Book Review: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

By Dr. Cheryl Cottle

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff is authored by Dr. Richard Carlson. I first heard about this book in 2002 when a friend brought it to my attention, but it was not until 2009 that I was reintroduced to Carlson’s; Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, by my sister. We were talking about great inspirational books; and she asked if I had read “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”. I told her of my first introduction to the title of book, but admitted that I had not yet read it. She went to her library and retrieved it, and handed it to me saying, “It is a great book. It makes you see life in a simple way and provide ways on how to get the best out of life.”

I remember when I was growing up, my parents were always fostering in us how to deal with unpleasant experiences; or rather what we perceived as unpleasant. I understood that the message sent by my parents were, “don’t sweat the small stuff” though, then it translated, don’t make little things in life affect you negatively. There have been instances in my childhood where I saw people who sweated the “small stuff”, but it does not have much rewards. Early on in life, I learnt that “sweating the small stuff” is a waste of your valuable time, emotions, and well-being. Only then it was referred to as, “don’t worry about the little things”, or “don’t make little things bother you”, words to that effect.

That evening, I read Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. I found it very easy to read. The language is simple, and the scenarios that he uses are situated in real life experiences. You can identify with what he is saying, but your perception is tweaked. It makes you reflect on your own experiences, and help you to rethink how meaningful life can be, if you don't “sweat the small stuff.”

In reading the book, I suggest that you read the introduction of the book first. It sets the stage for what is to come. Once you have read the introduction, you can open any of the pages to the many essays that he has written, and begin your reading. You can then move forward, back ward, jumping anywhere in the book until you have read the whole book. Each essay is an example of life’s lessons on how we can live our life with greater meaning, stress free, and happy; or at least happier.

For women readers in particular, I will like to recommend Meditations for Women Who Do too Much. The author is Anne Wilson Schaef. It is a book about quotes punctuated with the author’s perception of it and how it relates to how women live their lives. The book is also an easy read, and you can start reading from any point in the book, although it is set chronically, starting with meditations for each month beginning in January through December.

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Author:
Dr. Cheryl Cottle is the Chief Consultant of Cottle's Professional Consulting. Cottle's Professional Consulting has a multidisciplinary portfolio including education, organizational development, professional development, and business development. Some of her core focus are teacher training and development, curriculum development, computer technology training and the implementation of computers in the workplace. Dr. Cottle is also a coach and mentor in areas of professional and business development. You can find her at her woman's online forum for business women CPC Women in Business.  To learn more about Dr. Cottle's consultancy and to contact her go to: http://drcottle.com/

Book Club

Cottle’s Professional Consulting invites you to join our Book Club.

Join us and participate in this Comfortable, Relaxing, and Sharing Environment. Come and network! Share your perceptions and understanding of the book and gain new insights and ideas on how to empower yourself to achieve your personal and business goals! See your Life Change!

The selected book for this month’s reading is - - The Richest Man in Babylon authored by George S. Clason. To read my review of the book check out the blog - - Book Review !

It is a very inspirational book, with great insights on creating the life that you want.

Let’s Share! Let’s gain new insights on how to live our lives with Purpose, Authenticity, and Abundance!

If you are interested in being part of this group with a goal to grow; emotionally, mentally, spiritually and financially, join us! Send me a message at: ccottle@drcottle.com, or message me in my inbox on Facebook.

The date and location of the first meeting in Toronto will be announced. Members of the Book Club are also invited to share there feedback in the Comment Section of this blog post.

If you are interested in being a part of the Book Club, contact me at: ccottle@drcottle .com,  leave a comment, or message me on Facebook.

Book Review: The Richest Man in Babylon

Book Review - - The Richest Man in Babylon
By: Dr. Cheryl Cottle

The Richest Man in Babylon written by George S. Clason is one of the books that I read recently. I found a copy of it in my daughter’s library in the home she shares with her husband and two sons, and I was moved to read it and I am glad that I did. It has been very enlightening and inspirational as well, and I will like to share it with you.

It is a book primarily about how to build financial security through “financial understanding.” If you don’t understand how to achieve financial wealth, it is difficult to build financial success. The author talks about building prosperity and suggests that the prosperity of a society is dependent upon the “personal financial prosperity of each of us as individuals.” These are his opening words of his book.

