December 11, 2012

How & When to Ask For a Promotion (or Raise) at Work

A guide for employees, managers and human resource professionals: Learn to mitigate the “Promotion Disconnect”.

In an ideal world companies would use promotions as a means of motivating employees, incentivizing high performers and securing workplace loyalty.  But the reality is far different.  Unfortunately promotions are too often given to fill vacant positions, and loyal, consistent performers are overlooked because there is no need to make changes…they will continue to do great where they are.  Employees and their Managers don’t always see eye to eye on the subject.  This is what...Continue reading

By Lisa WoodsPosted in New Employee, Promotion on December 11, 2012

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December 6, 2012

Improving Your Odds for a Successful CRM and IT Strategy

Learn to create the required balance between strategic planning, processes & people.

By David Shaffer, Business Advisor & Executive Coach, David Shaffer Consulting LLC The overall mission of business today, as it was yesterday, and undoubtedly will be tomorrow, is to maximize customer service. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is the foundation of business success, but giving the customer what he or she wants, when & how he or she wants it, without compromise, remains a daunting task. Technology offers integrated solutions to CRM, however with the expanded use of...Continue reading

By David ShafferPosted in Leadership & Teambuilding on December 6, 2012

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December 4, 2012

Sales Professionals: What about the Buyer’s Process?

Having a sales process is good, following your buyer's process is even better.

By Deb Calvert, President, People First Productivity Solutions Every sales training program and book about increasing sales offers a sales process. These step-by-step processes help sellers to orient themselves and move through a logical progression from opening the sale all the way through to closing the sale.   Having a sales process is a good practice.   Knowing and following your buyer’s process is an even better practice.   The buyer’s process is simple, and...Continue reading

By Deb CalvertPosted in Sales & Business Development on December 4, 2012

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December 3, 2012

Lacking Good Mentorship? Is the Problem You, Your Boss or Your Employee?

Understand the problem and improve business results.

There is no written rule that Managers or Leaders are good mentors.  Mentorship is an added perk that is shared between two people if the stars align...meaning, it takes a knowledgeable Mentor and a willing Mentee to make the relationship work.  Just because there is a working relationship does not mean the ‘knowledge’ or the ‘willingness’ exist…there needs to be the right balance.   So how do you find this balance?  Is the problem you, your boss or your...Continue reading

By Lisa WoodsPosted in Management on December 3, 2012

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November 29, 2012

Communication Essentials for Purchasing & Supply Chain Professionals

Make Purchasing & Supply Chain a Strategic Part of Your Organization

Here a a few things your organization should focus on to ensure purchasing and supply chain activities are in line with organizational goals.  These areas impact the entire organization, so the entire organization should understand their role in making it a success.   We have identified six communication essentials to ensure activities are aligned within your organization for positive results:   1) Never discount the importance of relationships. Building great relationships, both...Continue reading

By Lisa WoodsPosted in Operations on November 29, 2012

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November 26, 2012

Six Actions Small Business Owners Should Take Before, During, & After Start-up

You Want To Start Your Own Business...Now What?

Here are six areas to focus your efforts as a small business owner, whether you are planning to start your business or already own it. You don't have to be an expert on day one.  The challenge is to continue to develop these skills and incorporate them into your business strategy.  Over time, your positive results will reflect your efforts.    Develop your sales and marketing skills. You can have a fantastic business idea, but if you do not know how to get the word out to potential...Continue reading

By Lisa WoodsPosted in Small Business on November 26, 2012

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November 26, 2012

Small Business: The Importance of Defining and Implementing Processes

Structuring expectations is important for businesses large and small.

By Gina Fedeli, President GCF Consulting, Inc. Small firms usually avoid defining formal procedures. They worry about becoming too rigid, and think attracting and retaining innovative staff will suffer, resulting in business challenges. The opposite is true.   There are legal and financial risks when departments like HR and procurement lack guidelines. However, all departments can benefit from clear procedures for repeat activities. Since employees wear many hats in growing companies,...Continue reading

By Gina FedeliPosted in Small Business on November 26, 2012

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November 19, 2012

Time To Meet Your New Employees?

Get to know Individuals, not just the team.

By Emilie Shoop, Creator and Leader of Shoop Training & Consulting Now that you have stepped into your management role, you will want to meet the team.  Most new managers have a kickoff, a pow-wow, or some sort of celebration to start the momentum of the new era under their leadership.  This is a great start, especially if there either have been, or will be, a lot of other changes.  If someone retired and you took over, a lot of fanfare might not really be called...Continue reading

By Emilie ShoopPosted in Management on November 19, 2012

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November 18, 2012

You Only Get One Chance to Make a First Impression

Learn to focus your efforts on opening doors for productive customer relationships.

By Deb Calvert, President, People First Productivity Solutions Before any sale can be made, a relationship must be opened. And if multiple sales are to be made to the same customer, that relationship must be maintained and maximized through continually opening new opportunities and, sometimes, new relationships that will enhance the buyer/seller partnership. Many sellers focus too much of their time and attention to closing sales. By doing so, they lose alignment with the buyer’s...Continue reading

By Deb CalvertPosted in Sales & Business Development on November 18, 2012

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November 14, 2012

When Can Adaptability Slip Into Compromise? Pitfalls of International Management

Learn how to balance your approach to cultural norms without losing sight of your objectives.

By Debbie Nicol, Managing Director, 'business en motion' On some recent business trips, I managed to find a moment to visit the natural wonders of local beaches.  In Ghana, the width and breadth of the beach and ocean was a patchwork of blue and black plastic bags whilst on mainland Thailand, the first 200m offshore proudly displayed brown-green ocean water, silently persuading those blue ocean lovers to remain on terra firma. These observations reinforced a previous insight, or was it an...Continue reading

By Debbie NicolPosted in International Management on November 14, 2012

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