Strategic Marketing: Education Is All It Takes
Establishing or maintaining a large share of any market today is challenging. With more and more competition out there and more and more new products flooding the market all the time, along with new technologies that are emerging, executives and managers must vigilantly stay on top of the game or be sunk. Older, practiced leaders cannot afford to rest on their past successes, and the younger generation must jump in with both feet.
A little education can go a long way towards making you a skilled leader. Even though you may hold a degree in business from Duke, you can still be left in the dust unless you keep up with innovative technology, innovative practices, and evolving consumer needs. The courses at the Caltech Industrial Relations Center are created to teach you skills to take back and apply on the job, skills that should be used on a permanent basis, not just for a one-time project.
Among their many offerings are courses on effectively working with people without exacerbating hostility, aligning all of the divisions within your company to integrate new ideas and function efficiently with united goals in mind, implementing state of the art technology, marketing in China and India, creating alliances with other companies, and the strategic marketing of technology products.
Strategic marketing is a very helpful three day course covering three main topics: creating of a viable product strategy, identifying opportunities for growth, and beating the competition. You will learn ways to analyze and gauge your customer base and devise solutions for dissimilar segments of the market. You will see how identifying influential opinion leaders in the market can help you win it, and you will master the tools to maneuver competitively to gain a market leadership position.
Anything you can learn to get a competitive edge in today’s market is wise. Learning how to compete in high value markets can give your company the boost you have been striving for, and strategic marketing can make that occur.
Lack oomph? Inspiring posters can boost employee morale
Framed motivational art does something few other office decorations can: It inspires workers to draw together toward a common goal: an improved business environment and a heightened sense of teamwork.
An important trend in office decorating today includes the use of motivational posters. Motivational art doesn’t just inspire; it encourages employees to forge cohesive bonds with coworkers and work toward the greater overall success of the company
Framed motivational art provides a terrific way to keep employees focused and on track. An inspirational poster of a team of skydivers or a rowing team can help reinforce your message that each member of your team is a valued employee and has a key role to play in the company.
But motivational posters are beneficial in places other than the office. You’ll find them showing up in health clubs, classrooms and recreational facilities … even senior centers. Why? Because we all need motivation.
Teachers use motivational posters to get their students excited about learning – and achieving … even excelling! Kids need to know their efforts will pay off – and visual reminders are a great way to reinforce the concept of perseverance.
Coaches and trainers use motivational posters to keep their athletes focused – and not just school-aged athletes, either. Gym owners often put up these motivational artworks to help their members see beyond limitations to greater possibilities. Trainers and coaches realize professional athletes could also benefit from a gentle inspirational reminder from time to time.
In the corporate world, use motivational posters to acknowledge achievement. Present a key employee with an inspirational poster that reflects his or her accomplishment – better still, choose a theme or image that bears special significance to the recipient.
Motivational posters are also a great way to offer encouragement to someone you care about who’s having a difficult time … perhaps dealing with an illness or injury … loss of a job … even the death of a parent, spouse or child. You can bolster someone’s spirits with an uplifting and inspirational poster.
Maybe the struggling individual is someone in your family … perhaps even within your own home. Brighten a spouse or child’s spirits when they’re struggling or feeling low with a motivational poster meant to encourage and uplift. Or perhaps you’re the one who needs some encouragement. Give yourself the gift of encouragement and support. Pick out your favorite image, theme or quote that lifts your spirits and soothes your soul.
Or maybe you just like the classic look of motivational artwork. Their timeless beauty makes them ideal additions to your home or office. Liven up a bare wall with a favorite piece of artwork and notice how often your face brightens into a smile when you see it.
When you’re shopping online for motivational posters, be sure to visit ArtExpressed.com. There, you’ll find the best selection of professionally framed motivational artwork – all at prices that will really motivate you!
