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  • admin 10:09 on 04/02/2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , business owners, Scott Bywater   

    One of the big mistakes many business owners make is coming across as if they are perfect and have no faults. But heres the problem with this. Perfection doesnt endear you to anyone. And everybody knows its false. Think about the people you know well they have fears, they have insecurities, they have emotional issues.

    Heck, I sure do. So when someone tries to present the corporate image of perfection, most people look at that and think pfui. And theres no connection there… theres a lack of trust there… and you simply cannot feel close to someone on a human level if they dont appear human. American President, Barack Obama understands this. And he put it perfectly a couple of days ago when he addressed a function in Washington. Here is what he said: You know, folks ask me sometimes why I look so calm. And I have a confession to make. There are times when Im not so calm… there are times when progress seems too slow. There are times when the words that are

    spoken about me hurt. There are times when the barbs sting. Obama said. There are times when it feels like all these efforts are for naught. Change is painfully slow in coming. And I have to confront my own doubts. Now if the guy who is arguably the most powerful man in the world is willing to share his insecurities and speak from his heart, dont you think you should open up more to your prospects and customers, too. When you write… When you meet with them in person… And at every possible opportunity… Come across as a real person – not a corporate robot. Thats how you develop deep relationships with your customers and prospects.

    Copyright c 2010 Scott Bywater

    For quick results, youll want to get your hands on this leading direct response copywriters ebook 7 Ways To Get More Customers at http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au/ Scott Bywater shows you how to get all the customers you need in just 60 days. This popular ebook has been downloaded by over 8,247 business owners over the past five years. Packed with information, this ebook will show you copywriting and marketing strategies which could have you getting new clients within just a couple of days. Read More Articles From Scott Bywater: http://thephantomwriters.com/recent/author/scott-bywater.html

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  • admin 09:03 on 14/01/2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: business owners,   

    Every entrepreneur knows that a business is only as good as its people. But ironically, I hear more complaints from business owners about their employees these days than almost anything else. Here in BC, weve enjoyed a boost in our economy in recent years. Its been great for sales, but when employment rates drop, employers have fewer choices. This leads some to believe that they have to settle for second best when it comes to hiring. But my experience has led me to believe quite the opposite. When a business is growing due to increased sales, its time to be even more particular about who you hire. Why is this? Because as a business grows in sales, it is exposed to a larger and larger percentage of the market. If in the middle of all this, its quality

    and service begin to deteriorate, it will develop a negative reputation at an accelerated rate, and come crashing down as a result. Its an ironic twist that something as positive as growth can actually have a negative impact on a business. But it doesnt have to be this way. By putting an emphasis on hiring the right people, a business can take advantage of a strong market and survive a weak one. Heres how to make sure you can find and keep the right kinds of people in any type of market. Most business owners begin their employee search by placing an ad in the local newspaper. This ad typically reads something like… Growing manufacturer looking for an experienced shop foreman. Compensation commensurate with experience. Please send your resume to… etc. Who replies to this ad? A whole group of fully qualified, experienced shop foremen? If youve been down this road before, youll know the answer. The people who reply to this ad are predominantly inexperienced and unemployed. The problem is, when someone is unemployed its often for a reason. And while there are exceptions to the rule, theyre probably not unemployed because they chose to be. So the first thing an employer needs to understand when looking for a great employee is that most great employees already have jobs. And unless they are particularly unhappy with their working environment, they are not likely to spend much time perusing the want ads. So how do you find and attract great employees who are already working? Exactly the

    same way you find and attract great customers. You market in the places they already go. For example, you can ask your current employees the great ones, that is, who they know. Like attracts like, so your best employees are likely to know others with similar attitudes and skills. Alternatively, you can put the word out through your suppliers that you are looking for help. Your suppliers sell to other businesses just like yours, so they often have the inside scoop on whos happy with their work and whos not. If the direct approach doesnt work, you can still advertise in places and in ways that are significantly more effective than a simple help wanted ad. For example, if your ideal candidate is a woodworking fanatic, you might try advertising in a woodworking magazine. Or if your ideal candidate is health conscious, you could put an ad up on the bulletin board at your local fitness center. The idea is to get your message in front of the right types of people, not just those currently looking for work. To be effective, you need a great ad, and a great ad stands out from all the rest. It makes your ideal candidate want to check out your company further. He or she may not be looking for a job right now, but if theyre not happy, and if you can differentiate yourself from your competitors, they may just want to take a closer look. A great ad doesnt just describe the resume youre looking for, it describes the person youre looking for. So if youre looking for someone with a sense of humour, say so. If youre looking

