How CEO's Can Use Axiology To Improve The Bottom Line Part I

In today's fast-paced business world, CEO's are trying to keep up with change and adapt to the global marketplace, constantly searching the horizon for an edge over the competition.

One thing they overlook is very close to home. In fact it is just down the hall from them.

It's their very own employees.

By learning how to unlock the hidden potential of your employees and executives you can create multiple leverage points for your business that your competition cannot duplicate because it's unique to you. Your employee mix is yours and yours alone. You owe it to your company to get the best from your employee's; their minds, their strengths and their keen abilities.

Imagine if all employees utilized all their strengths and could know and understand the roadblocks that hold them back? Playing at the "top of their game" they would make better decisions for the company, help reduce expenses and contribute to higher profits.

So much can be achieved by simply knowing a person's strengths. It can help build confidence in their ability to make and carry out decisions. It's as critical to know the areas in which they need help. Create an atmosphere where people are not afraid to ask for help or guidance.

Employees become more willing to ask for help before a situation becomes critical if they accept, that like others, they are not perfect and nobody really "knows it all". This fear of asking for help holds people back and stunts the growth of companies. When nothing holds a person back, he/she can surge forward with the power and confidence of someone on a mission.

So the question to ask is, "How do we structure a program for our people to discover their true strengths and their roadblocks to achievement?"

The answer is a little known science called Axiology, the study of values and judgments. The Value Profile is the tool of Axiology that unlocks a person's hidden value. It reveals how you can make better decisions based on how you think and what you value.

Here is a scenario to give you an idea on how Axiology and the Value Profile help CEO's obtain greater leverage from an employee's strength.

The CEO, lets call him Richard, has to make a tough decision. He needs to expand his company in order to keep ahead of the competition. Richard decides to put someone in charge of a Special Projects team to determine where the company's best opportunities for the future are.

Using the Value Profile, Richard can accurately measure and compare possible candidates for the position. There are 120 different critical areas with pinpoint and objective information that can be obtained from each individual.

The first section of the report determines a person's skill in Deciding What Needs to Be Done. This report measures a candidate's ability to decide what issues are relevant and what issues require attention. The findings would provide insight on the candidate's ability to rely on analytical as well as "gut" instincts, both critical allies to executives making important decisions.

The profile also provides laser accuracy into how well a candidate "sees the big picture" and how the pieces of the picture fit together to make a whole.

Added insights include measuring ability to use practical thinking and the ability to project a goal into the future and develop a plan to attain it.

In the second section of the report, Developing a Strategy, Richard gains insights on the candidate's ability to plan and manage the project. This is the only tool that provides you with specifics of how each candidate can plan for consequences of actions and decisions, and how he reacts to crises. As a CEO, it's more important than ever for you to know which candidate best knows how to quickly identify the source of a problem and the factors relating to the problem.

You can know which candidate has the best combination of skills to manage the project and move your company forward if you know who has the ability to come up with alternative solutions for problems and who can control the flow of events.

But it doesn't stop there. You can take an even closer look at your selection of candidates. In the third section of the report you take out your magnifying glass and see the management abilities of the candidates.

Utilizing this section of the report, Richard can benchmark each candidate's ability to identify problems and critical issues. You know how well they can determine what needs to be done and whether or not they know how to do it in the most effective manner.

Another component of the report tells you if they can determine and understand what is needed to carry out your objectives, whether they are clear about potential problems and the abilities of their people to resolve those situations.

The last part of this section provides Richard with a clear picture of which candidates are best equipped to create an efficient process or manage a system that others can follow.

These are a few of the many insights Axiology and the Value Profile can provide Richard and other CEO's who want to fulfill the vision they have for the future of their company.

There's more to come; this is the first part of a three part article series. In the second article Richard, our CEO, will discover how he can assess the candidates' organizational abilities, inner drive to succeed, and how much of a self-starter each candidate is.

(c) 2004, Team Results Inc. and Axelrod & Associates, All rights in all media reserved. Reprint rights granted so long as the article and the by-lines are reprinted intact.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=By John Beaton

Barter Your Way to Profits

Have you ever faced any of the following situations?
One: You need a lawyer but you don`t have the cash for
the retainer. Two: You have a warehouse full of
inventory that just isn`t moving. Three: Sales are
down and you need more customers.

Each of the above problems might be alleviated by
bartering.

1. What Is Bartering?

Bartering is simply exchanging goods or services
without money.

For example, you give your accountant and his family
a meal in your restaurant in exchange for the
preparation of your income tax return. This is a
barter transaction because no cash changes hands
between the two parties.

2. Bartering Improves Liquidity and Profits

A shortage of cash is not an unusual situation for
either businesses or individuals. Perhaps you would
like to advertise in a certain publication but just
don`t have the money. Have you considered exchanging
something of value that you have (a service or product)
for the advertising you need?

Such a barter deal is mutually advantageous. Neither
party has to part with cash to obtain the desired goods
or services.

Not only does bartering conserve cash, but it can
actually generate sales and profits. Inventory turns
over more quickly. Service providers sell more of
their time than they would had they insisted on cash.

3. Bartering Creates New Customers

Notice, also, that both parties just made a sale to
someone they wouldn`t normally have. You both just
received a new customer.

If happy, your new customer can refer you to many
more customers, including ones who pay cash. Perhaps
your original barter customer may also start paying
cash in future transactions with you.

