Tip #500 - 4 Tips for Just Being Yourself on Your Next Job Interview

Job interviews can be a stressful ordeal. Before you even walk into the interview room you'll likely be wondering if the employer will like you, if you're wearing the right clothing, if you'll say the right thing, or if you'll just flub the whole thing.

Most interviewees claim they did not get a job they wanted because they were nervous. They knew they could do the job and do it well, but the interviewer didn't see it. If this is happening to you, and companies aren't seeing the real you, it's simply because you are not showing your true self to them.

It's important to be yourself on interviews. If you pretend to be someone else, or employers do not see the real you, you may-or may not-get the job, but it won't be too long before you are looking for another one.

Here are 4 Steps for being yourself on your next interview from your friends at Dale Carnegie Western Connecticut:

1. Don't Let Fear Overtake You - If you are overly concerned with getting it right, then you will end up getting it wrong. Interviews are a two way street. Employers see if they like you and you see if you like them. If you just want to be "selected" for the job, then you don't get to shine. Let go of what could happen wrong and focus on what on could go right. Know that you are perfect for the job and simply go in there and show them what you got. It's OK to be afraid; you just don't want that fear to get in the way.

2. Be Prepared and Then Let It Go - It's important to thoroughly prepare for an interview. You want to know about the company, what they do, and what you can do to help them reach their goals. But at some point, preparation stops and you take over. Tell the interviewer about a time you had a challenging situation at work, and how you thought about the solution and came up with a way to solve the problem. Let the interviewer see your creative side instead of just canned answers you walked into the room prepared with.

3. Be Mindful of the Interviewer's Needs - Everyone wants to be seen as someone who can do a job well. But if the interview is only about you, and you are only concerned about yourself, the interviewer will pick up on this. Take the focus off yourself and instead put your energies on the person you are talking to. Find out about them, what they want and what's important to them. When you go into helpful mode, your concentration shifts to the other person. This is when the real you comes out.

4. Ask Questions - Interviews are a give and take process. You are asked questions and then you are expected to ask questions in return. Answers to your questions help you feel better about how you will assimilate into the company. Although you may want the job on paper, the company, its policies, and the people who work there are unknown to you. Questions help you get answers that put you at ease. And when you are calmer, the real you can come out.

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Tip #499 - A Sure-Fire Topic to Hold Your Audience's Attention

Dale Carnegie knew that you may possibly bore people if you talk about things and ideas, but you can hardly fail to hold their attention when you talk about people. Stories about people are what fuel the millions of conversations floating over fences in the backyards of America, and over dinner tables. And the predominating note in most of them is personalities.

Carnegie addressed many gatherings of school children in the United States and Canada; and he soon learned by experience that in order to keep them interested he had to tell them stories about people. As soon as he became general in nature and dealt with abstract ideas, "Johnny" became restless and wiggled in his seat, "Tommy" made a face at someone, and "Billy" threw something across the aisle.

Carnegie once asked a group of American businessmen in Paris to talk on "How to Succeed." Most of them began praising homely virtues, and in doing so began preaching at, lecturing to, and boring their listeners.

Carnegie halted the class and admonished them. "We don't want to be lectured to," he said. "No one enjoys that. Remember you must be entertaining or we will pay no attention whatever to what you are saying. Also remember that one of the most interesting things in the world is sublimated, glorified gossip. So tell us the stories of two persons you have known. Tell why one succeeded and why the other failed. We will gladly listen to that, remember it and possibly profit by it. It will also, by the way, be far easier for you to deliver than are wordy, abstract preachments."

Remember in your next speech or talk that human-interest stories-by far-appeal to your audience's nature and will always hold their interest.

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Tip #498 - 6 Components to Creating an Effective Business Team

Have you ever wondered why some teams complete goals efficiently and successfully while others fail? When components are missing, a team can end up elongating a process instead of completing a task.

While every team is different, you will increase your chances of building a strong team by incorporating the following 6 tips from your friends at Dale Carnegie Western Connecticut:

1. Active Team Members - Your team will not function effectively unless each team member is willing to put in an effort. You need team members who are proactive and understanding of their own parts in the larger process.

2. Demonstrate Leadership - If one or more team members demonstrate leadership qualities, you can delegate duties to them and then simply supervise the team. And as you can imagine, this is a more efficient use of a leader's time. Additionally, a good leader will inspire the best work performance from others and describe and communicate visions and goals clearly and often.

3. Integrity - An effective team is guided by a sense of values. Completing work with integrity means sticking to the company guidelines and mission statement. Workers with a strong sense of integrity do more than simply avoid rule-breaking practices; they ensure the highest quality on all work presented.

4. Goal-Oriented Thinking - To succeed, a team must be able to keep a goal in mind. Future-oriented team members can visualize how their work efforts would create a better future. This type of thinking really galvanizes a team, resulting in a higher level of focus and an emphasis on teamwork.

5. Enthusiasm - Teams always work more efficiently when they are not bogged down by negativity. Successful teams consist of members who maintain realistic perspectives while tackling all problems with enthusiasm and positive attitudes. Keep the FUN in doing business!

6. Ability To Connect - The ability to work well with others is an asset to any team. When team members aren't buried in interpersonal conflicts, they focus on achieving goals. Workers who demonstrate this quality can get past personality clashes by seeing diversity as an asset and maintaining positive relationships.

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Tip #497 - Tips for Managing Stress and Goal Setting

Goal setting is a worthwhile and necessary function on the road to success. But over-striving to meet goals often results in more stress, and thus, the need to find ways to reduce it.

