Bewarecharacteristics Of An Office Gossip

Writen by Marjorie Malone

Every office setting or work environment has at least one. I call them the Office Gossip. Sometimes it's difficult to recognize the person because they are very likeable. They are good at pretending to be your friend or pretending to be interested in helping a situation or a person. This person can be sneaky about their gossiping to the extent that you may not be fully aware of what's happening at first. They will often share personal things with you about themselves and will show interest in your life. That's usually to get you to feel comfortable with them which creates a closeness in their mind but beware. This person is not your friend and is not to be trusted.

Here are some characteristics that I have found to be red flags in identifying this type of person:

1. Appears to enjoy gossiping about other people.
2. Don't seem to have much of a life outside of the office environment.
3. Seem to thrive on creating conflict in the office.
4. Tattle tells to the boss.
5. Exhibits attention seeking behavior.
6. If you get the feeling when this person is talking to you about other people, this person could be talking about you to other people. He/She probably is. In other words if they bring a bone, they will take a bone.
7. Exhibits a very superficial personality.

All these characteristics don't necessarily have to be present but these are just a few that I think if you experience or see in a person my best advice is to use caution. Whatever you do don't share personal information or confide in them. Due to their personality type I guarantee you that this person will use the very information you've share against you when the timing is right for them. Keep your relationship on a professional basis if you have to interact with this individual in the office. If not, stay clear.

My name is Marjorie Malone. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and over the years I have been involved in many MLM networks. I enjoy people and selling quality products and services. I am currently the founder and owner of an e-commerce speciality store called Blue Angel Boutique. You will find a variety of products and services to meet your gift buying needs. You will discover unique giftwares, inspirational items, home accessories, jewelry, and other resources. We are the Home of Universal Treasures because the products and services are universal to all. There is something here for everyone. Please stop by and visit at http://www.blueangelboutique.com

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Reminders For Running A Better Business

Writen by Sue And Chuck DeFiore

The following tips are from an article we contributed to Compute magazine. These are ideas that we all should know, but many times forget. It constantly amazes us how quickly a basic tenent of business can be shoved by the wayside in the heat of daily transactions.

If we all try to keep these simple principles in mind, they may keep us on the straight and narrow in our pursuit of home office bliss.

1. Buy an answering machine. This will allow you to give your attention to a client and not the telephone. Be sure your message is done in a professional manner and includes business name, telephone number and hours of operation.

2. Be sure to have a separate telephone line for business. This will avoid your family using the same line and busy signals to prospects and clients. Keep your personal calls separate and insure your business line is always answered in a professional manner.

3. Read, read and read some more. You will constantly be learning about your business. Reading will allow for additional knowledge, change and growth.

4. Buy a fax machine. This will allow you to give your clients prompt responses and in many cases save on postage and telephone costs. It will also avoid having to leave your office to go and fax something at $1.25 or more per page.

5. Have an identity package professionally done. Your logo, letterhead, business card, envelope and brochure will be the first impression a prospect or client has of you. To insure the impression is a good one, have your business package done by a professional designer. The cost is worth it.

6. If possible set up your office in a separate room of your home. This will allow you to close the door at the end of the business day and allow better separation of your personal and business life.

7. To project a professional appearance be sure your home is always neat and clean-nothing lying about. In addition be sure your yard is well kept. Remember, first impressions count.

8. Be sure your business name is descriptive of what you do. Business names that don't relate to your services can hurt a business. Avoid using just initials, that's fine when you get to be the size of AT&T, but remember, in the beginning no one knows you.

9. Make up a business plan. This will help you research, define and outline your market. It also avoids starting a business in a field that may be overcrowded.

10. If possible, be sure to have at least six months worth of living expenses in reserve. This will allow you to concentrate on getting your business up and running without worrying about paying the bills.

11. If possible, buy a copy machine. This avoids having to go out every time you need to make a copy. Also, it allows you to give a client a copy on the spot. This can go a long way towards enhancing your image as a real business.

