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Sep30
Marketing Strategy: Employees Newsletter

I am forever thinking outside of the box and encouraging you to do the same, so here goes.  If you don’t have a company newsletter, now may be a good time to start one.  Here’s why.  Why not produce a company newsletter, not just any newsletter, but and effective newsletter that serves your needs and those of the people with whom you communicate--employees.  Okay, now here is where the effectiveness comes in—include in this newsletter not only information that relays pertinent facts about your organization’s goals, but also employee award recognitions, outstanding performance recognition, comments of appreciation from management to employees and vice versa and last but not least, a page dedicated to employees where they can voice their opinions, discuss issues and make open and honest suggestions.  Encourage them to participate, be positive, and creative.  Allow the employees to develop this newsletter.  I wonder what would happen to morale.      

 

Sep30
Taking the Time to Say Thank You to Employees
One very effective way to communicate with employees is through a reward system.  According to an article by Paul Sarvadi, “Every company needs a strategic reward system for employees that address these four areas:  compensation, benefits, recognition and appreciation.  The... Continue Reading
Steps to Improving Communications with Employees
Working with people mandates that you have effective communication skills period.  People come from different backgrounds with all kinds of baggage from personal experiences in their past.  So understanding how to communicate with people of all walks of life will... Continue Reading
Managing Employees in Business
Most small to medium businesses fall short in the people issues department because they get so wrapped up in making the business a success.  However, by not realizing that it’s the people that will help contribute to much of the... Continue Reading
Sep29
Make a Commitment of Loyalty to Your Customers
In the fast-paced competitive world of business today, who can afford the time to be loyal to anything other than doing business?  Well, consider me your voice of reason telling you that you can’t afford not to be loyal to... Continue Reading
Develop On-Going Marketing Strategy to Retain Satisfied Customers
When I was growing up, I remember going shopping with my grandmother and recalling how nice everyone was and how the employees greeted the customers coming in and going out of their business.  There seemed to be a spirit of... Continue Reading
Marketing In the Age of Information
I am so proud of the fact that I am “almost” a bona fide “techie”.  Well, maybe not, but I can attest to the fact of how technology has made my work and life easier and more productive.  So when... Continue Reading
What’s Your Target Market?
Have you taken the time to truly determine who your customer is?  Before you jump into a marketing campaign, first take the time to do your research and identify who your customer would be?  Who needs your product?  Who will... Continue Reading
Tips For Successful Internet Marketing
One of the main reasons I prefer internet marketing is because the results are almost immediate.  If you are one of those people who like instant gratification, internet marketing may be the way for you to go.  Internet marketing also allows... Continue Reading
Sep28
Encourage Creativity in Business from Upper to Lower Management and Every Employee
I know I encourage you to always discover, exercise and demonstrate your creative side.  Well now I’m going to encourage you to engage everyone in your business to be creative.  Everyone can be creative and do something different that will... Continue Reading
Employing A Team Effort in Customer Service
It is a misconception in the business industry that customer service does not matter-- WRONG!!  Do you think that most people think that a customer service jobs are medial and doesn’t matter?  Or, is the fact of the matter,  companies... Continue Reading
Poor Customer Service Can Be Result of Disengaged Management
I have talked plenty about poor customer service, now I would like to address the root cause of why employees might not value your business and their job enough to put their best foot forward for you and your company. ... Continue Reading
Engaging Employees is Great for Business, Here’s 9 Ways How To
I came across this article by JoAnna Brandi, 9 Ways to Keep Employees Engaged.  Since I’m always talking about customer service and how you can make it better in your business, I thought I would share this with you. She... Continue Reading
Good Customer Service is Everyone’s Responsibility
If as a business owner or company, you have not given your employee’s the truth of the matter that good customer service is not just the management’s responsibility, but everyone’s responsibility, it’s time you gave them a reality check.   However,... Continue Reading
Sep27
Marketing Strategy to Increase Profits-“Branding”
My partner and I were recently discussing marketing strategies that would increase profits in our business.  One thing that we both agreed on was the fact that we definitely had to have multiple streams of income. And the one way... Continue Reading
No Time for Marketing, No Time for Increase
May be you think and feel like you are the chief cook and bottle washer, your plate needs sideboards and there’s not enough time in the day to finish your “to do” list let alone marketing your business.  Well, I’m... Continue Reading
Marketing Tips to Increase Your Bottom Line
I am always talking about marketing and trying to give you new ideas to help you market your business and increase your profits.  So in honor of tips week, I’ll offer some more tips to help you devise a strategy... Continue Reading
Effective Content for Website Can Mean Successful Site
Using the right power words can make all the difference in the world, so when writing content for your website you need to be aware that some words are better than others.  Some words are stronger than others and you... Continue Reading
10 Steps for Writing Press Releases and Creative Marketing
I am often encouraging you to think, step out of the box and become creative with your marketing plans and strategies for your business.  Now I’m really going to ask you to stretch you faith with your creative marketing.  I... Continue Reading
Sep26
Does Customer Loyalty Pay Off?