Valentines Romance Tips for Women with a Chronic Illness
The words “hot and bothered” may spark images of twisted sheets and breathlessly reaching out to the one you love for most people. But if you have a chronic illness, “hot” likely refers to a thyroid condition, night sweats, or a heating pad on high. “Bothered” is everything else that happens in bed. Like achy joints that pop when you roll over, a cat that insists on sleeping on your leg, or a spouse who snores through thunder and lightening. Romance may be hard to find in your home!
Most people don’t realize that nearly 1 in 2 people live with a chronic illness in the U.S.A. And when it comes to marriages, chronic illness and mental illness, does not have a good impact! Seventy-five percent of marriages end in divorce. It takes more than Valentine’s Day romance a few days a year to keep a marriage alive and romantic.
So, how do you create that romantic environment when you are in physical pain? I’ve got some creative romantic ideas to get some of that spark back!
Make an effort. Stop with the excuses. “I’m tired, I don’t feel good. I am in so much pain.” I’ve said them all. Guess what? You’ll probably always be tired. Put on some music, sit back and relax. You’re in pain? If you can push past some of the physical pain you’ll soon be distracted and forget at least a good part of it.
Make romance a priority in your house! Rather than cleaning your house all day and mopping those floors, take a nap so that you have some quality time with your spouse that night. Make sure he feels valued and important and not just “one more thing to take care of.”
Do whatever it takes to be enthusiastic for your romantic evening. If you go out for a nice dinner, don’t tell him over the menu, “I actually feel pretty sick, so I don’t know what to eat. I really am going out just as a favor for you.” (That’s won’t turn your loved one on in the least!) Even if your romance is just dinner out, enjoy talking about some dreams you still have or what your hopes are for the future. Avoid talking about your illness or how it could change them all at the drop of a hat.
Even if you don’t have the gift of writing poetry, do something that tells your spouse how much you appreciate him. Cover a page with sentences of things you appreciate and love using different colored markers. Make up a mini-photo albumn.
Make a list of all the things you notice he does that you don’t usually thank him for: taking out the garbage, getting you medication in the middle of the night, giving your child a bath, cleaning out the litter box. Type out a sheet of all of this stuff in fun fonts and different colors.
Women, get out of the grandma section of underwear and buy something red, black or anything that doesn’t have waist bands wider than an inch. Stop being so self-conscious.
Learn to text message with your phone and send him a messge that says something out of character for you. Be outrageously romantic, just make sure you send it to the right person in your phone book!
Give him a home-made coupon for something he would like but doesn’t splurge on very often such as, “Good for 5 guilt-free hours with your friends watching football.” Avoid making him feel guilty whenever he wants to do something you can participate in (like going hiking or riding a roller coaster.)
There is no such thing as a perfect marriage. But a marriage where both people are involved in keeping it alive, despite the existence of a chronic illness, can be one of the most rewarding joys in your life. Romance comes in many forms. I loved my husband more than ever the night I literally could not move because of a rheumatoid arthritis flare. I “slept” sitting on the couch and he slept on the floor beside the couch to comfort me every time I moved and screamed from the pain.
Love comes in many forms. One of the books I’ve bought all the couples in my life is “Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires, the Respect He Desperately Needs” by Emerson Eggerichs. It talks a lot about “love languages” and how men feel loved when they feel respected, while women want to feel loved with emotions and words. Oftentimes we are offering our spouse what we desire rather than the “love language” they need. Being aware of all of the small ways we can show each other love and respect add up to romance when you least expect it.
When Your Wife is Ill and Romance Ain’t Happening
When your wife has a chronic illness, though you may love her no matter what, it can be hard for her to get into a romantic mood. Physical pain from the actual illness to weight gain or loss, bloating, and less-than-fun symptoms of medication can all be a deterrent to some romantic moments.
Be assured that you are not alone. Nearly 1 in 2 people in the USA live with a chronic illness and so many marriages are impacted. Unfortunately, nearly seventy-five percent of them end in divorce when an illness is that “third party” in the marriage.
