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Reverse Logistics Financial Model
by John Mehrmann
www.RLMagazine.com
January / February 2008 Edition
Seeing Green at the End of the Line
by John Mehrmann
www.RLMagazine.com
August / September 2007 Edition
A Pragmatic Approach to Partners
by John Mehrmann
www.RLMagazine.com
March / April 2007 Edition
Where to Find Loyal Customers
by John Mehrmann
www.ProsCommunications.com
January / February 2007 Edition
"Great
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conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously
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Make Gossip Work for You
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Marketing]
Are
you harnessing the power of gossip, communities, and social
networking to promote your brand? Whether your brand is a product, a
service, or yourself, this is the era of connectivity and belonging.
The Internet has become a powerful medium for connecting people with
more than information access. It is creating communities and
relationships by making it easier to find individuals with similar
interests and preferences. Tapping into this communication is the
new face of marketing, and it has a new set of rules to go along
with it.
Measuring the
Benefits of Sales Catalogs
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales]
What to Victoria Secret,
DELL, Staples, Radio Shack, and Montgomery Ward have in common? Each
of these companies has used the catalog to achieve a dominant
position in a competitive marketplace. Each organization has used
the catalog in a slightly different manner, but each has achieved
the ultimate goals of market-share and profitability. How did they
do it?
The
Power of Niche Sales
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales]
Many
successful organizations have survived turbulent economic conditions
and fierce competitive environments by consistently nurturing a
niche, and the loyal consumers in the niche community. It is
possible to expand and grow business in addition to the niche.
Unfortunately, several other organizations have lost their
identities in an effort to copy the competition, rebrand themselves,
or casually jettison a loyal constituency due to change in focus.
Let's compare and contrast a few recognized examples.
Top
Search Topics for Men
by John Mehrmann
[Home-and-Family]
Statistics show that most men prefer
using Internet search engines for quick advice on health related
topics, even more than calling or scheduling time to discuss health
concerns with a doctor. The following are the most frequently
searched Men's Health Topics on AOL Search.
Airline
Travel
by John Mehrmann
[Travel-and-Leisure]
Rising fuel prices have impacted airline travel. Be prepared, and
adjust your plans accordingly.
Taboo Topics
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales]
Can
avoiding taboo topics in communication have a critical impact on
clients, partners, peer, family, and friends? How do candid
conversations empower a trusted advocate?
Implementing New Technology
by John Mehrmann
[Business]
There
are amusing and horrific stories of the trials and tribulations
associated with the transfer of technology, and the implementation
of new systems and architecture. There are lessons that we can learn
from those who have blazed the trails before us, and those who have
been burned by the blaze. Get your fingers ready to count the five
fundamental considerations for implementing new technology.
Strategy by the Numbers
by John Mehrmann
[Self-Improvement: Goal-Setting]
The following is a simple
step-by-step process for creating a strategic plan by the numbers.
This is a ten step process that can be used by a group, an
organization, or an individual. Print out the steps and prepare to
organize your ideas into a tactical plan for progress.
Corporate Consistency
by John Mehrmann
[Business]
A
business can be defined by the same character traits that are
typically associated with an individual personality. A business can
be bold, aggressive, compassionate, inconsiderate, caring,
trustworthy, deceptive, cautious, or friendly. A business is often
the reflection of the conglomeration of members, leadership, and an
accumulation of character traits. If a company is large, the
character traits may be influenced by years of pride of internal
culture. If the company is small to medium, the character is often a
direct reflection of the leadership or ownership of the company.
Regardless of the size, a business is a collection of individuals
and talents, and it is a collection of personalities that define the
character of the company.
Business
Recession Response Plan
by John Mehrmann
[Business]
Is it
possible to "'recession-proof" your business? Most business
experience slow periods, recession, seasonality, growth, and varying
profitability. When going through a period of recession, keep going.
Namastrategy
by John Mehrmann
[Business]
Namastrategy (noun) is derived from the words Namaste (Sanskrit),
and Strategy (Greek). It is a long term plan of action, and a method
of winning, that is based on respect and recognition for the value
of partners and clients, in acquisition, merger, expansion, and
diversification.
Secret to
Successful Sales
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales]
What
is the secret for successful sales? Is it low cost? Is it a famous
brand name? Is the secret to successful sales to have the most
features, at the best price, with the best quality or performance,
before the competition? The secret to successful sales may surprise
you.
