Ten Steps To Better Listening

Writen by Adrian Savage

Talking is the least important half of any conversation. Listening is the real skill. Listening for what is being said, what is being omitted and what's being given a "spin."

You won't get what you need from any conversation unless you know how to listen correctly -- and know what to listen for. Questions, properly used, draw out what you need to hear. But they will be useless unless you listen closely enough to catch what people are telling you.

Here are some crucial guidelines for listening: what to listen for and how to make sure you don't miss it.

1. STAY IN THE MOMENT

Don't allow your attention to drift. Don't let your mind run ahead, preparing the next question or anticipating the flow of conversation. Stay right here. This is where the action is. Don't miss it.

2. DON'T FEAR PAUSES

Many people are afraid they'll look stupid if there's a pause while they consider what to say next, so they tune out part way through the answer to start preparing.

Listening to the answer is far more vital than having the next comment ready as soon as the other person draws breath. Thought is much faster than speech. It may feel as if minutes pass while you get your next question ready, but it will be a few seconds at most; a few seconds in which the person you're talking with will see you have truly listened.

Which will best encourage openness: being slick with the next question or showing you truly listened to the last answer?

3. LISTEN TO "WHAT," THEN "HOW" AND LASTLY "WHY"

Always listen in this order. Get the basic facts clear first (the "what"), then move on to see how they fit together (the "how"). Lastly, try to understand why -- the motives, thoughts and intentions behind the actions and behaviors.

Listening like this will show you right away where essential parts of the story are missing, so you can ask a question to draw them out.

4. WATCH FOR PATTERNS

Patterns are the most revealing elements in any person's story: patterns or action, patterns of choices, patterns of responses to others. Any specific action may be no more than chance. We all make bad choices and take wrong turns. None of that is specially important. But if there is a pattern of bad decisions -- or a pattern of good, courageous ones -- that suggests a recurring trait that will apply in the future as much as it has in the past.

I can't tell you how to do this. Some people seem almost incapable of noting patterns, even after you've pointed them out. It's all about spotting links between seemingly disconnected topics; the kind of links you get in a good mystery novel where the detective pieces all the clues together into an unanswerable proof of guilt.

What I can suggest is that you practice. Like all skills, practice will improve your performance. The more practice you have, the easier it will be, until you can do it in real time.

5. DON'T MAKE NOTES OBSESSIVELY

Taking notes is good practice, just so long as it doesn't interfere with the natural flow of the discussion. Don't allow long pauses while you break eye-contact to scribble on your pad.

The simplest suggestion is to note just a word or two and fill in the blanks immediately after the interview when the detail is still fresh in your mind. Don't assume you'll remember what "toes" meant when twenty-four hours have passed.

6. WATCH FOR EYE AND BODY MOVEMENTS

We communicate in many ways beyond words. But don't fall for pop-psychology interpretations of body language. Shifting in the seat may mean anxiety about some deception. But it may also mean the other person is too hot, too cold, or needs the bathroom.

There is never a simple, perfect "interpretation" of so-called body language. It's best to see it for what it is: a sign that something is going on that might demand your attention. Use it as a wake-up signal and you won't go wrong.

7. NEVER ARGUE OR GET EMOTIONAL

Whatever the other person says in a formal conversation, however much you disagree or loathe what's being said, never, never rise to the bait. Be respectful, without implying agreement or disagreement. Keep your attention alert and your mind open. You have a job to do, not a debate to win. Getting into an argument will interfere with your purpose.

8. LISTEN FOR TONE AND CHOICE OF WORDS

One of the least conscious parts of speaking is the tone we use: relaxed, tight, anxious, angry. Listening to the tone can alert you to meanings far beyond the literal interpretation of the words used.

Does the other person sound at ease? Tense? Uncertain? Angry? Sad? What might this suggest? Does it form a pattern?

Our choice of words can sometimes be a giveaway too. Especially if that choice results in using emotional or judgmental words. If I say a customer is "demanding," that's an objective outlook. If I use words like "awkward," "nasty," "deceitful," "dishonest," or "bloody-minded," I am being judgmental and revealing my emotions as well. Which tells you more about my attitude?

Just remember not to over-react to a single instance. Maybe that customer was dishonest. It happens. Look for patterns that suggest a fixed attitude.

9. REMEMBER YOU'RE HEARING A STORY

Listen for the ebb and flow; the big themes and central ideas. Ask yourself: "What's this story all about? How has it developed? Where's it going?" Don't concentrate on isolated facts. Look for the patterns and how they fit together to form the story of that person's life to date.