So, how can you encourage her and maybe even get some of that romance back into your marriage? Here are some ideas to add some romance into your marriage.
Buy her food that she can eat without guilt–even if you have to hunt it down. Did you know chocolate contains phenyl ethylamine, a chemical that produces the feeling of “being in love”? Look at your pharmacy for Russell Stover’s sugar free chocolate. Starbuck’s just introduced a heavenly new drink, a sugar-free Cinnamon Dolce’. Now that’s romantic!
Women with a chronic illness are the same as most women. They want their man to hold their hand. Give affection generously, but also carefully to not cause more pain. Rub her back, call her a pet name you haven’t used in five years, and don’t pressure her for more. Cuddle, snuggle, and cuddle some more like you will never let her go.
Pour out your heart about how much you admire the strength she shows in the darkest moments. Let her know you know that living with illness is difficult and that you are blessed to be married to someone with so much character and joy. Remind her that you love her and are in it “in sickness and in health.”
Pamper her by purchasing her something that she wouldn’t splurge on for herself. Let her know you are listening to her by purchasing a CD that she says has one of her favorite news songs on it. Buy her a down comforter for a cozier bed. Brainstorm about item that she could enjoy when she isn’t feeling well.
Schedule a retreat for her at home. Find care for the kids, bring home dinner, and don’t say anything when you come home at 6 p.m. and she’s still in her pajamas.
Write little notes that she can find any time. And don’t forget to say thanks too! For example, if she does laundry, put a note in your own sock drawer to find when she puts them away that says, “I know laundry isn’t easy for you to do. Every time I find clean socks here I am reminded how much you love me and how blessed I am.”
Being romantic at home isn’t hard. Purchase a fondue pot and tell her that you will bring home something to dip every Wednesday night so you two can sit and have a conversation over candlelight (and cheese, chocolate, marshmallow, etc.)
Are you having troubles starting up some romantic conversations? Buy a book about conversation starters or fill a jar with topics. Do a search online for “romantic conversation starters.”
Don’t forget to make a few changes in the bedroom to spark some romance. As silly as it sounds, candles, roses, and a great play list on your ipod tells her that you cared enough to set the mood for her.
There is no perfect way to romance your wife because every woman is different and needing different things. So communication is the key. Ask, “What are your biggest concerns right now? How can I help you feel more loved?”
You don’t have to be perfect. By making an effort to create some romance in the relationship, it will bring some romance to your marriage! If she sees you reading a book on marriage or romancing your wife, she may just toss the book aside and grab you. Whoever said the most romantic thing a man can do are the dishes understood women perfectly.
Five Rules for College Freshmen
It’s true; make it to your junior year of college and the hard part is over. It’s just a matter of time until you graduate.
In fact, get through your sophomore year successfully, and you’ll almost certainly return for your junior year, according to a large body of research.
The “killer” year is year one. Lots of freshmen leave college before completing two semesters. Others complete the year, but do not subsequently return. If you are scheduled to begin college in the not-too-distant future, here are a few suggestions to keep you from being among them.
1. Don’t cut classes. Missing classes is the single worst thing you can do.
2. Put yourself on a schedule and stick to it. Be sure to schedule study times, study breaks, and sleep time.
3. Keep up with or ahead of your assignment due dates. Don’t fall behind on your reading and don’t write your papers at the last minute. Cramming may have worked for you in high school, but it is unlikely to in college.
4. Don’t go crazy with your newly found freedom. If you drink excessively, burn the candle at both ends, and put play ahead of your assignments, your days in college will probably be numbered.
5. Get involved. Don’t return to your hometown every weekend. Take part in events and activities on campus. Be open to new friendships. Join at least one student group. Be an active part of the college or university community. You’ll never regret it.
The five rules above aren’t very complicated. And, they shouldn’t be terribly hard to follow. Yet, if everyone adhered to them, the average six year college graduation rate in the United States would probably jump from its currently disappointing 55% to the 90% plus seen at some of our most selective institutions.