The book deals with the personal success of each person and the author suggests that:

Success means accomplishments as the result of our own efforts and abilities. Proper preparation is the key to success. Our acts can be no wiser than our thoughts. Our thinking can be no wiser than our understanding.

The author provides a way to build your financial dreams by recommending that you should safe one third of your earnings each time and after a while, you would gain the nest egg that you so which to achieve. He also suggests that once you have acquired your wealth, you should also understand how to invest your money wisely, because a bad investment will result in the loss of it.

The book is highly inspirational as it also provides insights on how to be empowered. The author's useful tips on the power of discernment, negotiation, respect and valuing others, asking for what you want, and taking action, are some of the values and attitudes that he suggests that we adopt, if we are too gain the wealth that we need to live life purposefully and with abundance. These are some of the things that I have adopted after reading The Richest Man in Babylon,and integrated into my approach to life and living; and they have proved to be effective.

The book is an easy read. The language is simple with beautiful imagery. It is written in a story-like form. Once you start to read it, it is not easy to put down! The book provides a way of moving from dreaming of wealth to the acquisition of wealth. How much money have you earned in the years since you have been working and still don’t have much to show? Have you been dreaming of wealth but still remains cash poor? Read, The Richest Man in Babylon, and your dreams may just become a reality. If you have been experiencing the lack of a “fat purse” and will like to change your circumstances, take a read. The book provides some “honorable ways” on how to build the wealth that you want.

Notes: Since it first publication in 1988, there has been over 2 million books in print to today.

Clason, George S. (1988) The Richest Man in Babylon, New American Library, Penguin Book USA Inc., New York.



I also added another book that I also read that I think is similar to The Richest Man in Babylon and can be of great help in enlightening you. It is The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandido.

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Author:
Dr. Cheryl Cottle is an educator and the Chief Consultant of Cottle's Professional Consulting. Cottle's Professional Consulting has a multidisciplinary portfolio. She conducts training in curriculum teaching and learning, as well as computer technology and the implementation of computers in the workplace. In addition, Dr. Cottle is also a coach and mentor in areas of professional and business development. She also manages a woman's online forum for business women globally at CPC Women in Business  To learn more about her consultancy and to contact her go to: http://www.drcottle.com/

Blogging as a branding marketing technique

By: Dr. Cheryl Cottle
Branding today is not only a marketing strategy conducted by large corporations but other types of organizations are also using branding as a technique to promote their goals and mandates. Politics, education, training and development, health and fitness, family planning, community-based organizations, and causes are also using branding to promote what they do. Home-based businesses, woman-owned, as well as small and medium size businesses are also using branding to market their products or services to reach a wider target audience; extending from being a local market to a global market.

One strategy that they are using in common is “blogging”. When thinking about implementing “blogging” as a new marketing strategy, organizations and businesses alike should think about the analysis, design, development and implementation phases of their design plan to integrate “blogging” into their marketing strategy. It is also important to consider evaluating the effectiveness of the branding strategy in terms of; is it meeting your marketing goals: does it translates into increased clientele and increased production.


Attached is an interesting article that provides ways to think about when you plan to incorporate blogging into your marketing plan.

To learn more: http://zenhabits.net/branding-101-how-to-promote-your-blog-or-yourself-like-the-big-guys-do/

Need a BLOG for your business! We can design one for you!Contact us at: ccottle@drcottle.com

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About the Author:
Dr. Cheryl Cottle is an Educator, Instructional Technologist, and System Analysis. She is the Founder of Cottle’s Professional Consulting a multidisciplinary consultancy. Her business website is at: http://drcottle.com Dr. Cottle is also the creator of two online forum; Women in Business on Facebook and CPC Women in Business at http://www.cpcwib.ning.com/

Copyright © 2010 by Dr. Cheryl Cottle ● Cottle’s Professional Consulting

Finding Balance in Life

Finding Balance in Life
Author: Edward Aldama
Overview:
By Dr. Cheryl Cottle
In this article the author suggests that for most people, finding balance in life enables one to have happier relationships and a higher self concept. He states that, as human beings we are blessed with the capacity to appreciate a wide variety of experiences. He also goes on to explain with balance in your life you are better able to explore the world, learn new things, be creative, develop special relationships, and even contribute to changing the world into a better place. Finding balance gives you bountiful options, yet so many people are not able to achieve it. It seems to be a fleeting goal.