4. Barter Exchanges

In addition to trading with individuals and
businesses, you might consider joining a barter
exchange.

A barter exchange is a business that facilitates the
exchange of goods and services between its members.
There are membership fees for joining. Also, the
barter exchange charges a commission on transactions
made through it.

5. Tax Aspects of Bartering

Barter transactions made by your business must be
reported for income tax purposes. Also sales taxes
may apply on such transactions.

For increased liquidity and new customers, consider
bartering your way to profits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Stephen_Pope

Splitting the Roles of CEO and Chairman

Traditionally, in American businesses, the same person occupies the role of chairman of the board and chief executive officer, though this is gradually shifting to the European model. In most European, British, and Canadian businesses, the roles are usually split, in an effort to ensure better governance of the company, and in turn bring higher returns to investors.

Combining the roles does have its advantages, such giving the CEO multiple perspectives on the company as a result of their multiple roles, and empowering them to act with determination. However, this allows for little transparency into the CEO's acts, and as such their actions can go unmonitored, it paves the way for scandal and corruption.

According to Ira Millstein, an expert in corporate governance, an effectively independent board is a shareholder's best protection. Separating the roles allows the chair to check up on the CEO, and in turn the company's overall performance, on behalf of the stockholders.

Separating the roles also allows the CEO and chairman to focus on different, equally vital aspects of the company's performance.

"We think it is an appropriate segregation of duties. As a business grows, the CEO can focus on the business and the chairman can help with the ever-growing regulatory requirements," noted Lino P. Matteo, CEO for the Montreal-based management accounting firm Mount Real.

Ultimately, when the chair does not also occupy the role of CEO, they are able to govern the board in a more impartial manner, meaning that investor returns could potentially be higher.

However, a new survey by three consultants for the international management consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton found that the companies that divided the roles actually had smaller shareholder returns, leading some to rethink the CEO-chairman split.

A survey by Christian & Timbers showed that 97% of European executives believe that the roles should be split. However, stockholder returns were nearly 5% lower in European companies that implemented the split, when compared with companies that had the same CEO and chairman.

In America, where only about 20% of the major public companies split the roles despite that 86% of executives polled by Christian & Timbers believed that the roles should be split, returns were 4% lower in companies with a separate chairman and CEO.

One of the reasons they gave for the higher returns in the companies with the same CEO and chairman was the once the board commits to arranging itself that way, they focus less on constant watchdog evaluation of that individual than making him or her successful.

They also pointed out that CEO-chairman might be able to withstand pressure better, especially when short-term changes don't pay off, than non-CEO chairman.

Thirdly, they attribute the surprising results to lack of authority on the CEO's behalf. "Clearly, a CEO who is not a chairman is the board's hired hand; a chief who is also chairman has far more influence over other directors," they noted.

According to an article in the business journal McKinsey Quarterly, Americans tends to view the role of chairman with less respect than that of CEO, especially in companies where the roles are split.

Therefore, they should consider remarketing the job of chairman as a more respected career path, as it is in British companies, where 95% of companies have separate people occupying the roles of CEO and chairman. The remarketing could then function as a way of restoring trust and confidence in the increasingly corrupted corporate American landscape.

Regardless of whether the CEO is the chairman of the board or not, there is no way the company can be successful unless the directors dedicate themselves to helping the CEO and other upper-management sustain a superior level of performance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?export=Jessica Klein.com

Bootstrap Financing Your Way to Business Success

Do you need to start or grow your business but have
little money? Before you look to banks and similar
sources of financing, why not bootstrap your way to
business success?

A bootstrap is a small loop of leather or other
material that is found on the top rear or sides of a
boot. The purpose of the bootstrap is to help you
pull your boot on.

In business, bootstrapping has come to mean helping
oneself without seeking outside help. It means using
your own resources to finance, promote, and develop
your business.

Here, then, are some ways of financing your own
business by using your own initiative and depending
less on outside bank financing.

1. Operate a Home-Based Business

Operating your business from home could save you a
fortune. First of all, you eliminate the costs of
expensive commercial rent, commuting, et cetera.

As well, your business use of home expenses would be
deductible for income tax purposes. Since your home
is your base of operations, your travel and automotive
expenses from your home to clients would be deductible.

2. Accept Credit Cards

Rather than financing receivables and assuming the risk
for bad debts, why not accept credit card payments?

For more information about accepting credit cards, visit:
http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/creditcards.html

3. Drop Ship Products

Rather than financing and stocking inventory yourself,
consider drop shipping.

With drop shipping, when you make a sale you contact
the manufacturer or authorized distributor who ships
the product to the customer with your invoice and
shipping label. Advantages include no warehousing,
shipping, or inventory costs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Stephen_Pope

Make Your Fortune as a Professional Finder

Have you considered the lucrative opportunity in
finder`s fees? You could become a professional
finder and earn a fortune from this alone.
Alternatively, you could supplement your present
income with finder`s fees.

A finder is someone who finds something for a
person or business. The amount paid for this
service is called a finder`s fee.

What is the difference between a finder and a
broker or commissioned salesperson?

A broker or commissioned salesperson gets paid a
percentage of the sale made. Usually, such person
acts as an agent for the owner of the goods or
services sold. He becomes actively engaged with
the sales process, supplying information to
facilitate the sale, negotiates the contract,
arranges financing, and completes paper work.