Year of
the Customer
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales]
The
rules have changed. The Internet has made it easier, faster, and
more convenient for consumers to compare prices, quality, features,
and previous customer experiences. With a suddenly level playing
field for brand comparison of commodities, what is the new
differentiation? Trust, confidence, and relationships the new
differentiation. How well you connect with customers in marketing,
sales, and customer service excellence are the essence of success.
Get Ahead, Tips
for Career Advancement
[Self-Improvement: Goal-Setting]
What is the magic formula for getting
ahead? What can I do to accelerate my career advancement? What
should I do to get noticed and promoted? These are common questions,
and the secret to unlock potential for career advancement is nearly
as common.
Quality
Customer Service
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Customer Service]
What does it mean to be a Trusted
Advocate in Customer Service? To be truly successful in delivering
service, it is necessary to understand and support the many
collective individuals who are part of the complex chain in
delivering customer satisfaction.
Why People
Buy
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales]
Selling products or services, it is important to understand why
people buy. Marketing, sales, operational infrastructure, and
customer service should be crafted with the consumer purchasing
perspective.
The Difference between Being Right and Doing the
Right Thing
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Management]
Is it
better to be right, or to do right? Is there a real difference
between being right and doing the right thing? When it comes to
communications, support, and teamwork, there is a perceptible
difference between the two.
Analog
to Digital Television
by John Mehrmann
[Home-and-Family: Home-Audio-Video]
Congress passed a federal law, the
Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005,
mandating the last day of full power analog television broadcasting
to be February 17, 2009. On February 17, 2009, all television
channels in the US will convert from analog to digital. What does
this mean to you?
(see
www.convertmy.tv)
2008 Passport Restrictions
by John Mehrmann
[Travel-and-Leisure]
Effective January 31, 2008, adult United States and Canadian
citizens reentering the United States and Canada by land, ferry, or
by small boat must carry a passport or a government issued photo ID,
such as a driver's license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a
birth certificate. It can take six to eight weeks to get a passport.
Since August 2007, the United States has been issuing Electronic
Passports only. The United States Customs and Border Protection
(CBP), and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), are cooperating
in NEXUS, a joint venture to simplify passage for pre-approved low
risk travelers. Learn what you need to know before you go.
Trends
in Technology
by John Mehrmann
[Internet-and-Businesses-Online]
Garter, Inc analysts highlighted the top ten strategic technologies
and trends for 2008. Gartner defines a strategic technology as one
with potential for significant impact on enterprise in the next
three years. Take a few moments to get familiar with the definitions
of technology trends that will impact your business.
Christmas on the Bayou
[Home-and-Family: Holidays]
After Hurricane Katrina and the
decimation following the flood waters, a single mother struggles to
give her son a Christmas to remember.
Marketing
with Streaming Video
by John Mehrmann
[Internet-and-Businesses-Online:
Internet-Marketing]
Are
you using video effectively to communicate messages on your web
site? Are your advertisements amusing, entertaining, and educational
enough that consumers are compelled to share them? Audio and video
can be broadcast by the Internet, cell phones, and personal mobile
devices. Harnessing this media can give you a voice and breathe life
into your message.
Sales
Force Motivation
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales]
Your
Sales Force is your Revenue Generating Engine. Does the engine need
a tune-up? Are you giving high octane fuel to your sales force
engine, or are you pushing the pedal to the metal and never getting
out of second gear? The right motivation can accelerate sustainable
revenue growth.
Voice of
the Customer
by John Mehrmann
[Internet-and-Businesses-Online:
Internet-Marketing]
What
do you do to reward your existing customers and confirm your
commitment in a manner that captures the imagination of the friends
and family that they will influence? The Internet, Email, Blogs, and
the access for instant communication have changed the way that
consumers buy. The word of the brand is less effective than word of
mouth. What are you doing about it?
Cell Phone
Tips and Tricks
by John Mehrmann
[Computers-and-Technology:
Software]
Several Internet based applications are designed to work with your
cell phone text messaging service. This is a convenient way to
schedule reminders for appointments, manage your schedule, find
driving locations, and even get traffic alerts at designated commute
times during the day. Spend a little bit of time to get familiar
with these web based applications and you will have a powerful
personal administrative assistant in your pocket.
Tips for Effective
Training
by John Mehrmann
[Business]
Training can be used to educate, motivate, and cultivate the work
force, partner organizations, and customers. When administered
effectively, training is an interactive conduit for delivering
measurable benefit to the participants. Whether you are a trainer, a
manager responsible for selecting or delivering training, or if you
are interested in enhancing the experience of your customers and
partners by making training available, consider these seven simple
tips for effective training.