Even though companies have other means to earn profits, customer retention resulting from customer satisfaction is the single most effective way a company can profitably grow.  Company leaders must fully understand and believe that customer relations makes a difference to... Continue Reading
Achieving Growth and Profits Through Customer Satisfaction
In this demanding world of ever changing business, business owners and corporations alike must face the ultimate reality that profitable growth will characteristically come from two areas- retaining current customers you do business with and acquiring new customers.  So to... Continue Reading
Businesses Should Welcome Customer Complaints
Why should businesses welcome customer complaints?  That’s not a trick or rhetorical question; it is instead a question that all businesses need to take a closer look at answering.  Most complaining customers handle their complaints by angrily walking away, never... Continue Reading
Customer Complaints—PRICELESS!
Customers complaining about your service or product are actually extensions of your research, testing and quality assurance departments according to an article in Business Know-how.  These customers offer valuable information with their real-time feedback on what’s not working in your... Continue Reading
Customer Complaints Leads to Improving Sales
Many times as business owners, we balk at complaining customers and fell to realize that the complaints from customers can help the business improve its sales by correcting the problem that caused the complaint in the first place, meeting the... Continue Reading
Sep25
Business Communications: Writing That Works
To take your business to the next level, the ability to compose clear and organized written communication is essential.  Develop, understand and know your business style and write according to that style.  Some things to consider is to develop ideas... Continue Reading
Establishing Your Business Online Presence
When establishing your online presence, designing your website is very important to your online image just as much as your written message or content.  Utilize your prior and present customer’s and client’s comments to incorporate information on your website to... Continue Reading
Tips for Writing Effective Content on Website
Technology is forever changing in this age of information and to stay abreast of the advantages this new technology affords us, we have to continuously educate ourselves on the latest developments to gain an edge in our business.  You must... Continue Reading
Business Writing for Your Website
If your business has not taken the leap onto the information highway and its limitless possibilities of giving and receiving information, you may be cheating yourself out of success that would not be available offline.  Here are some relevant thoughts... Continue Reading
5 Tips for Effective Business Writing Communication on the Internet
Endeavoring to effectively communicate in any business is an absolute necessity if you want to increase the success of your online and offline business.   Communication on the Web has become a mainstream for communicating, marketing and advertising products and services... Continue Reading
Sep24
Using the Word “Because” in Advertising Copy
Some Internet entrepreneurs has reported that they have tested the use of “because” in their advertising copy and found it worked.  The word “because” helps because it pushes the reader to make a connection between an action and a consequence... Continue Reading
Using the Word “Because”….
If you haven’t heard this one, using the word “Because” provides context and context provides a framework for specific communication.  An example would be, “Please review this contract before we mail it out, because a mistake could cost us thousands... Continue Reading
Adding Another Layer of Communication
So the words “Uh” and “Um” and “You know” are now perfectly acceptable to use because they all signal certain useful meanings to the other person you’re speaking to.  “I mean” has also been added to this new layer of... Continue Reading
Changing the Way We Communicate----A Sign of The Times
In professional speech we were taught not to use certain words because they signified our inability to communicate effectively, but turns out all of that has changed.  In addition to not using words like “Uh” and “Um”, “You know” was... Continue Reading
Words That Used to Be Forbidden are Now Acceptable
My formal background is in Radio/Television Communications and when I was training to become a broadcaster, we were taught to eliminate words or should I say sounds that meant nothing and sound bad.  The words or sounds like “Uh” and... Continue Reading
Sep23
Proper Business Etiquette When Eating at Your Desk
If you are the person on the front desk and you are the first impression of your company or organization, you should not; I repeat should not eat at your desk.  That is not good manners and you will not... Continue Reading
Business Dining Etiquette: Business Lunches
Meeting colleagues or prospective clients for lunch is slightly different than business social gatherings.  The atmosphere is not as relaxed or casual and the stakes are slightly higher.  This is a time when you want to make the best first... Continue Reading
Business Dining Etiquette: Time to Eat
I think that everyone knows you begin eating after everyone has been served.  I missed this next one.  Breaking your bread into small pieces is proper etiquette and buttering only one or two bites at a time, place the butter... Continue Reading
Business Dining Etiquette: Passing the Food
