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8 Amazing Things Employees Do
It takes a lot to source, recruit, and retain top talent. Sometimes you can be lucky to get employees, who really enjoy their work and dedicate their efforts to making the company move forward.Promotions and material rewards is never a big deal to such employees because they know what there is to the aspect of cause and effect. Only a worthy company can afford to keep this unimaginable lot of workforce. But which are these things that make employers never want to let go certain human resource?
Here are some of the amazing things that employees do:
- Passionately learn all business processes and parts
- Resolve issues
- Lead the company
- Call a spade ‘a spade’
- Work under minimum supervision
- Mind about other employees
- Generate opportunities
- Continuously learn
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There are employees who know and understand that there is more to just their jobs. They involve themselves with the bigger businesses other than just their jobs. Such employees always look to learn more about other departments so that they can create a positive impact on the entire company.
In case of situations that conflict with company’s interest or interfere with production, great employees solve the issues without involving the senior management. They initiate the change needed to constantly expand the business.
Employees dedicate efforts to the company as if it were their own. They carry out all business transactions, decisions and activities with the well being and future of the company in mind.
Great employees understand that honesty is the best policy. Too much secrecy can lead to damages. They find kind ways to address negative concerns without hurting other staff members. They find a way to remedy the situation before a major damage occurs.
Amazing employees can deliver the same high standards like you do without following them around. Not everyone can do this. Such employees know what they are supposed to do and drive themselves to the standards expected of them.
There are very few people who like to see others improving. Great employees not only develop their careers, but also that of their fellow employees. They create examples of how to advance without creating hatred, resentment and animosity.
It is not only the sales and marketing staff that can generate business opportunities. Networkers from any part of the company can be agents of growth. Employees are always on the lookout for ways of expanding the business.
Amazing employees are not contented with what they know; they are always eager to learn something new. Today’s business world is dynamic and no employer would like to stick with an employee who knows what they know and are not willing to advance their knowledge.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, which provides business owners with virtual office services to help them save money and grow their business. Virtual Offices include a prestigious business address in myriad U.S. cities, Virtual Phone Services, courier services and more. Google +
5 Facts That Set Real Entrepreneurs Apart
Entrepreneurs are a rare breed. Mediocre ones, those who like to call themselves entrepreneurs and yet have nothing much to show for it, are everywhere. Real entrepreneurs, or those whose insights and actions prove their worth, are relatively few. 
Here are five things that set them apart. See if you’re one of their kind or simply be inspired by them.
- They’re Not Doing it for Money
- They Don’t Try to Be Someone Else
- They’re Obsessed about Their Calling
- They Weren’t Born Entrepreneurs
- They’re Not Solitary Leaders
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They’re in it for the challenge. Money to them is just one of the many resources that help them realize their vision. But money, in itself, isn’t the end goal. If you want proof, look at those successful entrepreneurs who have made a dent in the universe: the Late Steve Jobs build Apple, Jeff Bezos continues to fascinate us with his flagship e-reader, Kindle. We’re told Bezos is takes big risks and lose money by keeping prices low. And yet investors and customers remain with the company. We know why. It’s the passion that’s reflected in the products they design.
Real entrepreneurs don’t fit the mold. That’s because they don’t adhere to external rules or have someone decide for them. From the clothes they wear to their modes of transportation, they don’t try to impress or be unique. They simply are. We can say that they deliberately design their lifestyles to match the kind of work they do. They don’t seem to leave anything to chance.
Once an entrepreneur finds his or her passion or mission, they’re in it to actualize it. Their presence or just the look in their eyes will tell you that something or someone working through them. It’s as if they’ve been possessed by an idea. It’s interesting that many of them believe they’ve been chosen or they’re the right person to implement an idea, no matter how odd it may seem at first.
Personal histories of real entrepreneurs reveal their humble roots. Many of them have actually experienced adversities and challenges while growing up. They turned their losses, material or otherwise, into sources of inspiration. Many of them have realized early on that they shouldn’t rely on anyone or anything. Their motivation comes from within and they’re never discouraged by external conditions. Their attitude and not their circumstances turned them into real entrepreneurs.
Are real entrepreneurs superheroes who do it all by themselves? Of course not. The entrepreneur as an iconic leader distorts reality. Successful founders of some of the world’s biggest companies have partners. Steve Jobs partnered with Steve Wozniak. Bill Gates had the support of Paul Allen and Steve Ballmer. Larry Page worked with Sergey Brin. The early days of these founders revealed that they’re more of collaborators than superheroes. It’s also not a secret that many entrepreneurs are good at founding and creating, not at running and maintaining companies. Unless, of course, if you’re Jeff Bezos.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, which provides business owners with virtual office services to help them save money and grow their business. Virtual Offices include a prestigious business address in myriad U.S. cities, Virtual Phone Services, courier services and more. Google +
Top 4 Most Recommended Business Books For Startups
Starting a business is a challenge even for experienced entrepreneurs. Gaining practical knowledge about how to handle a start-up is a good way to get started. Here are four of the most recommended business books for start-ups:
- “Work the System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less” – Sam Carpenter
Sam Carpenter shares his experience as a business owner to show the mistakes he made in the beginning. Using examples from the destructive path he took, Sam shows you why it is critical to set-up your business from the beginning. This will allow you to spend less time putting out fires and more time making money.