WEEE and RoHS
Environmental Guidelines
by John Mehrmann
[Business]
Hazardous Substances, Electrical and Electronic Equipment have been
categorized for labeling, tracking, restriction, and recycling. The
objective is to promote the use of environmentally friendly
materials and manufacturing processes. The financial burden to
support this transition in production is assigned by requirements to
provide adequate programs for collection, recycling, and disposal.
These costs are primarily carried on the shoulders of the
manufacturers and producers of the products. To remain competitive
and to support the environmental initiatives, manufacturers and
industry associations will need to work together and collaborate on
solutions that facilitate consistent programs and processes.
How to
Cope with Stress
by John Mehrmann
[Self-Improvement]
Stress can be addictive, contagious, debilitating, or invigorating.
Relentless pressure to perform, personality conflicts, and lack of a
sense of purpose can be damaging over time. Identify the causes,
learn to control harmful stress, and use healthy stress to your
advantage.
How to
Respond to Angry Customers
[Business:
Customer Service]
Ten powerful steps to diffuse angry
customers, address the issues and sustain customer loyalty.
Raise Goals, Lower
Expectations and Share Laughter
[Self-Improvement: Goal-Setting]
There is a simple strategy for
getting more out of life and getting more satisfaction on the
journey to achieving your success.
Instant Messaging Trends
by John Mehrmann
[Business:
Workplace-Communication]
Half of the people responding to the
survey on Instant Messaging indicate that it is beneficial for
communicating with colleagues and obtaining quick answers for making
business decisions. Almost as many respondents are using IM to maintain
contact with friends and family while at work. Is it a substantial
improvement to productivity or an opportunity to facilitate personal
communication?
Race to the Middle
by John Mehrmann
[Business]
There
are new competitors emerging who can take advantage of new
facilities, new technology and lean organizations. These
organizations are competing with established organizations that have
an established network of business relationships, an established
infrastructure and associated overhead costs. What industry is this?
it pertains to your business.
Overcome Fear of Failure
by John Mehrmann
[Self-Improvement]
A
common fear that everyone experiences at some time or another is the
fear of failure. If you have encountered this fear, or battle it
from time to time, you can have some comfort in the knowledge that
you are not alone. Be assured that when that concern does arise, you
can beat it.
For Better Sleep - Indulge the
Senses
by John Mehrmann
[Self-Improvement]
Are
you having trouble sleeping? Do you wake up tired? Does it seem like
you are putting in more hours of work every day but you just can't
seem to catch up? Do you find yourself getting sleepy in the middle
of the afternoon, irritable with other people if they delay you in
the late afternoon, or staying awake at night and thinking about
what you need to do the next day? If you are not getting enough
rest, and the right kind of rest, it can slow your productivity,
impair your decisions and affect your outlook. There are things that
you can do to gain control.
Global Education
by John Mehrmann
[Education]
If we
could represent the demographics of the world into a village of 100
people, what would it look like? If we gave that global village
access to 161 billion gigabytes of data, what would they do with it?
If six billion gigabytes of data were shared in email in 2006, what
would it contain? Most important of all, how is this incredible rate
of exponential change be reflected in the education of children
today? Where is the education really coming from, in schools, at
home or on-line?
Matrix Management
by John Mehrmann
[Business]
Matrix Management is a compelling buzzword with a tempting nirvana
of shared resources and unlimited access to expertise that lies in
other functional areas. But are the resources really ready to be
monopolized by multiple managers in a redesign of the organizational
structure? Think twice before you plug yourself into the matrix.
Seven Steps to
Successful Sales
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales]
Being
a successful salesperson does not happen by accident or blind luck.
Success is the result of diligent effort applied to a structured system
with commitment and passion. These seven steps are designed to help
develop a system in a matter of minutes. Building on success to achieve
your dreams is determined by how passionately committed you are to
achieving the dreams of your customers. The first step is as easy as
listening to them.
Interview Your Next Employer
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Resumes-Cover-Letters]
Before you go on your next interview, prepare the questions that you
will ask your next potential employer.
How to Lose Customers
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales]
Have
you found that you have just too many customers? Are you looking for
a way to get rid of some of those pesky customers who seem to keep
coming back and taking up all of your time? Would you like to have
time to do more important things, like spend your time trying to get
new customers, rather than spend so much time taking care of
existing customers? Have no fear, we have gathered some of the top
ten tips for weeding out the heard and getting rid of customers.