When attempting to reduce goal-oriented stress, Dale Carnegie Training of Western Connecticut recommends first examining the goals you've set for yourself. Goals should be difficult, but achievable with persistent effort. Goals that are too far fetched, such as doubling your income in one year, nearly always lead to failure and discouragement. Attainable goals work because you persist and focus your efforts in a specific direction. Without that direction, we'll often find ourselves bouncing from one task to another like a pinball, more at the mercy of outside forces that have no stake in our welfare or success.

The good news is there are ways available to us to combat goal-induced stress. The first line of defense is to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Also try to establish a firm time each day that you won't work past. Pre-plan vacations and weekends so that you have something to look forward to outside of work, and schedule social events with friends at least once per week. However, be mindful of not over-booking social activities so that you can build in some time rest and recuperation.

Also keep in mind that goals need to be set for all aspects of your life, including relationships, finances, home, physical and mental health, as well as spiritual development. Be specific and reasonable when setting goals so that you don't invite more stress into your life. The more you regularly review your goals and focus on them, the more likely it is you'll meet them. Write down your goals, read through them periodically, visualize them and consider keeping a picture journal that represents your achievement of those goals. And don't resist making adjustments to those goals when necessary. Career plans seldom unfold exactly as plotted, and you need to be flexible and adaptable in order to keep an overload of stress from creeping into your life.

For more information visit our website!

Tip #496 - 7 Tips for Using Your Voice to Improve a Presentation

Everyone has experienced boredom by a conference speaker at one time or another. Good presenters, on the other hand, know their voice can make or break a presentation. A well-trained voice can make a huge impression on listeners. And despite how well you know the presentation, there is always room for improvement.

To help you be more successful during your next presentation, your friends at Dale Carnegie Training of Western Connecticut have listed below seven quick tips that can help improve your speech and sales communication when making a presentation to both large and small audiences.

1. Articulate Clearly - If you talk quickly, mumble or slur words, the important points you are trying to make can and will get lost. Worse, people will simply tune you out during your entire presentation.

2. Vary Your Tone To Drive Home A Key Point - Nothing will numb an audience more than somebody who speaks in a dull monotone. Project your voice powerfully and clearly. Learn to use pitch for variation and accent your power words. This helps keep the audience involved and on their toes.

3. Use The Right Tempo - Do not speak in a slow, drawn-out manner. The speed of speech affects how your message is interpreted. Increase your tempo when you wish to convey excitement or urgency. Slow down when you want your words to sink in.

4. Control Your Volume - Project your voice so people can hear you easily. Raise and lower your voice when you want to emphasize certain words or concepts.

5. Get Rid Of Speaking "Crutches" - Avoid punctuating sentences with "you know," "like," "uh," "really," "kind of" and other similar fillers. This pattern becomes tiresome to listeners and portrays a nervous or lazy speaker.

6. Use People's Names - Make sure you connect with your listeners by telling stories and using the first name of someone from the audience. By using names, your words become embedded in the audiences' mind.

7. Practice Out Loud - It is hard to know how you sound to other people. Try using a voice-activated recorder to listen to yourself practice out loud. Play the recording, listen to how you sound and make positive changes. Better yet, audition your speech in front of someone who will give you honest feedback. Do not get upset or frustrated when they give you criticism. Instead, recognize they are trying to help and find ways to incorporate their suggestions. And if they tell you it was perfect, get a second opinion.

With the right articulation, inflection, tone and tempo, your voice will be the means to hook your audience. Get accustomed to using the first names of audience members to personalize your presentation and drive the topic home. Most importantly, know how you sound to others and practice to improve. Over time, your voice will become more effective during your presentations.

For more information visit our website!

Tip #495 - 7 Ways to Be More Successful in Sales

Sales across Western Connecticut always display a lot of competition. As we all know, selling is an important part of our still slowly growing economy. Our region of the country is one of the best. And we have good people in every industry involved in the sales business. Doing things correctly, honestly and effectively in sales means success for us here and across Western Connecticut.

Here are seven ways to stay successful as you grow in the sales profession:

• Be an excellent networker: Being involved in the community and attending a variety of events will give you visibility. Having a professional presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + will also give you that edge in success.
• Value: Everything you do and all your activity must bring positive results. All activities must have reason and purpose. There must always be a return on investment in both time and money.
• No certainties: There is always an aspect of uncertainty in sales. No matter how well you are prepared, things can go sideways. Assess every situation.
• Get  Dale Carnegie Training: Dale Carnegie of Western Connecticut is a wonderful foundation for serving others and it is the standard for sales training in a tough economy. The offerings are absolutely essential for growth and opportunity. It is critical for sales and peer engagement.
• Be outgoing and friendly: In every interaction, it is the sales professional who people will remember for both energy and optimism.
• Use leadership as a partner: Many salespeople under-utilize the talent and the resources that leadership provides in day to day activities. Good management is essential for both support and advice.
• The customer comes first: In any sales situation, placing the customer first will always give  focus for the right priorities. It is the one ingredient that will allow for both referrals and recommendations.

For more information visit our website!westernct.dalecarnegie.com

Tip #494 - Six Ways to Praise Your Employees' Performance

Did you praise your team members more than you critiqued them this week? No matter what, experts all agree that you will have a happier and more productive workforce if your team members feel like valued employees. And the more you praise your staff for a job well done, the more productive they will be.

Although praise seems like such a simple thing, it's often done unsuccessfully, if at all. To help you or someone you know become better at praising, your friends at Dale Carnegie Training have listed below 6 tips for your review and consideration.

