Why Double Sided Business Cards are Not that Great

Posted by admin in Business Quotations on Jul 3rd, 2010 | 0 comments

There has been a buzz about printing double-sided business cards. In the world of business card printing, a lot of people think that this is the new and improved way of doing business. Well, we are sorry to break their bubble, but in our view this is not necessarily so.

Double-sided business cards may be interesting, and it might even be quite useful for some people, but in a lot of cases, people really do not need to have them made.

Double-sided business cards are unnecessary and may even cost quite a hefty sum.. The classic business card printing principles still apply, and most are usually better accepted than the double-sided ones. In any case, many business people are better off without needing to have a double-sided business card in their marketing agenda.

Here are some of the reasons why we view that double-sided business cards are not really that great.

Too noisy or flashy:

For some people, double-sided business cards with their extra marketing messages appear too noisy or flashy. This also makes the “double sided business card holder” seem loud and boisterous. If people print things like marketing messages and product descriptions, it really makes the business card look messy and crowded. In fact, in most cases a double-sided business card does not seem like a business card anymore. It becomes much more like a promotional note card that happens to have details that are similar to those of a business card.

Somewhat unprofessional:

Now, since it becomes almost like a promotional tactic more than a formal business card, double sided business cards will usually appear unconventional and even unprofessional. Business cards have a certain type of dignity and respect that you want to convey. If you turn your professional business card into a promotional circus, hardly anyone will take you seriously. It becomes a mark of a person who is not professional in his dealings with business contacts. It is basically another form of “spam.”

More expensive:

Of course, since double-sided business cards are printed in both sides they are also doubly expensive. You need to print double the images and double the text. In addition, since business card paper stock can have one sided or double-sided coatings, you gain extra costs in special coatings as well. All in all, this adds about a 100% or more increase in the business card printing quotation. This makes them hardly ideal for people in a budget. With this recession still prevailing, it becomes really impractical to printing double sided business cards unless you are relatively well off.

Rationalizing single sided business cards:

Lastly, if you think about it, you do not really need to print double-sided business cards unless you have been specifically asked to. Business cards are small and easy to read for a reason. You want people to know how you can be contacted quickly and easily. They do not want your whole life story and they do not want to read a mini-brochure in your business card. “Single sided business cards” are all that you need to establish business contacts. That is why double-sided business cards are not exactly the best that you can use.

Learn more about business card printing .

Business Management and The Bible

Posted by admin in Business management on Jul 3rd, 2010 | 0 comments

This article is about a business management and the Biblical example of a man named Boaz. In the course of life you may be given the privilege to manage people in a work force. Remember, always that it is a privilege to manage the greatest resource on the planet, men and women. Let us take a look at one man and how God used his life to bless others. This author recognizes that some may not see the Bible as a management hand book and that is okay. That being said let us turn our attention to the book of Ruth in the Bible.

We pick up the scene with the arrival of one of the central figures a man named Boaz. What this author finds interesting is the way Boaz greets his farm hands with the greeting, “The Lord be with you.” It seems to me that Boaz is not simply greeting his crew with an empty greeting. Here is a man that is loves with his laborers. As a leader in any business, managers or owners must have a deep concern for those placed under them. A quality manager takes the time to know his people.

The reaction of his labors is remarkable. The people in the field seem to understand that for them to be blessed, Boaz must be blessed. The relationship here cannot be missed. If you are running a brick and mortar business or an online business that dynamic must be at work. The online world as well as the offline world must have people that will give value first then reap a harvest. We can see that Boaz is the alert owner by recognizing a new person at the field. She is not a worker but a gleaner. Gleaning was the way that God provided for those who had little to nothing.

Ruth is not seeking a handout  She is willing to work and work hard. Managers must be on the lookout for this type of person. This kind of person will give the value first and are willing to wait for the harvest. Boaz then is willing to go beyond the norm for her. Are you a manager or sponsor that has overlooked these kind of people? Look at your down line or the people that you manage and look to be a blessing not only to them but also their families.