Reliable,
Respected, Revered or Feared
[Self-Improvement: Goal-Setting]
What is most the most important
attribute to developing your reputation? Would you prefer to be
known as reliable, respected, revered or feared? Is it possible to
be all of these things over time? Constructing your reputation is
like solving a Rubik's Cube puzzle. It takes time, several steps and
the right combination of twists and turns. It is also important to
know what it should look like when you are done. When you have the
goal in your mind, then you can go about solving the puzzle.
Buying or Selling on the
Internet
by John Mehrmann
[Business]
The
facts and figures from Symantec Security Response and the Internet
Crime Complaint Center are both fascinating and alarming. If you
have thought about buying or selling on the Internet, especially
with Internet Auction Sites, make sure that you are aware of the
best practices and the potential pitfalls before you do. An identity
is a terrible thing to waste.
Dear Office Dweller
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales]
The
following is a dedication to road warriors. It is a composite of
feedback from the field to the much respected and appreciated office
dwellers who occupy the maze of cubicles in the ivory towers.
Get Ahead with Time
Management
[Self-Improvement: Goal-Setting]
Print out this quick tip to get ahead
with time management and try it for one week to see how it works for
you. It can take less than five minutes for you to get ahead of your
projects, your schedule and your competition.
Supreme Court Ruling on
MAP
by John Mehrmann
[Business]
The
Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision to make it easier for
manufacturers to require retailers to honor manufacturer assigned
Minimum Advertised Price (MAP). Dissenting justices said that the ruling
would likely drive up retail prices. What will be the ruling of the
consumers?
Managed by the Mob
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Management]
Is
your business, department, division or project being managed by the mob?
Do you have a clear and defined strategy, or are you being run ragged
with no sense of accomplishment or direction? Decision by committee is
tantamount to management by the mob and may indicate a lack of
leadership. What can you do about it?
Proper Perspective on Priorities
by John Mehrmann
[Self-Improvement: Inspirational]
Sometimes it seems that the responsibilities that we have for coworkers,
company, career and family are in tragic conflict. How can we balance
the requirements and the responsibilities between personal and
professional lives? There are a limited number of hours in a day, so how
do we measure them and where do we draw the line?
Risk Management
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Management]
Losses Associated with Customer Records,
Confidential Information and Intellectual Property have created a surge
in Information Protection Spending.
IDC predicts that the Information Protection and Control
(IPC) Solutions market will surpass $3 Billion in 2011. This will be a
major area of investment over the next five years, representing a
compound annual growth rate of 33%. This tremendous growth is fueled by
protection of key sensitive information and complying with privacy
regulations.
Time Management 4 U
[Self-Improvement: Goal-Setting]
Executive Blueprints readers enhance
their personal and business performance more effectively when they
unlock the secrets of time, www.TimeManagement4U.com and the Top 10 Time
Wasters.
Financial Focus for Newlyweds
Contributed by Bui Financial Advisory and the Alliance of Cambridge
Advisors
[Financial Focus]
Money is an important topic in any
relationship. It is important to establish communication and mutual
understanding about the financial roles and responsibilities. Treat
financial successes and strains with joint consideration. Do not
mortgage the future to pay for the present, and do not allow financial
obligations from the past become seeds for dissention in the present.
Prepare for unexpected expenses, set goals together and establish a
common system of rewards.
Improving Conference Calls
by John Mehrmann
[Business:
Workplace-Communication]
Do you find yourself frustrated by
long and unproductive conference calls? What reputation do you have for
managing conference calls? Establish expectations and a reputation for
short and effective conference calls. Get your time back for other
activities.
A Gift for Grandma G
by John Mehrmann
[Self-Improvement: Inspirational]
Isn't it amazing how the lessons that are passed from mother to child
can come back to us across generations and in such unexpected ways?
Turn Customer Complaints into
Assets
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Customer-Service]
Virtually every organization
encounters customer complaints from time to time. Sometimes it is easy
to get caught up in the complaints and to lose track of how many
satisfied customers say nothing at all. Even worse, sometimes it is hard
to remember just how valuable a customer complaint can be to the
organization. Contrary to how it may feel to be the recipient of a
customer complaint, it is a wonderful opportunity if embraced with
commitment and integrity. You can turn customer complaints into valuable
assets.