In the world of business today, there’s a proper way to do everything and if you want to take your business to the next level, you need to know how to operate effectively mastering every skill you can, business dining... Continue Reading
Business Dining Etiquette: Napkin Etiquette
Bet you didn’t know there was such a thing as napkin etiquette.  I wondered if people really pay attention to a small detail like placing your napkin in the right place at the appropriate time.  But apparently it can be... Continue Reading
Sep22
Business Etiquette Dining: Choosing the Correct Silverware 101
  It may appear that there are more eating utensils than needed, but choosing the correct silverware is easy.  Becoming familiar with a formal table setting will put you at ease and keep you from focusing on whether or... Continue Reading
Tips for Proper Business Dining Etiquette
Knowing how to conduct yourself in today’s business world is essential when entertaining or being entertained.  You must know the proper etiquette from when, what and how to order, what utensils to use and how to use them in addition... Continue Reading
Having Great Table Manners Matters in Business
Many business transactions are made at the dining table as well as lasting business relationships are born.  Therefore it is essential for today’s businessman and professionals to know the do’s and don’ts of business dining.  Dining out for business purposes... Continue Reading
Failure to Communicate is Not a Productive Thing
Communication is important when you are dealing with people period and it becomes paramount when you have to get a problem resolved.  Having spent 21/2 hours on the phone with Dell cost me time and money.  I have no way... Continue Reading
I’m Fed up with Poor Customer Service!!!! Help!!!!
I have spent two and a half (21/2) hours on the phone with Dell customer service.  I finally got a partial resolution to my problem.  The first technical support person hung up on me after an hour.  In the middle... Continue Reading
Sep21
Attending the Office Party and You Don’t Like Socializing
As written in previous posts, the office party is an extension of your job and of the office.  ‘Office Parties are Business Functions.’  So if you do not like socializing and don’t feel comfortable in social event environments, consider the... Continue Reading
Dos and Don’ts in Office Party Gatherings
Whether you like or dislike going to office parties is irrelevant because this is a function that everyone should attend unless an emergency or illness keeps them from attending.  Remember, the office party is an extension of your job and... Continue Reading
Leveraging the Office Party to Advance Your Career
You can either use the office party to advance your career or sabotage it.  Capitalize on the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to deal with business situations of a social nature, a requirement for upper level management.  Usually senior executives... Continue Reading
Office Parties Are Business Functions
Office parties should be viewed as an extension of the office; it’s considered a business function and should not be mistaken for anything other than that.   More times than not, employees mistakenly take the opportunity to become too familiar with... Continue Reading
Office Party Etiquette A Must for Careers
Contrary to popular belief, the office party is not the place to finally let your hair down and let it all hang out.  There is basic party etiquette to adhere to because the office party is still more about office... Continue Reading
Sep20
Not Seeing Eye to Eye on Business Seating Arrangements
In a recent post, ‘There’s More to Business Meeting Seating than Meets the Eye,’ I gave a run down of some business seating arrangements that I ran across in an article.  I admitted that I had not considered that so... Continue Reading
Putting the Language of Seating Arrangements to the Test
I conducted a workshop on last evening where I decided to put the language of business seating arrangements to the test.  Before the participants entered the room, I strategically arranged the chairs around the table.  In my post, ‘What’s A... Continue Reading
Business Etiquette: Choosing Your Conversations Carefully
If you are in a networking environment or a social environment, I would like to give you some tips on topics of small talk or conversations to avoid.  Because new technology and the ability to conduct business worldwide, there are... Continue Reading
Like a Good Neighbor, Be a Peacemaker
As in any business environment, exercising basic business etiquette is the key to making for a productive workspace.  One thing to keep in mind is respecting the other person’s workspace because you’re sharing the same space.  Respect will go a... Continue Reading
Proper Etiquette When Sharing a Small Office Space
When sharing a small space or cubicle with a co-worker it can make for a rocky, to say the least, working relationship if you don’t implement certain etiquette protocols.  Doing what you can to maintain peace and harmony can make... Continue Reading
Sep19
There’s More to Business Meeting Seating than Meets the Eye
Okay, I have been talking about the language of seating in business meetings, obviously there’s more communication going on than we are aware of.  And last by not least, there is the autonomous position.  This position is across the table... Continue Reading
In the Language of Seating there’s Cooperative and there’s Competitive
There’s a language that speaks loud and clear when arranging seating for business meetings.  When I came across this article, I was surprised and I wondered how many professionals really applied this particular etiquette when it came to the seating... Continue Reading
What’s A Power Position?