The author therefore suggests that to achieve balance we can examine our lives from seven perspectives; special relationships, social interactions, leisure activities, health and fitness, career, finances, and spiritual development. The author suggest that you look at each aspect of your life and identify the things that you are doing within each sphere that brings you happiness and also identify the things that you should be doing. This exercise should be done for each aspect of your life.

After completing this exercise, he recommends that you should review your lists and think about it in terms of your level of satisfaction: (1) are there areas you may be neglecting, or spending too much time in? (2) are there some activities you would like to add to your life, or stop doing?

He also suggests that after completing this exercise you will have a new perspective on how to channel your energy on achieving the things that will bring you satisfaction in your life. He further suggests that you work on one change at a time, gradually working on the others until you find maximum balance in your life.

To read more: http://www.sideroad.com/Work_Life_Balance/finding-balance-life.html

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About the Author:
Dr. Cheryl Cottle is an Educator, Instructional Technologist, and System Analysis. She is the Founder of Cottle’s Professional Consulting a multidisciplinary consultancy. Her business website is at: http://www.drcottle.com Dr. Cottle is also the creator of two online forum; Women in Business on Facebook and CPC Women in Business at: http://www.cpcwib.ning.com
Copyright © 2010 by Dr. Cheryl Cottle ● Cottle’s Professional Consulting

Finding Balance and Meaning in a Nine-to-Five World

Overview:
By. Dr. Cheryl Cottle (Educator and Business Coach)

Finding Balance and Meaning in a Nine-to-Five World by Mike Cook

This article looks at ways that you can find balance and meaning in your life. The author poses several questions to think about within the context of how to find a balance between your work life and your personal life. In today’s hectic world, finding a balance seems to be the solution that so many of us are striving for; to gain happiness, contentment, enjoyment and healthier living is a destination we will all like o get to. He suggests that everyone seeking to find happiness and a sense of balance in their lives should think about these questions.

• How do you want to live your life, in and out of work?
  
• What are your conditions of satisfaction?
  
• What are your material aspirations?
  
• How much do you need to earn to meet them?
  
• How much are your time and skills worth?
  
• What kinds of people do you prefer to work with?
  
• What kind of work really turns you on, makes you sing?

He also makes recommendations that you can do to find a balance; and it is not an elusive goal, it is attainable. He therefore recommends that you should:

• Follow your calling
  
• Work in a state of awareness
  
• Embrace interdependency and interconnection
  
• Take responsibility
  
• Stay young
  
• Express gratitude
  
• Accept circumstances without judgment
  
• Have integrity

To learn more on how each of his recommendations is attainable, go to: http://www.businessknowhow.com/growth/balance9to5.htm

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Dr. Cheryl Cottle is the Founder of Cottle’s Professional Consulting a multidisciplinary consultancy at: http://drcottle.com/. She is also the coordinator of CPC Women in Business at: http://cpcwib.ning.com/ as well as “Women in Business” on Facebook.

50 Social Sites That Every Business Needs a Presence on

Web sites to help your company network, advertise recruit and more.
By Inside CRM Editors

This article provides useful marketing tips for business owners or anyone with an entrepreneurial venture. The article recommends several social media sites that you can use to network, market, and advertise your products or services.

If your business limits its online presence to advertising banners and blogging, it's missing out. The Internet provides powerful networking opportunities that allow users to effectively target their audience by logging on to social sites like LinkedIn, Digg and more. Take advantage of these tools by asserting your company's presence online and reaching more potential customers, business partners and employees.

The author recommends the following types of social sites that you can use to your advantage to share your website and connect with potential clients and business partners.
• Social Media/Social Book marking Sites
• Professional Networking Sites
• Niche Social-Media Sites
• General Social-Media Sites
• Job Sites

To learn more go to: http://www.insidecrm.com/features/50-social-sites-012808/

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About the Author:
Dr. Cheryl Cottle is an Educator, Instructional Technologist, and System Analysis. She is the Founder of Cottle’s Professional Consulting a multidisciplinary consultancy. Her business website is at: http://www.drcottle.com Dr. Cottle is also the creator of two online forum; Women in Business on Facebook and CPC Women in Business at http://www.cpcwib.ning.com

Copyright © 2010 by Dr. Cheryl Cottle ● Cottle’s Professional Consulting

Overview of the article: Why Your Small Business Needs a Website in 2010

by Lisa Barone, 12/21/2009
Overview by Dr. Cheryl Cottle

The article looks at the number of small businesses that have not yet built a website as a marketing tool for their business. The author states that 46 percent of all small businesses do not have a website, but suggests that they should all have a website because gone are the days when your customers or target audience uses a telephone directory to locate businesses to meet their needs. The author also talks about the widespread use of social media by small business owner; suggesting that it is a progressive move, but states that there are disadvantage on this dependency.