1. Offer Genuine Praise - When you provide praise, ensure that the content of your message is thoughtful and heartfelt. This will maximize the impact of your words. Your employees don't want to receive praise simply because it's an item on your to-do list, so make it meaningful.

2. Understand How People Respond To Recognition- Everyone responds to praise differently. While you should ensure equal treatment, consider offering different choices as rewards for a job well done.

3. Provide Immediate Praise - When you see an employee doing something right, offer praise and positive reinforcement immediately. This lets the employee know that you're not just looking to criticize.

4. Give Specific Details - When praising an employee, be as specific as possible. This shows the employee that you are particularly attentive to their performance.

5. Grant Praise And Criticism Separately - When offering praise, keep it simple and specific, and avoid mixing in criticism. You can offer performance improvement tips another time. Even the most constructive criticism can mitigate the effect of praise.

6. Balance Your Praise - Avoid praising only your top performers. Your most lackluster employee may respond well to praise as a means of encouragement for improving, just make sure you are sincere when you give it.

Try to take some time right now and catch someone doing something right. And when you do, praise them and look at how their body responds to you. You will immediately see how it is so worth doing more times than not.

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Tip #493: 9 Highly Successful People Share What They Wish They Knew In College

Like countless college students before them, the class of 2014 has little idea what to expect when they enter the working world.

This article from Business Insider shares advice from 9 highly successful people on what they wish they knew in college.

  

9 Highly Successful People Share What They Wish They Knew In College

 By: JENNA GOUDREAU - businessinsider.com

"Whether you know exactly where you're heading or feel a bit lost," writes Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg in "Lean In For Graduates," the latest edition of her popular book, "everyone has this in common: you're all in for big surprises."

College graduates will leave the safe, structured world of higher education and enter a fiercely competitive job market, instantly going from the top of the food chain to the bottom. When they land a job, they enter a strange new world of office politics, power jockeying, and hidden agendas. 

To give  young people a head start, Business Insider polled some of the world's most successful people to find out what they wish they had known before they graduated. 

A few common themes: Take risks, stay focused, don't underestimate the power of relationships, and expect the unexpected. 

Arianna Huffington, president and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post Media Group and author of "Thrive":
"In college, just before I embarked on a career as a writer, I wish I had known that there would be no trade-off between living a well-rounded life and my ability to do good work. 
"I wish I could go back and tell myself, in my thick Greek accent: 'Arianna, your performance will actually improve if you can commit to not only working hard, but also unplugging, recharging, and renewing yourself.' That would have saved me a lot of unnecessary stress, burnout, and exhaustion."

Scott Adams, creator of syndicated comic Dilbert and author of "How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big":
"I would tell my young self to keep open as many options as possible because the future is wildly unpredictable. The best way to improve your options is to continually learn as much as you can in fields that are complementary to your main interests. It also helps your odds if you stay networked with as many influential people as you can."

Kay Krill, president and CEO of ANN Inc.:
"The advice I would have given to my college self and any young person entering the workforce today would be to always be authentic and true to yourself and your beliefs. Do not get sidetracked with advice from others that your gut tells you is wrong. By doing this, you will have the clarity of mind to always do the right thing for the business and for yourself."

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Tip #492: Tips for Developing Better Listening Skills

One of the strongest components of effective communication is simply developing one's listening skills. By truly listening to what the other party is saying, respect, credibility, and trust are gained. Listening thoroughly will also serve to allow one to sincerely respond to what the other person is saying. One's response will be on target and relevant, and will prove that you have truly been listening.

     There are many types of listeners, who may or may not be aware of their own communication styles, and this can be detrimental not only in the business world, but in the rest of one's interactions throughout their daily routines. The key is to objectively and honestly pay attention to yourself, and discern whether or not you may be one of these kinds of listeners.

     If you are preoccupied, you may project visual indications of that, such as indirect eye contact. When you're constantly looking around, you give the impression that you are not paying attention. If you notice this about yourself, you will need to focus on putting other tasks or thoughts aside, making certain that you are maintaining direct eye contact with the other party at all times.

     If you are a daydreamer when you speak to others, again, focus is not being maintained. Daydreaming will be read on your face and you will portray yourself as lacking interest. As with the preoccupied person, the daydreamer must bring the focus back to the person and to the topic at hand. Again, eye contact is extremely important, as well as the conscious effort to ask questions and bring yourself into the conversation.

     Some people may find themselves interrupting from time to time, or a lot of the time. While this just may be a symptom of perhaps being very excited about the topic at hand, it gives the impression that what the other person is saying is not that important. If you notice this about yourself, it is very easy to change. Simply apologize when you find yourself interrupting, and let the other person continue with what they are saying.

     To be an engaging listener, one that is truly communicating and not distracted, you need to be fully engaged with your body, mind, and heart. In the business world today, this is a must. The public is very discerning when it comes to where they will take their business. And effective listening skills-or lack of them-will be immediately perceived and consequently help, or hinder, a company's survival.

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Tip #491: 7 Ingredients for Productive Meetings

Another meeting is scheduled for today? Your daily game plan now shifts to meeting preparation. Yes, there is one, but is there an agendas and purpose? Who else is invited? The interesting point is that these questions are not unusual or atypical.

Meetings are a great source of information and a huge benefit for the organizations that schedule them when they are needed. If scheduled carelessly, they come at a cost in both time and money.