    for someone whos absolutely meticulous, say so. When I ran an ad looking for my executive assistant, I said I was looking for a workaholic with a sense of humour. How many lazy people do you think would answer an ad like that? Which brings me to another point. A great ad should not only attract the right candidates, it should repel the wrong ones as well. So if youre looking for someone to sit and make cold calls all day, say so. You wont get as many resumes, but youll get better quality resumes, which of course, is the whole idea. And finally, if youre writing an ad, make sure you let people know why your business is such a great place to work. For example, if its true, then dont be afraid to say you treat your people with respect and dignity. Great people will always prefer to work for great companies. Do this and youll find the people you need for your growing business, but remember that in the end, keeping great people is a whole lot more important than finding them. So make sure your business is a great place to work too!

    Copyright c 2007-2010 Mark Wardell

    Mark Wardell is President of Wardell Professional Development http://www.wardell.biz an advisory group specializing in growth management for privately held companies. mailto:info@wardell.biz Video link: http://www.wardell.biz/index.php?page_id=157 Audio link: http://www.wardell.biz/index.php?page_id=105 Read More Articles From Mark Wardell: http://thephantomwriters.com/recent/author/mark-wardell.html

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  • admin 20:34 on 31/10/2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: 3 years, big picture, , business inventory, , business owners, catch 22, , mobile phones, real fun, ring tones, strategic decisions   

    Copyright c 2007-2010 Mark Wardell Every business owner knows that planning is a good idea. The problem is that planning takes more time than most business owners feel they have. Its a catch 22. One thing is certain though it is impossible to get off the entrepreneurial treadmill without stopping to think about where you want your business to go. What follows is a simple five step plan for creating and utilizing one of the most important documents an entrepreneur will ever write. The

    goal is to create a window into your future that you and everyone connected to your company can use as a target. Its called a Strategic Objective, and two or three pages will usually do it. Step One: Take your inventory. Start by taking your business inventory. Im talking big picture stuff here, not widgets in your warehouse. What shape is your business in as a whole? Where do you sit in relation to your competitors? How profitable are you? Be honest with yourself about the good, the bad, and the ugly. After all, you cant make good strategic decisions about your business if theyre not based in reality. Step Two: Analyze your environment. Take a good hard look at your business environment. What are your competitors up to? What are they likely to do in the future? Is your market growing or shrinking? Is technology having an impact on your industry? For example, think of the huge impact that the popularity of ring tones had on businesses designin g mobile phones.

    Step Three: Dream about your future. Now that youve faced your current reality, the real fun begins. Planning starts with dreaming. After all, a goal is just a dream with a timeline. Mentally place yourself into the future. Not too far into the future that it becomes impractical, and not too soon that you dont have time to accomplish anything worthwhile. Typically about 3 years is good. Step Four: Write your plan. Now start writing. How large will your business be? How profitable will you be? What will be unique about your business? Why will people choose to buy your products or services, as apposed to the other options available to them? Will you own your own building? Will you franchise? Will you acquire other businesses? Will you move into new markets? And so forth. Let your mind go, and explore the exciting possibilities of your future. Step Five: Share your plan A Strategic Objective will become the target that guides the continu ous development of your

    business, and as such, it must be inspiring to both you and your stakeholders. Therefore, youll want to make sure you have complete buy in from your people. People may not get all that excited about going to work, but they can certainly get excited about pursuing a cause. So whats your cause? Where is your business taking you and everyone attached to it? If its taking you somewhere worth while, you wont need to worry about finding great people anymore. Theyll seek you out themselves.