10. SMILE

Nothing is more disarming than a smile. Nothing better conveys interest and respect. With so much going on in your head -- asking questions, listening to the answers with rapt attention -- it's easy to come across as stuffy and miserable. Smile. Relax.

You have plenty of time and this person in front of you is really very interesting. Never hurry. Wait until you are sure the other person has said all there is to be said. Those silences while you wait to see if there's more to come are your most powerful technique. Most people cannot resist filling them -- often with all the things they knew they ought not to mention.

Smile. Relax. Wait. It will all come pouring out.

Adrian W. Savage writes for people who want help with the daily dilemmas they face at work. He has contributed more than 25 articles to leading British and American publications and has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and The Chicago Tribune.

Visit his blog on the ups and downs of business life.

7 Tips On Increasing Your Paid Survey Profits

Writen by Chris Price

Everyone is taking paid surveys these days. But few are making the big money you see advertised all over. These 7 steps will dramatically increase your profits from taking paid surveys online.

Step 1 - Find a Free Paid Surveys Directory

There are several websites out there that will try to get you to pay up to $60.00 for a paid survey directory. There is no need to pay for a list of paid surveys. There are several websites that offer this type of information for free and they can be found easily by searching MSN, Yahoo, or Google.

Step 2 - Set up an email account just for your paid surveys

Once you have established yourself as a paid survey panelist you will start to receive several invitations to participate in paid surveys everyday. You don't want these emails getting mixed up with other email accounts you may not often check. The best thing to do is set up a free email account at Yahoo, Hotmail, or Google and use it only for your paid surveys.

Step 3 - Join the Top 20 Paid Survey Panels

Anyone just starting out should always start by joining the top 20 paid survey panels. These are the most popular survey panels and also the ones that are known to send the most paid surveys on a regular basis. You can easily find the top 20 survey panels by typing in top 20 paid survey panels on any of the major search engines, like MSN.com or Google.

Step 4 - Confirm Your Registrations

Sometimes a paid survey panel will send you a confirmation email or follow up survey to check that you are really the person that registered. Make sure you confirm all registrations. You may not be considered an official panelist until you confirm your registration.

Step 5 - Check Your Paid Survey Email Account Often

Several people may be invited to participate in a paid survey. But sometimes there are only so many people needed. In order to maximize your profits you want to be able to respond to a paid survey invitation as soon as possible. Make sure you check your email at least once a day.

Step 6 - Take All Surveys

Alot of times you will be sent short surveys that don't pay very much or only enter you into a drawing. This is very often a survey to see if you fit the demographics for a more important and higher paying survey. If you do you may be invited to participate in a high paying survey or even a focus group or product test. This can be very profitable.

Step 7 - Invite Others to Join

Several of the most popular paid survey panels offer their panelists even more money for bringing in other panelists. These companies are in constant need of new paid survey panelists as alot of people lose interest after a short period of time. You can make alot of money recruiting others. Some of these paid survey panels will pay you up to $4.00 just for getting someone else to sign up. These are some of the companies that have referral programs:
Survey Club - $1.00 per referral
NFO My Survey - $1.50 per referral
Lightspeed Research - $.75 per referral
Survey Savvy - $.82 per survey taken from your referrals

These are just a few. Most all of the top 20 paid survey panels have some type of referral system. As you can see this money can add up quick. An informative article or ad on a high traffic forum or message board can easily bring lots of new sign ups.

Chris Price is an expert in the paid survey industry. Mr. Price has participated in hundreds of online paid surveys, focus groups, and mystery shops. He currently runs one of the largest free paid surveys directories online, wahmservice.com

The links below contain more information on paid surveys:

Top 20 Paid Survey Panels

Free Paid Surveys Directory

Top 7 Tips To Starting Your Own Business

Writen by Lance Winslow

When starting your own business it pays to jot down a business plan and that is not too hard considering that many of the business plans are already out there for the type of business which you will probably be starting. The best thing to do is copy down an outline and a business plan that was done by someone else which is similar to the business you will be starting.

Do not copy it word for word but understand the basis for the business plan and the items you need to address. When starting your new business it is important to contact a lawyer to make sure that you are legally protected and can distance your personal assets from anything that happens of the business.

When marketing your company it pays to have a marketing plan and in this marketing plan you should consider how to get the most bang for your buck and spend as little money is possible but get the most benefit.

When starting your own business you need to make sure that you have all the proper paperwork filed and figured out with the local city, county and state agencies. Generally you can get a copy of all these things from your local Chamber of Commerce or the small business administration, which you can find a phone number in your phonebook.