Get Email Under Control
by John Mehrmann
[Business:
Workplace-Communication]
Email was designed to be a tool to
expedite and simplify communication. Tools are effective when managed
properly. What happens when the tool starts to manage the person? What
happens when a tool for communication replaces conversation and personal
interaction? What happens when a time saving tool begins to consume our
time? Then it is time to get email under control.
How to Prepare for Executive
Presentations
by John Mehrmann
[Writing-and-Speaking: Public-Speaking]
The following are tips to help you master preparation for executive
presentations. "Executive Presentations" are those presentations
intended for introducing new ideas or reviewing performance for
management within an organization. These suggestions are intended for
optimizing powerful and focused communications.
Public Speaking, Sales
Presentations or Group Meetings - Be in the Moment
by John Mehrmann
[Writing-and-Speaking: Public-Speaking]
If you are speaking to a large audience, a small room full of people, or
conducting a personal presentation, nothing is as effective and engaging
as living in the moment. This is a lesson taken from the stage to the
boardroom by Pat Dolan, Fine Arts Chair of St. John's. "All the world's
a stage, and all the men and women are merely players."
Similarity of the Work Place and
the Sports Arena
By Samson Eshetu
[Business: Team-Building]
What is your role in this business? Are you like a spectator in a
sports arena? Are you a cheerleader for your team? Are you one of the
players in the game? Are you a coach? Are you the broadcaster of the
game on TV or Radio? Are you the referee of the game? Before you think
that I am nut, wait until you see where I am going with this.
Glacier Girl
by John Mehrmann
[Travel-and-Leisure: Aviation]
The true story of The Lost Squadron, a
band of pilots and crewmen who survived a harrowing landing on the ice
in Greenland. Glacier Girl is the incredible story of a P-38, rescued
from under 268 feet of ice, "the finest restoration of any warbird ever
done". Glacier Girl prepares to complete a journey to England that
started in 1947, and you can see history fly.
100 Year Project
by John Mehrmann
[Self-Improvement: Goal Setting]
Imagine what you could accomplish if you were given 100 years to
complete any project of your choosing. How would you approach your
project management and your time management? What would your timeline
look like?
Disciplined Leadership
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Management]
You want to manage a disciplined team, focused on achieving results,
beating the competition and demonstrating continuous improvement. You
want to generate enthusiasm while making measured progress toward common
goals. You want the entire team to succeed, to work together and be the
best that they can be. You may be wondering how to begin.
Waves of Communication
by John Mehrmann
[Business]
Are you in a position that interacts with customers or clients? Are you
in a management or a leadership role? Would you like to improve your
communication with someone else who is in a management or leadership
role? Communication is the key to success in a professional capacity and
in our personal relationships. Communication creates a bond between
individuals, for better or worse, it can bring us closer together or
identify gaps in understanding or appreciation. The most honest
communication contains emotion and the ability to exchange ideas with
passion.
Before Your Frequent Flyer
Miles Expire
by John Mehrmann
[Travel-and-Leisure]
Many airlines are adjusting the policies for frequent flyer miles. The
miles that you have been saving for a special trip or vacation may
expire faster than you had planned. Rather than take chances, review
your frequent flyer policy, your status and your options for spending
earned miles.
Your Most Important Investment
by John Mehrmann
[Business]
Imagine a company spending one-third of the revenue on a capital
investment or an interest payment and never addressing it with
shareholders in their annual report. Measure, monitor, and invest
appropriately in the biggest impact to your business.
Make the Competition Irrelevant
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales]
Is
there an easy way to make the competition irrelevant? In an age with so
much access to information, bombarded by advertisements and commercials,
is it possible to keep the attention of your potential customers? What
is the secret to help customers make an easy decision to buy? There is a
secret formula that works for e-commerce, retail, bids and proposals. It
is a simple formula that has worked since the days of bartering beads,
beans and burrows.
A Source of Inspiration
by John Mehrmann
[Self-Improvement: Inspirational]
Having trouble finding your own source of inspiration at work?
Inspiration and motivation permeate the work environment, you just need
to know where to look for it.
Reverse Logistics in Supply
Chain Management
by John Mehrmann
[Business]
The
evolution of reverse logistics for manufactured products is developing
in direct proportion to the rapid advancements in technology and the
subsequent price erosion of products as new and improved products enter
the supply chain at a faster pace. With such thin margins and so much
competition, mismanagement of the supply chain can be devastating. Those
organizations with the infrastructure to capture and compare the
composite value of components with real time intelligent analysis and
disposition based on changes in refurbishment cost, resale value, spare
parts, repair and overall demand will not only become more profitable,
but such flexibility and scalability will allow them to outmaneuver and
eliminate the competition.