A power position is apparently the position in the center of a rectangle table and is facing the door.  I would imagine that the power comes from seeing who is coming and going in and out of the meeting.  I... Continue Reading
Leveraging Pays Off in Creative Marketing
Remember when I told you about leveraging in creative marketing, well here’s a prime example of what I meant.  My colleague Dr. Taffy is the author of our own MortgageVox.  She received an invitation to be added to someone’s blogroll... Continue Reading
Business Seating Has a Language?
Yes Virginia , according to Business Etiquette Expert Lillian D. Biorseth, there is a language of seating in business seating arrangements.  She contends that where you seat people can affect the outcome of a communication meeting.  I must admit that... Continue Reading
Sep18
Email Greeting Cards and Self–Publishing Greeting Cards
  One of the things I like about e-cards is the nice surprise when you open your e-mail.  There are sites all over the internet where you can get free downloads of greeting cards of all occasions.  However, I... Continue Reading
Etiquette When Addressing Envelopes
If you recall, I told you that I hate it when someone misspells or mispronounces my name.  What it says to me is that you don’t respect our introduction enough to spell or pronounce my name correctly.  If you’re unsure... Continue Reading
Business Greeting Card Etiquette 101
Sending business greeting cards is a well-meaning gesture, so by using proper etiquette, you are sure to impress and not offend.  Take this opportunity to say thank you for doing business with me and I value your business and our... Continue Reading
Holiday Greeting Card Etiquette
If you didn’t know, yes there is proper etiquette for sending greeting cards to business associates, clients, customers and co-workers alike.  Although it make get a little tricky when sending holiday greeting cards to co-workers.  Since it’s getting close to... Continue Reading
Business Card Etiquette
In keeping with our business etiquette, I will address business cards.  With all business, and business cards included, you should always aim to present your company and yourself the best you can.  You can use your discretion as when to... Continue Reading
Sep17
“K” Stands for Kind and “Y” Stands for Young in Cranky Customer
There is an old saying, “you can draw more flies with honey than with vinegar.”  Having and maintaining an attitude of being sweet and kind is the only way to go.  I know that we are in a fast paced... Continue Reading
“N” in Cranky Customer Stands for Noodle-Did you use it?
When I read that ‘N’ in cranky customer stood for noodle as in use your brain to think, I laughed hilariously!  I had not heard that since I was a little girl.  My grandmother used to tell us not to... Continue Reading
“A” in Cranky Customer Stands for Aware of Employee Performance
I think that if someone is going to hang out a shingle that says ‘open for business’ they should at least be prepared to do business.  One of the most important things I think should be considered is hiring the... Continue Reading
“R” in Cranky Customer Stands for Responsibility Sharing
Right about now, I guess you can say that I’m a ‘cranky customer’ who’s trying hard to not become crankier.  So the “R” in cranky means take responsibility for getting the job done right.  After a long search and research,... Continue Reading
“C” in Cranky Customer Stands for Communication Pitfall
I just read in a recent article by Anne M. Obarski, ‘Your Customers are Cranky! 6 Proven Ways to Fix Their Frowns!’ that “the latest results from the University of Michigan’s American Customer Satisfaction Index show a continuing decline in... Continue Reading
Sep16
I’m Sorry; Your Name Again Is
How would you feel if you were meeting a very important business client and shortly after your introduction, the person turns to you and says, I’m sorry what was your name again.  You would probably think (to yourself of course),... Continue Reading
What’s the Wimpy Handshake About?
Having come from a military background, a handshake made all the difference in the world, literally.  I have traveled over the world, met dignitaries and heads of state and believe me when I say that the way you shake someone... Continue Reading
You Must Look Them in the Eyes
As a little girl growing up in the south, my grandmother would always tell me to look them in the eyes.  Well, the them turned out to be everyone.  She would also say that you could tell what a person... Continue Reading
Why Standing When Greeting Clients is Important
It is always important to put your best foot forward in whatever you are doing.  My philosophy has always been---if it’s worth your time and effort to do something, then it’s also worth being or doing the best that you... Continue Reading
Business Etiquette: Proper Etiquette When Greeting Clients
As I revisit business etiquette, I will offer some tips on greeting business clients.  A foundational truth to remember when doing business is to always be kind, courteous, positive and pleasant to everyone.  This simple standard mode of operation will... Continue Reading
Sep15
Secret Shopper a Thing of the Past
When I was a retail manager, I remember we had secret shoppers to come in and shop our retail stores.  Secret shoppers were pretty prevalent then, but they seem to be a thing of the past now.  For those of... Continue Reading
Never Given the Opportunity to be a Cranky Customer?
