Hows Your Reputation

Writen by Mari-Lyn Hudson

Everything in life is about relationships, that's why we network, go on dates, meet people for coffee, for lunches and social gatherings. We all do this to meet some need, whether it's for life partners, establishing clients, friends, employees or strategic alliances.

What happens after is what really matters. Do you follow-up? Do you ask for the sale, or the friendship or the relationship to begin? Do you ask yourself what your intention is for this relationship?

After all the effort to engage someone to establish a relationship, what do you do then? Do you send a thank you note, or give them a call? Do you ask if you can proceed with the next step? Or do you drop the ball?

It seems to me this step is where most people drop the ball. I call it a strike #1.

If you have given a follow-up call and now engaging in conversations toward having a relationship, whether it's personal or biz how are you keeping your new relationship fresh? What after care do you do? Or do you feel, well I got the sale or the interest so I don't have to do anything else?

If you do this, you are dead wrong, this is where the bleeding starts. People will start to fall out of 'like' with you anywhere from a week to three months. When people start to fall out of 'like' with you or your company you need to find out why. Was there something you said, you would do and haven't done yet? Was it a call, send them information, connect them with someone else or arrange for training? You get the idea.

How do you show you really care? What warm and fuzzy thing do you do to refresh this wonderful relationship? When you are shopping to get what you want and it arrives, you need to look after it. (my mom and dad used to tell me all the time you better look after it, especially when I got something I really wanted, like my red tricycle, another story)

There is a cost to you if you don't. Not only may you lose that customer, employee, that personal relationship you will lose referrals, people may bad mouth you, you'll lose your reputation, trust and respect. Which is a greater loss for you, your reputation or your considerations for not following up?

It's all about relationships, people will stay where they feel valued and appreciated. Period!

Written by Mari-Lyn Hudson of Heart@Work, a relationship company. They provide relationship after care services, programs, and products. To reach Mari-Lyn Toll Free 1-866-667-0166 or E-mail: kindnessinc@myway.com

Conversational Skills For The Home Business Recluse

Writen by Liane Bate

You may be one of those business people who has the "gift of the gab" – You can strike up a conversation with anyone, and find it easy to excel in sales by building a relationship with your customers, and quickly selling them your products and services. You've been blessed with a good character, communication, and sales pizzazz! For the rest of us, bringing in the sales is not so easy. Not only were we blessed with every skill-set in the world except for communicating with our clients, but we have chosen a home-based business where we work alone, rather than in the corporate world where it is more of a necessity to converse with others on a daily basis. Due to the isolation that working at home can create, some of us lose the one skill that if we possess it, could make us millions – or if we don't, could make us only pennies. Having and maintaining good conversational skills is the foundation for building relationships and a solid, successful business. Lucky for us, these skills can be learned!

A person with good conversational skills comes across as being more confident and competent, which can get them ahead in business. Customers want to do business with people they like, who are easy to talk to, and easy to get along with. Those without these skills may be more prone to rejection by customers who become uneasy with this salesperson's lack of confidence in promoting their own products or services. If you can't answer your client's questions, they will likely go elsewhere. You don't want to lose sales like this. You want to be able to connect with your clients, draw them in, be friendly, listen to them, care about their needs, and entice them into purchasing a product or service that will benefit them in some way.

So what can the home business recluse do to get out of his/her shell? Practice talking and listening to other people, not only in business settings, but in your day-to-day lives. Make the first move in starting a conversation with someone instead of waiting for someone to approach you. Introduce yourself instead of waiting to be introduced. I know that sounds scary for some people, but as with everything in life, practice makes perfect, and those who take risks get ahead! So what if you are rejected? You will never build a relationship or make a sale in the first place if you don't take a risk!

One of the best ways to gain a new customer for life is by talking on the phone, or going on business coffees or lunches and simply chatting with your clients. This gives you a chance to really show them who you are, that you are real, and that you care about who they are and what their needs are. This doesn't have to be stressful if you go to the meeting relaxed, confident, and with a plan about what you want to say, and what to say when there is an awkward silence. When this happens, you really want to take the initiative to fill that dead air and make the client feel comfortable by coming up with something to say to help them get through the conversation. They may be even more uncomfortable than you are, so you have to take charge!

Some tips for easing into conversations with potential clients on the phone or in person are to start and end with small talk, use the person's name when speaking to them, make eye contact, use body language to show that you are listening, make a statement, ask a question, and smile! Show the person you care about what they have to say by asking them to tell you more, or asking them how they feel about this or that. If you remember that every conversation you have with someone is an opportunity, then you will be on your way to conversational and business success!

Liane Bate owns a Plugin Profit Site web business, is a member of Success University, and the IAHBE. Visit: http://www.HonestMoneyMaking.com

Climbing The Listening Ladder

Writen by Mike Moore

I wrote in my book "Embracing the Mystery" that there was nothing as flattering or as rare as the undivided attention of another. The fact is that people just don't listen well. I think it was Mark Twain who wrote that a bore is someone who wants to talk about himself when I want to talk about myself. How many times have you experienced someone asking you a question, not out of a genuine concern for what you have to say, but rather as an opportunity for them to flood you with their thoughts and opinions on an issue?

People have a hunger to be listened to- to have someone care enough to suspend their own agenda in the interest of another's. Sadly, such unselfish, attentive people are few..