The Rapid Pace of Evolution
in Consumer Electronics
by John Mehrmann
[Home-and-Family: Home-Audio-Video]
The evolution of consumer
electronics, high definition displays, digital broadcasts, displays and
media is happening at an increasingly rapid pace. Advancements in
technology are occurring much faster than before, reducing the time to
deliver new technologies to market at an exponential rate. The algorithm
for designing and delivering new technology is nearly a fifty percent
reduction in time with every significant breakthrough. With such a rapid
race for invention the simultaneous introduction of diverse technologies
is as inevitable as price erosion and shortened life cycles for what is
considered "new" in consumer electronics.
401(k) and Alternative Retirement Plans
Contributed by Bui Financial Advisory and
the Alliance of Cambridge Advisors
[Financial Focus]
Today is the best day to start
planning and saving for the rest of your life. The 401(k) is a wonderful
savings plan if offered by your employer because the money goes directly
into your retirement account. Not only is the money tax deferred when
placed direct into your retirement account, but the interest earned in
your retirement account is also tax deferred, which means that you do
not pay annual taxes on the growing account value. Changes in the tax
law have allowed new types of qualified retirement plans with subtle but
important differences.
US International Travel
Restrictions
by John Mehrmann
[Travel-and-Leisure]
If you are planning travel between US, Canada or Mexico by air or sea,
be prepared to present your passport. The same rules apply for the
Caribbean and Bermuda. If you are planning business travel, a ski trip,
Spring Break, family vacation or warm weather excursion, be prepared to
carry a federally recognized identification to enter the US, even if you
are a US citizen. The same rules will apply to roads and land border
crossings in 2008.
Healthy Lifestyle
[Self-Improvement: Goal-Setting]
New Year Resolutions are full of
great intentions, with 364 more days to fulfill the promises and
commitments made on New Years Eve. By focusing on the goal, and not on
the process, sometimes we try to do too much at once. Creating a healthy
lifestyle means adjusting your daily routine. If you can repeat
something for 30 days, it becomes part of your routine and part of your
lifestyle. You can adjust your lifestyle gradually over time, achieving
your goals in a manner that can be sustained and maintained.
The Ugliest Christmas Tree
[Home-and-Family: Holidays]
A quest for the ugliest Christmas
tree and the spirit of Christmas.
Achieve the Life You Desire
by John Mehrmann
[Self-Improvement: Inspirational]
Here
is a different perspective on achieving your dreams, holding on to them,
and obtaining the life that you desire. This is a simple and practical
exercise that takes only a few minutes of your time to complete, but
worthy of reflection that could last a lifetime.
Are You Marketing or
Selling?
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales]
Once
upon a time there was a deaf salesman named Aesop. He tried to sell his
wares to the blind brothers Grimm, but no matter how much he elaborated
on the features of his wares, the brothers Grimm could not see the
benefits. The brothers tried to explain to Aesop that they could not see
the features that he described so eloquently, and that they would like
to hold the wares so they could appreciate them from their own
perspectives. Unfortunately, Aesop was busy talking and could not hear
their requests, so the parties separated in mutual frustration and
disappointment. How could the grim results of this fable be avoided?
Preview Microsoft Office and Vista
by John Mehrmann
[Computers-and-Technology: Software]
Are you considering a transition to Vista or the new Microsoft Office
suite and wondering if your current computer can handle it? Are you
thinking about making the investment into a new computer and want to
make sure that it can support the Vista and Office in six months? Are
you wondering how long you can wait to make the change, and what you
will have to deal with if you stay with the current operation system and
applications? These top ten tips are designed to give you an informed
perspective of the current step in the transition of technology.
Create Your Own Google Toolbar
Buttons
by John Mehrmann
[Internet-and-Businesses-Online:
Internet-Marketing]
These
quick and easy instructions will show you how to create your own custom
buttons for the Google Toolbar. If you have a web site or a Blog and you
want to share your custom icon or search function for the Google Toolbar
button to the world, this tutorial includes step-by-step instructions
for you. By creating a custom icon or search function, you make it
convenient for others to return to your site or search it. Take command
of the toolbar and add a personal touch with icons and useful functions.