Starting your own business is not difficult and neither is writing a good business plan; but making money is and the more prepared you are in advance the better your chances are. Please consider this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

How To Get Heard In Meetings

Writen by Laura Browne

Think about the last meeting you attended at work. After the meeting, did you feel that everyone heard what you had to say and your ideas were taken seriously? Or did you leave frustrated because louder or more forceful people dominated the meeting? If so, you need to take control of the role you play in meetings. Here are 7 quick tips to get your ideas heard in your next meeting:

1) Prepare before the meeting. Know what you're going to say. If you're a person that gets tongue-tied in a meeting, make sure you prepare your comments in advance. Look at the agenda and plan the key points you want to cover.

2) Get on the agenda. Don't wait until the meeting. Ask the meeting leader to put your topic on the agenda so you have a scheduled time to share your ideas.

3) Run the meeting. Talk to the meeting leader and offer to help by running the next meeting. That way you can control the conversation.

4) Offer to take notes on a flip chart. If you're not comfortable running the meeting, you can offer to stand up and capture the ideas on a flip chart. That will make it easier for you to add to the ideas, since you're the one recording them.

5) Interrupt other people. For many of us this is very uncomfortable. We want to be polite and wait our turn. Unfortunately, in some meetings, only the loud and pushy people get heard. Realize that sometimes, you can't wait for a break in the conversation and interrupting is the only way to get your point across.

6) When you don't get a response to an idea, repeat it again. In some meetings, so much is going on at the same time, you may need to say your comments again. Or you may need to rephrase then so people understand their importance.

7) Take credit for your ideas. If someone else repeats something you've said as their idea, don't get upset. You can remind the group that it was your idea by thanking the other person for supporting it. You can say, "John, that ties right into what I said a few minutes about the delivery problem. As I mentioned, this is a key area we need to address. Thanks for your suggestion."

If you really want to get heard in meetings, you need to work at it. Try new strategies and see what works best for you. At the end of every meeting, ask yourself what went well and what else you could have done. Make notes and use those ideas to prepare for the next meeting to make sure that you get heard.

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

Laura Browne is the author of a practical & easy-to-use book for women, Why Can't You Communicate Like Me? How Smart Women Get Results At Work. To register for her Free Teleconference on How To Deal With Difficult People, go to http://www.inyourfaceink.com (This book is available at the website and at Barnes & Noble online.)

When Laura isn't writing, she helps women be more successful through WOMEN Unlimited, a nationally recognized resource for cultivating leadership excellence, http://www.women-unlimited.com

The 10 Benefits Of Cross Cultural Training

Writen by Neil Payne

Cross cultural differences can and do impede upon communication and interpersonal relationships. In the business world this occurs daily, where people from different cultures interact and are expected to perform and make decisions. Cross cultural training aims to develop awareness between people where a common cultural framework does not exist in order to promote clear lines of communication and better relationships.

Cross cultural training has many benefits to be gained by both participants and businesses. For participants in cross cultural training, the 10 main benefits are that it helps:

People Learn About Themselves: Through cross cultural training, people are exposed to facts and information about their own cultures, preconceptions, mentalities and worldviews that they may otherwise not have contemplated. Cross cultural training helps people learn more about themselves through learning about others.

Encourage Confidence: Cross cultural training promotes self-confidence in individuals and teams through empowering them with a sense of control over previously difficult challenges in the workplace.

Break Down Barriers: All of us have certain barriers such as preconceptions, prejudices and stereotypes that obstruct our understanding of other people. Cross cultural training demystifies other cultures through presenting them under an objective light. Through learning about other cultures, barriers are slowly chipped away thus allowing for more open relationships and dialogue.

Build Trust: When people's barriers are lowered, mutual understanding ensues, which results in greater trust. Once trust is established altruistic tendencies naturally manifest allowing for greater co-operation and a more productive workplace.

Motivate: One of the outcomes of cross cultural training is that people begin to see their roles within the workplace more clearly. Through self-analysis people begin to recognise areas in which they need to improve and become motivated to develop and progress.

Open Horizons: Cross cultural training addresses problems in the workplace at a very different angle to traditional methods. Its innovative, alternative and motivating way of analysing and resolving problems helps people to adopt a similarly creative strategy when approaching challenges in their work or personal lives.

Develop Interpersonal Skills: Through cross cultural training participants develop great 'people skills' that can be applied in all walks of life. By learning about the influence of culture, i.e. the hidden factors upon people's behaviours, those who undertake cross cultural training begin to deal with people with a sensitivity and understanding that may have previously been lacking.

Develop Listening Skills: Listening is an integral element of effective and productive communication. Cross cultural training helps people to understand how to listen, what to listen for and how to interpret what they hear within a much broader framework of understanding. By becoming good listeners, people naturally become good communicators.