I don’t know if I have ever been a cranky customer, but I do recall being upset.  So if someone came into your place of business okay, but now they are cranky, what do you suppose made them that way? ... Continue Reading
You Can’t Skip on Customer Service Training
I know that I’m constantly drilling customer service, customer service, customer service down your throat, but I have to impress upon business owners the importance of customer service training.  Diane Corriette agrees that customer service is not the department you... Continue Reading
Business Meeting Etiquette
Yesterday I posted a blog on ‘Cell Phone Etiquette’ and as I was thinking about cell phones, I immediately thought of business meetings and cell phones.  Although cell phones can be great for business, they can also be bad for... Continue Reading
Ability to Effectively Communicate Award
I was so impressed with the Department of Veterans Affairs ability to-- first communicate, and secondly to follow-up, I decided to give a monthly ‘Ability to Effectively Communicate Award’ to a company that demonstrates their effective communication skills to include... Continue Reading
Sep14
Cell Phone Etiquette
While I am on the topic of phone etiquette, I cannot pass up the opportunity to discuss the proper business etiquette when using cell phones.  Cell phones have made it possible for us to conduct business from anywhere, anytime and... Continue Reading
Business Phone Etiquette 101
So what is the proper business phone etiquette?  For starters, once you answer the call, listen to the caller’s concern, don’t interrupt, by allowing them to finish speaking will help you to better assist them.  Secondly, avoid at all cost... Continue Reading
Phone Transfer Etiquette
I don’t know about you, but I hate when I am in the middle of a phone call with a customer service rep or a receptionist and they have allowed me to voice most of my complaint or communication and... Continue Reading
Business Phone Etiquette
In today’s busy world of business, any edge you can gain will only add to your business success.  Can you imagine the millions of business phone calls made every hour, every day?  So practicing good business phone etiquette can promote... Continue Reading
Business Etiquette: Effective Voice Mail
It may seem odd to think of using voice mail and effective in the same sentence, but voice mail is a means of communicating and exchanging information.  The down side for me is when you play phone tag and there... Continue Reading
Sep13
Customer Service Reflects the Employees Attitude
I can recall several times trying to communicate with customer service persons and literally telling them that I was sorry that they were having a bad day.  If you are a customer service rep, regardless of what you are dealing... Continue Reading
Proper Manners Can be Heard and Seen
When I was a radio host, one of the techniques I taught myself was to always smile when I was on air so as to project a certain tone going out over the airwaves.  No one could see me, but... Continue Reading
Business Etiquette or Netiquette When Dealing with Customers
As much as your place of business, office and its environment gives a first impression of who you are as a business, so does that person that answers your phone.  Potential customers, clients and people in general will see or... Continue Reading
Outsourcing a Good Thing, Inability to Communicate, Not a Good Thing!
I have to refer back to my post on outsourcing, ‘Is Outsourcing Helping or Hindering Customer Service’?  I received another comment concerning offshore customer service support.  Someone from Finati- Your Outsourcing Partner wrote, “Finati, Inc is an outsourcing firm that... Continue Reading
Communication Barrier with Offshore Support
In my post, ‘Is Outsourcing Helping or Hindering Customer Service?’  I talked about outsourcing and the need for more and continued training in learning how to effectively communication with the company’s customers and clients.  Again, I do not have a... Continue Reading
Sep12
Developing Customer Service Skills Means Learning How to Communicate
When people call a place of business, the first person they talk to is the person that gives them their first perception or impression of your business and what their experience of doing business with your company will be like. ... Continue Reading
Getting Fed Up With Poor Customer Service
In keeping with the theme of business etiquette and plain old good manners, I don’t understand why companies do not understand that good business etiquette should also be practiced in the department of customer service.  I have never kept a... Continue Reading
Employees Ability to Communicate = Level of Customer Service Satisfaction
Companies should realize that customer service involves everyone in the business.  Everyone from the front desk receptionist to the company CEO has the potential to affect your company’s bottom line by demonstrating poor customer service skills.  In my research on... Continue Reading
Is Outsourcing Helping or Hindering Customer Service?
