your business and continuing to look for a great fit in a client will help your business grow larger, not only because of results but because of word of mouth. Businesses will be attracted to you because of your success in working the way you do.

Chris Draper © Copyright 2016 All rights reserved.

image courtesy of pkemarcom

 

Categories : Business Experts, Marketing, Sales, Small Business, Success
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The Business Loser

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Thursday, December 3rd, 2015

loserWe hate to call them that but some of them are losers. Business losers that is, owners of small or large businesses that may not seem like losers in general but they have all of the symptoms.

He or she lacks integrity and any belief in what they are doing – what they say and what they do are at complete opposite ends of the spectrum. They also lack real ambition. While they are interested in making money they don’t want to do the work necessary to obtain it. If they have goals, they don’t put forth any effort to attain them. They contribute as little as possible and this means they also work as little as possible. One of the biggest traits of a loser is their laziness and total inability to see that they really don’t do anything at all.

Business losers have no real concern for their customers. While pretending they care what their customers think, they try to pacify them rather than please them. In this same vein, they don’t realize that there are consequences for their actions and the business is run haphazardly with no thought for future growth or success.

A loser lacks class and their personality leaves a lot to be desired. It isn’t that these business owners don’t have friends and acquaintances, it’s that people don’t trust totally trust them and their negative attitude turns people off. They have no sense of humour and don’t understand humour. They complain. Everyone loves a complainer, you can tell by the huge group that always surrounds them. 🙂

Not only does a business loser not respect their customers, they also don’t really respect themselves or even know what it means to have self respect. They refuse to take responsibility for mistakes they make in their own business and play “victim” very well.

These types of business owners need to realize that they are no more special than anyone else. Just like the others, if they want a life, they will have to work for it. For those of us who aren’t losers, we have learned that each of us has a different idea of how our lives should look, and our idea of success will not be the same as our neighbours. No one is entitled.

We’ve learned how not to do everything for everyone else but at the same time we aren’t selfish with what we can contribute. This means our time, our effort and our respect. We’ve learned that good business values mean good business and that our customers mean we have a business.

© Chris Draper, DemGen Inc. 2015

image courtesy of flickrhivemind

 

 

Categories : Business Experts, Motivation, Small Business
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Business Criticism

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Tuesday, November 17th, 2015

criticismWe’ve all given it at one time or another but when we hear criticism of our own business and especially when it hits close to home, we lose our ability to handle it gracefully.

Comments on social media, editorials in newspapers or magazines, word of mouth – in all of these ways and more we come across mentions of our business that we find difficult to swallow.

Should we respond, especially in kind? Always think of where the critique is coming from. Not all criticism is helpful or even meant in the way it sounds. Sometimes it’s just there to draw attention to the person who is criticizing and is best ignored.

However, when hearing things against your own business that you find you agree with, the best thing to do is take care of the issue as promptly as possible. If you can, speak with the person who has found a problem and apologize, then ask how you can rectify the situation and keep them as a customer. Problems handled in this way can actually lead to more business as customers truly appreciate great customer service. If they know that your business is one that can be relied upon to fix its mistakes, they will tend to tell others about you.

Take a step back, acknowledge that your business may have its problems and work on what can be improved. Paying too much attention to the comments of others can have a detrimental effect on both you and your business. You’re a professional and remembering that will help you to keep your head up and deal with criticism in a mature manner. You have a right to your own opinion, especially when it comes to your business, so keep in mind that the customer may not always be right.

Each person’s perception of your business will be different and the most important person here is you. Do you feel you’re handling your business properly? Could there be some truth in the criticism coming your way? Learn what you can from it, take it with a grain of salt and put it behind you. In the end, it can only help you improve your business.

© Chris Draper, DemGen Inc. 2015

Categories : Business Experts, Small Business
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Putting Boundaries on Your Business Costs

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Thursday, November 5th, 2015

costsHow do I keep expenses under control in an increasingly expensive business world? This is a common question among small business owners and one which they don’t necessarily ask aloud but is always in the back of their minds.