On the other hand, a finder simply introduces a buyer
to a seller for a fee. He does not become involved
in the sales process and is not an agent acting on
behalf of the seller.

The best areas to earn finder`s fees are those in
which you already have expertise and interest.
For example, if you are an expert on airplanes and have
connections in the aviation industry, you could earn
finder`s fees finding suitable planes for those needing
them.

You can earn finder`s fees in many areas including
equipment (used or new), equipment leasing, finding
locations for franchises or vending, scarce materials,
commodities, financing, et cetera.

Connections are the inventory of a finder. You are being
paid to find something of value by someone who doesn`t know
where (or doesn`t have the time) to find it. Your knowledge
of where and who to get something from is invaluable
information that people are willing to pay for.

Protect yourself with written contracts. Also, document all
efforts you have made to earn your finder`s fee.

Before you introduce a buyer to a seller, have the seller
acknowledge in writing that they have agreed to pay you a
finder`s fee of so much upon successful completion of a sale.
After obtaining a properly executed written contract (which
may be a simple one page letter agreement), inform the person
by written correspondence (sent by registered mail) about the
buyer. Keep all copies of correspondence and other written
documentation in case it becomes necessary to enforce your
rights later. Proper documentation should help you to avoid
any misunderstandings.

Just as the business that sells something pays its sales
staff, likewise the seller generally pays the finder`s fee.
The seller is the one that makes a profit from the sale and
so usually is the one that pays commissions or finder`s fees.

However, if a buyer is particularly anxious to buy something,
he might offer a finder`s fee. Therefore, it is possible
to collect such fees from either the seller or the buyer.

It is possible to find finder`s fees opportunities offered
in magazines, newspapers, and newsletters. You can find
additional opportunities by doing your own research. Use
your contacts, reference and phone books at the library,
the Internet, persons you know (or don`t know) who might have
the information you need, as well as other sources to find what
is needed.

For example, if someone tells you they can`t find a pilot with
an airplane outfitted with geophysical survey equipment,
have you considered talking to airport employees, pilots,
business acquaintances, exploration companies and manufacturers?

Make sure that all your communications and dealings
(telephone, correspondence, letterheads, contracts, et cetera)
reflect the professional nature of your business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Stephen_Pope

Work at Home Business Ideas

Here are some excellent businesses that you can
start, operate and grow from your home. All these
work at home businesses have the following desirable
features:

**Low Startup Costs

**Ease of Entry

**High Income Potential

**Home Based and Operated

**Worldwide Sales Potential

**Residual, Recurring and/or Passive Income Potential

1. Consulting

A consultant is someone expert in a field who, for a fee,
advises businesses or individuals on various matters of
concern.

Many times we tend to feel that our knowledge, skills
or abilities are nothing unique. However, many lack
those same assets and would gladly pay us for our
knowledge and services.

Although it is possible to make a living from consulting
with individuals, the big money is in performing services
for businesses.

Do you have knowledge of bookkeeping, accounting, tax or
similar business matters? Some have made excellent money
specializing in small business consulting.

Are you a computer hobbyist with business or internet
experience? You could make money in web design, internet
marketing, search engine optimization, or some other
specialty.

Some lawyers have combined their legal experience with their
love of the Internet and specialized in intellectual
property and computer law.

For further information and resources about consulting,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/consulting.html

2. Finding

A finder is someone who, for a fee, finds something
needed by a business or individual. A finder`s fee
is the amount paid to the finder for locating what
was required.

Finder`s fees are paid for finding money (loans,
equipment leasing, et cetera), equipment (mining,
construction, et cetera), personnel, companies for
sale, locations (fast food franchises, vending
machines, et cetera) and just about anything else
that people are willing to pay for.

Simply match sellers with buyers and you can earn
finder`s fees.

For further information and resources about finder`s fees,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/finder.html

3. Auctions

An auction is an event where items are sold to the highest
bidders. An internet auction, online auction or e-auction
is an auction where you can buy and sell items on the
Internet.

Many thousands now make their living or fortune from
selling products and services on eBay and similar auction
sites. So can you!

For further information and resources about auctions,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/auctions.html

4. Drop Shipping

Drop shipping is a method of selling products without
stocking inventory yourself. When you make a sale you
contact the manufacturer or authorized distributor who
ships it to the customer with your invoice and shipping
label. Advantages include no warehousing, shipping, or
inventory costs.

For further information and resources about drop shipping,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/dropship.html

5. Affiliate Programs

An affiliate or associate program is a method of selling
products on the internet through commission sales. When
someone you refer to a website buys, the company you are
an associate of (or affiliated with) pays you a commission.

In many cases, it is also possible to make money from the
efforts of people that you introduce to the affiliate program.
You can also expand your product line by joining and
promoting more than one affiliate program.

For further information and resources about affiliate programs,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/affiliate.html

6. Webmastering

A webmaster is a an internet specialist reponsible for all
aspects of web sites.

Areas where businesses need assistance include web site
design, logo, banner or graphic design, web hosting,
e-commerce, internet marketing, web programming, scripts,
security, web site maintenance, copy writing, mailing list
management, and many other areas.