Below are seven ingredients for productive meetings:

• Make sure there is a clear reason to have a meeting: Many meetings should not take place. They have no rhyme or reason. Does that every Monday morning meeting at 7:30 a.m. really produce results? Some regular meetings are scheduled from past habit not current purpose.
• Be on time: Courtesy is important; no shows and late arrivals disturb the speakers and basic flow. Start every meeting on time with everyone present.
• End every meeting on time: A trusted timekeeper is essential in meetings. Agendas are completed in a set time limit. 
• Brief latecomers at break: Make that first break a short catch up session. The five to 10 minutes needed to get everyone up to speed make for increased productivity.
• Have a set agenda: Meetings need definable purpose.
• Move from important to less important agenda items. Getting the most important items discussed first will make the overall process successful.
• Have a scribe: Note taking is very important. Have a note taker document all the information and send the minutes out within 48 hours.

Meetings that have purpose are welcome to everyone. When they are effective and productive there is increased opportunity for everyone.

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Tip #490: 6 Rules for Communicating with Diplomacy and Tact

At one time or another, a manager or a team member who always seems to know what to say and how to say it in any situation has awed us all. These people know how to communicate with diplomacy, tact and confidence.

The way in which we communicate with others can elicit positive or negative emotions. If we communicate aggressively, without respect or sensitivity to the other person's point of view, defensive or angry emotions can prevent others from hearing the message we are trying to convey. Communicating with diplomacy and tact is an approach that combines strength and sensitivity and keeps negative emotions at bay.

Here are Six Rules for Disagreeing Agreeably from your friends at Dale Carnegie Training:

Rule #1 - Give others the benefit of the doubt. Maybe the person who made that outrageous generalization isn't really insensitive. Maybe this person has had a painful experience that made him overreact.

Rule #2 - After giving someone the benefit of the doubt, listen to learn and truly understand why this person holds this belief. We must let him/her know we've heard them and we are genuinely trying to see things from their perspective.

Rule #3 - Always take responsibility for our own feelings, when disagreeing with someone. Make a commitment to respond using "I" statements only. When we begin with "you" we come off as blaming and confrontational and immediately put the other person on the defensive. This reduces the chance of our point of view being heard.

Rule #4 - Use a cushion. Connect or "cushion" a different opinion, starting with "I hear what you're saying," Or "I appreciate your view on..." Again, begin with the word "I" and not "You said..." or it will sound confrontational.

Rule #5 - Eliminate the words "but" or "however" from our vocabulary. Once we have cushioned the other person's opinion, use "and," or pause and say nothing, following the cushion. Acknowledging the individual's point of view and following it with a "but" or "however" erases the acknowledgement.

Rule #6 - State our point of view or opinion with relevant and factual evidence. Keep our emotions out of the equation by taking the time to reflect on what you think and why you think it, and how you can express yourself to demonstrate that you understand.

For more information visit our website!

Tip #489: 5 Ways to Delegate More Effectively

Delegating tasks efficiently is the most effective way to get the most out of your team's performance. After all, as a leader within your organization, your team looks to you for direction. The decisions you make affect everyone's workload, process and daily tasks. The way you delegate tasks can also eliminate redundancy and frustration experienced by your team members.

Here are five ways to improve your delegation methods from your friends at Dale Carnegie Training:

1. Provide Work That Team Members Can Complete Individually - Everyone enjoys the feeling of completing a task. While assembly line philosophy is important for efficiency, every team member wants to accomplish something specific. To provide this sense of completion, emphasize how each team member is furnishing a component of the bigger picture.

2. Clearly Communicate Deadlines - Ensure that everyone understands individual tasks, the purpose of these tasks and specifically when they are due. By providing firm deadlines, you will help your team learn how to manage their own time individually and as a group. If the project is large, include a timeline and due dates for milestones.

3. Convey Your Expectations - It is imperative that everyone understands your goal or output. In fact, it is perfectly reasonable to tell someone what your expectations are so there isn't any confusion to what you want or need.

4. Provide Your Team With The Right Tools to Do Their Job Better - Few things are more frustrating than receiving a task while lacking the tools required to complete it in an efficient manner. Make sure that your team has the necessary tools to get the job done, including computer software, a contact list, pertinent information sources, and suggested resources.

5. Give Rewards - Rewards let teams and individuals know that they've done a job well. While money can motivate, so can creative rewards. Before you delegate tasks, consider how you will reward top performance.

Delegation allows each team member to take responsibility for a piece of a larger project or goal. This can help you develop a more effective team and identify team members with leadership skills and qualities. As a leader in your organization, you must effectively delegate tasks and tell everyone your expectations and goals.

For more information visit our website!

Tip #488: Seven Tips for Using Your Voice to Improve a Presentation

Everyone has experienced boredom by a conference speaker at one time or another. Good presenters, on the other hand, know their voice can make or break a presentation. A well-trained voice can make a huge impression on listeners. And despite how well you know the presentation, there is always room for improvement.

To help you be more successful during your next presentation, your friends at Dale Carnegie Training have listed below seven quick tips that can help improve your speech and sales communication when making a presentation to both large and small audiences.

1. Articulate Clearly - If you talk quickly, mumble or slur words, the important points you are trying to make can and will get lost. Worse, people will simply tune you out during your entire presentation.

2. Vary Your Tone To Drive Home A Key Point - Nothing will numb an audience more than somebody who speaks in a dull monotone. Project your voice powerfully and clearly. Learn to use pitch for variation and accent your power words. This helps keep the audience involved and on their toes.

3. Use The Right Tempo - Do not speak in a slow, drawn-out manner. The speed of speech affects how your message is interpreted. Increase your tempo when you wish to convey excitement or urgency. Slow down when you want your words to sink in.