I once had a man at a party come up to me and say that my wife, Carol was a terrific conversationalist. On the way home that same evening I told Carol what he had said and asked her what she did to give him that impression. She thought for a moment and said, "All I did was ask him questions about his life and listen to his answers. From his answers I asked more questions." Therein lies the secret to good conversation ...LISTENING WELL.

From Carol's insight I have developed what I call the listening ladder. Climb the listening ladder and you will be on your way to improved social interaction.

THE LISTENING LADDER

L. Look at the person speaking to you.. This alone sends out the message that you are focussed and involved.

A. Ask additional questions flowing from answers given to your original starting questions. Remember that you learn what to say by listening to what has been said.

D. Don't interrupt. The only time an interruption is acceptable is when you require clarification.

D. Don't change the subject. The speaker will indicate when they are finished their story.

E. Empathize with the speaker. Short phrases such as, "How interesting." "How exciting." "You must be so proud." Send the speaker the message that you are an empathic, caring listener.

R. Respond to what is said verbally and non-verbally. A simple nod or leaning slightly toward the speaker indicates interest and attention. Add to this such phrases as, "I see." "Really?" "Is that right?" and you enrich your response.

In conclusion I want to make something clear. Conversation is a two way affair. Most conversations are monologues conducted in the presence of an observer. If, after a reasonable period of time, the one speaking isn't willing to ask you a question and become a listener then conclude the interaction and move on. I usually give the one speaking ten minutes. If, after that time, they haven't asked me a question or my opinion I say something like, " It was nice chatting with you. Conversation MUST be reciprocal.

I like the story of the self-possessed Hollywood star who was heard saying to an admirer, "Enough about me talking about me. I'd like to hear you talk about me for awhile." There is a great deal of truth in this little story.

Good luck climbing the Listening ladder. The view from the top is fantastic.

Mike Moore is an international speaker on the role of humor in human relations. Mike's articles and cartoons have appeared in publications throughout the world. For more on what Mike can do for your organization visit http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?motplusarticles

How To Ensure You Receive Top Quality Business Cards Online

Writen by Jonathan Bowalsky

How can you ensure the quality of custom business cards when ordering over the Internet? When buying a specific model of stereo or camera, you go to your local store, inspect what you want, then it's simply down to the price. If you decide to buy over the Internet, it might be cheaper than the store, but then you will have to wait for it to be delivered. However, the quality of the specific product model will be the same whether you buy online or at the brick and morter store.

Business cards are a custom-made product. You just can't go into a store and walk out with your business cards. Going to your local printer can be time consuming, and their prices could be high. It's important that you visit a printer to inspect the quality of similar cards before ordering.

If you decide to order your business cards online, how do you ensure that you are going to receive a quality product? Here are a few tips and aspects that you should pay attention to when your order quality business cards, especially over the Internet.

1. The quality of the paper:
You want your business card to be printed on a thick chrome coated quality 12pt paper. When you buy online, make sure a cheap business card price does not mean a cheap-looking business card. High quality, 12pt paper which is chrome coated on both sides, will help your business cards have that professional appearance and touch.

2. Images:
Images that are attached to the file should be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). If the website that you are buying from uses low resolutions images, the business cards will not be sharp and won't look professional.

3. Printing your business cards:
Finally, the printing itself is very important. The latest technology for printing is direct to plate 175–200 line screen printing press, This latest technology has been on the market for only the last 4 years, but most printers can't afford to change their machinery to the latest technology. In order to receive the best possible quality you should check what machinery your printer uses to print your business card.

A good online business card printer should have a turnaround time of about 48 hours for printing your order, and the order price should at least include 2 days air shipping. Also ensure the online printer offers a guarantee so that if you are not 100% satisfied with the quality of your order, they will reprint it at no charge.

Jonathan Bowalsky handles news and information for Jontal Printing. For more information on business cards or custom postcards, visit http://www.jontalprinting.com

Business Networking Build Your Business

Writen by Jacob Madison

As a small business owner, I am constantly looking for ways to network with other professionals and business owners in my area. I enjoy the interaction between entrepreneurs, inventors, owners, and business-minded people. It is a thrill, in fact.

In my never-ending quest to meet others, I visit and participate in countless business networking and referral groups. One in particular set me off to the whole idea; the group will remain nameless for obvious reasons. Perhaps I have been sheltered, my favorite group meets at a local coffee shop and we have a very relaxed meeting and generally find a topic that suits a majority of the group. The "rules" are simple: show up. That's it. We do have an expectation that each person will purchase their own coffee if they chose to order, but this does not pertain to the group itself. This structure, or lack there of, matches my personality wonderfully.

I recently visited a group and almost felt overwhelmed. Every person who entered the room was quick to make their way to me and introduce themselves, almost as if it were required. I later found out that it was required; moreover, any member of the group that was guilty of not introducing themselves was fined – as in monetarily fined.

I obtained a copy of the bylaws of this particular group, while I understand the importance of structure, rules, regulations, and such, the thought of having a 35+ page bylaw booklet seemed a little excessive.

I took it all in stride; I later found that to be a member of that group would cost nearly $900 a year after quarterly membership fees, dues (separate from membership fees), fines, and the weekly breakfasts. This fact struck me as very odd, especially when the group's mission statement includes making money for its members.

Have I been sheltered? The thought of simply sitting around a table with 6 other business leaders sounds appealing to me.

More to come ...

Jacob Madison is an internet marketing professional specializing in high-return growth and advanced marketing tactics. Find out more about him at http://www.jacobmadison.com