For further information and resources about webmastering,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/webmstrbus.html

7. Self-publishing

A self-publisher creates, produces, and sells information
products. Information products may be in the form of books,
booklets, videos, audio cassettes, compact disks (CDs),
electronic books, files, databases, private websites, and
other media.

The information products that you create are unique. You
have exclusive control and ownership of your own products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Stephen_Pope

Make Your Fortune in a Paper Business

The problem with some business ideas is their cost.
To manufacture and market a product you have invented
could cost you millions of dollars. The investment in
machinery, buildings, inventory and other expenditures
could bankrupt you before your first sale ever occurred.

For this reason, many prefer to run a paper business.
Paper businesses do not require large investments of
capital for expensive equipment, inventory, and
buildings. Many paper businesses can be run from your
own home.

A paper business is a business that can be
operated mainly using pieces of paper, such as
contracts, invoices, shipping documents, et cetera.

Here are some excellent paper businesses that you can
operate.

1. Consulting

Consultants charge large fees for their knowledge, expertise,
skills, connections, experience, and other assets. This
business can be operated from home with little more than
standard office equipment and supplies.

Consulting is a paper business because your product is an
intangible service. Your results are often summarized in
a written, paper report and you use written contracts to
protect your interests.

For further information and resources about consulting,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/consulting.html

2. Finding

A professional finder finds something needed by a business or
individual for a finder`s fee. The finder doesn`t invest in
product inventory because he`s not selling it. He simply
collects a fee for arranging to introduce a buyer to a seller.
The finder conducts his business using contracts and other
written documentation.

For further information and resources about finder`s fees,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/finder.html

[http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/finder.html%0D%0A]

3. Drop Shipping

Another business (or method of business) where you don`t
invest in product inventory or retail space is drop shipping.
When your customer buys from you, perhaps through the mail,
by phone, or on the internet, you simply contact your
supplier, who then ships it to your customer. Your paper
business involves taking the order, billing and collecting
from your customer as well as ordering, giving shipping
instructions, and paying your supplier.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Stephen_Pope

Conference Call Etiquette - The Do's and Don'ts of Multi-Way Phone Conversations

The curse of every hard working manager. Love or hate them, with geographically dispersed teams and travel restrictions, conference calls are here to stay as a communication medium in the workplace. If you want to stand out from your work colleagues, then follow these simple do's and don'ts of effective conference calls.

Here are my favourite conference call experiences;

· a barking dog drowns out the key discussion point, bad enough, but the owner then starts shouting at his pet.
· a thirsty caller uses the hold button whilst slipping out to get a drink, unaware hold music starts playing to everyone on the call.
· a talkative colleague uses the mute button to moan about the call, stopping you answering the question from the senior manager you are trying to impress.

Obviously I would discourage all these career limiting behaviours, so what are the do's and don'ts of effective conference calls?

Do get comfortable with the fact you will be talking in front of a group and receiving no visual cues or feedback.

Do use the right phone in a quiet, undisturbed room.

Don't use cell phones or phones that pick up background noise. Calling from an open plan office is the equivalent of having a conversation in a nightclub. If you really can't find a quiet room, use the mute button until you are required to speak.

To avoid a Homer Simpson style "Doh" moment, do learn to use the mute button and other phone technology. Your intelligent contributions mean nothing if no one can hear them.

Do set up the meeting in advance and communicate the dial in number, passcodes and other information. "Spring forward, fall back" is something to keep in mind for your timezone crossing colleagues. Don't work out time differences on your fingers - check on the internet or even phone a colleague in that country and ask what time it is!

Do start the meeting absolutely on time; don't reward latecomers' bad behaviour by waiting for them. Take a role call at the start of the meeting, highlighting the missing attendees. Go on, get tough, people will love you for it!

Do treat the conference call as if it were a meeting. You know the routine; prepare and circulate an agenda, take notes ya-de-ya-de-ya.

Do get each caller to say hello and introduce themselves. Even though you may never meet in person, it's a good relationship builder and gets the shyest of people to at least say their name.

Don't assume everyone recognises your voice. Unless you are dis-respecting the boss and want to stay incognito, say your name before you speak. This is particularly important for the poor soul taking meeting notes.

Do make use of guest speakers. Invite a special or important guest and get them to say a few words at the beginning of the meeting. No one will know they slipped out after five minutes and you'll get the benefit of undivided attention and best behaviour.

Don't allow the topic to wander. Be an iron fist in a velvet glove - polite but firm if people talk too long or over each other. If your callers are at home sitting in their pyjamas nursing a hot chocolate, be considerate that all they want is to go to bed.

Do ask for input by using a person's name. People will pay more attention to avoid the embarrassment of needing the question repeated.

Don't shuffle papers; scrape chairs, pencil tap, hum or other distracting, noisy activities. It...drives...people...mad!

Do close the meeting formally, thanking everybody for their time. That little bit of recognition will make them feel good about talking to you again.