If you notice your business has stopped growing, then you’ve lost control of the spending boundaries for at least one aspect of your business. Start by renewing your focus on controlling costs at all levels.

Look at renewable contracts with your clients. Multi-year contracts may not be to your advantage. Real time costs are not always taken into consideration and at the time of the original contract you and your client have no idea of which costs will rise in the years ahead during the duration of the contract.

If you carry an inventory, keep in mind that this costs you more. Never keep more stock than you will sell within a short period of time. Even better, don’t carry an inventory at all and purchase only from suppliers when items are needed. Plan ahead for any changes in your market, or products and services you wish to change or improve upon. Compare your costs and expenses with other similar businesses of the same size in your market area.

Never forget to seek out lower prices from your suppliers and to raise your prices as necessary. Raising your prices will not mean you lose customers if the prices are reasonable. Look into anything, especially technology, that will improve delivery of your services. Clients expect the best when it involves completing tasks for them. They like to see creative and innovative ways of getting things done.

Learn accounting. There is no better way to keep track of your costs than to understand them in the first place.

Focusing on the over all cost of your business will show you where you need to rein in costs and where you can spend a little more. Your goal should be to come out ahead while still supplying high quality services and products.

© Chris Draper, DemGen Inc. 2015

 

Categories : Business Experts, Small Business
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How You Influence Your Customers

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Tuesday, February 10th, 2015

influence  Influence is the ability to have an effect or impact on someone’s character, behaviour, actions or options. It can be based on many things, including position and ability though wealth and class can also be part of it.

As a small business owner your ability and knowledge of your products and services can influence your customers, preferably in a good way, by leading through example, providing information and focusing on their needs.

Your influence communicates itself to your customers through your ideas and their ability to trust you. You are able to have a conversation with them and understand their interests and how they would like to see your products evolve. Influence also means being able to persuade people to buy by showing them how what you are selling is something they need and is of far superior quality to anything similar that may be on the market.

You are able to make people like you; through your confidence in yourself, your ability to admit when you’re wrong and your availability to your customers. Leadership comes easily to you and you’re able to focus entirely on a customer’s problem, conversation and communication. Decision making isn’t difficult and neither is supporting your employees, community and others. You influence your customers by knowing the difference between assertiveness and aggression, are knowledgeable enough to be humble about your achievements and honest as to how your attained your success.

Customers are influenced by a business owner who can identify with them and isn’t pushy. Quality is always more important than quantity and knowing when to step back and away from a request is as important as knowing when to move forward. Following through on promises and showing that you mean what you say creates an atmosphere of trust and believability with your customers and enhances your reputation.

Influence and leadership are all part of becoming a successful business owner. You can’t have one without the other. Influential does not mean unreachable, it means that you can, through your position, create a great experience for those who purchase from you.

© Chris Draper, DemGen Inc. 2015

image courtesy of sajigroup

Categories : Business Experts, Marketing, Small Business
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5 Qualities of an Outstanding Business

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Tuesday, January 13th, 2015

outstanding  There are some businesses that once you walk in the building or speak with one of the employees or the owner, there is an immediate feeling of comfort, ease and luxury. It’s as if every possible attention to detail has been covered and once you leave, you know that you will return. What is it that makes these businesses stand out from the others?

Impeccable manners. The ability to build relationships, small and large, important and unimportant, has been put at the top of this businesses must do list. They treat everyone with the same degree of politeness, no matter who they are. The owner, the employees, everyone associated with the business has been brought up and had it bred into them, that under all circumstances, you must be polite.

Humbleness. Nothing is worse than dealing with someone who thinks so highly of themselves that they have no time to think of you. The belief that the customer is always right may not necessarily be right, but you wouldn’t know it by speaking with anyone at this business. They are always ready to hear what you have to say, correct any mistakes and take responsibility.

Customer service with a smile. So few people who deal with the public have the true ability to actually look at the people they are dealing with and even less have a sense of humor. That business that you envy makes sure to only have people around with the right attitude. It makes their customers comfortable and also makes it a fun place to work.