She therefore states that:

"It’s possible to create a Web presence without a full site thanks to things like Yelp and other social media outlets. However, you don’t control any of those. You have no say on how they’ll let you connect with customers. You can’t create an email list on Twitter. By relying on other sites to house your conversations you’re severely handicapping yourself." (Barone, L., 2009)

The author therefore suggests that small business owners would see more returns on their investment if they get a website to showcase their product or services. She recommends a simple website and not an e-commerce site. An e-commerce site is a much larger investment and requires greater management. An e-commerce site unlike a website adds much more to your business marketing expansion plan. A website does not have to be very large; a five page website is a great start for a small business.

She also recommends that in creating your website you don’t have to compete with large organizations and businesses by building a “huge web site over flowing with content” but a much smaller space that is more intimate; a place that customers can get to know you and what you do. She therefore recommends that five pages is a good start; and suggests that it should include your home page, product or services page, an about us page, and a contact page is a great first start.

The author further suggests that a “real” website will enable you to gain a great deal of advantage in the marketplace and points out what happens to those who rely solely on “free” social marketing space to market their product, services and or brand. The author states that without a “real” web site, you lose your ability to:

• Differentiate yourself
• Create authority and street credibility with customers and within your industry
• Spread ideas
• Get social
• Take advantage of universal search’s ranking power
• Benefit from the engines bias to show local results
• Share your company’s story and information
• House your own community
• Save costs by answering frequently asked questions
• Target your specific neighborhood: by defined by zip code, points of interest, ideas, etc)
• Build an email list.

You must be asking, what is a “real” website? “I have a “real” website on Facebook, and I also have a beautiful blog,” is your thought right now. While they serve as a great platform for promoting your product or services, they are not “real” websites. A business needs a professional website to reflect more professionalism and to gain greater respect and trustworthiness.

I hope that after reading this blog and the article that you will rethink your marketing strategy for your business and get a website built. If you have the skills and the expertise start now, or get a website expert to build one for you. If you want Cottle's Professional Consulting to build one for you, contact us at: ccottle@drcottle.com

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About the Author:
Dr. Cheryl Cottle is an Educator, Instructional Technologist, and System Analysis. She is the Founder of Cottle’s Professional Consulting a multidisciplinary consultancy. Her business website is at: http://drcottle.com Dr. Cottle is also the creator of two online forum; Women in Business on Facebook and CPC Women in Business at http://www.cpcwib.ning.com/

Copyright © 2010 by Dr. Cheryl Cottle ● Cottle’s Professional Consulting

To read the article: http://www.outspokenmedia.com/small-business-marketing/small-business-need-a-web-site/

An Overview of the article: 12 Benefits of Having a Website!

12 Benefits of Having a Website
This overview is written by: Dr. Cheryl Cottle

This article examines the benefits to small businesses having a website as part of their marketing strategy. The author states that having a website is far cheaper and much more flexible than using print-based advertising. The author also suggests that a website is much cheaper to have, and it has greater accessibility and visibility with greater longevity and maturity, while not discounting other forms of marketing methods. He also states that a website also facilitates a business to bridge “geographical barriers” making contact with other markets globally.


A website is not only used as a “medium for representation of your company,” to inform your target audience of what you do and who you are, but you can also use your website to advertise for other business. Selling advertising space to other businesses is a great opportunity to create another income stream and provide an opportunity to have a residual income. This however requires careful planning making sure that you do not advertise for companies that are your direct competitors. The author suggests that the best approach to use is, to sell advertising to companies that complement your business, and not to those that are in direct competition.

Another advantage to having a company’s website is accessibility to customers twenty-four hours. He suggests that while you post a closing sign on your business establishment that says’ closed, a website is always open. Gone are the days for relying solely on your answering machine, saying “We are not in at the moment but if you leave your telephone number and a detailed message we will get back to you as soon as possible.” With a website a person can write you an inquiry in your inbox and you can respond to it in a timely manner.

