Archive for the ‘networking’ Category
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
Although we use a GPS now more than we do roadmaps, I was looking at an old map recently and got to thinking about its similarity to a business plan.
Main thouroughfares or interstates are your basic idea.
Intersections or exit ramps are options you must decide to take -sometimes it is even necessary to reverse course a bit when you make a wrong turn or take a wrong exit just don’t back up the “off” ramp.
Corners or curves can be handled unless you’re going to fast or not paying attention; then you can lose it.
Above all, a map shows you were you started and where you are going. This is the same focus for a business plan.
A business plan won’t keep you from making mistakes but, like a map, it helps you to stay more or less on the right road until you get where you want to go; even with a few corrections along the way, Like our old maps, or the new GPS in your dash, it’s always good to have a plan ready and to actually use it.
Posted in 50+, Business Info, Economy, General Business, Management, Self employment, Success Principles, entrepreneurship, family business, finance, marketing, networking | No Comments »
Thursday, October 23rd, 2008
It has often been said that more business is conducted on the golf course than in the office. Whether or not that is true is subject to debate. However, there is no doubt that a significant amount of “business” and business talk is conducted on the golf course. I’ve conducted a fair amount of it there myself.
The nature of the game of golf gives you so much time with a client, employees, prospects, or even job applicants. It may be difficult to schedule a “5 hour meeting”, but with golf you’re spending nearly that much time (or longer) with an individual. Golf is a great way to build relationships and really discover who you are going to or are doing business with. Here’s some tips on how to conduct yourself on the golf course to insure you build the right relationships.
1. Choose the Right Course. If you’re the host, make sure you select a course that is appropriate to your guests level of play.
2. Dress Appropriately.T-shirts and tank tops (no matter how hot) are not appropriate for most courses. Dress in nice slacks or shorts with matching golf shirt. Look sharp without overdoing it.
3. Set the “Tone” of Play. Set the tone when you schedule the match. Restate your intentions before you go to the first tee.
4. Keep the Conversation Casual. Remember you are out to build relationships first, and sell second. If you try to be too aggressive you not only ruin what could be a good day on the course, but run the risk of your guest wanting to leave early.
5. Keep your Cell Phone Off. Focus on your guest. There is nothing that could be more annoying to your guest than you constantly stopping to take a phone call. Taking a call could also slow down play and interrupt ones “flow of play”.
6. Keep Your Cool. Golf can be a frustrating game, but tossing a club because of a bad shot says a lot about how you might react in a real crisis. It also says the same about your guest.
7. Compliment Judiciously. When someone make a good shot, compliment them. However, you don’t want to go overboard otherwise your compliments may be taken as patronizing rather than uplifting.
8. Always Be Gracious. Help your guest find out-of-bounds balls. Pick up their clubs and be “quick” to tend the flag. Don’t make a big issue on the course if you note your guest has violated a rule; kindly make them aware of their violation and move on.
9. Never, Never, Cheat. Little things can tell a lot. Keep an accurate count of your strokes; hit your ball from where it lies (unless your partner agrees that it can be moved). These are some of the “ethical issues” you face on the course that can make or break a relationship.
10. Enjoy the 19th Hole, but Don’t Sink in It. One too many rounds could lead to disaster. Always maintain control self-control, and watch that your guests doesn’t become too indulgent.
source
Posted in General Business, Success Principles, networking | No Comments »
Thursday, September 18th, 2008
Many times when an individual’s business is slowing down the immediate reaction is to increase the marketing efforts to gain new clients. Often times, however, to gain “new business” an individual really has to look no further than their existing customer list.
I remember one such client - an advertising specialties company. She had a client list to “die for”. Many of her clients were Fortune 500 companies or large municipalities. Whenever business got slow, she wanted to go out and “bring in new customers”.
It was suggested that she look at her existing client base and try to market to other departments within the companies she was currently servicing. Other departments were purchasing the same products and services she was providing from other suppliers.
Since she was already on the approved vendor list, it would be much easier and more cost effective for her to solicit those other departments rather than solicit new companies. She hadn’t thought of that, and immediately began to seek other departments within her current client companies. The result, her business began to grow.
If you’re looking to increase your business, you need to look no further than your existing customers and work your customer list.
Posted in General Business, marketing, networking, sales | No Comments »