4. Control Your Volume - Project your voice so people can hear you easily. Raise and lower your voice when you want to emphasize certain words or concepts.

5. Get Rid Of Speaking "Crutches" - Avoid punctuating sentences with "you know," "like," "uh," "really," "kind of" and other similar fillers. This pattern becomes tiresome to listeners and portrays a nervous or lazy speaker.

6. Use People's Names - Make sure you connect with your listeners by telling stories and using the first name of someone from the audience. By using names, your words become embedded in the audiences' mind.

7. Practice Out Loud - It is hard to know how you sound to other people. Try using a voice-activated recorder to listen to yourself practice out loud. Play the recording, listen to how you sound and make positive changes. Better yet, audition your speech in front of someone who will give you honest feedback. 

Do not get upset or frustrated when they give you criticism. Instead, recognize they are trying to help and find ways to incorporate their suggestions. And if they tell you it was perfect, get a second opinion.

With the right articulation, inflection, tone and tempo, your voice will be the means to hook your audience. Get accustomed to using the first names of audience members to personalize your presentation and drive the topic home. Most importantly, know how you sound to others and practice to improve. Over time, your voice will become more effective during your presentations.

For more information visit our website!

Tip #487: Seven Ways to Be More Successful in Sales

 As we all know, selling is an important part of our still slowly growing economy. Our region of the country is one of the best. And we have good people in every industry involved in the sales business. Doing things correctly, honestly and effectively in sales means success.

Here are seven ways to stay successful as you grow in the sales profession:

• Be an excellent networker: Being involved in the community and attending a variety of events will give you visibility. Having a professional presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + will also give you that edge in success.
• Value: Everything you do and all your activity must bring positive results. All activities must have reason and purpose. There must always be a return on investment in both time and money.
• No certainties: There is always an aspect of uncertainty in sales. No matter how well you are prepared, things can go sideways. Assess every situation.
• Get  Dale Carnegie Training: Dale Carnegie of Western Connecticut is a wonderful foundation for serving others and it is the standard for sales training in a tough economy. The offerings are absolutely essential for growth and opportunity. It is critical for sales and peer engagement.
• Be outgoing and friendly: In every interaction, it is the sales professional who people will remember for both energy and optimism.
• Use leadership as a partner: Many salespeople under-utilize the talent and the resources that leadership provides in day to day activities. Good management is essential for both support and advice.
• The customer comes first: In any sales situation, placing the customer first will always give  focus for the right priorities. It is the one ingredient that will allow for both referrals and recommendations.

For more information visit our website!

Tip #486: The Lost Art of the Honest and Sincere Thank You Note

Writing a sincere thank you note is one of the professional skills that can make a lasting favorable impression. People like being appreciated. One of Dale Carnegie's fundamental human relations principles is "Give honest, sincere appreciation."

When writing a thank you note, use a plain, small card. However, the card is not as important as the effort, so if paper is all that is available, write the note anyway! Use this 6-step formula as a sure-fire method of expressing appreciation in a written note.

1. Greet the Giver - Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith OR Dear Jamie. It seems like an obvious point, yet many people will begin a note with "Hi" or even omit the greeting.

2. Express Gratitude - Thank you so much for the book. The key is to keep it simple and specific. The point of writing the note is to create an expression of a heartfelt sentiment.

3. Discuss Use - I started to read the book immediately and have found many great ideas already. People like to know that you found their gesture or gift valuable. Sharing how you are using the item or idea makes their effort more meaningful.

4. Another Thank You - Thank them again for the gift. It's not excessive to say thanks again.

5. Complimentary Close - Wrap it up with a close that expresses your final thought: Regards, All the Best, Sincerely, Gratefully, etc. Then sign your name.

6. Send It - Even if your colleagues and acquaintances are not of the note-writing variety, be the one who sets the precedent.

It is the mark of a true professional to become skilled at writing thank you notes in this age of email, voicemail, and text messaging. Demonstrating business professionalism is not difficult; it just takes effort and focus. Applying simple aspects of business etiquette goes a long way in establishing our professionalism, which builds our confidence and comfort in business settings.

For more information please visit our website!

Tip #485: 7 Ways to Start a Great Day

We all know that the first hour of your day will often times set the tone for the rest of the day.  That being said, here are seven surefire positive day starters for you to read.  They are:

#1: Plan The Night Before -Taking 20 minutes to lay out your clothes and plan your breakfast can save you from a stressful, mad rush in the morning.  With a little efficiency, you'll save the frustration and scrambling, leaving you ready to tackle more important issues.

#2: Schedule A Positive Meeting To Distribute Good Information -  Having something to look forward to is a great way to energize you in the morning.   If you don't have an exciting opportunity or important meeting lined up, try to schedule one.  The prospect of a fun and productive encounter usually wakes you up with a smile and often without an alarm clock.

#3: Stretch Every Part Of Your Body For 15 Seconds - Limbering up your muscles and joints enhances the flow of blood through your body, providing an extra shot of oxygen to all your tissues.
 

#4: Try 15 Minutes Of Meditation -  Meditation stimulates the brain in a deep and thoughtful way. It allows you to clear distractions from your mind and purge negative energy. Center yourself by shutting off your mental chatter and clearing your mind, opening yourself to the positive energy the world brings your way.

#5: Drink A Minimum Of 8 To 10 Ounces Of Water - You've been fasting all night and you wake up dehydrated.  Many doctors recommend a glass of water first thing in the morning, before your coffee or breakfast. 
 