And that's about it. Apart from one very personal tip. Do not sit on a leather chair. Ever. The problem is each time you move around, an embarrassing noise that's at just the right frequency to carry well over the phone is emitted. Either you brazen it out and suffer the comments about your defective digestive system, or sit rigid until the call is over. If you only take one piece of advice make sure it's this - do use fabric covered seats!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lyndsay_Swinton

Secret #6 Women Leaders to Increase Visibility and Credibility

Learn the rules of the game of business and how to play for success
Business is still played by the rules of team sports. The games we play as girls and boys influence how we 'play' at work. Organizations are still strongly influenced by the male culture. So, in order for women to be effective in this arena, they will need to visibly see the rules of the game and understand how to maneuver within that framework.
Growing up, girls learn dependence and boys learn independence. Competition is one of the key principles in the game of business where winning is all important. Even if you grew up playing with boys, those experiences are minor in comparison to the influence of social norms. Growing up, girls learn how to be competent interpersonally and develop and sustain relationships. Boys, on the other hand, learn how to subordinate relationships to aggressiveness, competition, and winning.
Research shows that behaving like a man will backfire. Women have a narrower band of acceptable behavior. The one important piece to remember is that for most men, business is a game. If you understand that it's not personal, you will be able to choose your strategies and approaches wisely to your success.
Secret #7 -- Know what it takes to successfully transition each leadership passage
In the book, The Leadership Pipeline, by Charam, Drotter & Noel, the authors identify six passages which require a different focus and attention to navigate successfully through the passage. The six passages are 1) from Manage Self to Manage Others, 2) Manage Managers, 3) Functional Manager, 4) Business Manager, 5) Group Manager, 6) Enterprise Manager (CEO). Not only is understanding this critical for your success in progressing upward, but it is vital for you to understand how to focus the development for those under your span of control. The skills, time application, and work values are different for each passage and there are signs of possible derailment at each turn. For example, passage number 4 from Functional Manager to Business Manager requires an ability to deliver inspired communication, assemble a strong team, grasp how the company makes money, and develop strong leadership at multiple below you.
Secret #8 -- Know and manage your image
You will want to manage how you are perceived. Some questions to ask yourself are: How do people perceive you in your organization? What kind of reputation have you established? What image are you portraying through your dress?
As a leader it is more important to be respected than liked. You are called upon to make tough decisions that everyone will not necessarily like. This is another difference in the male and female culture that can create tension. As young girls we are taught to get along and being liked is important.
A word about business attire. Make sure your business attire is tasteful but does not draw more attention to your sexuality, such as tight skirts, sweaters, low cut blouses, or frilly clothing. The way you dress determines the overall message you send. If your makeup, hairstyle, or clothing stands out, then what you are saying in an important conversation will be secondary. The general rule of thumb to follow is to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Notice what successful women at the top of your organization are wearing and adapt to that style. You can still have your own style, just remember the unspoken dress code is akin to the team uniform and is another 'test' of how well you fit into the team.
Secret #9 -- Hire an experienced coach
Hire a coach who's familiar with 360 tools and other personality and work style assessments so you get the vital objective feedback and how to use it into your development plan.
If you have never worked with a professional coach, you might consider doing a little research and contacting some experienced coaches for a sample coaching session. Many coaches offer a free 45-minute coaching session so you get to know them and what to expect in the coaching process with them. Working with an experienced coach can expedite your development and save you a lot of hard lessons.
Secret #10 Know your long-term goals, maintain work/life balance, and support other women
Be clear about your long-term goals and how you will maintain the work/life balance that's right for you. If your goal is to reach the upper executive levels, then find out what commitment it will take, how it will impact your personal life, and what support systems you will need to put in place. There are many ways to be in leadership and have a powerful impact. You may decide that you enjoy being at a mid-level management position with the ability to influence many people and groups within the organization. Or, if you are better suited to be a senior level individual contributor such as VP of Investor Relations, then go for that.
It's important for your own happiness and satisfaction in life that you identify your key productive skills, your long-term goals, and your personal quality of life to determine the best career path for you.
In a Catalyst study with interviews of executive women, women pointed out that you cannot have it all. You have to decide the priorities for your life and make choices. If you are married, it is important to have a supportive spouse. Many women pay for hired help to support childcare, home maintenance, etc. Women are so skilled at multi-tasking and handling many things for themselves and others in their lives that they often neglect to take care of themselves. You will need to be proactive in doing things to take care of yourself.
Support other women who are coming up through the ranks to create networks of collective support for all women. This is key to shifting the culture to be more in balance between masculine and feminine ways of approaching business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Lynn Matlock Hicks