People Use Common Ground: In the workplace people have a tendency to focus on differences. When cross cultural communication problems arise the natural inclination is to withdraw to opposing sides and to highlight the negative aspects of the other. Cross cultural training assists in developing a sense of mutual understanding between people by highlighting common ground. Once spaces of mutual understanding are established, people begin to use them to overcome culturally challenging situations.

Career Development: Cross cultural training enhances people's skills and therefore future employment opportunities. Having cross cultural awareness gives people a competitive edge over others especially when applying for positions in international companies with a large multi-cultural staff base.

The above benefits are but a few of the many ways in which cross cultural training positively affects businesses through staff training and development.

Neil Payne is Managing Director of Kwintessential. Visit their site at: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/cross-cultural/cross-cultural-awareness.html

Top 10 Stumbling Blocks That Limit Business Growth

Writen by Philip E. Humbert

Never in history have more entrepreneurs launched more new businesses! In America, thousands of business open their doors every single day! Unfortunately, most of them (over 90% of them) also close their doors within two years. Businesses are started with high hopes and glorious dreams. It is easy to start a business. It is much more difficult to build it, to make it succeed, to avoid the traps and pitfalls and frustrations, and enjoy the fruits of success over the years. In working with hundreds (probably two to three THOUSAND) entrepreneurs over 25 years, here are the mistakes I see most often. Avoid them!

1. Fear and Confusion. There is either a sense of being over-whelmed by the size of the tasks, or a refusal to master the work of being an entrepreneur and business owner. There are specific skills to owning and running a successful business. Learn them! You can master this! You can focus and succeed! (This is often the time to hire a coach!)

2. Lack of Capital. Capital comes in three forms: Time, money, and energy. Some people have one or two, but not all three, and they fail because they simply can not sustain the growth phase of their business. EVERY business is a commitment of everything you have. You may start "small", but that does not mean casual or part-time!

3. Lack of Courage or Commitment. Building a business is always risky. Some people perceive the risk as frightening, others see it as an exciting challenge, but there is always risk. Manage it. Limit your potential losses. Understand the risks and enjoy the process. You will make mistakes. Learn from them and go on.

4. Refusal to select and target an audience. No one can sell their services to "everyone" – a message that goes to everyone is unlikely to create a sense of urgency in anyone in particular. Attorneys focus on one type of law. Physicians specialize. So should you.

5. Choosing the wrong audience. A market that can not or will not pay or an audience that is too small or dispersed is a recipe for disaster. The "poor" desperately need medical, dental, legal and other services, but who is going to pay you? The same problem exists when trying to reach an audience that is dispersed over a large geographic area and not easily identified.

6. Fuzzy or unfocused message. What exact benefits do you provide? To whom? Under what circumstances and at what cost? How can people contact you? Be precise, be clear, be specific.

7. Lack of planning – too many random efforts. Many entrepreneurs try a little radio, a direct mailing, join a service organization, offer free samples, and then report that they have "tried everything and nothing worked". Pick one, and stay the course! You become identified with your marketing techniques. Choose a logo, a color-scheme, and a marketing technique and stay with it!

8. Too much advertising, too little relationship building. Advertising works best for tangible products because customers can see the results. Intangible services are very difficult to advertise and are almost always purchased based on the quality of the relationship. The more people know you, and the more they know about you and your caring, your professionalism and your quality, the more business you will do. Build networks of relationships!

9. Laziness and/or Greed. Your business ONLY exists to serve the customer! You must make a profit in order to continue serving the customer, but service is the key to success. Everything must be focused on that. The statement, "I want to be my own boss", or "I want a business that supports me" may be true (and be totally honest and reasonable), but they are a dangerous focus for your business. Customers first!

10. Having a product or service that fails to produce adequate benefits, or fails to serve as promised. Some professionals are incompetent. Some don't use current technology, or are sloppy in their delivery. Particularly with services, even ONE mistake will undermine client confidence, loyalty, and trust. Do your best – every time!

© Copyright 2003 by Philip E. Humbert. All Rights Reserved. This article may be copied and used in your own newsletter or on your website as long as you include the following information: "Written by Dr. Philip E. Humbert, writer, speaker and success coach. Dr. Humbert has over 300 free articles, tools and resources for your success, including a great newsletter! It's all on his website at: http://www.philiphumbert.com

10 Hot Ways To Sell Your Products Like Crazy

Writen by Rojo Sunsen

1. Turn your ad copy into a story or article. Your visitors won't be as hesitant to read your ad and will become more interested in your product.

2. Give visitors a freebie for filling out your online survey or they usually won't. Surveys will give your business valuable intelligence for your business

3. Enhance the power of your ad copy benefits by using attention getting words, highlighting keywords, using color, bolding key phrases, underlining, etc.