#6: Open A Book That Has Inspirational Copy - Buy a few books that are uplifting, inspiring, or even humorous for your first brain stimulus. This will give you positive, fun thoughts to keep you energized throughout the day.

#7: Open Your Eyes To Bright Colors - Research suggests that exposure to bright colors in the early morning raises your spirits and energy. So pick up a pleasant bouquet every few days and set it right in your view.

Executive Summary: Some people are naturally morning people, while others hit their stride in the afternoon or evening. No matter what your inclination, everyone knows the importance of starting off your day on the right foot. A smooth, stress-free morning sets the tone for the rest of the day and keeps you sharp and clear-headed, ready to take advantage of any opportunities that might come your way. Conversely, carrying the stress of family, weather, traffic and other distractions into your office can hinder your success and directly affect your employees and/or co-workers.  By using the tips above, you can start out each morning on your terms and be prepared to make it a great day!

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Tip #484: 7 Steps to Effective Delegating

      

Whether you are assigning a task to one employee, or divvying up parts of a large project to a group of people, knowing how to effectively delegate oftentimes is the difference between a good outcome for your organization and a negative one.  Delegating is an undervalued management skill and could always be improved upon.

The 7 Steps To Effective Delegating Are:

Step #1: Identify The Goals Of The Project - Identifying the goals creates a workable scale of the project.  This helps determine how many parts the project will have and how many people will be needed to produce an effective outcome.  Write down the different parts of the project and how they will support the goal. 

Step #2: Select The People - This is arguably the most important step in effective delegating.  Knowing your team's strengths is key to delegating, giving each person the opportunity to shine and grow.  People work more productively when they believe that others are directly dependent on their results.  To that effect, delegate wisely

Step #3: Distribute Work Evenly - Once you have decided on the different parts of the project and which people will be assigned to each part, write it down as an action plan.  Some of the parts of a project will be larger than others.  Writing down the details of each part of the project will help you, as a manager, delegate evenly.  Even distribution of work will keep people from being resentful of their own assignment and help cultivate a good team atmosphere.

Step #4: Hold a Delegation Meeting - Meetings use up a valuable commodity: time.  Make the most of it.  Be prepared to present the project to your team and be sure to leave time for questions.  The meeting should cover the following items:

• Identify The Project And Goals: Clearly state the purpose of the project and the goals that are to be achieved.  Use visuals to outline the different parts of the project and how they support the overall goal.

• Assign: Clearly assign the parts of the project to different people.

• Set Performance Standards: It will give clarity to everyone involved if you set performance standards that meet the SMART formula (specific, measurable, attainable, results oriented and time-phased).

Step #5: Create An Action Plan - Once the task or project has been delegated, a plan of action to accomplish it needs to be created.  After the plan is created, resources can then be identified and assigned to complete each sub-task needed to accomplish the overall task.  Be sure to meet with the person who has been assigned each part of the project.  This allows the plan of action they developed to be agreed upon and for any modifications discussed to be incorporated into the plan. 

Step #6: Implement The Plan - They are now ready to implement the plan, with your support and modifications, in order to reach the targeted goal in an efficient manner.  And yes, all plans should be fluid in design, because things change as the environment changes.

Step #7: Follow-Up - Many executives find their staff losing focus on their assigned tasks if they are not following up on the project.  Successful leaders establish designated checkpoints at the onset of the project in order to follow up on the status and the progress being made.  They can then offer support and guidance to the recipient in the event they are meeting roadblocks or obstacles.  However, do not get drawn into micro-managing a project's details; concentrate on factors and/or resources which can help your support staff achieve success while also allowing them the space and time to complete their assigned task.

Executive Summary: When you delegate complex projects effectively, it is much easier for individuals and teams to understand your expectations.  This is why delegation meetings are so important.  Even though you may think everyone is on board, you need to make sure they are continuing down the right path - to do so, monitor and measure where they are on a regular basis.  If they are steering off course, provide the resources and support needed to get them back on track.

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Tip #483: 3 Ways To Help Your Customer Service Team Cross Sell A Product Or Service

      

Customer service and sales are often thought of as two separate entities.  However, an exceptional customer service representative of a company can also be an exceptional sales representative.  Many opportunities exist to up-sell or cross-sell to a customer while providing customer service.  The trick is to recognize the opportunity and take advantage of it.  Customers will appreciate it when you educate them about products or services that might benefit them.  In doing so, you are providing customer service that is above-average.  And above-average customer service gives your company an advantage over competitors.

The 3 Ways Your Customer Service Team Can Cross-Sell A Product Or Service Are:

#1: Go Above And Beyond The Customers' Expectations -When a customer calls, be sure to get all of the details so that you will best know how to help them.  Make sure you understand exactly what the problem is and what the customer expects.  Once you know what they expect, you can work on exceeding those expectations.  It can be easy to turn a frustrated customer into a happy customer.  The best part is, there is a good chance that this customer will tell others about their experience.  And we all know how valuable referrals are.

#2: Remember To Up-Sell - Always educate customers about complementary products or services that would be helpful to them.  If you do not tell them, they may not know it is available.  Even if they refuse the product at the time, you will still come across as being helpful and they may even buy the product or service in the future.  Also, be sure to suggest products or services that are an up-sell.  Do this in a way that educates the customer on what advantages it has to them.  Maybe point out that they can save money in the long run if they go with "X" instead of "Y."  

Click on this link for more tips on cross-selling and up-selling

#3: Educate The Customer - It is important to recognize that even though every contact with a customer is a selling opportunity, it does not mean that you have to give a sales pitch every time.  Sometimes, simply educating a person is the best way to sell because it is not intimidating and you will come across as being helpful.  This helps build rapport with your customer and increases trust - which leads to repeat business.