10 Secrets for Women Leaders to Increase Visibility and Credibility

Being a leader must be one of the most rewarding careers you can ever do. Not only is the work interesting and challenging, but you are impacting the direction of many people and the direction of your company. You are able to see that you are making a difference in something very big.
In this report, you will learn key areas for women leaders to be aware of in order to achieve success inside organizations. This condensed report provides general trends identified from research of women and men in the workplace. As with any general trend, there are exceptions. You may not align with some of the information provide, and you are invited to read with a curious mind to see what new ideas you might explore in your own development process.
Secret #1 -- Build networks internally and externally
This is important for both men and women.
This is one area that is a derailer for many mid-level management individuals who don't take this seriously. It is important to build networks internally to develop allies and externally to increase your value to the company. You may think you don't have time, but it can actually save you time when you need to call on that ally for support on a big project with a tight deadline. The higher up you go in an organization, the more important it is for you to have strong networks. At higher levels, the emphasis of work is done more through people and your ability to effectively influence and communicate with others.
People with large networks can easily access and receive timely, useful information to help them accomplish their goals. It is best to identify individuals where there is a mutually beneficial relationship based on common goals and interests. Who are two or three people you need to develop a stronger relationship with?
Secret #2 -- Sell yourself effectively, not aggressively
One of the things I see over and over again with women is how they undervalue their achievements and they believe that their good works will be obvious. Or, they think: "this is easy and anyone with half a brain could do this." Many women do not see their key productive strengths and talents. Women need to learn how to first see their strengths and second effectively sell themselves and how their specific accomplishments connect to the business drivers.
Identify two or three of your key accomplishments. What strengths and skills can you identify from these accomplishments? See the full report for tips on how to identify your strengths and effectively sell yourself.
Secret #3 -- Select a mentor within your company
This is a very important one! Don't wait on the company to institute a program or if there is one and you're not part of it, then seek out individuals you value and begin to build a relationship. This may be more critical for a woman's success than it is for her male colleagues. In a study of individuals who made it into the senior ranks of organizations, the authors of Breaking the Glass Ceiling found that only 38% of successful men had mentors, but all of the women executives had them.
A mentor can give you advice on what you need to do next in your career to move forward, how to get visibility and recognition, and how to play the game of your particular organization. You can do this informally without necessarily asking the person to be your mentor. A mentor can encourage you to take more risks and be an advocate for you in those closed door meetings at the executive level. Who is someone you respect and might be available as an informal mentor for you? When and how will you approach this person?
Secret #4 -- Ask for the stretch assignments
Women must often explicitly signal their interest and willingness to take on unusual or challenging assignments. Otherwise, managers may assume they are not interested. You can use the work you've done in Secret #2 to identify your key strengths and pitch your 'qualifications' or readiness to take on more challenging assignments. Women can get caught in a double bind of being seen as too ambitious. So, you wouldn't necessarily want to tell your boss you want her job. But, it would be generally acceptable to voice your interest in taking on more responsibility and demonstrating your ability to do so.
You could volunteer for visible projects that require you to stretch and accomplish tasks you haven't had the opportunity to do in the past. Other ideas include: volunteer to speak on a program or at a conference, volunteer for a cross-departmental committee, go to company social events and talk with people you don't know. What action will you take in this area?
Secret #5 -- Develop strong communication skills and mastery of your emotions
Developing strong communication skills, mastery of your emotions, and the ability to effectively handle conflict is another very important area for success. Once you reach management level, your ability to effectively influence and relate to others is more important than your technical skills.
There has been enough research out now on the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EI), which is a current term for a person's ability to manage their emotions and relate effectively to others. In a 1990 study (by Hunter et al), 200 companies and organizations were examined. It was found that top performers were 127% more productive than average performers. The competency research indicated that about one-third of the difference was due to technical and cognitive (IQ) ability, while two-thirds was due to competence in the area of EI. In top leadership, 4/5th of the difference was attributed to EI competence. All this is to say that having EI competence is one of the most important determinants of your success, and especially so if you are in leadership.
Secret #6 --Learn the rules of the game of business and how to play for success
Business is still played by the rules of team sports. The games we play as girls and boys influence how we 'play' at work. Organizations are still strongly influenced by the male culture. So, in order for women to be effective in this arena, they will need to visibly see the rules of the game and understand how to maneuver within that framework.

5 Compelling Reasons to Choose a Wellness Opportunity

I run a number of online businesses that include selling wellness products and digital information products (eBooks). Because I can look at things from both perspectives, I often tend to compare the two businesses from the point of view of the "better" opportunity.

But if I were asked to recommend a single business as the best way to make a living online, the Wellness Business would win hands down. And no, I didn't choose it because its easy. On the contrary, selling health supplements, vitamins and related products online is NOT easy.

Not only is there tremendous competition, but it simply can't be done by working two hours a day, as is the common perception. If you sell wellness products, you have to deal with REAL people. People with human needs and problems.

You must be available in person, or by phone, or at least by email, to clarify doubts, answer queries, be prompt and sensitive to your customers' needs and generally make your customer feel good about doing business with you.

You must also provide constant support, training and leadership to a growing organisation of distributors, and help them grow their business.This can be extremely time-consuming because few of these tasks lend themselves to complete automation.

A seller of digital products has it somewhat easier. (S)He need not even interact with customers, because everything from product delivery to answering customer queries can run on autopilot.

Digital product sellers can (and often are) literally sitting on a beach while their websites churn out profits. Given these disadvantages, why would anyone still choose the Wellness industry?

The reason I believe is because ANYONE, regardless of their talent or creativity, can actually make a steady LIVING for a lifetime in the Wellness industry. And of course, there are a few who even go on to become millionaires.

Here are the reasons why I think Health and Wellness is one of the most lucrative choices for entrepreneurs online.

1. Health Products Fulfill a Basic Human Need

Health is a #1 concern for many people - often more important than even sex (also a top seller online) or food.

The lack of health can make you feel... well... lousy. And most people will pay their bottom dollar if they can find something that alleviates their pain or discomfort.

To put it more plainly, NOT buying an eBook will not make much difference to your state of mind or body. But not taking your prescription medication can make you feel very bad indeed.

2. Health Products are Consumable

Unlike digital products that can only be sold ONCE to a customer, vitamins, supplements and prescriptions require monthly re-orders or autoships. Once people start using them and benefiting, more often than not, they will continue to use them.