Yes, as Jim Collins puts it, “Get the right people on the bus.” These people will be attracted to you only if you become one of the people who learn to add value to others lives. Business Managers must look for ways to be a blessing everyday. Greet those below you in a happy way let them understand that, yes, you have a business to run but you are concerned for their welfare. Doing this will help you build a productive and profitable work force.

Boaz was also a man of great wealth. He knew how to market his goods. He also was able to understand how to create a market. As an owner or manage who must know how to do this. You must learn how to magnetically attract business. If you continue building good relationships in your work force and attract business you are on your way to profit.

Customer Service Back In The Day-An Upside To This Recession?

Posted by admin in Customer Service on Jul 3rd, 2010 | 0 comments

I was at a gas station the other day and noticed something that caused me to look twice. At first, it appeared to be a normal occurrence, a man pumping gas and then cleaning his windshield. Thinking nothing of this, I continued with my gas purchase.When I again looked at the other vehicle, I saw a man walking to the rear of the same car, yet there was someone else continuing to clean his windshield. To my surprise, the person cleaning his windshield and tending to this gas was the gas station attendant, not the customer.

This caused me to wonder if the economy might be having an impact on the level of customer service being offered today. As businesses compete for dollars, which are being tightly held by consumers, we may be seeing more of this. Getting the consumers business through old-fashioned customer service methods, could be your competitive edge.

Back in the day, we used to be known for giving great service to our customers and the mantra of “The Customer is Always Right” was a standard policy throughout most every retail establishment and other types of businesses.

Customers were number #1 and intensely loyal. The customer service counter area was always visible when you entered a store, and everyone knew that was where you went to solve problems and get answers to questions, any question.

Briefly, Let us stroll down memory lane and look at what our customer service practices used to be. Granted, some of these still exists. Nevertheless, things have definitely changed.

?If there was an issue with an account, you didn’t have to listen to 5 or 6 different message prompts before speaking to a live person, or getting the requested information.

?If you were not happy with your meal, it would be replaced with a freshly made duplicate meal, not put in a microwave and returned.

?In a restaurant, if you needed to take home your leftover meal, the restaurant staff would prepare your carry out package in the kitchen area, rather than have you do it at your table.

?If you had some installation done in your home, cable, telephone etc., the debris would be cleaned up by the technicians, and not left for you to do.

?If you’re admitted to the emergency room, you better have health insurance, enough said on this one.

Today, our customer service industry has become more automated with pre-recorded messages, self-service, unassisted online and offline shopping, less emphasis on the customer and a general feeling of having to “jump through hoops” to get a problem resolved or redeem a rebate. I believe we have come to expect less from the businesses we support.

On the other hand, this economic crisis is forcing businesses to go that extra mile in responding to their customers’ needs. These are loyal customers who find themselves caught up in the downturn and need understanding. They need a return to the old fashioned customer service that endeared them to your business for life.

For example, have you seen the advertisements from certain auto manufacturers who say they will pay several months of your auto note, if a job loss occurs? This is an example of addressing the customer’s needs in this down economy. If this program were not in place, these people would lose their vehicles. Why aren’t they all car manufacturers doing the same?

Here are some other ways to make your customer service more compassionate during these times:

?Make it possible for your customers to talk to a live person when calling your business. This will alleviate some of your customer’s stress as it shows you care about addressing your customer’s issues and concerns quickly. Also, not having to move through several phone prompts can save time for the customer.

?Be friendly and kind to all customers and greet them nicely. Stress has taken over many lives these days, and a smiling face can make a difference in that person’s day.

?Think customer safety: Repair or clean up any area of your business that might become a hazard. For example: keep grocery store carts moved frequently from store parking lots so that they don’t roll into the customer’s cars and children. There have been many damages to vehicles and injuries to children when this is not done.

?In a restaurant, make sure the customer’s food is brought to them properly heated. If the food is brought to the customer cold, it makes for an unhappy experience and is often sent back.In addition, you could lose this customer. It may not seem like a huge deal as not everyone complains about cold food. On the other, it’s the details you want to pay attention to. There’s never been a better time to make your business stand out.

?Honor coupons even if the customer does not have the actual cut out version, especially if they know about the sale and asks for the discount. For regular, frequent shoppers, this should be standard practice. The customer’s continued shopping at your business will be assured.