4. Give your visitors tons of choices so they don't get the feeling of being controlled. Offer them a variety of ways to order, contact you, navigate, etc.

5. Put yourself in your visitors shoes. Design your site for them, not for yourself. Create your product around your visitors not because you would buy it.

6. Get free advice from successful online business owners. Participate in business chat rooms and message boards to chat with them.

7. Use your free bonuses to create an urgency for your visitors to buy. Only offer them for a limited time with your main product.

8. Offer your customers extra add-on products at the point of purchase. For example, if they are buying an electronic toy try to sell batteries with it.

9. Make your visitors feel good about themselves by giving them compliments. If they feel good they will also feel good about buying from your web site.

10. Add multiple profits to your web site. If you're selling business books try to sell business services, courses and supplies too.

About the author:

Rojo Sunsen is a specialized bounty hunter who prefers to work quietly/confidentially for the benefit of her clients.

Professionalism Under Heat 10 Tips So They Will Never See You Sweat

Writen by Kimberly Turner

With all of the arguments over appropriate office attire, you've decided to trade in your typical work attire of t-shirts and flip flops for the more traditional blue suit. But as the weather heats up, you are starting to rethink this because you have forgotten how to keep your professional appearance "cool" under the heat. You fear that you will appear nervous in a business meeting as sweat drenches into the armpits of your suit. So here are 10 new and old ways to "never let them see you sweat":

Go Au Naturale: Wear natural fabrics. Apparel made out of cotton, linen, and even lightweight wools, is breathable and will keep you cooler than most man made fabrics.

Keep it Light: Wear lighter colors. Try a tan or other light color suit. These colors will keep you cooler than their darker counterparts. Darker colors absorb the light from the sun.

Don't Button Up: Don't put on your suit jacket (or tie) until you get to the office; especially if you use public transportation. You never know how well or if the air conditioning will be working. So wait until you get to the office to button the top two buttons on your shirt, tighten your tie, and put on your suit jacket.

Let Loose: Wear looser clothing. Avoiding clinging and restrictive clothing under your suit will allow your skin to breath.

Men -- Try heavier starched shirts that will keep their shape better and won't cling to your body. Wear slip-on dress shoes that will allow your feet to breathe more easily than they lace-up ones. Also, wear cotton boxers and t-shirts without spandex to keep them from clinging tightly to your body.

Ladies -- Try a skirt, skip the pantyhose and go for clean-shaven legs with sling backs or peep toes. However, keep your shoes fresh and your feet from sticking to them by using no show foot covers, which are found in almost any store from Nordstroms to Walgreens, and made for a variety of shoe types.

Eliminate the Extra: Shave off and/or trim down extra body hair. Also, clean off the back of the neck by wearing a shorter hair cut in the hot months or for women pulling it off the neck in a professional up-do or ponytail. Hair traps heat and body odors.

Sprinkle a Little: Use powder. Powders like Shower to Shower® are developed to keep your body feeling dry, fresh and comfortable throughout the day. Shower to Shower® also claims to provide and invisible wetness protection that will prevent underarm stains and comes in a variety of scents for men and women.

Try Layers: Wear undershirts to absorb moisture and prevent sweat from showing up on your shirt, especially under the arms. (Remember cotton only and avoid the spandex, tight fitting ones.)

Shield It: Wear disposable underarm shields. When a t-shirt is not enough, try placing underarm shields inside your shirt or suit to catch the sweat. These disposable items are a great way to eliminate underarm sweat. You can find Garment Guard™ disposable underarm shields in the intimate apparel section at Nordstroms or online at www.garmentguard.com.

Go "Tox It": That's Botox it. When injected into the armpits or palms of the hands, Botox paralyzes the sweat glands and prevents perspiration for up the 6 months.

Drink Up: Drink plenty of water. Drinking water can help lower and control your body temperature, keeping you cooler. For that matter, coffee lovers, try iced coffee drinks during those hot days.

Kimberly Turner is a Certified Image Consultant and the owner of FLAUNT Image Consulting Boutique located in Chicago's South Loop Area at 75 E. 16th Street. For more information, visit http://www.flaunt-boutique.com or call 312-360-1000.

10 Tips For Motivating Your Employees

Writen by Mark Wardell

1. You can't actually motivate your employees. What??!?? I know this first tip seems a little counterproductive, but bear with me. You see, motivation is internal, not external. You can motivate people with carrots and sticks for a while, but it can't last. Long term, people need to motivate themselves. You're not powerless, however, because motivation comes from inspiration. So offer your people inspirational goals and they'll take on the job of motivating themselves.