- “She Takes on the World” - Natalie MacNeil
Natalie MacNeil takes readers on an action filled journey packed with plenty of useful advice on how to run the business of your dreams. You will learn how to grow your business, build a team without much money, and how to get your brand on everyone’s lips. All of this is interwoven with Natalie’s experience.
- “Small Business, Big Vision” – Matthew and Adam Torren
The Torren brothers bring together practical information on starting your own business with their own experiences as successful Internet entrepreneurs. You will get instruction on how to attract investors, put together a business plan, leverage social media, and how to outsource work to the right people. With this mix of experience and practical advice, you will see what you need to make your business a success.
- “Kidpreneurs: Young Entrepreneurs with Big Ideas!” - Matthew and Adam Torren
Okay, why is a kid’s book in the mix? This book is actually a brilliant summary of the basics of business. So many adults overcomplicate the process. A look at running a humble lemonade will give an experienced business person insights into how to run a successful company. Get back to basics and see what it inspires.
These books will give you insight into what a start-up needs to become a success. If you are thinking about starting your own business, take some time and read what the experts are saying. You will gain insights and learn how to make your business a success from the very beginning.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, which provides business owners with virtual office services to help them save money and grow their business. Virtual Offices include a prestigious business address in myriad U.S. cities, Virtual Phone Services, courier services and more. Google +
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How to Convert Ideas into a Business
If you want to accelerate your business planning, leveraging the Internet is essential. It provides you the greatest opportunity to wield the Launch and Learn model and convert an idea into a successful business. Here are
multiple resources to support streamline business planning and effective time management.
Market Research
- Assessing the demand for your idea is a primary task, but some published market research is expensive. However, the Internet is replete with free research that you can use. Here’s one way to quickly access it: type in keywords for your targeted market into the Google search bar and add “pdf.” This will generate some of the most current and relevant data available.
- Use keyword search tools to evaluate both online and offline market demand.
Mentors
- Engage mentors to flatten your learning curve, foster connections and help you to maximize your offline efforts. SCORE offers exceptional online mentoring.
Business Plans
- The One Page Proposal and Executive Summary are abbreviated business planning templates that can evolve as necessary.
Market Testing
- Setting up a website to test your offering is simple and inexpensive. Using the insights from your keyword search, you can create a search engine optimized domain name.
- Next, set up a monthly hosting plan for less than $10. Competitive hosts also offer simple website templates and free ad money for top search engines.
- The third component for a test website is a free mailing list manager to capture email addresses.
- You can drive traffic to your site using free ad money from your site host, YouTube videos created from free screen recording software, forum discussions and other social media and/or original Kindle articles. Localized ad campaigns are also an option with your free ad money from web hosts.
- Via your beta launch, you can test buying patterns, poll visitors, crowd source ideas and split test content and design. Free testing tools are widely available.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
Businesses Should not Rely Solely on Social Media for Their Marketing Campaigns
Social Media seems to be finding its way into our lives more and more every day. Find me a person who uses the Internet and is not active on any social media network sharing their thoughts. Through continued globalization, and technological globalization, the world has become a much smaller place; everything you need is just a click away. With the busy lives we lead and the new technology that is easily available all around us, we fail to keep up with friends and family in person and instead rely on social media networking to check in with them and see how they’re doing.
On average 22% of time spent online in our country is spent on social media. It enables us to share our information, interests, activities and snippets of our lives via photos and videos, it has also turned into one of the new business marketing hotspots. Businesses have flocked to different networks to promote their brands, optimize their content and engage both current and prospective customers in order to build brand image, reputation and (hopefully and eventually) sales.
But, as with all trends, people are starting to look for different alternatives.The common Mistakes Young Entrepreneurs Make in Social Media is still relying on social media alone; traditional media will always be around, and it’s important to not forget about these channels to market your brand. The marketing campaign of IWearYourShirt is a great example of blending two types of marketing for optimal results: word-of-mouth marketing and social media marketing. With hundreds of people talking about your brand at the same time, it is more likely to be picked up by more people, and consequently more like to go viral.
So while social media is and will – at least of the foreseeable future – be one of the premier mediums through which businesses conduct their marketing campaigns, it’s important not to lose sight of more traditional strategies. Press releases are as alive as ever, and as IWearYourShirt has demonstrated, so is word-of-mouth marketing.