Interview
Questions - Things to Think About Before the Interview
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Resumes-Cover-Letters]
Whether you are preparing to interview, preparing to be interviewed, or
just interested in conducting a quick self-analysis, the following
topics tips will help you develop a perspective. An ounce of preparation
is prevention from a pound of Preparation H.
Business Health, Wealth and Workers
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Management]
Condensed highlights are only a glimpse of the many incredible
accomplishments from the life of this prolific entrepreneur. Many may
ask, "What inspires and enables a man to achieve so much in a single
lifetime?" To this question he has demonstrated the answer in actions as
well as his own words. His business success was founded on a genuine
commitment to the workers. From humble beginnings and a romantic quest,
he was lifted to astounding success on the shoulders of the workers and
the values that he supported. See if you can recognize this man by his
accomplishments before you get to the last paragraph.
Motivation with Direction
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Management]
How do you communicate when sales are below forecast, you are over
budget, or you are not on plan? What impact does this have on moral and
motivation for the organization? Are demoralized and intimidated
employees more likely to rise to the challenge and improve performance
than inspired contributors with clear direction and leadership?
Trusted Management Score Card
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Management]
Share this article with coworkers in an email and enter your TOTAL SCORE
in the Subject Line, ask for a reply to see how your score relates to
others in your organization. Trust is a fundamental foundation for any
relationship, business or personal. Without it, the relationship has
defined limits and greater risk of gradual erosion or collapse. With
Trust, the relationship is exponentially stronger than the sum of the
individual contributors.
Grow Business Today
for Tomorrow
by Butch Hawking
[Business: Careers and Employment]
I wanted to share with you some
insights I gained this year from having made over 30,000 phone calls,
placed nearly triple digit industry professionals in 10 countries
worldwide. What follows are some of the key factors, as shared
with me, by some of the very best and brightest people in our domain.
Building Customer Loyalty
by John Mehrmann
[Business]
The following tips can apply
to virtually any profession or industry. If you think that these are
self-evident, then I challenge you to take a personal assessment. Print
this page and keep the list on your desk for one week. Place a checkmark
next to each item when you conduct an activity that fulfills one of
these objectives. Can you check all of these items in one week? Are you
actively practicing the commitment that you desire from your customers?
Where to Find Loyal
Customers
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales]
What is a loyal customer worth to you?
What is the value of repeat business and customer referrals compared to
acquiring new customers? How could this help to increase your sales and
profit? Find out where to find this customers now!
Secrets to Powerful Negotiations
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Negotiation]
We negotiate every day. There are
negotiations in sales, customer service, interviewing for a position,
and relationships between vendors and suppliers. Make a checklist of
these five items and apply it to your next negotiations. You can
immediately become more powerful and effective in your negotiations.
Supply Chain Integration
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Outsourcing]
Let's take a quick look and analyze your
position in the Supply Chain. You are either the one driving the truck,
the one pumping the gas, or the one paying the other two. It does not
matter if you are a vendor, supplier, manufacturer, dealer, service
supplier or customer, the cost of freight either impacts the amount you
charge, the amount you are reimbursed or the price you pay. It is safe
to assume that you are the center of the universe for your personal
Supply Chain and that suppliers and customers revolve around your
business.
Rewarding Teamwork
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Team-Building]
Teamwork can be its own reward, as
demonstrated by the exceptional success of the New England Patriots
Football Team. As a coach, manager and leader within your organization,
what can you learn from other successful teams? How can you build
teamwork from within the organization? What organizations already have
teamwork as a measured performance indicator? You have the power to
develop teamwork from any position within the organization, by virtue of
your personal commitment and the power of your own actions.
Financial Focus Fall '06
Contributed by Bui Financial Advisory and
the Alliance of Cambridge Advisors
[Financial Focus]
Topics:
* Maximizing Financial Aid for College
* The Ultimate Parenting Map to Money Smart Kids
* Rebalancing Your Investment Portfolio
September 11 Remembered
by John Mehrmann
[News-and-Society]
Most people have vivid personal memories of what they were doing at the
exact moment that this tragedy occurred. Many of us can remember how we
held our friends and family a little closer in the days and weeks that
followed. There was a greater unspoken appreciation for the life and
love that can be taken so unexpectedly. There was a greater
understanding of how coworkers and neighbors can be shelter in times of
trouble.
The Skills Gap
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales-Management]
The Computer Technology Industry
Association ("CompTIA") recently conducted a survey of 273 CompTIA
members to determine the biggest challenges for the next 12 months.