If you treat your customers right, they will buy from you month after month, providing you with regular commissions and a more or less stable source of income. There's usually no need to keep selling to them again and again (barring the obligatory seasonal promotions).

If the products meet their requirements and you give them a good deal and great service, they will give you repeat business for a long time to come.

3. Your Income Grows Exponentially

When selling a digital product (as an owner or an affiliate), your potential for future income actually DECREASES with every sale you make.

Unless you are among the few top marketers who can churn out a new product every month, or can earn more on back-end commissions, your potential for income will always be limited by your creativity.

In contrast, because most wellness opportunities also involve building an organisation, every product sale actually INCREASES your potential for future income, by growing your organisation of customers and potential distributors purchasing every month.

If you help your downline earn a regular income, few will quit the business they have built so earnestly. Again YOU benefit from the RESIDUAL commissions that the organisation provides.

4. Wellness Opportunities have a High Feel-Good Factor

One of the main reasons that I suspect people stick around in the wellness industry is the feel-good factor. It can really make your day when someone calls or writes, telling you how wonderful your products made them feel. Or how it gave them their life back.:-)

Even more than making money, the feeling that you have helped another person feel better is always a strong motivator in working your business.

I've no doubt it feels good when someone who purchased your eBook writes to tell you how it helped them succeed. But I can bet it comes nowhere near the feeling you get when you help someone beat a life-threatening illness or conquer their pain.

5. The Need for Wellness Only Increases with Age

As we grow older, we want to work less and enjoy life more. We also want to live healthier lives and enjoy enhanced community interaction.

Wellness opportunities are ideally suited to seniors because they have the potential to fulfill all their needs, ranging from financial security to improved health and personal interaction.

Lastly, working a wellness opportunity empowers you to take steps to improve your own health and well-being. And do I even need to reiterate the oft-repeated quote that it will be the next Trillion Dollar Industry


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Priya_Shah

The Do's and Dont's of Creating Lucrative Business Partnerships

I run a small meeting, event and conference planning company based in the New York City area. As an entrepreneur and small business owner with a limited advertising and marketing budget, developing business partnerships has been really helped me to get the word out about the services that I offer. For example, I have aligned myself with a DJ company as the preferred planner for their clients and am actively receiving business and referrals from this source. Also, due to my partnership with a travel agency, I am now handling meetings, conferences and events for inbound corporate groups from abroad. Forming strategic alliances has been and will continue to be a significant part of my long term business plan and model for exponential growth.

I have practiced the proverbial "art" of building non-competitive alliances with like minded companies, not just as a new entrepreneur, but also as a business building tool in all of my previous positions. While, on the whole, this strategy has yielded very positive results and significant revenue, there have been some negative consequences. So, I would like to share with you a very basic list of "do's and dont's" for creating successful business partnerships.
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Do seek out companies where your services would be a natural addition to the resources currently offered. For example, if you are a catering service specializing in healthy cuisine, you might want to partner with health club to offer special incentives to gym goers.

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Do choose organizations whose business ethic and overall image are at least generally compatible with yours. The last thing you want is to be associated with an organization who has questionable business practices. Although you may financially gain from such a partnership in the short term, that type of "bad business karma" can only affect you negatively in the long term.

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Do determine beforehand whether you will be operating under the aegis of your own company or your partner's organization. If you are ABC company and your partner is XYZ corporation, will you be marketed separately as ABC company or an extension of your partner XYZ Inc.? Are you looking strictly for access to new clientele or for an opportunity for exposure as ABC company?

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Do specify how referrals will be passed to you. Will clients be contacting you directly or will the initial inquiry pass through your partner?

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Do specify your payment structure in writing. Will you paid directly by clients that come to you or will the billing process take place through your partner's organization? If you are not being paid directly, what is the billing and payment cycle through your partner's company? What percentage of commission, if any, will you owe to your partner for business that comes in through their company?

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Don't dismiss partnerships with companies, organizations or individuals with whom you don't have an immediate and obvious synergy. Be open! Be creative! Explore! For example, I am in the process of working with several business coaches to create seminars on how to host successful product launches for home based businesses.

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Don't neglect to do your research. Ideally, partner with an organization that you are familiar with and whose services you have either used personally or in a business setting. (Or, get at least three referrals from others familiar with your potential partner's services and business style.)

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Don't accept verbal assurances, particularly where commission and payment structure is concerned. Even if you know and trust your partner, having a formal written agreement is insurance against misunderstanding.

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Don't hesitate to question a partnership that is not living up to your expectations. Strategic alliances are a two way street. If your counterpart is following your business agreement, politely remind them of their responsibilities.

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Don't reveal any information, resources, benefits etc. that make your value proposition unique until you are 100% sure how that information will be used and presented by your business partner. In short, strategic alliances can be an effective method of marketing, advertising and sharing resources. Whatever form your business partnership will take, be sure that expectations are clearly defined on both sides.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/ Andrea Pellettiere

What's Your NICHE Market?

Knowing your NICHE MARKET and where to find your NICHE is more important than the product you sell.

Most Netpreneurs take a narrow view of NICHE MARKETING as a limitation on their business, when in fact it is the POWER that provides longevity to their business.

The biggest mistake most new netpreneurs make online is that they have no idea where, or what, there NICHE MARKET is and therefore, sell their product to everyone and anyone and in the end sell to no one.

A common misconception is that - if you build it they will come. The truth is you have to find your NICHE and get them to come to your site.