2. Create a motivating environment. What's it like at your business? Do people hit the ground running on Monday mornings, or do they live for the weekends. Your working environment has a greater impact on your productivity than you may think. The thing is, every business has a culture. But most have evolved through happenstance and that's far too risky a way to grow your company. Everything from your office décor to your meeting schedules will effect your environment, so evaluate the impact of every move you make on your culture and watch your productivity soar.

3. Involve your employees in decisions that affect them. Your employees don't just want a job; they want to be part of something more. So let them. It's a win-win scenario for everybody. Your employees win because their work becomes fulfilling, and the company wins, because it benefits from the contributions of more than just those at the top of the organizational chart.

4. Share your plans for the future with your employees and get them involved in the process. If inspiration is the key to employee motivation, then keeping your employees in the dark about your plans for the future is a sure-fire way to kill your company's potential.

5. Hire motivated people. Brian Scudamore, president and founder of 1-800-Got-Junk?, says "we don't motivate our people, we hire motivated people". Screen candidates carefully, and look for a history of productivity. Technical skills alone are never a good enough reason to give someone a job.

6. Encourage independent thought, creativity and initiative. At Wardell, we have a weekly meeting to discuss our progress as a company. Everyone is expected to participate and contribute. For example, one of our agenda items asks each consultant to teach something of value to the rest of the group. Not every idea is going to be as helpful as the next one, but by encouraging this type of "teaching environment", we keep everyone growing in the right direction.

7. Profit share. In general, money is a poor motivator if you've got nothing else going for you, but it can be a great supporting tool once you've got your people on board. Profit sharing, of course, is only one of many ways you might do this, but used properly it can be extremely effective. Whether you offer your employees company shares, options, a bonus based on clearly defined goals, a percentage of your margin, or a percentage of your profit, what matters most is that they don't feel powerless to affect its outcome. The goal of a bonus is to support your employees feeling of ownership for their work.

As an aside, avoid the dreaded "Christmas Bonus" if at all possible. Any amount of money given in this fashion will be appreciated the first year, but will eventually be seen as an entitlement. Then, should you have a bad year and cannot afford to offer it, instead of understanding, you'll get resentment.

8. Offer varied and interesting benefits. Benefits, unlike bonuses, form part of an employee's compensation package. And as such, represent an opportunity to impact your working environment. Certainly, standard benefits such as medical and dental insurance can be part of the package, but think outside the box as well. For example, perhaps you can negotiate a discount for your employees at a local fitness club or restaurant. One of our clients has even negotiated a discount for his employees at a local golf course.

9. Fire unmotivated people. It's as important to get the right people on the bus as it is to get the wrong people off the bus. It may sound harsh, but if you have anyone working for you that you would not re-hire given the opportunity, get rid of them as quickly as possible. It's the right thing to do. If you're not happy with them, chances are they're not happy either.

This is not to say you shouldn't give people a chance, but don't get into the trap of trying to motivate someone who simply can't be motivated. If an employee is not inspired by a future with your company, free them to find a place that suits them better.

10. Thank your employees for a job well done. For a hard working, dedicated employee little is more important than genuine appreciation. Show them that you notice how hard they work and they'll go to the mat for you each and every time. Never underestimate the value of a "thank you". If your employees don't feel appreciated, they'll leave as soon as someone offers them more money, but if they really love their job, it will take more than a few dollars to lure them away.

About the author:

Mark Wardell is President and Founder of Wardell Professional Development, a business consulting firm, focused on the unique needs of small/mid sized growth companies.

Wardell Professional Development
http://www.wardell.biz
Email: info@wardell.biz
Phone: (604) 733-4489

Top 7 Tips To Prevent Lawsuits In Your Business

Writen by Lance Winslow

All businesses worry about lawsuits because we live in such a ridiculous litigious society. It is truly unfortunate and yet this is what happens, business owners live in fear. You never know when an employee is going to claim they were injured at work to sue you and then go water skiing on vacation. You never know when a non-customer will stage a slip and fall injury and sue your company.

Below are some super tips to try to minimize your business from falling victim to the professional parasites of the world.

1.) Be careful in hiring employees and ask them about previous lawsuits to employers, write what they say on their application and have them sign it.

2.) Have placards on your entrances such as; Watch Your Step!

3.) Mention in casual conversation how your family members are ruthless lawyers.

4.) Act broke, never disclose how much money you are making.

5.) Complain to employees about all the bills in your business and how little money ever becomes profit.

6.) Never disrespect employees or customers; those disrespected will sometimes seek revenge.

7.) If you do have suit filed against you hire the most politically connected lawyer from the biggest law firm to have a little chat with the suing attorney. Perhaps they may reconsider their bad choice in suing you.

