Implementing a Results-Only Work Environment
Results Only Work Environment, or ROWE, is a management strategy adopted by Best Buy where employees are paid for productivity, not just activity. A Results Only Work Environment focuses on achievement instead of solely being at work. Employees control their own work calendars and the focus is on how much work they get done, not when they accomplish it. There are many pros and cons for this type of... [Read more]
5 Tips for Your Next Virtual Book Tour
Book tours are a staple in promoting new books in the publishing world. An author is expected to travel to dozens (and sometimes well over 100) locations to promote their book, sign copies, and speak to fans. This is a tiring process which can yield only a few dozen copies sold at some locations. Many successful authors and book publishers are finding that virtual book tours can yield very effective... [Read more]
Reviewing Your Business
Every business goes through cycles and in the periods of change between cycles (good and bad), it’s a good idea to review your business, understand what the transition means to the longevity of the company, and make the tough decisions necessary. My business is going through a transition of renewed focus and preparation for growth. During this time, I’ve decided to ask the tough decisions,... [Read more]
Questions You Should Ask Before Working for a Startup
I’ve been recruited to work with (or for) a number of startups over the years. Most offers I’ve declined, but I’ve also take a few and unfortunately none have hit it big! I have tried to learn to not get caught up in the excitement of the founder’s dream too quickly: most of the companies started won’t be around in five years and most of the ones I have been recruited... [Read more]
Building Quality Links for Your Small Business Web Site
There are thousands of resources on the Web to help you with search engine optimization, finding backlinks, creating a link strategy, and all facets of search engine marketing and yet I frequently get asked by business people I work with “how do I get highly ranked in Google?” There are so many facets to search engine ranking, but one of the most consistently known and focused on strategies... [Read more]
Why You Should Care About Financial Statements
Jim couldn’t understand it. His successful window installation company had ten years worth of financials. His business had been profitable since day one. He was never late paying a bill and had impeccable credit, but when he applied for a commercial mortgage to purchase a building for the company, two banks declined his application after seeing the financial reports his accountant prepared. He... [Read more]
5 Major Customer Service Mistakes
It’s an unfortunate part of life that poor customer service can cost an organization so much – lost customers, lost revenue, lost new business, and a lost opportunity to connect with someone for a lifetime relationship. Many organizations do not know how much poor customer service has cost them and do not have a plan to find out. We’ve experienced great customer service and terrible... [Read more]
One Page Marketing Plan
A marketing plan is a well researched and well written report detailing the marketing, promotion, and advertising plans for an organization. Essential items in a marketing plan include: Internal capabilities and forces which will have a direct effect on marketing efforts External opportunities and threats which could affect the company Goals and strategies to achieve the company’s goals Generally,... [Read more]
Best Customer Service Experience – At a Jiffy Lube?
The other day, we were planning a short excursion to the beach and I went on a search for a place to have my minivan’s oil changed. I typically have this service performed at Walmart, quite frankly, because it’s cheap. Unfortunately, we moved to an area located far from a Walmart, so I punched in “lube” into my GPS and discovered a Jiffy Lube in Pineville, North Carolina. What... [Read more]