    not-so-secret secret to business success

    Mark Wardell is President of Wardell Professional Development http://www.wardell.biz an advisory group specializing in growth management for privately held companies. mailto:info@wardell.biz Video link: http://www.wardell.biz/index.php?page_id=157 Audio link: http://www.wardell.biz/index.php?page_id=105 Read More Articles From Mark Wardell: http://thephantomwriters.com/recent/author/mark-wardell.html

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    • Jerry Oakman 11:38 on 01/11/2011 Permalink

      London’s Met Police uses ‘blanket tracking system’ to intercept phone calls, text messages and remotely shut down mobile phones -

    • timloughton 15:58 on 02/11/2011 Permalink

      ny reviews on ” Catch 22″ #catch22

    • email 06:21 on 03/11/2011 Permalink

      Catch 22 Author’s Letters Up For Auction -

    • norbertomb 04:55 on 04/11/2011 Permalink

      Guys, I was in school when I first saw this ad one day.. I knew never afford that coz the price in my country was 2799!!! Then I joined a contest and in May 2005 I won one for free..! My best ever phone..! The best ever had..! But can never forget the ad.. I was awestruck..!

    • WigginsPete 21:17 on 04/11/2011 Permalink

      “Be somebody.”

    • hspringa 12:32 on 05/11/2011 Permalink

      #First and Saturn Minerals launch #Exploration & Development Corp.
      #environment #cnd

  • admin 12:32 on 31/10/2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: american president, , business owners, corporate image, couple of days, direct response, emotional issues, lack of trust, powerful man in the world, real person   

    One of the big mistakes many business owners make is coming across as if they are perfect and have no faults. But heres the problem with this. Perfection doesnt endear you to anyone. And everybody knows its false. Think about the people you know well they have fears, they have insecurities, they have emotional issues. Heck, I sure do. So when

    someone tries to present the corporate image of perfection, most people look at that and think pfui. And theres no connection there… theres a lack of trust there… and you simply cannot feel close to someone on a human level if they dont appear human. American President, Barack Obama understands this. And he put it perfectly a couple of days ago when he addressed a function in Washington. Here is what he said: You know, folks ask me sometimes why I look so calm. And I have a confession to make. There are times when Im not so calm… there are times when progress seems too slow. There are times when the words that are spoken about me hurt. There are times when the barbs sting. Obama said. There

    are times when it feels like all these efforts are for naught. Change is painfully slow in coming. And I have to confront my own doubts. Now if the guy who is arguably the most powerful man in the world is willing to share his insecurities and speak from his heart, dont you think you should open up more to your prospects and customers, too. When you write… When you meet with them in person… And at every possible opportunity… Come across as a real person – not a corporate robot. Thats how you develop deep relationships with your customers and prospects.

    Copyright c 2010 Scott Bywater

    For quick results, youll want to get your hands on this leading direct response copywriters ebook 7 Ways

    To Get More Customers at http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au/ Scott Bywater shows you how to get all the customers you need in just 60 days. This popular ebook has been downloaded by over 8,247 business owners over the past five years. Packed with information, this ebook will show you copywriting and marketing strategies which could have you getting new clients within just a couple of days. Read More Articles From Scott Bywater: http://thephantomwriters.com/recent/author/scott-bywater.html

    washington, barack obama, scott bywater, president, author, 7 ways, http://thephantomwriters.com/recent/author/scott-bywater.html, http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au,

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    • 15:14 on 04/11/2011 Permalink

      Protected Comments: Please enter your password to view comments.

    • GottaLaff 05:59 on 07/11/2011 Permalink

      So inappropriately funny…

  • admin 00:31 on 31/10/2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: business owners, commensurate with experience, employee search, employment rates, ironic twist, negative impact, negative reputation, shop foreman, shop foremen, strong market   