A website also affords the customer the opportunity to access and research your website at his or her convenience from the privacy of their home. He states that “a potential customer won t have to judge a call centre agent to determine whether he has their best interests in mind, or just wants to make a sale.” With the information provided on your website; a would be customer can make that decision on his or her own. A website provides “convenience” to your customers. He points out that by “offering convenience” and individualized customer service you have add value to your offerings and this fosters a higher level of customer satisfaction.

He also suggests that you include an aspect on your website to facilitate social interactions by featuring tips, advice, and general interest content like daily affirmation tips, or quotations that speaks to people. You can also include visitors’ polls, online survey for customers’ feedback on your product or service, customer service and or marketing strategy used. You can also track your web traffic by analyzing the data provided, as to who accesses your website, time and geographical location of the person, to identify whether your business is best positioned within the market place, and allow you to thinks of ways of making changes if the indicators are not positively reflecting where you want your business to be in the marketplace. Make it a source for great information also, and this will surely keep your customers coming!

In the design of your company’s website, it is also advised that you include a tag line that reflect your company’s philosophy; as your business pitch. He recommends that you analyze the pitches that you have used, and determined which one was most effective and use it. For example, you can include one that says, “We are here to meet your needs!” A website also helps to improve your credibility. Customers conducting research on a product or services will determine if your product or services is what they need and decide whether they will patronize your business. In addition, a website serves as a great space and direct marketing space for referrals. Once a person receives a referral, they can immediately check, out your website for confirmation.

In addition, a website can be used to provide information to your “brick and mortar” business location. To make getting to you easy, a map can be used on your website to direct customers where to find you; it is easy, accessible and timely. If you have to relocate your store front, you can easily update this on your website. You no longer have to write each customer a letter and post it, you can just e-mail everyone informing them of you move, or post the change on your website. The use of e-mailing is another lesson that small businesses need to incorporate into their business marketing strategy that also requires training. The author also states that a website in addition to its great potential also provides a “growth opportunity” for would be investors. Individuals interested in investing in your business can easily analyze and monitor your business’s progress and decide at a distance whether they will invest or not in your business: if that is one of you business objective.

A website is a great forum for any type of business. It enables you to reach a larger audience, at anytime from the privacy of their home. It is an open door to your business. It provides information about who you are and what you do; immediately and it allows the person to make a decision on the spot so to speak whether they will patronize your business and refer you to another.

Need a website, Cottle’s Professional Consulting Will design one for you at a reasonable cost and specific to your business Needs!
To read the article go to: www.webworldindex.com/articles/12-Benefits-Of-Having-A-Website.html

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About the Author:
Dr. Cheryl Cottle is an Educator, Instructional Technologist, and System Analysis. She is the Founder of Cottle’s Professional Consulting a multidisciplinary consultancy. Her business website is at: http://drcottle.com Dr. Cottle is also the creator of two online forum; Women in Business on Facebook and CPC Women in Business at http://www.cpcwib.ning.com/

Copyright © 2010 by Dr. Cheryl Cottle ● Cottle’s Professional Consulting

9 Tips for Successful Cold Calling

Cold calling is one of the most widely used marketing tools. However, it also remains one of the most feared methods, due to its painstaking nature and hostile, vague replies. The basic principle behind cold calling is, 'If you want business, you go for it.' If used effectively, cold calling will help you to achieve the desired response. It can be easily defined as the first step in turning prospects into customers. Follow these useful tips to pitch successfully to your clients or customers:

Tip 1: Make a Specific Caller List

Browse through various telephone directories to obtain the telephone numbers. You can also use the local library to create a detailed list of contacts. Keep track of your calls to avoid calling the same caller twice.

Tip 2: Make a Conversation, Not a Sale

Try to make a conversation with the prospect instead of selling your product. Begin with a short greeting or introduction, and make the receiver feel comfortable. Write down a polite opening statement like, "Sir/Madam, is this the right time to talk to you?" and use it to get the permission of the customer. Do keep the purpose of the call in mind and do not stray away from it. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a 'best time to call.' Call during the work hours, when you are fresh and motivated.

Tip 3: Prepare a Detailed Script

A bound script will prevent you from wandering away from the topic. It will also act as a teleprompter if you forget your lines. However, the conversation should not appear staged. Maintain a free low of words, and add your spontaneous inputs whenever necessary. Maintain a polite phone manner throughout the conversation.