In talking to new netpreneurs the first question I ask is who are you selling to? The almost instantaneous reply and always the same answer is: 'everyone and anyone'.

The next successions of questions I then ask are:

* what type of product are you selling
* who would use your product
* What problem does your product solve
* Is your product distributed easily
* Who would benefit from using your product

Simple questions, but not so easy for many netpreneurs to answer. If you take some time and answer these very straight forward questions you will find that by defining your NICHE you will be better equip to go straight to the source, than taking a stab in the dark and hoping it will all work out.

You will also find that by defining your NICHE MARKET you will:

* Help define your Interne Marketing Strategy
* Develop products/services that appeal to your NICHE
* Set yourself up as an industry leader
* Optimise your site for search engines so your NICHE can find you easily
* Maximise your marketing budget where it counts.

Once again I ask you: WHAT'S YOUR INTERNET NICHE MARKET?

The truth can be found in your answers

About the Author

Gillian Tarawhiti, is Founder and CEO of Community Training Centre, an Internet Marketing firm providing Online Training and Support to the new and not so new netpreneurs. Gillian is also the author of eBay Billion Dollar Goldmine and the creator of the Multiple Ripple Effect System © 2004.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gillian_Tarawhiti

Have You Ever Had That Strange Inner Feeling?... Your Inner Voice Talking To You!

Have you ever had that strange inner feeling you were
supposed to be doing something, but just didn't know what
it
was?

That's what happened to me last Sunday. All day I felt like
something was nagging me. But... couldn't discover what
it was. Have you ever had that kind of feeling?

I did some work on my ezine, checked email several times,
worked on a software problem and defragged my PC. And...
still had the feeling I needed to do something else...
Something important!

This went on all day until about 7 pm Sunday night. Then I
had the strong urge to check my email again. There was an
email from Jim Edwards that caught my eye. He's a great
writer and I'm always ready to read what he has to say.

Jim mentioned in his email, he was thinking about writing
an
ebook about the lives, problems, successes, and
setbacks that ebook writers and sellers had encountered.

Jim said, "He wanted to get his readers opinion on whether
that was a good idea for him." Many writers suggest if
you're looking for a subject for an ebook, report, product
or ecourse, ask your subscribers what they think... They'll
tell you!

He said, "He had a short story about his setbacks and
successes, and gave a download link. I automatically
down-loaded his story. I don't believe I could have kept
from down-loading it if I had wanted too. The inner
promptings were that strong.

Over many years I've learned to follow my inner promptings.
It usually leads to something useful and important.

I read Jim's short story and found it to be absorbing. I
like to read stories about successes of different marketers.
I liked Jim's story and I sent him my email saying, "Go
with it Jim."

And now... "Here's the rest of the story", as Paul Harvey
says.

Jim had many setbacks. Near the end of his story he
mentioned everything changed. He managed to go to a
seminar
where the speaker talked about selling information products
on the internet.

He said, "He copied as much as he could of what was
said."
When he got home he immediately started changing his
website
that very night and finished about 2 am.

When he woke up the next morning he discovered he had
sold
more of his ebooks in a few short hours as he had
previously
been selling in a month. Because, he did excactly what he
had been taught at the seminar. Jim gave the speaker the
credit for changing his life. Then he said for the curious
if they wanted to know who that 'Guru' was to click on his
link.

I was curious! I clicked, without hesitation... because, the
inner urgings were still leading me on. When I got to the
website, I was shocked! This was the website of the ebook
seller where I had bought my first ebook, four years ago. I
read the ebook, or should say skimmed it, and not being too
knowledgable about the internet or ebooks printed it and put
it on the shelf.

Now I reached for it again! Something told me this was
what
I had been needing to do all day. So I decided to do some
reading. Five hours later I was still reading, because,
nearly every paragraph this guy wrote was valuable up to
date information that I needed.

How did this happen?

Well, I don't believe in coincidence, so I have to
believe it was the right time, and I needed to read that
ebook. What a wealth of information! I've marked or
highlighted nearly every paragraph.

What a writer!... What value!... Strange, the first ebook I
bought and now 4 years later it was one of my most
valuable. You can be sure, I'll be going over it many
times, to absorb all the great ideas and suggestions he has
for marketing, writing and most everything else needed by
anyone having a business on the intenret.

You can bet one thing, I'll be listening more to my inner
urgings and do my best to follow them. These inner feelings
lead to some good stuff.

By the way, if you're like me, curious... you're wondering
who is this guy who wrote such a great ebook that it's
still selling like hot-cakes today. And... It's still up to
date.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Parks

Tracking Reveals The Rest Of The Story

Tracking is simple and easy to set up and use. It only
takes minutes to set up each tracking link and counter. It's
available on many autoresponder and hosting services.
Some
charge you a one time fee, others charge a monthly fee.

You'll discover your readers interests, because, you'll
know which links, ebooks, website pages they click on the
most.

You'll track EVERY aspect of your advertising to determine
what's working. You'll know which ads bring you the most
subscribers, sales and profits, saving you time and money.

You'll know what interests your readers... Ebooks you
value and enjoy, may not be the ones your readers
download.
Links and websites you recommend may be of no interest
to
uour readers. Tracking helps you give readers more
interesting
links, ebooks, software, resources and websites.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Parks