Executive Summary:The best customer service involves educating customers and exceeding expectations.  When cross-selling and up-selling remember to come across as a teacher rather than a sales person.  This is the best way to gain lifelong customers.

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Tip #482: 7 Tips for Effective Business Networking

Successful business networking builds strong relationships that are often beneficial to all parties involved. Consider the old saying: "It's not what you know, it's who you know." Business networking brings with it the advantage of recommendations and personal introductions, which can also lead to new business opportunities for you.

While establishing a strong network of contacts is essential, it isn't always easy. We've put together a list of tips will help you build valued connections. 

The 7 Tips For Effective Business Networking Are:

Tip #1: Be Visible - There are more ways than ever to get your name out there. Joining social networking sites such as LinkedIn or Twitter is a great way to begin creating a strong online presence. Use these sites to reach out to other professionals in your industry, not just people you already know. Post commentary or articles of interest, or publish a blog to promote your areas of expertise and provide updates on your achievements. Ask others in your "social groups" to recommend you and be sure to return the favor.

Click here for more on using LinkedIn to help build your networking connections.

Tip #2: Take The Focus Off Of Selling - People are more likely to do business with someone who they feel they've built a strong connection with. So don't think of networking events or groups as a way of gaining sales. Instead use these as opportunities to meet new people and begin building solid long-term relationships.

Tip #3: Plan Your Introduction - When you meet someone at a social event, you only have 10-20 seconds to make a first impression. Just as a resume is a great written tool to concisely describe your qualifications, it is as important to come up with a short introduction to use for social meetings. While keeping in mind less is more, make sure to tell your new contact your full name, what company you are with and your area of specialty. And be sure to smile and make eye contact while you are speaking to keep them engaged.

Tip #4: Ask Questions - Once you have introduced yourself, it's important to give your new contact a chance to share.  Ending your introduction with a question enables more to happen. And asking specific questions shows that you are truly interested. Most people enjoy talking about themselves and will be glad to respond. This can be a great start to building good rapport.

Tip #5: Remember Names - A sure way to impress a contact who you have previously met is by remembering his or her name. People feel a personal connection with you when you refer to them by name. Upon first meeting, use your new contact's name often throughout your conversation. This will help you to remember the name in the future and will also make a positive impression.

Tip #6: Don't Be Forgotten - It's a sad fact: within 48 hours of meeting you, people will often forget who you are. Whether it's with an e-mail, phone call or even an invitation to join your social media page, remember to follow up soon after your first meeting to stay fresh in your contact's mind. 

Tip #7: Connect Your Connections - It's a real possibility that many of your business contacts could help each other out - if only they knew each other. When you feel an introduction would be beneficial, why not introduce two of your connections? This will not only show your willingness to help, but it will also keep your name fresh in their minds. And who knows, they may soon return the favor.

Executive Summary: Social networks have quickly become an important part of the business world - either through online social networking, a networking group or an event.  However, they all need to be done proactively.  That said, take the steps in your business and you will see how this will lead to mutually beneficial relationships.  

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Tip #481: 5 Tips For Providing Value-Added Services To Your Customers

To build strong relationships with your customers and prospects, it's imperative that the services you provide add value for your customers. It's true that customers want to do business with companies that they trust. But just as important, customers want to feel that they are gaining the highest value for their money. 

There are some simple steps you can take to assure customers and prospects that there is much value to be gained in doing business with your company.

The 5 Tips To Increasing For Providing Value-Added Services To Your Customers Are:

Tip #1: Promote Customer Service Company-Wide - First and foremost, to add value to your sales relationships, you must provide training for everyone at your company who will come in contact with customers - not just the sales force. Make sure that all of your employees are well-educated in your company's services so that they are able to quickly offer solutions for customer issues if they arise. Offering above-average customer support across your company will add value to the service you provide.

Tip #2: Do It Better And Faster Than Your Competition - In today's fast-paced business world, customers are demanding that you not only provide quality service but that you do it quickly. Customers see a direct correlation between speed and good service. A company that can provide a fast turn around is providing a value to its customers.

Tip #3: Offer Convenience - Customers want convenience. It can be as simple as designing a company website that is easy to navigate, offering extended business hours, or providing 24-hour customer support. Finding ways to help customers easily access your services is another way to add value.

Tip #4: Give Something Extra - Customers want to walk away feeling that they received the best possible deal. Offering things such as a free consultation, a satisfaction guarantee, or a repeat-business discount can go a long way in building customer loyalty. Knowledge can also be a great give-away. Offering things such as brochures detailing your company's services, product instructions, how-to manuals, or access to knowledgeable consultants will show customers you care about their satisfaction and have the expertise to meet their needs.

Tip #5: Seek Feedback - Whether it's through a quick follow-up call after or a detailed customer satisfaction survey, it's important to touch base with customers to see how you are doing.  Are you meeting your customers' needs, or are you falling short?  Getting feedback will help you gain the most valuable information of all - what the customer wants.

Click here for tips on creating a great customer service survey.

Executive Summary: When customers look for a service solution for their company, they want to use a company they trust will offer the best possible service at the best value for their money. By adding value to the services you offer, you will successfully turn more prospects into customers and more customers into repeat buyers. 

P.S.  Keep in mind the following quote from Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com, the largest retailer on the Web whose brand loyalty is based on providing exceptional value to its customers: "We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It's our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better."