Tip 4: Covey the Purpose


Without wasting time, come to the purpose of the call. Briefly explain about the reason for the call and the nature of your firm and service. Allow the customer to offer his opinion in between. Do not interrupt the customer at any point of time.

Tip 5: Highlight the Benefits

Explain to the customer how he can benefit from the particular service. Include topics such as special discounts or incentives in the beginning of the conversation. This helps to keep the interest of the receiver intact.

Tip 6: Understand the Customer

Understand the customer while communicating with him. Find out information concerning occupational details during the course of the call. This will help you to gauge whether the particular customer can afford your service or not.

Tip 7: Fix an Appointment

Set up an appointment with the customer if he is interested in your product or service. Fix a time and place depending upon the customer's convenience.

Tip 8: The Follow-up

Sales goals are realised only after persistent meetings and calls. Maintain a regular contact with the customer.

Tip 9: Seek for References

If the particular contact is not interested in your service, then politely ask him to divulge contact details of friends or family members who might be actually interested.

Practice is the key to effective cold calling technique. Practice on a regular basis to master the art of cold calling.

Source: http://wahm.com/articles/9-tips-for-successful-cold-calling.html

Logos and Company Identity: Why it is Necessary

Logos and Company Identity: Why it is Necessary

Building a company identity through the use of graphic design (logos, business cards, website design, etc.) is an extremely important part of having a successful business. There are several reasons why having a logo and company identity are so important: it gives your business a sense of legitimacy, it makes your product recognizable and memorable, and it provides insight as to what your company is and what it stands for.

How Logos Contribute to Legitimacy

Having graphics for your company, specifically a logo, helps to make consumers believe that your company is established and stable. A company which makes a financial investment in a logo is a serious company, out to succeed. It is tangible proof of a dedication to the business, suggesting that the business will endure.

Customers can be comfortable supporting a company when they believe that they will be able to form a lasting association with that company. They will know that they have something to fall back on if there's a problem with anything, which is reassuring and will help to develop trust and consumer confidence.

How Logos Make You Memorable

Having a logo gives customers a visual representation to associate with your business. It makes any products branded with the logo instantly recognizable as yours, and provides added potential for word of mouth to spread. People will be able to remember your product and identify it.

For an example of how logos and the entire process of branding make a significant difference in how products are perceived, consider designer clothing. Some people will drop between $200 and $300 on a pair of designer jeans, but would never look twice at a less expensive pair of equal quality and design which did not have a brand name associated with it.

How Logos Provide Insight

Consider the strong and straightforward Nike "Swoosh," or the sleek and modern Apple design. Successful logos give a consumer an idea of what to expect from a company. A customer should be drawn in by your graphics and should be curious about the company which those grpahics represent. Make a list of the attributes you want to be associated with your company, and think of a design (or hire somebody else to) which accurately represents those traits.

Creating Consistency With Graphics

Logos are possibly the most important part of graphic design and are what will be what people focus on most, but this does not mean you should pay less attention to other aspects of graphic design associated with your company. Having your own colors and a general overall feel which are kept constant throughout the logo, website and print advertisements will give your business consistency and a polished appeal. A talented designer can help design company graphics, which are meant to be consistently representative of you and your business.

Creating a company identity and supporting it with your choice of graphic design will help you reach out to more customers and build a more successful business.

Source: http://wahm.com/articles/logos-and-company-identity-why-it-is-necessary.html

Sustaining Your Successful Business with Customer Service

Overview:
This article provides entrepreneurs with useful tips on what to do to maintain an already successful business, by focusing on customer service.

Sustaining Your Successful Business with Customer Service
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Whether you're trying to run a successful home business, customer service has to be one of the most important elements in sustaining an ongoing relationship with your client. It is imperative that a client be treated as the ultimate commodity. For all the inventory and fancy decor, a business is only worth the reputation it makes for itself.

Customer Service Made Simple

•Start with a smile, even while dealing with a client over the phone, your smile will come through in the tone of your voice.
•When at all possible, have a written contract detailing what you are offering as a product or service and an agreed price from the client. A well written contract can help avoid future contradictions.
•Understand your clients needs and make sure you can meet their expectations. Don't promise what you can't deliver.
•Establish means of communication. Find out if your client prefers to keep in touch via email, phone or snail mail.
•Make yourself available. Set business hours so your clients can get a hold of you. Have an answering machine, or voice mail for a client to leave you a message.
•Return phone calls and emails in a timely manner; nothing shouts poor customer service more than a client who's concerns are not addressed.
•Set the stage: give your business the time, space and atmosphere it requires for success.
•Avoid the mom multitasking syndrome, your client will notice if you're not paying attention.