Sharing resources. Smart business owners know that to stand out above other companies like theirs, they need to be the “go to” business for their products. They aren’t afraid to share information with their customers or other businesses and this makes them trustworthy. Providing services that educate your customers and a website where they can ask questions or give opinions and suggestions helps your business to be seen as one that is smart and knowledgeable.

Filling a niche. While many businesses offer the same thing, it’s the smart business owner who looks around and finds out what is missing in their market. They ask their customers questions and their answers and feedback help with innovation within the business. Who can  your business help that up until now has been ignored or not thought of? What niche can you fill by innovation of your products? The opportunities are there.

Next time you deal with a business online or walk in a store, take the time to really notice how you feel when dealing with the companies you purchase from. Make it a habit to reward the outstanding ones by giving them your loyalty.

© Chris Draper, DemGen Inc. 2015

image courtesy of bekahbrunstetter

Categories : Business Experts, Small Business
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Client Update: Denise Clelan – Clelan Coaching

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Thursday, December 18th, 2014

Denise_Clelan1.  Since we last interviewed you, what developments have there been with your business?

We’ve launched “The Conscious Entrepreneur” teleclass series, designed to give entrepreneurs a peak under the hood of what’s possible for them through CORE Energy™ Coaching. In addition, for the past several months I’ve been publishing Wisdom on Wings, thought provoking content to support entrepreneurs in their personal growth and fulfillment. And it’s exciting to note that team and individual coaching relationships have continued to build and are near full capacity.

2.  What trends in business did you notice last year?

I really haven’t seen a clear trend per se. Here in the U.S., many small business owners seem to be feeling their way through the “new norm” with the impact of health care reform and increases in taxes and regulations. By their nature, entrepreneurs are brilliant at seeing opportunity even when the odds seem stacked against them. However, most are finding it more difficult than ever to reach a level of predictability from which they can confidently move forward. There is a lot of
unease and this seems to be translating to more measured risk taking than in other times.

3.  What was your biggest accomplishment last year?

I’d have to say that witnessing such profound shifts in my clients’ lives—watching them uncover what’s been awaiting their discovery for years and then using it to propel themselves farther than they ever dreamed possible—would have to be my
biggest accomplishment. And personally, I’ve found real joy in some of the most surprising places. It’s been deeply fulfilling.

4.  What is your biggest goal for next year?

In June, I’m launching a 6-month program designed specifically for successful entrepreneurs who are committed to personal growth, and who want to enrich their lives in a meaningful way. Each program group will have no more than 10 attendees, allowing for meaningful dialogue and rich connection. I wish I could describe how powerful this experience will be! It’s one of a kind and participants will walk away revitalized– knowing themselves better than ever before. They will understand and will live out their own personal formula for confidence, success, and inner contentment. Very, very exciting! Anyone interested in knowing more should really check it out on my website and seize the opportunity to learn more.

5.  What services do you utilize DemGen’s virtual team for?

I primarily utilize the DemGen team for marketing, graphic design and website management. I love that they can pull all of the various pieces together for my business, enabling me to focus on creating value for my clients.

6.  How has working with DemGen’s virtual team helped support your business growth?

It’s one thing to have an idea, yet another to stay on track and see that idea come to fruition. Having a strong team supporting me, gives me space to dream and create without the distraction of wondering HOW I’ll put it all into action. For years, that was a missing piece for me and it definitely slowed my growth. There’s no doubt that having DemGen’s team behind me has moved me much more quickly from thought to action. And I absolutely love the fact that I’m able to access whatever type of talent is needed to accomplish the goal, without having to personally search to find it.

 

Denise Clelan is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and Energy Leadership™ Master Practitioner who coaches successful entrepreneurs to their ultimate potential, while experiencing freedom and fulfilment in every area of life. Learn more about how you will benefit from her transformational coaching experience by visiting her website at www.clelancoaching.com or by emailing her personally at denise@clelancoaching.com.

 

© DemGen Inc. 2014

Categories : Business Experts, Entrepreneurial Lifestyle, Entrepreneurial News/Stories
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