For some reason I keep having these unfortunate situations with customer service.  (I think that I am really a nice understanding person, but effective communication is another pet peeve of mine)  I shared with you my customer service dilemma with... Continue Reading
Business Etiquette: Responding to Business Letters
I think that one of the rudest things you can do in business communications is not to respond in a timely manner and not responding period is out of the question.  Good business letter etiquette requires that you respond promptly. ... Continue Reading
Sep11
Humor and Business Letters
Humor is something different to almost everyone, so be careful when using humor in any formal letters, even if the recipient is familiar.   My suggestion would be to avoid humor in writing a formal business letter.  My husband has such... Continue Reading
Formulating Your Business Letter
Remaining formal in business writing until a relationship has been developed with the receiver of your letter is always the best policy.  From my experience, the receiver of your letter will eventually reveal to you when your business relationship has... Continue Reading
Business Letter Writing 101
Okay, so you remembered to think before you wrote.  Take into consideration who you letter is addressed to.  Determine you style, content and structure by the how and why of your letter.  This next consideration is a pet peeve of... Continue Reading
Business Etiquette: How to Write a Business Letter
In business writing you have to not only be able to express your ideas clearly, you must be able to employ etiquette that will reflect positively on you and your business.  Remember, I talked about tone, well suggesting the right... Continue Reading
Use Proper Manners When Writing Business Correspondence
Writing a business letter requires the same effective communication skills as with verbal communications.  And building relationships based on courtesy and politeness is the major consideration with business people.  Again, using business etiquette is a way to maximize your potential... Continue Reading
Sep10
AOL Engages Target Market in Marketing Strategy
In my blog, ‘Marketing Strategy: Engaging Interactivity,’ I talked about how engaging people interactively can lead to targeting your market.  While checking out different headlines on AOL, I came across AOL Journals and an article where they are soliciting readers... Continue Reading
Netiquette: E-Mail Abuse Could Cost You Your Job
Some businesses have strict policies where the use of work computers is concerned.  For instance, where I worked, there was no monitoring of computers at our perspective workstations, but, I was way to busy to even surf the web or... Continue Reading
Marketing Strategy for Higher Education World
  College recruiters have found that internet marketing online has become an essential strategy for them.  A survey by PEW Internet Research revealed that under half of the 133 million people surveyed said that the Internet played a major... Continue Reading
Strategic Marketing Taking Giveaways to the Next Level
If you didn’t know, the long time Marshall Field’s, a historic Chicago department store lost its infamous name and became Macy’s.   Macy’s is a famous New York department store and has been seeking a way to win over the Chicago... Continue Reading
Williams and Williams Leverages Colleague’s Blog
No, I don’t own stock in Williams and Williams, nor had I heard of them until my colleague wrote about them in her blog.  She writes the Mortgagevox blog for KnowMoreMedia.com. If you recall in my marketing strategies blogs, ‘Strategic Marketing—Perfect... Continue Reading
Sep 9
Treat Netiquette the Same as Business Etiquette
  Netiquette is Network Etiquette and should be considered the same as business etiquette only online.  One of the ways I identify business e-mails is from the subject field.  I delete spam e-mails by what is listed as the subject. ... Continue Reading
Netiquette and Responding Promptly
    As with closing any sales deal, just as follow-up is important, a prompt response to e-mail says a lot about how you may conduct your business.  Not responding punctually to incoming business e-mail can leave a notion that you... Continue Reading
Mastering the Art of Effective Netiquette
Let’s discuss what the proper netiquette is for communicating online with e-mail and learning the basic skills needed to conduct business effectively using e-mail.  Remember, first and foremost you want to ensure the most professional perception you can with any... Continue Reading
Communicating Online with Proper Netiquette
There is so much technology available to us to do our business more efficiently and productively that it is easy for onliners to abuse this privilege.  It is important for onliners to understand how to use technology properly and ensure... Continue Reading
Business E-Mail Etiquette or Netiquette
Manners are something we all should strive to practice in our everyday life and there is no difference in the world of technology.  E-mail has become such a huge part of life as much in business as it is in... Continue Reading
Sep 8
Will I Get a Response from Best Buy’s Corporate Headquarters?
Now I would not be me if I did not inform Best Buy’s corporate office of the kind of service that customers are getting from their management and employees in the field.  I’m curious as to what they think or... Continue Reading
Almost Done with Best Buy!!