Copyright DeFiore Enterprises 2002

Interested in having your own successful, home based creative real estate investing business? Chuck and Sue have been helping folks start successful home based businesses for over 19 years, and we can help you too! To see how, visit http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com for the latest FREE tips and tricks, educational products and coaching in creative real estate investing and home based businesses. No time to visit the site? Subscribe to our "how to" Home Business Solutions Digest, it's like having your own personal coach: subscribeHBS@homebusinesssolutions.com

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Training 7 Tips To Guarantee That Your Training Dollars Double Your Business Results

Writen by Leanne Hoagland-Smith

In spite of the changes in business world, training is still viewed by many small businesses to larger ones as an unnecessary expense. Yet, if a company or even an individual truly wants to grow to reach that next level of success, then training and development should be the number one item budget instead of the last one.

These 7 tips may help you to keep training as the number one line item on the budget.

1. Think about training dollars as being an investment not an expenditure.

2. Understand that training is learning a specific skill or to acquire knowledge while development is about enhancing and strengthening current skill levels.

3. Be able to answer the following question: After everything is said and done, what results do I want?

4. Assess the situation to make sure that the training intervention is not covering up a symptom of a greater problem.

5. Deliver training in shorter segments (no more than 2 hours) with time in between to allow for application and feedback. HINT: Remember the brain only absorbs what the butt will endure.

6. Include audio reinforcement to provide numerous opportunities to the learning event. HINT: One time exposure to a learning event leaves 2% cognitive retention after 16 days, but 6 times to that same event results in 65% long term memory. adage "cutting off your nose to spite your face."

7. Understand the difference between training, teaching and facilitating. These are three separate instructional strategies.

With these seven hints, training will deliver a positive return on your investment (ROI) and more importantly will help you double your business results.

If doubling your results or performance is important to you, then visit http://www.processspecialist.com/od.htm/ to learn some additional secrets and tips. Sign up for a free monthly newsletter. Please feel free to contact Leanne at 219.759.5601. If you truly don't believe doubling your results is possible, read some case studies where individuals and businesses took the risk and experienced unheard of results at http://www.processspecialist.com/press.htm/

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Top Ten Tips When Buying Real Estate

Writen by Eric J. Pfeifer

In today's financial climate, real estate continues to be a strong investment in many areas. Educated buyers will always make the most out of the real estate market. These top ten tips to buying real estate will help you enter into your next real estate transaction with confidence.

TIP #1: Hire the right Agent!

Hiring the right Real Estate Agent is invaluable. If you are unfamiliar with the area, the realtor you choose is your link to important information regarding schools, zoning, city and county regulations, neighborhood trends, building and remodeling and rental restrictions, and property values. Every city has different laws governing what can and can't be done with a property. Sanibel is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States due in part to its strict building codes and city planning. Having experienced many aspects of real estate transactions on a personal level, I understand situations and concerns of my buyers and sellers. I have been an island property owner for many years and have walked through several local real estate transactions myself. From buying and selling lots to building new homes with local builders, to investing in rental income producing properties and utilizing 1031 Tax free exchanges, I don't just sell island real estate; I invest in it because I believe there is no place in the world like Sanibel and Captiva. Whether you work with me or someone else, finding the right realtor is invaluable.

TIP #2: Utilize 1031 Tax Exchanges and Save Money!

1031 Tax Exchanges are tax free exchanges of investment property. Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code is one of the last great tax shelters. If you purchase an investment property of "like kind" within 180 days of the sale of a similar type property, and you are willing to increase the amount of debt or value of the property, your capital gains taxes can be completely deferred. Having just completed a Reverse 1031 tax exchange myself, I believe in using this powerful tax shelter. Feel free to contact me if you are considering using a current Sanibel, Captiva, or Ft. Myers property in a 1031 Tax Exchange, or want to purchase an investment property that might qualify in the future for a 1031 Tax Exchange. A Reverse 1031 Tax Exchange is the same exchange concept as a 1031 Tax Exchange except you have purchased your replacement "like kind" investment property first, before selling the property to be exchanged. Learn more about 1031 Tax Exchanges, and how to use them to your financial advantage. Keep in mind that a neutral party must have act a Qualified Intermediary. Real Estate may also be bought and sold through your self directed retirement account. Whether you utilize a traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP, or company plans such as 401 (k) plans, Keogh, or profit sharing plans, investigate your options.