Finally, today, there is much more competition and customers have a wide choice of alternatives. Brand loyalty has been replaced with buying from a merchant with the best quality and price for their product.

Yet, in times of economic stress, customers remember those businesses that can offer empathy along with the sale. A late fee not charged, an interest rate not raised a car not repossessed. Perhaps this recession will, in deed, bring us back to the day when a customer’s purchase meant more than the sound of a cash register.

International Business Management: Paving the path towards a transnational market

Posted by admin in Business management on Jul 3rd, 2010 | 0 comments

When the floodgates were opened a few years ago and multinational companies started their business in our country, everyone was skeptical about the nature of growth in our country. But all were pleasantly surprised by the success of globalization. The tremendous workforce in our country contributed to the stupendous annual growth. Due to this, international business management received afresh impetus and the demand of MBA in International Business Management increased manifold.

International business management deals with global commerce and seeks to break the shackles of geographical and political boundaries. Since the internet has acted as a powerful tool in making the world accessible, the variety of careers awaiting the youth is plenty. In this context, MBA in international management has a great future. In order to make it a successful career, you have to develop an interest in global politics, culture, time and money, which play an important role in making you a good business professional. You have to develop a proficiency in knowing the market principles of different countries.

The need for MBA in International Business Management:-

If you want to study MBA in International Business Management, you must have an ear for grasping the economic pulse of different countries. You should be ready to work as an executive whose area of functioning is diverse. You have to develop strategies to deal with multicultural concerns keeping in mind the sensitive international relations.

With the advent of multinational companies in India, the domestic companies are also inspired to spread their wings and venture in different directions outside the country. This factor is causing a tilt towards international business management. Be it government agencies or banks; everyone has a need for people with MBA in International Business management. With opportunities knocking at your door, you should be intelligent enough to grasp it with both hands and make the most of it.

Even if you haven’t done your MBA but are already working in a company which is looking to globalize, you need not worry. You can still complete your education by enrolling for an MBA in International business management now. Not only will this enhance your prospects in the company, but you can look to get into better companies as well. The skills that you learn will certainly help you out.

What will you get after doing an MBA in International Business Management?

Once you apply for a degree in International Business Management, you must be curious to know about your prospects. A general study shows that you can expect an annual salary of Rs. 5 – Rs. 10 lakhs if you are employed by a reputed company. You job may help you to settle in different countries and get a diverse experience. You must however look for job satisfaction and the scope for career growth in whatever you do.

An MBA in International Business management can be very lucrative and will surely provide you with many avenues for developing your skill in international business. You can also develop a passion for learning foreign languages to further your business acumen. With a degree in international business management, you can aim to place India on the top of the world map. There can be no dream better than that.

When Business Profits Seem to Delay

Posted by admin in Business Books on Jul 3rd, 2010 | 0 comments

Almost all businesses take some time before they pick. Some take a shorter period while others drag on for some months or even years before realizing proper profits. But the reality is that every business is like a seed. You invest and then weed diligently for sometime before you realize the harvest. Unfortunately, there are people who are extremely impatient. As such, they keep closing one business after another. Jumping from one idea to another simply because they want quick profit and after sometime, they realize, they haven’t made any progress, instead they have lost a lot of money and time in starting and closing one business after another.

There is no short cut to any place worth going, says Beverly Sills. Nothing worthwhile ever happens in a hurry. Because of impatience, we are driven too soon from what we’re supposed to do.

(“You cannot warm your hands by burning your fingers”- anonymous.) Your success has more to do with timing, patience and determination and less to do with speed. It is a matter of doing the right thing at the right time. If you sow hurriedly, you’ll reap frustrations. Most men pursue business success with such breathless haste that they sprint right past it!

In your pursuit for excellence, success, skills in offline or online business just remember; if you are facing the right direction, just keep on walking. Equip yourself with relevant material, reading business books that improve your business strategies. (‘The lame man who keeps the right road outruns the runner who takes a wrong path.’- Francis Bacon)

Every successful entrepreneur has a long story of frustrations, disappointments, loses, but they will always conclude with this. Holding on is what took me through. Be patient; patience pays!