Well today I have hopefully had my final visit from (Double Agent) Al-bataa of the Geek Squad.  For those of you who don’t remember, the Geek Squad was setting up a wireless network in my home and when Double Agent... Continue Reading
Helping the Office Jerk go from Jerk Status to Okay Guy Status
When office jerks are office jerks, they dislike being that person probably more than you do, but they don’t know how to be an okay guy.  Jerks usually like to make the people around them feel insecure, bullied or even... Continue Reading
Business Etiquette and the Office Jerk
When people are classified as office jerks, I believe that their behavior is just a camouflage for some deeper problems that exist, but not being dealt with.  I think that jerks are very rude and inconsiderate and deserve to suffer... Continue Reading
What’s up With an Office Jerk?
I don’t know about you, but I hate obnoxious people.  Most people call the office wise guys jerks, but I think they are obnoxious.  I also think they are repugnant, miserable unhappy people and their behavior is a camouflage for... Continue Reading
Sep 7
The Ability to Send Instant Messages Increases Productivity
Pinger is a service that lets you send instant voice messages to mobile phones.  It is currently available only for North American mobile providers, but you can still send and receive messages from Pinger web interface, even if you don’t... Continue Reading
Using Text Messaging in Business
You know even though I am taking the long route to becoming a techie, I find that most people are on the fast track.  I think everyone does text messaging but me.  I am ashamed to say that I have... Continue Reading
Microsoft’s New Operating System
Windows Vista Release Candidate 1 is an early release of the upcoming Microsoft operating system which is scheduled to be released in early 2007.  In an effort to get all the remaining development kinks, this beta release has been distributed... Continue Reading
New Technology Saves Time and Money
My how have times changed?  New technology has taken doing business in the world literally around the world in record time. Businesses that have not taken advantage of moving into this world of new technology can be costing themselves more than... Continue Reading
New Technology Helps To Communication Effectively
Okay, here’s a web communications service called Instantstream that provides a system which has audio and video features.  This system is “Streamphone”.  Again, I am ashamed to say that I have never given a PowerPoint presentation, but this system has... Continue Reading
Sep 6
Insensitive Employers Not Good for Business
Employees that suffer a lack of support when still grieving from their employers can experience deep hurt and continued pain for years to come.  Having an insensitive employer or co-worker can add insult to injury.  Co-workers should be given the... Continue Reading
Business Etiquette When Dealing with Grief
The loss of a loved one is one of the most trying times of our lives, so how we are treated at that particular time as employees is essential to moving on with our life.  Employees should be able to... Continue Reading
Handling Tragedy in the Workplace
When I worked in a traditional work environment, I recall that one of my colleagues’ wife died and it was a sudden tragedy.  She was fine and in good health, but suddenly over a weekend she had a fatal asthma... Continue Reading
What’s Proper Office Etiquette When Dealing with Condolences?
My daughter frequently reads my blog and yesterday she asked me a question about the proper protocol for dealing with personal tragedies, hardships and death in the workplace.  I have to admit that I had not really thought much about... Continue Reading
Not Valuing Customers Can Cost
Everyone knows about my Best Buy saga and how they are really missing it in the customer service department.  Well it continues.  I had to go back to the store yesterday to take my tower in---again!!  I was trying to... Continue Reading
Sep 5
What Happened to Customer Service Satisfaction?
Here is the latest on my situation with Best Buy’s customer service.  I told you about my shopping spree to Best Buy and how wonderful Brandon, our sales representative was, well, the Geek Squad spoiled all of that.  I was... Continue Reading
Can Eating in Cost You?