TIP #3: Pre-qualify for Financing!

Pre-qualifying for a loan may not seem that important until you find your perfect paradise property at the same time as another buyer. When a property is priced to sell, it will usually attract more than one buyer. Once a seller receives an offer, the two most important things they consider are …the price, and the contingencies. For some sellers, a contract contingent on the buyer obtaining financing makes them uncomfortable with the offer. Eliminate any doubt in the mind of a seller, by pre-qualifying for the amount you may spend on the purchase of any property. This is especially important if your dream property suddenly has a price reduction. When this occurs other buyers might come into the picture, that didn't look at that property before it went "On Sale"! Often times a seller will take a financially solid contract over a higher offer. Be ready to put a deal together!

TIP #4: Location, Location, Location!

"Location, location, location", while overused as a real estate phrase, is still and always should be a huge consideration to you as the buyer! If something about the location of a property bothers you, be aware that the same location drawback will bother any buyer you hope to attract when and if you need to resell the property! It's important to ask a lot of questions, but often times it is difficult to know the right questions to ask if you are unfamiliar with the community. This is why it is so valuable to choose and hire the right real estate agent to represent your interests when buying a property.

TIP #5: Get a Home Inspection!

Obtaining an inspection report performed by a licensed professional building inspector of your choice, can protect you from many defects that are hidden from view. Why gamble with such a large financial investment? Let a professional building inspector point out areas to be fixed or replaced that aren't obvious. A good inspector will give you a lengthy report covering all systems in the home from electrical, to plumbing, to roof conditions, and structural concerns. Once you receive a report you may begin negotiations again concerning repairs. Often a seller will agree to make necessary repairs up to a specified financial amount. When a seller lists their property "as is" they are letting you know that they are not willing to fix or replace any part of the property. If you are interested in an "as is" property and aren't going to level the structure and build new, it is still in your best interest to obtain an inspection report. Don't rely on the building inspector to look for termites and other harmful pest problems. Although an inspector will see pest damage, it is best to have a separate termite inspection conducted by a licensed company that understands pests and can eliminate them.

TIP #6: Obtain a Survey and Title Insurance!

Surveys will show easements, encroachments, and boundary lines of a property. By surveying a home in an established neighborhood you are assured that the property boundary lines have been maintained. As homeowners add on the their properties over time with fences, sheds, docks, garages, and other structures, boundary lines can be crossed placing part of their structure on your property, or vice versa. Surveying vacant land is also important for same reasons as a home, plus a survey will help determine the size home, or amount of coverage the lot will allow.

Title Insurance will protect your investment from another party claiming ownership interest in your property. Title searches will uncover liens placed on a property by vendors, or mistakes in past transfers of the title. The last thing you want to discover when you're in the back stretch of a transaction is that there are encumbrances on the property such as tax liens, undisclosed owners, easements, or leases. Should a claim arise after the purchase of a property, the title insurance company is there to protect your ownership interest in that property.

TIP #7: Be Realistic!

"Wants" and "Needs" are very different when is comes to real estate features. If every home you see has the upgrades you "want" but exceeds the price range that you "need"…. be realistic. Who wouldn't love a large, oceanfront, professionally decorated home or condominium, with all the bells and whistles? Looking at properties that exceed your price range is always fun, but it can be extremely frustrating and upsetting. Be realistic by looking at listings in the price range you "need", keeping an eye out for that special property that has the potential to evolve into the dream home you "want". Always look beyond the furnishings, wallpaper, and floor coverings to the architecture of the home; it is then that you will find properties with potential.