Filling vitally important functional positions in sales and technical
customer service ranked as the most critical obstacles in the coming
year.
Airport Restrictions, Your
Personal Checklist
by John Mehrmann
[Travel-and-Leisure: Aviation]
Packing for airline travel requires
advance planning and consideration. The following is a list of revised
restrictions regarding what is permitted or banned from US flights by
the Transportation Security Administration. Print the list and keep it
in your luggage as quick and convenient reference when you prepare to
travel or pack to return home.
Three Second
Offer
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Sales]
Win more business, influence peers and customers, or make a better first
impression on job interviews by presenting your message in three
seconds.
Aligned Management -
Responsible for Personal Success
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Management]
"In management, you have responsibility
for the success of the individuals within your organization." While this
may seem like an obvious statement, the definition of success is much
more difficult. In most cases we define business success for the
individual as accomplishing the assigned tasks and job related goals to
measurements defined by the position or by the management. Many managers
struggle with the concept of individual motivation and expect members of
the organization to share the same desire to contribute toward the
success of the team.
Freedom's Gift
A Poem by Tina Ann
[News-and-Society]
Countless tear and blood has shed, To
bring this dream into the light
For freedom’s gift on which we tread,
Demands a constant, vigil fight
Web Site Checklist
by John Mehrmann
[Internet-and-Businesses-Online: SEO]
Free for you, a checklist of secrets for
beginners from Master Web Designers. This is a Checklist for Web Design
and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Basic Design and layout
considerations to make your web user friendly, boost marketing and
visitors. Also includes a separate checklist for slightly technical
stuff to consider and compare when building your web site, and a few
cool tools.
Financial Focus Summer '06
Contributed by Bui Financial Advisory and
the Alliance of Cambridge Advisors
[Financial Focus]
Topics:
* Credit Card News
* Spring Cleaning
* Money Safe Vacations
Why We Work
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Careers-Employment]
Once you embrace your personal
motivation, you can make plans and daily decisions that influence and
support your motivation. It may be taking another look at your savings,
how you use your energy or your time management. Fuel your personal
power by recognizing how your daily efforts contribute to your personal
motivation and your enthusiasm will be contagious.
Life Career
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Careers-Employment]
The perceived value of separation
between work and personal life is the objective to maintain a balance,
as if these aspects of our being can be compartmentalized with private
and segregated emotional barriers. Despite our best efforts, there are
demands in both the personal and public aspects of our lives that
require sacrifice, generate reward, and impact our emotional responses
in all aspects of our lives.
Root Cause Analysis
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Management]
"It
is far better to have a Good Solution for an Exact Problem than to have
a Great Solution for the Wrong Problem"
It's OK to be Human
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Management]
There are many important attributes to
leadership. To be fully effective with the technical and tactical
elements it is also necessary to be able to communicate and connect
effectively with those around you. Integrity and understanding should be
combined with compassion.
Make Sales Effort More Effective
Contributed by Greg Gadbois
[Business: Sales]
We have all noticed individuals who
excel at sales, customer service or leadership. What is the secret
formula, the common denominator, something that these people all have in
common that places them at a higher level of achievement?
Seven Principles for Business
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Management]
Document the definitions for your
business, organization, or your role in the organization. If you can
document it, you can share it. With defined and aligned goals and
purpose, individuals with an organization are empowered for personal
success. The following seven principles may seem simple and obvious, as
they should. However, would your definitions be aligned with everyone
else in your organization or your customers?
Reward Your MVP
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Customer-Service]
No matter what the sport or business, we
all have a Most Valuable Player. Surprisingly, most businesses either do
not recognize the MVP, do not realize the importance of demonstrating
appreciation, or fail to include the MVP in the most important business
decisions or processes.
Commitment
by John Mehrmann
[Self-Improvement] When it comes to
commitment, there are five types of character traits.
Financial Focus Spring '06
Contributed by Bui Financial Advisory and
the Alliance of Cambridge Advisors
[Financial Focus]
Topics:
* Two Ways to Save on Energy Costs
* Media Hype
* Dealing with Deprivation Anxiety
Secrets to Effective Staff
Meetings
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Team-Building]
A Survey reveals stunning similarities
in staff meeting results. How can you make your meetings more effective,
and how can you measure your results? Quick and easy suggestions to
improve meeting performance.
Real World Cost of Ethics
by John Mehrmann
[Business: Management]
Ethics embraced in the organization can
impact public perception, avoid or invite improper behavior of
executives and associates, and be a foundat
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