Tip of the Day Archive

Keep it simple. Often times things are made more complex than they really are. Make you you understand the situations you are dealing with and have the research and knowledge to handle them properly.

Experts are predicting that the down economy may turn around at the years end. Whether it does or not, in the meantime be sure to stay in contact with all of your clients, past and present. You want them to be sure that no matter how good or bad times may get, you will stick with them.

Sometimes you just need to make it happen. If it's not, are you sure you are putting everything into it you can? Of course, do not become so aggressive you make it obvious you are trying to hard, but be resilient and use your talents. If one type of approach is not working, then try another.

If you have made several attempts at a cold call and are not hearing back, chances are they are not a good lead. While determination is key in almost anything you do, know how to separate a good follow up versus a time waster. They have your info, and if they need your services they will get back to you. If anything, follow up with them in six to eight months, because in this economy it appears things are changing very quickly every day.

Ever have to drive an hour or two for a big meeting, struggle to find a parking place on the fifth level of the paid public parking, go into the meeting and deliver a great presentation? You nailed it and everyone is in a good mood. As you are shaking hands they kindly say they will validate your parking and it is then that you realize you left your parking ticket in your car. DOH! Not a big deal really, but it is just one of those things where you kick yourself in the butt. While most likely it will not affect the outcome of your presentation, just remember to have that ticket in hand.

Ever have that small task that you just don't feel like doing? Well when you debate whether to do it or not, that time you spent contemplating your move, that task could have been completed. It's always easier than it sounds, but getting the small stuff done quickly and out of the way not only will free up more of your time, but the mental relief you receive knowing it is done and out of the way makes your day that much sweeter.

The Steroids scandal is catching up with baseball in a big way, especially with Alex Rodriquez. The sport is a business now, and while back then it appeared a good idea, taking those drugs are now costing the league and enhancement drug users their reputation. What would you have done if this were your business? Always take caution as we can only base our decisions on what data is currently available. Chances are, if it doesn't sound like a good idea, its most likely true.

Ever have those days where you're just not feeling it. Trying to get the most menial and simplest tasks seems a chore just cause you cannot focus. Perhaps the best thing you can do is bear down and try. If anything, it will help train you to overcome those sluggish modes of working.

How often have you walked by someone, whether in the work place or on the streets, and you are engrossed with your iPhone or other gadget or simply walk with your head down. You would be surprised by the reactions you might get by simply saying hello to someone. It might not be a huge PR move, but over time it will change the way people look at you. And who knows, maybe one day that hello will be to the right person. Give it a shot, befriending someone is not as difficult as we make it out to be.

There are those that love nine to five and hit the happy hour bar. There are also those that think the job comes first and finishing it takes priority. Then come the weekenders. Weekends are meant to catch up on some much needed Z's and to relieve stress. And again, some people use the weekends for just that while others catch up on work.

The Superbowl has come and gone, and with it so has the first month of the new year. Goes quick doesn't it? Now is a good time to check your priorities for the new year and see how they are coming along. If you are behind and not meeting your quota, do not fret. Do what you can to establish yourself and try to accommodate your goals as time allows.

Time for one of the biggest events of the sporting world, and also a good time to meet new people. Don't be afraid to bring business cards to the party. The key is not to advertise yourself. Let everyone enjoy the party without you shoving your job in their face. If you happen to meet someone and they are in the business or could use your help, chat them up and see what they are all about. Offer them your card and see what happens from there. Remember, following up is key.

With a month nearly gone in 2009, are you finding that the passion and zeal that you wanted to begin with is still there or are you starting to fizzle? If you are pressing or simply put too much on your plate, take a step back and reevaluate your goals. Take them at an easier pace or slowly fit them into your weekly itinerary. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step.

If you are new to calling, or even a pro, it is always a good idea to make sure you know what you are talking about. But having the knowledge is not always enough. When you make that call, whether it is a cold call or a warm lead, be sure you have practiced your speech and make sure you sound calm, confident, and collected. Believe it or not, the person on the other end of the line will be able to smell the blood in the water if you are nervous or stammer out words. That could make all the difference in the success of your call.

We have all had jobs we hate, and some of us still do. But all of us have a common goal: work towards success so that we will have both the job we enjoy and the payroll to live a great life. So while right now you might be in a job that doesn't quite provide you the enjoyment you want, make sure it is a job that heads towards your ultimate goal of establishing the career YOU want. For while money will make you happy to a certain degree, making money with a job you enjoy will make it that much sweeter.