To learn more about the new and creative entrant to the world of marketing, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223920.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
Use Music to Create Magic for Your Business
Music can help us channel emotions. It’s a true healer. It relaxes the soul and awakens the spirit. Music creates the beautiful aura of peace and serenity.
Now the question is: what is the relationship between music and business? Music is very important when considering how you want your customers to perceive your business. It can be used to differentiate two otherwise similar companies by producing a completely different atmosphere and overall customer experience.
The music that you play can influence the way your customers behave within your shop or store, and lead them to form judgments- consciously and subconsciously- about who you are. There is also a link between tempo of music and the activity of customers in different settings.
Not only does choosing the right playlist affect your customers, though; it also affects your employees and their productivity. It has actually been proven that playing music within your business can lead to a happier workforce, and if your employees are happier, theyll pass on that positive energy to your customers and (hopefully) increase sales.
For more information on utilizing the power of music in your business, visit:http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223667
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
Mistakes Young Entrepreneurs Make in Social Media
While social media makes it incredibly easy to make new contacts and create a virtual workspace, including the transfer of pictures and files, it also makes it incredibly easy to make bug blunders that can ruin an interview or permanently close the door to getting a new client. It is not an easy thing to understand how written language can be misunderstood without the advantages of tone of voice and facial cues, but precise communication is an essential skill for young entrepreneurs.
Aversion and avoidance is another problem with social media. Since the other person is not physically there, the temptation to respond to something important can be very great. It is also possible to forget about some people entirely as a person focuses on many clients or problems simultaneously. If the upcoming business person does not care a whole lot about his or her business, then that attitude will show through poor customer service and a long response time.
Clients and business associates will protest poor responsiveness most fiercely, but they might be even more put off by bad content. This basically means submitting a substandard draft or something shoddy or poorly researched as the final draft. This problem again arises from only interacting with a computer. A person feels like they are working for themselves and sometimes submits content without critical analysis. Learn to put personal ego on hold.
While a person can be chit-chatty with friends, young entrepreneurs must learn to distinguish between the informal writing voice and interacting with business contacts. While some associates might be relaxed, others might be very conservative. Err on the professional side until establishing a repertoire with a new contact. Social media marketing is the art of using electronic interaction to sell yourself and products, and learning effective strategies is essential to success. Its imperative to be conversational, but make sure you figure out who you can converse with before engaging.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
4 Steps to Reinforce Your Sales Strategy
One of the best ways to help your customers, especially in their eyes, is to start with pricing.
1. VALUE PROPOSITION & PRICING
Short and long term pricing is fairly complex.
- You have to consider the value as opposed to your competition.
- You have to think about what the consumer will truly pay for your product.
- You have to be able to reach your revenue and market share goals.
- You have to maximize your profit.
- You may have to think about what customers would pay for other solutions you offer.
- You have to think about whether your price should fall in relation to the competition.
- As soon as price, value proposition and competitive position are aligned, you’re in the best possible scenario to maximize revenue and profits.
Pricing strategy verses your value proposition
Your price on a product sends a strong signal to your market; it needs to be in-line with the value you’re delivering.
- It just makes sense if your value proposition is in operational efficiency, then your price needs to be extremely competitive.
- It really sends the wrong message if your value proposition is product leadership or customer intimacy. After all, if a luxury item isn’t expensive, is it really a luxury?
2. DIFFERENTIATION
Differ From the Competition Based on Consumer Needs
At this point you should have a sound market strategy in place one that has came from the answers to these two key questions:
Where and how do we compete
That is, what products or services do we sell, to what kinds of customers and in which markets” How do we organize our assets and use pricing to back it up? The challenge is to extend that understanding to ensure that your entire company focuses on the practical implications of that differentiation strategy. In simpler terms:
- Customer touch points
- Product and service variety
- Operational configuration and cost structures
3. TARGET MARKET
Target your particular market
You might consider the first plan of listing those people that sales aren’t currently reaching their goals and reaching out to them. Also, using tools like LinkedIn can be valuable assets. Checking facts with Jigsaw and LinkedIn can save time and energy, at a rate of 10 or so prospects entered per day. It should only take 3 to 4 weeks to make your list. Use an introductory email as first communication with these new clients.
You might also want to create a content marketing program to help your list and qualify leads. It is true that a content marketing program can come in many forms; start thinking about a blog and post articles with information and tips that coincide with your product.
In order to pass on more content, your list can be built with a monthly or weekly newsletter, with summaries of and links to the articles on your blog. Including links within the articles is also a good lead tactic.
After you have built your list and a content marketing program in place to help that list, it is a good idea to start on a larger scale to create demand beyond the contacts in your database. Another great thought would be to promote what you are offering with a targeted paid search program or content syndication program. These strategies will not only help brand your business but help build your list and provide leads for your sales.