Eating lunch at your desk may save you a few bucks, but in this face paced competitive business in today’s world, it could very well cost you a couple of rungs in your ladder of success.   Eating out for me... Continue Reading
To Give or Not To Give
I never really experienced the hat being passed around the office when I worked in a traditional work environment, but my husband on the other hand was giving it seems every time payday rolled around.  It was always a birthday,... Continue Reading
If I can Touch You, You’re to Close
My daughter and I often laugh about how people interpret rules and guidelines differently in the workplace.  One of her famous lines is, “If I can touch you, you’re to close, back up and give me three (3) feet”.  It’s... Continue Reading
Flirting in the Workplace
Since we’re on the subject of business etiquette, I could not pass up the opportunity to talk about office etiquette.   What is the proper etiquette for flirting in the workplace?  Depending upon your definition of flirting, it can mean different... Continue Reading
Sep 4
Strengthening Your Organization thru Conflict Resolution
If conflict is between co-workers, usually by bringing the workers together themselves to resolve the situation without management is most effective.  Co-workers communicating together on a regular basis in an open forum can be just as effective because it allows... Continue Reading
Conflict In the Workplace Not a Bad Thing
Conflict we all know is inevitable, but it can be a good thing in the workplace.  A key point to remember is to stop it as quickly as possible before things get out of control.  Conflict is really normal and... Continue Reading
Butting Heads with the Boss
How do you keep from butting heads with your boss who seems to have it out for you?  First, there could be numerous reasons why you just can’t seem to get along with your boss.  You may be very talented,... Continue Reading
To Give or Not To Give
I never really experienced the hat being passed around the office when I worked in a traditional work environment, but my husband on the other hand was giving it seems every time payday rolled around.  It was always a birthday,... Continue Reading
Resolving Conflict between Manager and Subordinate
Workplace conflict is of course inevitable in any organization, however when conflict arises between manager and subordinate, it can make for a very uncomfortable, negative and sometimes hostile work environment.  I remember when I was working in corporate and I... Continue Reading
Coaching to Resolve Conflict is Empowering
I received a comment from Diane Corriette on my blog ‘Steps to Resolving Conflict in the Workplace’ and this is what she said, “Coaching people so that they identify their own behaviour can help too and is more empowering. When... Continue Reading
Sep 3
Follow-up to Solutions of Conflict Resolution
Once solutions for conflict resolutions have been agreed upon and requested to be approved as part of the standard operating procedures for your organization, the follow-up becomes an important part of the solution also.  This may also be a great... Continue Reading
Conflict Resolutions that Works for Everyone
Engaging everyone concerned in finding a solution to a conflict in the workplace is one way of avoiding a repeat of this same problem.  Having gotten suggestions for solutions from the people directly affected by the problem, start narrowing the... Continue Reading
Handling Conflict Resolutions
When there is a problem in the workplace, seek a way to approach finding a solution to solve the problem without putting the person that is the problem or that created the problem on the defensive.   Similarly to marketing, analyzing... Continue Reading
Steps to Resolving Conflict in the Workplace
Identifying and defining the problem is the first step in resolving conflict.  As I said earlier, don’t be vague, be specific.  The more specific you are the easier it will be to find a solution to the problem.  For instance,... Continue Reading
Business Etiquette and Conflict Resolution
No matter how hard we try or careful we are in avoiding conflict in the workplace, it is inevitable it will happen sooner or later.  The question arises, how do we handle it?  One sure way of handling conflict is... Continue Reading
Sep 2
Business Etiquette: Informal Meetings
Revisiting business etiquette, I’ll discuss informal business meetings which may or may not take place in the workplace or in a traditional office setting.  However, it’s considered an atmosphere where professionalism and business etiquette are still expected and required.  Even... Continue Reading
Business Etiquette: Formal Meetings
Remember, being considerate, using good manners and politeness is always a must in business etiquette.  When conducting formal business meetings, these basic rules apply as most formal meetings are usually conducted by management.  Always preparing for the meeting in advance,... Continue Reading
Business Etiquette: Dress for Success
In a recent blog titled “Business Meetings with Manners,” I talked of how exemplifying business etiquette can mean increasing business by presenting yourself and your organization in the best way possible; I believe that also applies to being appropriately dressed... Continue Reading
Business Etiquette: Tips on Dressing for Success
Just like manners matter in business etiquette, so does dressing for success.  I compiled some information that will help you dress for success and make your best first impression and of the organization you represent.  First and foremost, always dress... Continue Reading
Business Etiquette is All about People
One of the things I realized early in my career was not to become a respecter of persons.   What do I mean by that?  It means that I didn’t treat the janitor and different than I treated the general manager,... Continue Reading
Sep 1
Business Meetings with Manners
Exercising business etiquette is a means of increasing your business possibilities by presenting yourself and your organization in a favorable way.  As I will visit and re-visit business etiquette in every phase of business communications, I believe starting with implementing... Continue Reading
Using Manners that Mom Taught
You might ask, what in the world does mom have to do with anything.  Well, the answer is everything where your manners are concerned and the manners that mom taught are the same basic rules and guidelines that govern professional... Continue Reading
Business Etiquette: Creating Partnerships
Organizations should set up ongoing training in areas that would define the goals of effective intra communication.  Some ideas to accomplish this training would be to have participants participate in practical realistic situations.  Provide an environment of learning and application,... Continue Reading
Using Business Etiquette to Increase Productivity
To be productive in any environment, I believe the first order of business is developing the ability to communicate on every level with anyone.  Everyone involved must be continuously trained on an ongoing basis on how to build skills, abilities... Continue Reading
Marketing Strategies a Must
I have done quite a bit of talk about different marketing strategies and hopefully I have helped you tap into your creative side and encouraged you to use different strategies that maybe you had not considered.   In my blog titled,... Continue Reading

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