Offering Great Customer Service – The 5 Secrets of the Superstars
Every once in a while we will cross paths with what I refer to as a customer service superstar. They are like diamonds in the rough. We never know when we will be served by one of these superstars. They are dispersed throughout the marketplace and look normal on the outside. But take a closer look and we will soon discover that these people are a breed apart from your average everyday customer service representative.
What is the secret that makes these customer service superstars win us over? What is their key in consistently giving each customer an outstanding service experience? One of the first and foremost secrets in their winning ways is that these superstars make their customers feel valued. These people simply treat each customer as if he or she was the most important person on the planet. Customers walk away feeling as if they were the owner of the organization.
We soon recognize that these superstars live a life that tends to focus on the needs of others. We get the impression that they genuinely enjoyed assisting us. We also feel that the service performed had nothing to do with a person simply following a job description in order to get a paycheck. The service becomes a pleasant memory that is soon told to others.
The reason that they exceed at serving others is because these superstars are sensitive to the needs of the customer. They have an innate ability to know how the customer feels and what his or her inward needs are. Their gift of making customers feel comfortable allows the whole experience to be enjoyable. The superstars also find new ways to give the customer a positive memory of the service received. Let’s now turn our attention to five simple secrets that will uncover these superstars of service:
1. Superstars maintain a positive personality
If we are to be customer service superstars, it is paramount that we stay away from a negative attitude at all costs. I have never met what I would consider a superstar who did not have a great attitude. It just goes with the territory. Their outlook on life is refreshing and positive. This is one of the top reasons that they are great at serving others. Customers’ walk away feeling revived in the presence of these superstars. This is because the refreshing atmosphere creates a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Remember that the perception in the customer’s mind is what really matters. If a customer feels that their service experience was below average, then it was below average. In reality we are in the customer perception business. This is why it is paramount that we periodically take an attitude check and maintain a positive atmosphere for our customers.
2. The superstars are excited to assist others
How many times have you been served by a person who lacked enthusiasm? How did that make you feel? In all likelihood you probably walked away feeling that the product or service being provided was average or below average. The reason for this is that the halfhearted person serving you dampened the whole experience. This is the power of lackadaisical service. Enthusiasm has a way of making the service experience more worthwhile. As customer service representatives, our goal is to make the overall experience enjoyable for the customer. One way of doing this is to be excited to serve them. If our job is to assist others, then by all means make each person feel as if they were the most important person in the world.
3. The superstars know how to respond quickly
In today’s business world our customers anticipate service to be performed in a fast and efficient manner. They expect to be served by a knowledgeable person who not only is quick at making the transaction, but also performs in a highly professional manner. The more we can project professionalism in our service, the more likely customers will trust our business. If we are to give the perception that we are experts in our field, we must serve in a manner that shows others that we value their time.
We will always appreciate service where we feel that the person serving us respected our time. The best memories of five-star service will consistently convey efficiency during the transaction. The service representative gave the impression that our time was valuable and swiftly took great care to quickly meet our needs. Remember this little gem and your customers will walk away and remember the service as being outstanding!
4. The superstars strive for excellence
Another feature of customer service superstars is their ability to excel in their chosen profession. They desire to be their best on the job by giving their customers outstanding service. Their work ethic stands out because of the motivation to perform at a higher level. These superstars do not need to be motivated from the outside. Their inspiration is driven from within.
It is always impressive watching a service superstar performing on stage for his or her customers. They consistently have a way of giving 100% to their customers and offer them a great service experience. These superstars give the impression that they not only enjoy their jobs, but that they genuinely enjoy serving each customer.
5. The superstars give their customers attention
Similar to being efficient, showing attention expresses that we care about our customers. Our greatest memories of an excellent service experience came as a result of a person giving us his or her full attention. They made us feel important because of this attentiveness. It is important to understand that most people enjoy shopping and playing the role of a customer simply because they are anticipating the expected attention to be received.