If you do get sued rip the other party to shreds and make it well known how bad the other party lost and got slaughtered into oblivion. Let the rumors take it from there, this will prevent and Act II in the future. Consider all this in 2006.

Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

10 Ways To Increase The Perceived Value Of Your Product

Writen by Rojo Sunsen

1. Sell your product at a higher price. This increases the perceived value because people usually associate the higher priced product as being better.

2. Offer a free trial or sample of your product. This increases the perceived value because people think you're confident in your product, so it must be good.

3. Include tons of testimonials on your ad copy. This increases the perceived value because you have actual proof of other people's experiences with your product.

4. Load your ad copy full of benefits. This increases the perceived value because people think they are getting solutions to a number of problems.

5. Offer an affiliate program with your product. This increases the perceived value because people can also make money with your product.

6. Give people a strong guarantee. This increases the perceived value because it shows that you stand be- hind your products.

7. Package your product with a lot of bonuses. This increases the perceived value because people feel they are getting more for their money.

8. Get your product endorsed by a famous person. This increases the perceived value because people think that famous people wouldn't want their name associated with a poor product.

9. Include the reprint/reproduction rights with your product. This increases the perceived value because people can start a business and make money.

10. Get the word out about your product and brand it. This increases the perceived value because people believe the brand name products have better quality.

About the author:

Rojo Sunsen is a specialized bounty hunter who prefers to work quietly/confidentially for the benefit of her clients.

The Lazy Person Secrets To Overnight Wealth And Fame

Writen by Julia Tang

There are so many simple, yet really sure-fire ways of acquiring wealth, it's a wonder everybody with even the least bit of ambition isn't already rich. When you come right down to it, the only things needed for anyone to make bundles of money are the long-range vision and the energy to put a money-making plan into force.

One of the easiest methods of building wealth, and the one most often used by the "smart" people, is to furnish the expertise, equipment or growth capital to promising beginning business. Basically, you buy in as either a part owner or limited partner; then, as the busines grows and propers with your help, you reap your share of rewards.

The beautiful part about this whole concept is that you can repeat this procedure over and over again. You can start out with, say marketing and sales leadership for small, garage-type business; then with your holdings and earnings from that business, invest in another, and keep doing this until you own a part of twenty-five to an unlimited number of businesses. Looking at the idea from a dollar return point of view, if you were getting $200 per month from 25 different business, your monthly income would amount to no less than $5,000 and that's not too bad for a fledgling millionaire.

Look around your own area. With just a little bit of business sense and perception, you're sure to find hundreds of small businesses that could do better--perhaps even become giants in their--with your help.

Most small businesses need, and would welcome marketing, promotional, advertising, and sales help. If a quick survey of business turns you on with enthusiasm about the potential profits to be made with just a few changes that you can suggest, then you are on your way.

Basically, you set up an appointment to see and talk with business owners about some ideas and help that could double or triple their profits. When you approach them in that manner, their almost certain to want to see you and hear want you have to say.

In prepartion for your meeting, set your ideas down on paper. Put them together in an impressive marketing or profit potential folio. Outline your ideas, the costs involvrd and the ultimate profit to be gained.

Then, when you arrive for the meeting, be sure to look nad act the part of a successful business person.A few pleasantries to break the ice, and begin with your presentation.

Through your proposal, you must instill confidence that you can do all you claim for him. Guide him through the presentation to the ultimate profits---- all for a 10 or 20 percent limited partnership in the business, which really won't cost him anything. Of course, if he is reluctant to give up any part of his ownership, you come back with the idea of being hired as a consultant.

Almost all small businesses need help of some kind. The owners get bogged down in a myraid of every day problems and things to do. They find there just are not enough hours in the day to handle everything that should be taken care of, and end up neglecting or putting off some of the things they should be doing to keep the business prosperous. As a result, the long struggle for business survival begins, with more than 60% of them selling out at a loss or just closing up shop.

The other way to " cut yourself in" on a piece of someone else's business is to supply needed money. If you can come up with 10 or 15 thousand dollars, you can easily "buy into" some small businesses. Be sure to look the business ( and its market potential) over; but once you spot one that can really be a winner with just a little bit of operating cash or money for expansion, then start figuring!

You can reach a never ending supply of such businesses to choose from, simply by running a small advertisement in your daily newspaper in the .Classified section under the heading of Business Opportunities Wanted. Such an ad might read:

SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS EXECUTIVE LOOKING FOR NEW BUSINESS VENTURES. WILL CONSIDER BUY OUT OR PARTNERSHIP. PO BOX 123, CITY

By the same token, make it a habit to look through the Business Opportunities Available on a regular basis. Mark a few each day and follow up. Check them out, And see what kind of a deal is being offered. Remember, proper management and planning are basically the ingredients to success in business; and most small businesses just do not have these ingredients in the proportions needed to attain their greatest profit potential.