TIP #8: Use Contract Contingencies Wisely!

Contingencies in a contract for the purchase of a property are designed to protect you, the buyer! This may seem silly to mention but it's important to remember that you need to work with the seller to come to an agreed upon contract. Valid contingencies to an offer are expected by the seller. Common contingencies include building inspections, termite and pest inspections, financing, and surveys. Many deals fall apart over small details, and easy to fix issues. Remember that sellers are emotional about their property. If you can see that major repairs or replacements need to be made due to neglect or age, make allowances for this in your offering price. The old adage "Everything is negotiable" still holds true, unless you upset the seller so much that they refuse to work with you. Try to avoid listing cosmetic changes you would like the seller to make as contingencies. Cosmetic changes are subjective, be objective when writing a contract.

TIP #9: Understand Regional Health and Safety Issues!

An informed realtor will help you understand other health and safety issues that should be considered when purchasing a property. Safety and Health topics can include EIFS (Synthetic Stucco), indoor air quality, mold, radon, and lead paint. Many of these require the seller to sign a disclosure statement, while others may not apply due to the age, type of construction, or location of the property being purchased.

TIP #10: Ask for Information!

Don't be shy. When you have hired a realtor to work for you, ask them for information. Do you want to look at all the properties in your price range, with the features you need, or just the houses a realtor wants you to see? You deserve all the information you need to make an educated decision. Can you imagine buying the home that you felt was good for your family, only to find that you never received information on a similar property that is perfect for all your needs? I provide many services to insure my buyers always have information at their fingertips.

Eric Pfeifer
Website: http://www.mysanibelrealestate.com
Realtor, Broker-Associate, CRS, GRI

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7 Reasons You Want Referral Business And How To Get Them

Writen by Jeffrey Czajka

Studies have proven that there is one reason why people don't do more referral business: they don't ask. There are two reasons why, they forget or they don't have a strong enough relationship with their clients, so they don't feel comfortable

The truth is every professional should strive to have all of their business be referral because the benefits of referral business are undeniable and extensive.

1. Referrals are more professional
2. Referrals make your job easier and more fun
3. Referral clients are more likely to call you back
4. Referrals are motivating
5. Referrals are more profitable
6. You have more credibility with referrals
7. Referrals take less time and resources

Keys to getting more referrals:

1. Ask for them - The worst they can say it no.
2. Have a specific and systematic way of asking for referrals. For instance, ask first within the organization, then within the industry, then within the industries that industry interacts. The process you use is not the most critical point, the critical point is your consistency, and making sure you don't forget.
3. Do not be too general and ask "who else do you know?" This will have him or her thinking about too many people. They will end up saying, "I can't think of anyone. I'll call with some names later." We all know what happens later, you never get the call or email.
4. Plant referral seeds throughout your sales cycle. During the course of your conversation(s)/presentation(s), the more people you get them to mention (the seeds), the more people you have to go back and harvest as referrals at the end of your conversation/presentation. Bring out and develop relationships, which you can later go back and use as referrals.
   At the end of the day, the process of getting a referral is much less intimidating then the process of approaching someone completely new and with whom you have no history or reference point. Even more, referral business is generally much more rewarding then cold calling. Obviously, the referral process will differ depending on your industry and/or type of business (B2B, B2C, etc.), but no matter what you can develop a system. Increasing your referral business will make your job easier, your work more profitable, and your life more enjoyable. So next time start with the basics, and simply remember to ask.

Jeffrey Czajka has been working in the training industry for three years with Freedom Speakers and Trainers. In that short time he has proven himself to be a rising star by motivating audiences to get the life they want. Not only is he an expert on referrals but he is also an accomplished memory trainer. Please click here for more information on Jeffrey http://www.deliverfreedom.com/speakers_jeffrey.html  or Freedom Speakers and Trainers www.deliverfreedom.com.  Call 888-233-0407 x215 email jeffrey@deliverfreedom.com

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