Build these character traits into your service team and see as your customers will want to return again and again. Soon you will find that these same customers will start telling others about the exceptional service that your organization offers. Remember that it really comes down to creating a great experience for them!
Five-Star Service: 4 Keys to a Great Customer Service Experience
Every person in the world will play the role of a customer throughout his or her life. From early on each of us becomes acquainted with being the customer and having others wait on us. No matter where we go, we are always prepared to take on the role of the customer and be served by another person. Look at a typical week and we discover just how much time is spent on being a customer.
When we look at the hundreds of experiences that we have had as a customer, we have also discovered that some people are better at serving than others. More often than not, we find that service in America is typically average. Of course we will have memorable moments when we will be served by a customer service superstar. But on average, being served by others usually gives us the impression that the service representative is simply following protocol.
In order to offer an excellent service experience, the person responsible for serving must genuinely care about the customer. If a service representative is simple working for a paycheck and not serving from a sincere and caring heart, the service will more than likely be perceived as average and quickly forgotten. Here’s an important point to remember:
“Five-star service can only occur when we care about meeting our customer’s immediate needs. Without a caring heart, customer service simply becomes a job description.”
When we try to make the experience for the customer as pleasant as possible, he or she will perceive the service provided as first-rate. Customers will perceive our service as being excellent when they feel that we had their best interest in mind. This is serving with the right intentions. Let’s now look at four practical ways we can show our customers that we care.
1. Five-star service is simply showing kindness
Showing consideration to our customers should consistently be offered by every customer service representative. It is only logical that anyone who is working out in front with customers should show hospitality. Remember that it only takes one employee to effect the customer’s perception of the service if he or she is not being courteous.
2. Five-star service is being urgent
The next key in providing excellent service is to show our customers that their needs demand a sense of urgency. By this I mean that we respect our customers by seeing their request as important and give them the positive impression that we will quickly take care of it. We need to consider each request as a pressing matter that should be taken care of in an efficient and professional manner.
3. Five-star service is serving from a caring heart
Customers will perceive our service as outstanding when we include what I like to call the human touch. When our customers sense that we care about them, they automatically will rate our service higher. Creating a successful service experience will only happen when we reach out and communicate by our actions that we care.
4. Five-star service involves a team effort
The sky truly is the limit when an organization has a team that is passionate about creating great service. This is because each team member plays a key role in how well the service will be perceived. It is important to understand that every employee is a reflection of not only the organization, but also of each other. In order to provide five-star service, we must first start by creating a team that is excited to serve.
Great customer service creates a memorable experience that makes people want to come back time and again. They simply show each customer that they appreciate and are happy to have the opportunity to serve them. This simple secret will go a long way in making each customer feel important. Remember also that a lack of enthusiasm can give our customers a reason to not want to return.
Delivering five-star service is really about enjoying it. In order to give great service we need to enjoy serving others. By enjoying the process of helping others, we will be better at producing five-star service. I believe that one of the best qualities found in customer service superstars is that they thoroughly enjoy serving people. This alone makes it all the more effortless in delivering exceptional service. When we truly enjoy serving others, our occupation becomes less of a job and more of a profession.
Getting Educated Through Specialists Can Only Help Your Wallet
While many people are quite content to manage their debt on their own (often at their own peril), others realize that they need solid advice and a new strategy that will work for them to help them with their financial troubles. These people often turn to debt management assistance companies for advice and help.
Of course it’s important before going into a situation like this to know that these companies are not miracle workers. They’ll give you useful advice and lay out a strategy that can work for you without being too restrictive, but ultimately it’s up to you to follow through with that plan and put it into action. This is why an active dialogue needs to occur between you and these companies.
If you don’t accurately express your situation and your needs, they can’t accurately draw up a plan that will work for you and one that you’ll follow. They will be laying some restrictions on your spending habits after all, and need to know realistically how much you can afford to cut.