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Tip #480: 8 Tips For Generating Repeat Business

While many marketing and sales initiatives are designed to increase profitability by bringing in new business, repeat customers can actually be just as important in maintaining a company's revenue stream. But with so many options out there for customers to choose from, how can you ensure that your existing clients will keep coming back for more?  

Tip #1: Get Personal - Treating each client as a unique individual is the key to good customer service. When you or your customer service team speaks to a client, be sure to address them by name throughout the conversation. It may seem polite to call someone Ma'am or Sir, but it can actually be a turnoff to clients who want to feel as though you are truly interested in serving their individual needs.

Tip #2: Make GREAT Customer Service A Priority -A bad customer service experience can not only affect how a client feels about your business, but it can impact how that client talks to others about your business. With social media becoming an ever-more popular way for customers to vent, one client's dissatisfaction could mean widespread negative publicity for your company. Make exceptional customer service a priority.

Click here to read a recent Forbes article on the golden rule of customer service.

Tip #3: Communicate Missed Deadlines - Sometimes circumstances arise that will cause you to miss a deadline, such as a promised delivery date. In these cases, it is always best to let the client know as soon as possible. While an apology can go a long way, consider also offering a discount on the current service or on a future service. Be sure to follow through on any new promises you make.

Tip #4: Incorporate Up-Selling And/Or Cross-Selling - Use client requests for products or services as an opportunity to discuss other related products and services your company offers. This is not only a great way to increase sales, but it also shows clients that you have experience and knowledge in other areas that could meet their needs.

Tip #5: Follow Up After An Initial Order Is Placed - When orders are placed, be sure to capture contact information, including name, address, phone number and e-mail address. Then follow-up immediately with an e-mail or a phone call to thank the client for the business. 

Tip #6: Ensure Customer Support Information Is Readily Available - There is nothing more frustrating for a client than not being able to talk to a live person when they have a question. Make your contact information readily available and easily accessible. Display a customer service contact number prominently on your Website. Include this phone number in follow-up e-mails and on invoices. Be sure that these phone numbers connect to knowledgeable representatives who can provide prompt quality client support.

Tip #7: Reduce The Perceived Risk - Clients want to rest assured that they will receive a high-quality product or service at the best possible price. By offering a guarantee, you will lower the perceived risks and gain your clients' trust. This ultimately increases the chances for return business.

Tip #8: Assess Your Company's Performance - Be sure to offer customer surveys to assess the level of your clients' satisfaction. If survey results shed light on an issue, take the proper steps to resolve the problem quickly.

Executive Summary: A happy client is more likely to become a repeat customer. With this in mind, it's important to make good customer service a top priority. Remember, if you are not making your clients happy, your competition will be waiting in the wings to do a better job.

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Tip #479: 7 Tips For Striking A Balance Between Work And Home Life

Do you find it difficult to balance the demands of your career with your responsibilities at home? If so, you are not alone. Many people are putting in extra hours at work to stay ahead in their careers. But this can mean fewer hours to devote to your home life. So how can you achieve a balance between work and home life? Following just a few simple steps can help.

The 7 Tips For Striking A Balance Between Your Work And Home Life Are:

Tip #1: Prioritize - Making a to-do list each day is a great way to set your priorities. Start by listing your tasks in order of importance. Include work tasks as well as other aspects of your life. This will help you sort out what needs your immediate attention from what can wait.    

Tip #2: Don't Procrastinate - Once you've made your list, set realistic goals and deadlines for completing the tasks at hand - then get to work. Procrastinating from completing the things that need to get done can cause a work pileup. By staying focused on your goals, you will find yourself quickly plugging through your list - freeing up time for your personal life.

Tip #3: Don't Waste The Time You Have - Are you wasting time on activities that add little value to your day? For example, bad habits such as reviewing social media sites and checking personal e-mails can eat up valuable time. Take stock. If an activity does not enhance your career or personal life, minimize the time you spend on it.  

Tip #4: Learn To Delegate - Between your responsibilities at work and your chores at home, do you sometimes feel like you are doing everything? Delegating work in your home life can be extremely effective in time management. For example, try giving age-appropriate chores to your children. This teaches valuable skills and helps them gain more confidence in their accomplishments. It can mean more time for you to spend with them - so everyone wins.

Tip #5: Just Say "No." - Do you find yourself saying yes to others who request your time when what you really want to say is no? We all have the need to please. But you are not doing yourself or others any favors by taking on more than you have time for. Pick and choose what you agree to take on. And don't be afraid to say, "No."

Tip #6: Incorporate "Cell-Phone-Free" Time - The use of technology has enabled us to be "on call" during off-work hours. But it has also blurred the lines between work and home life. It is important to allow time in your personal life that does not include checking work e-mails or taking work-related calls. Whether it's a date night with your spouse or a movie with the kids, be sure to add "cell-phone-free" time to your schedule.   

Tip #7: Plan Time For Yourself - Don't forget to make time just for you. Allow yourself to do the things you truly love, even if that means simply relaxing with a good book or catching up on your favorite TV show.  Making "me" time can go a long way to help recharge your battery.

Take this quiz to see if you are achieving a good work/life balance.

Executive Summary: In today's fast-paced world, we are forced to do more with less time. The demands of work and home can often feel like a tug of war for our time. But by taking the proper steps, you can achieve balance. Remember to focus on high-priority tasks first. Avoid distractions that can get in the way of meeting your deadlines. Resist taking on more than you can chew. And make sure to fit in family time and "me" time. Finding ways to reduce the stress is ultimately the key to a happier you. 

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