Running a home business is a venture all its own. If not careful and well planned, you can be on the phone with a potential client, and one of your kids will run-in screaming for your attention. "Can you please hold...Tommy just scrapped his knee..." is not what a paying customer wants to hear.

Customer Service and the Difficult Client

•Don't engage in a confrontation. Remember the customer is always right, even if you know he's not.
•Refer to the detailed contract for any clarification and to remind the customer of your agreement.
•Keep your cool and choose your battles. Often times you will find that conceding to a customers demand is more lucrative than standing your ground and loosing him forever.
•Separate yourself from the equation: it's not personal, it's business. This may sometimes help you see things from the customers perspective, allowing you to take a different approach in solving an issue.
•Mediate at all cost--give and take until you can turn a dissatisfied client into a satisfied customer.


Even with the best intentions, unforeseen problems can arise. When they do, confront the issue immediately, and keep the client in the loop. More times than not, a client will respect your candor. On the other hand, if you avoid the customer, you will create distrust, and ultimately, you will risk loosing the client you worked so hard to get. A business is built one client at a time; treat each one as if they were your only one.


Source: http://wahm.com/articles/sustaining-your-successful-business-with-customer-service.html

Know your market before you leap

The author of this article advises entrepreneurs to conduct a market research to find out whether your business concept will work before establishing it. He suggest that one should conduct both primary and secondary research. He also adds that only after conducting a comprehensive research you will know if your idea is plausible and creative.

To read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/10/business/smallbusiness/10toolkit.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Small business hunker down for survival

This article examines strategies that small businesses can to combat the challenges of the economic times.


The author notes:

From the beginning of this year through Sept. 30, sales at small businesses (privately held companies with revenue of $10 million or less) have fallen 3.75 percent, according to figures from Sageworks Inc. At the same time, net profit at these businesses has risen to 6.5 percent. How have they accomplished this? By cutting their costs. Overhead, payroll and advertising as a percentage of sales have all declined

To read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/business/smallbusiness/08count.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

One in Four Businesses Calls the Owner ‘Ma’am’

This article looks at a study conducted in the US that examines women in business and their contribution to the economy. It states that: 8 million or 28% of all businesses were owned by women and that those businesses accounted for 16 percent of all jobs in a range of industries including, business services, communication, real estate, personal services and health services.

To read more:


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/business/smallbusiness/05sbiz.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

Cottle's Professional Consulting: Cyber Crimes on Facebook

Criminals exist in every society; developed, underdeveloped and or in developing countries. Where ever you are crime is a social issue, and it has a great impact on people's lives and the economy overall. Well, we might have thought that the internet is a safe place, no one can perpetrate me on cyberspace! Well you are wrong; crime also occurs in cybespace. To learn how and what to do to protect yourself from becomeing a victim, please go to: Cottle's Professional Consulting: Cyber Crimes on Facebook

Cyber Crimes on Facebook

This article provides warning to Facebook users about crimes committed on the forum.

According to Facebook, its security team has noticed an increase in number of complaints from users that their login information is collected through phishing sites and then their Facebook accounts are secretly accessed to ask family and friends of the user for money.

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/20091002/facebook-intensifies-fight-against-cyber-crimes-suspends-fake-accounts_1.htm

Why is social interaction important for websites

The article suggests that to get more people visiting and revisiting your webpage, you must include in your web design strategies to keep your would be clients and clients coming back. Take a look and learn how you too can have them coming back!
http://www.instantshift.com/2009/11/11/why-is-social-interaction-important-for-a-website/#more-2321

The importance of social interaction features to web design

http://teemingpod.blogspot.com/I will like to share this information on the importance of having features on your web site to encourage continued flow of people and increase your business capacity.

Women in Business - - Survey

Dear Members of Women in Business,

This survey is designed for members of the group Women in Business on FB.
Please take the time to respond to the short survey. Your response will help in making WIB a more resourceful place for you.

To respond, please go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=w0iFLnPggSLyutA4vTLvXQ_3d_3d

Thank you for your participation.

Dr. Cheryl Cottle
Program Administrator