Keep in mind if the contacts in your database happen to come across some of your content outside of your nurturing program that will only reinforce your company.
Communicating well is the key
A sales message not only intrigues, informs, persuades, calls to action, but will also close the final sale. You will soon realize not all sales messages will make a direct sale, but your goal must remain the same. Even if your sales message is embedded in a letter, represented in a proposal, or broadcasted over the internet.
4. COMMUNICATION MODEL
A Guide to a Basic Sales Message
You have to use humor, novelty and surprise to get attention. Also build customer interest by appealing to general needs and wants, including a statement to set up expectations.
You have to establish your credibility, discuss attractive features, and compare with competitors, addressing potential questions before they are asked.
Summarize and offer solution steps while motivating the audience to take the next step. The smaller the step, the more likely the audience will be responsive. Try to make an effective closing. Make the sale, try to be memorable, and make sure your last thoughts relate to the most important information, like a consumer phone number.
Last but not least, just remember every product or service you bring to the market creates a customer experience. Is it the experience you intended? Does that experience fulfill the promise you’ve made to the marketplace?
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
The Key To Enhancing Your Selling Skills: Self-Confidence
Bill Brasky started small when he decided to start his own business.
You see, Bill wanted to open up a donut shop. Yep, just a regular old donut shop.
It turns out, though, that Bill had much bigger plans.
Although he started small, it didn’t take long for Bill to quickly begin making a name for himself. In fact, it didn’t take long at all.
Why?
Well, Bill wasn’t afraid to take chances when he first got started. He understood that in order to grow his business into what he wanted it to become, it was going to take hard work, confidence and the drive to not quit.
After about a month of being in business, Bill immediately began to go after and develop a business presence on the Internet, and it was one of the best moves he ever made. After a few weeks, he began to notice he was quickly moving up in search rankings. His phone also started to ring off the hook.
Today Bill goes to great lengths to maintain a top-notch business presence for his donut shop online. While he started small, his hard work ethic and desire to succeed has led his donut shop to become one of the largest in the country. And it all started with a little modest business plan and a very strong work ethic.
Bill’s Donut Shop continues to grow at a huge rate. To this day, Bill attributes his success to having a great business plan in place. Through having a quality plan, he was able to attack his goals without fear of failure. After all, he had taken such possibilities into account in his business plan.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +
Customer Satisfaction: The Best Way to Boost Your Business
The best way to boost your business is through customer satisfaction. With today’s increasingly competitive marketplace, it is imperative that a business sets a new high for the overall customer experience to make a name for itself and outdo its competitors.
Companies in today’s business world heavily rely on repeat customers’ as well as referrals for one of their main sources of revenue. Being able to meet and exceed consumer expectations is paramount to the survival of any business.
The more value you add to your customers lives, specifically new information that benefits them, the more likely they will come back for seconds and tell their friends. These repeat customers and the referrals they provide act as a domino effect, reverberating rampantly through social circles and inspiring more people to test you out. This is especially true for small businesses, and especially true with the pervasiveness of social media in our lives. People go on the Internet to talk about their experiences with different businesses, and if you have a circle of advocates for yours, other people will take note and are more likely to contact you. Here are a few pointers to help fulfill your customers needs and establish yourself as a great company.
- Respond in a timely manner. Answer your customers questions, comments and concerns personally and quickly, either by phone or email. It is important to cater to a customers schedule and be available when they are.
- Allow your customers to give feedback. Always communicate with your customers to find out their needs. What’s working “What’s not working” Provide a way for a customer to leave feedback so they know you care and so that you can learn from what your target market likes and dislikes. This will help you in the long-run, as you are tailoring your business towards your niche.
- Customize and personalize your website. Your business website should always be user-friendly and personalized. Avoid pop-ups and excessive advertising because this will deter a customer very quickly. Make your web page pleasing to the eye and easy to navigate.
- Go social. Social media is a very powerful tool for referrals, marketing and advertising. Effective social media campaigns provide a direct link to your website as well as customer feedback. Make sure to respond to inquiries and answer questions directly.
- Create a rewards program. Customers love a rewards program and ways to save money. A rewards program will promote a long-term rapport between you and your customer and establish repeat business. It will also inspire them to Friend you on Facebook and Follow you on Twitter, two key avenues for a strong business-consumer relationship.
These are just a few tips to help exceed consumer expectations and create a true sense of brand loyalty. It’s very important to stay human, especially on the online channels, and personally communicate with your market. Don’t be a company on social networks, be a person; people will definitely notice and be more motivated to respond. People want to talk to people, not logos and robots.
About Jim Jacques
Jim Jacques is the President of United Virtual Office, a leading nationwide provider of virtual offices for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. A virtual office includes an address at a prestigious business location in the US, live virtual receptionist, courier services and more. Google +