Going to a debt management specialist is not restricted to people who know little about financial matters, they are useful for anyone who is having trouble managing their finances and needs a new direction. No matter the circumstances, the fact remains that if you’re in debt, you’re doing something wrong, namely spending more money than you have to spend. Don’t feel like they’re only useful for people who are ignorant of money matters.
It’s also true that no matter how knowledgeable we are, it sometimes takes a fresh set of eyes to see a situation in a different light. It’s easy to get stuck in old patterns and see things a certain way, and this is where a new outlook on the situation can prove beneficial. They’re also a great groundswell of knowledge and can save you the time and effort it would take hunting around for specific tips or tricks on your own. They can save you a good deal of both time and money, and more importantly, stress. Feeling like your finances are in good hands can be a real stress reliever, while going it alone can often leave us feeling vulnerable and alone, with nowhere to turn and no one to rely on.
There are a good deal of credit card debt management companies around, and plenty of advice on money saving introductory rates to be found in other places as well, such as the internet. If you’re going to pay an individual or company to look after your finances, be sure to do your research and look into some of their references from past customers. Don?t just ask for them, but follow up on them as well. If you know a friend or family member who used the service of such a person or company, even better.
Is It Smart To Consolidate You Credit Card Debt?
When your credit card debt is more than you can handle, and you think your only option is declaring bankruptcy, it’s time to consider credit card consolidation. This option will let you consolidate your payments into one, allowing an easy payment plan to be arranged and won’t leave you living paycheck to paycheck.
There are many companies that can help you organize and manage your debt, as well as creating your monthly payment plan.
These companies will negotiate with your credit card companies for a lower monthly payment and interest rate. Most credit card companies are open to this kind of arrangement, because it shows them you are making an effort to pay your debt. Your monthly payment will go to the consolidation company, and they will divide it up between all of your credit card companies according to your payment plan. Simple and easy.
You must be willing to make your payments as scheduled. You will need to rethink your expenses. Come up with a monthly budget to see not only where your money is spent each month, but ways you can cut back as well. Also, be prepared to get rid of those credit cards.
Credit cards have had the ability to trap many people. Credit cards always appear to be a convenient way to spend money, but they are misleading. Credit cards give people the feeling that they have the money to pay for purchases which is not always the case. Sometimes people confuse having a credit card as being the same as having cash.
Credit cards can be easy to rely on when money is tight. But this will lead to payments you may not be able to make, and debt takes over. A credit debt consolidation specialist will help you get rid of debt and get you back on track. Let that be a lesson to you, get rid of the credit cards you don’t need. Although it’s may be good to have one for emergencies, you want to avoid falling back into the trap.
Be Wary Of College Credit Card Debt
Although most people know that debt can be a problem, one kind of debt is often overlooked: college credit card debt. College students with their first credit cards are in great danger of getting buried by debt. Leaving home and going to college can be a difficult and disorienting time, and many people start to pile on credit card debt. Students should understand how and why this happens so they don’t start their “real lives” under tons of debt.
College credit card debt can start as early as the very first card. Companies want to gain customers early, so they offer cards to students as young as 18 and 19. The sudden credit seems like free money. Students who spend up to their credit limits on their first cards set themselves up for credit card debt throughout their lives.
Once students approach the age of 21, things change. At that magic age, students are suddenly able to (legally) drink, whether they are mature enough to handle it or not. They buy drinks at local bars and spring break destinations alike. They spend while they have little to no income, which increases their debt.
Someone must pay for these expenses. Sometimes the parents cover the charges, but other times the student must start paying off the debt after graduating and getting a job. No one wants debt impeding them as they enter their professional careers.
Contrary to what most people think, college card credit card debt can easily be controlled. Students need to be made aware of the nuances of a college credit card debt. With some general assistance in future planning, and simple discipline on the part of the student, it is entirely possible to prevent a young adult entering a professional life with the burden of heavy debts. It is important to know though, that ultimately, the responsibility of their actions, lies with the students.