This week I received at least 500 emails offering me great discounts on Viagra and just as many messages from the son in law of the late bank president of Nigeria, offering me millions of dollars. How many cases of Viagra do you think I ordered? and how many billions of dollars have I had transferred into my offshore account? Zero, zilch, zip, none!I continue to be amazed by the number of people, who still believe they will sell loads of...more
So many people automatically think of Internet businesses first now days. Why? Because they're relatively cheap and quick to set up. What many don't seem to realize though, is that are still some golden opportunities in the offline world too. One such business can be started for less than $50, and can start earning you cash from the first day. So, what is this business? Vending machines. Now before you shrug this off as being too...more
Aggressive business card marketing isn't about handing your business cards out to everyone you see. The card itself must have a new use, an innovative design, or something other than the usual contact information printed on it. To make your little card stand out, try these other ideas. Print something other than a business card on biz card-sized cardstock. You have seen loyalty cards for "buy 10 get one free" offers; why not print one of your own? Print a frequent buyer card or other promotional offer on a card. The whole card can be a coupon for a free consultation, a discount, or a free gift with purchase. Remember include an expiration date on them! Then hand them out to all your customers. Print a short survey on a card. Offer an incentive for people to return the card to you with the survey answered--they can get a free gift or a discount just for answering a few simple questions. Then give them a new card with your contact information on it. Other things you might print on this size cardstock include: Hangtags Nametags Tickets to an event; or Tiny greeting cards you might attach to a gift basket or other gift. It's always nice to handwrite a personal note when...more
The use of cultural awareness training has increased rapidly in the majority of global companies over the last decade. My experience working in global companies in which effective cross-cultural functioning was critical, involved the devotion of considerable time and energies to ensuring that cultural training needs were identified and accommodated...more
Suggested practice for HR personnelMuslims now form one of the largest religious groups in the UK. At a time when great misunderstandings and stereotypes circulate the media and society regarding the religion, it is crucial for an effort to be made at all levels to go beyond archetypal images and to begin to understand Islam and Muslims.With a...more
Here's the point: people act on their own perception of the facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-desired-action the very people whose behaviors affect the organization the most, the public relations mission is accomplished. The point is simply stated for businesses, non-profits and associations. Many concentrate their public relations effort on newspaper and radio exposures or funding management's favorite special event. This when they should be driving an action plan that persuades their key external stakeholders to their way of thinking, then moving those important outside audiences to take actions that help their departments, divisions or subsidiaries succeed. This difference in emphasis can turn into real trouble for managers who work hard to achieve their operating objectives. Why not meet with the public relations people assigned to your unit and make sure they buy into a blueprint for PR success like the one above: the results might amaze you. How about prospects starting to do business with you; membership...more
Obtaining the skills for writing good business correpondence is important; a job seeker needs to send customised job application letters. A secretary needs to send out an official invitation letter. A purchasing assistant may need to prepare an...more
Every new business owner knows that a business plan is critical - it is drilled into them by potential investors and every banking officer they meet. So why is something that is so important to the launch of a new venture so difficult to write? Good...more
There are two main roads to improving your personal finances: increasing income, and cutting costs.Increasing income is the harder road to travel. After all, you can't always get a raise or a new job when you need one.But cutting costs,...more
Sure you have catecholamines - all speakers do. (including Sir Winston Churchill and Presidents Kennedy, Carter, and Reagan.) Those are the chemicals that make you sweat, make your heart beat fast and make your hands shake. Get rid of those...more
The pitch "Business For Sale!" may be your key to a Profitable Home Based Business! In fact, your GOLDEN Opportunity may be just a FEW CLICKS AWAY!... But most people NEVER even know that a profitable, proven, growing home based business that COULD...more
From the book 'The Stockopoly Plan' by the author Charles M. O'Melia There are several factors an investor in the stock market should consider: 1. All stock purchases should be commission-free. 2. All stocks purchased should be from...more