Other people have done it, and more are starting up every day. There's no reason why you can't do it. In most cases little or no cash is needed. But with a little bit of action on your part, you could quickly become a multi-business owner, and very wealthy as well.

To brainstorm more good ideas, and learn how to promote business through Internet effectively in a revolutional way, you can visit http://www.best-internet-businesses.com

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Julia Tang publishes Smart Online Business Tips, a fresh
and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people
like you! To find out the best online business opportunities,
and to discover hundreds more proven and practical internet
marketing secrets, plus FREE internet marketing products
worth over $200, visit: http://www.best-internet-businesses.com
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Note: Feel free to publish it with the resource box and content unchangedHospital in Tennessee Thailand Hotels

Top 7 Tips On Community Based Marketing

Writen by Lance Winslow

It behooves all businesses to support the community, which supports them. It is for this reason that so many small businesses succeed when they act like community businesses and why Corporate America spends so much money on Public Relations. Here are some tips to help you business become more community active and reap the rewards of doing the right thing and participating in your community.

1.) Spend the minor dollars on advertising in Booster Club Schedules, newsletters and such.

2.) Sponsor a Little League Team and a Miss Local City Contestant.

3.) Join the Chamber of Commerce and host a Mixer.

4.) Donate Door Prizes and gift certificates to Silent Auctions.

5.) Have an executive of your company join the Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimist, Elks or other local service club.

6.) Sponsor a Fundraiser on your business property or donate use of a room for the night for a club meeting.

7.) Tell the Community that you are with them in promotional advertising.

By doing these sorts of things you will invigorate your employees and attract better and more caring employees. You will increase brand name recognition. You will prevent lawsuits. You will see sales increase, productivity increase and therefore profits increase, all for doing the right thing. Consider all this in 2006.

Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

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Ten Tips For Effective Meetings

Writen by Steve Kaye

Here are ten things that you can do to hold more effective meetings.

1) Avoid meetings. Test the importance of a meeting by asking, "What happens without it?" If your answer is, "Nothing," then don't call the meeting.

2) Prepare goals. These are the results you want to obtain by the end of the meeting. Write out your goals before the meetings. They should be so clear, complete, and specific that someone else could use them to lead your meeting. Also, make sure they can be achieved with available people, resources, and time. Specific goals help everyone make efficient toward relevant results.

3) Challenge each goal. Ask, "Is there another way to achieve this?" For example, if you want to distribute information, you may find it more efficient to phone, FAX, mail, e-mail, or visit. Realize that a meeting is a team activity. Save tasks that require a team effort for your meetings.

4) Prepare an agenda. Everyone knows an agenda leads to an effective meeting. Yet, many people "save time" by neglecting to prepare an agenda. A meeting without an agenda is like a journey without a map. It is guaranteed to take longer and produce fewer results. Note, without an agenda, you risk becoming someone else's helper (see tip #6 below).

5) Inform others. Send the agenda before the meeting. That helps others prepare to work with you in the meeting. Unprepared participants waste your time by preparing for the meeting during the meeting.

6) Assume control. If you find yourself in a meeting without an agenda walk out. If you must stay, prepare an agenda in the meeting. Collect a list of issues, identify the most important, and work on that. When you finish, if time remains, select the next most important issue. Note: you can use a meeting without an agenda to recruit help for your projects.

7) Focus on the issue. Avoid stories, jokes, and unrelated issues. Although entertaining, these waste time, distract focus, and mislead others. Save the fun for social occasions where it will be appreciated.

8) Be selective. Invite only those who can contribute to achieving your goals for the meeting. Crowds of observers and supporters bog down progress in a meeting.

9) Budget time. No one would spend $1000 on a 10¢ pencil, but they often spend 40 employee hours on trivia. Budget time in proportion to the value of the issue. For example, you could say, "I want a decision on this in 10 minutes. That means we'll evaluate it for the next 9 minutes, followed by a vote."

10) Use structured activities in your meetings. These process tools keep you in control while you ensure equitable participation and systematic progress toward results.

Certified professional facilitator and author Steve Kaye helps groups of people hold effective meetings. His innovative workshops have informed and inspired people nationwide. His facilitation produces results that people will support. And his books show how to hold effective meetings.

Sign up for his free newsletter for more ideas like this. Call 714-528-1300 or visit http://www.stevekaye.com for over 100 pages of information.

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