    Every entrepreneur knows that a business is only as good as its people. But ironically, I hear more complaints from business owners about their employees these days than almost anything else. Here in BC, weve enjoyed a boost in our economy in recent years. Its been great for sales, but when employment rates drop, employers have fewer choices. This leads some to believe that they have to settle for second best when it comes to hiring. But my experience has led me to believe quite the opposite. When a business is growing due to increased sales, its time to be even more particular about who you hire. Why is this? Because as a business grows in sales, it is exposed to a larger and larger percentage of the market. If in the middle of all this, its quality and service begin to deteriorate, it will

    develop a negative reputation at an accelerated rate, and come crashing down as a result. Its an ironic twist that something as positive as growth can actually have a negative impact on a business. But it doesnt have to be this way. By putting an emphasis on hiring the right people, a business can take advantage of a strong market and survive a weak one. Heres how to make sure you can find and keep the right kinds of people in any type of market. Most business owners begin their employee search by placing an ad in the local newspaper. This ad typically reads something like… Growing manufacturer looking for an experienced shop foreman. Compensation commensurate with experience. Please send your resume to… etc. Who replies to this ad? A whole group of fully qualified, experienced shop foremen? If youve been down this road before, youll know the answer. The people who reply to this ad are predominantly inexperienced and unem ployed. The problem is, when someone is unemployed its often for a reason. And while there are exceptions to the rule, theyre probably not unemployed because they chose to be. So the first thing an employer needs to understand when looking for a great employee is that most great employees already have jobs. And unless they are particularly unhappy with their working environment, they are not likely to spend much time perusing the want ads. So how do you find and attract great employees who are already working? Exactly the same way you find and attract great customers. You market in the places they already go. For example, you can ask your current

    employees the great ones, that is, who they know. Like attracts like, so your best employees are likely to know others with similar attitudes and skills. Alternatively, you can put the word out through your suppliers that you are looking for help. Your suppliers sell to other businesses just like yours, so they often have the inside scoop on whos happy with their work and whos not. If the direct approach doesnt work, you can still advertise in places and in ways that are significantly more effective than a simple help wanted ad. For example, if your ideal candidate is a woodworking fanatic, you might try advertising in a woodworking magazine. Or if your ideal candidate is health conscious, you could put an ad up on the bulletin board at your local fitness center. The idea is to get your message in front of the right types of people, not just those currently looking for work. To be effective, you need a great ad, and a great ad stands out from all the rest. It makes your ideal candidate want to check out your company further. He or she may not be looking for a job right now, but if theyre not happy, and if you can differentiate yourself from your competitors, they may just want to take a closer look. A great ad doesnt just describe the resume youre looking for, it describes the person youre looking for. So if youre looking for someone with a sense of humour, say so. If youre looking for someone whos absolutely meticulous, say so. When I ran an ad looking for my executive assistant, I said I was looking for a workaholic with a sense of humour. How many lazy people do you think would

    answer an ad like that? Which brings me to another point. A great ad should not only attract the right candidates, it should repel the wrong ones as well. So if youre looking for someone to sit and make cold calls all day, say so. You wont get as many resumes, but youll get better quality resumes, which of course, is the whole idea. And finally, if youre writing an ad, make sure you let people know why your business is such a great place to work. For example, if its true, then dont be afraid to say you treat your people with respect and dignity. Great people will always prefer to work for great companies. Do this and youll find the people you need for your growing business, but remember that in the end, keeping great people is a whole lot more important than finding them. So make sure your business is a great place to work too!

    Copyright c 2007-2010 Mark Wardell

    Mark Wardell is President of Wardell Professional Development http://www.wardell.biz an advisory group specializing in growth management for privately held companies. mailto:info@wardell.biz Video link: http://www.wardell.biz/index.php?page_id=157 Audio link: http://www.wardell.biz/index.php?page_id=105 Read More Articles From Mark Wardell: http://thephantomwriters.com/recent/author/mark-wardell.html

    info@wardell.biz, local newspaper, mark wardell, president, author, entrepreneur, executive assistant, experienced shop foreman, php, british columbia, html, http, http://www.wardell.biz, http://www.wardell.biz/index.php?page_id=105, http://www.wardell.biz/index.php?page_id=157,

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    • LinkDyrUs 03:17 on 01/11/2011 Permalink

      - 64% believe government has negative impact on most people’s lives 10/2)

    • justmehelen 17:21 on 05/11/2011 Permalink

      questions are healthy. skepticism has an undeserved negative reputation.

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