The Green One » Business

The Importance of Quality Sales Staff Training

Ryan — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:10:00 +0000

Quality business training is essential for all corporate business professionals. And most of them join the work force with strong educational backgrounds and credentials. Unfortunately, this is commonly seen as all that is needed for their continued success. However, increasing numbers of corporations, and even smaller businesses are recognizing that continued education is extremely important in any field. And while the types of training might vary depending on particular fields, there are also some standard workshops that will benefit all companies. These include seminars on teamwork, communication, leadership skills and others.

One of the largest career fields is sales. This is also one that has the least standardized training structure. Most sales focused companies will provide their in-house training, which is typically based on senior staff orienting new initiates. A lot of companies will advertise that no experience is necessary and that they will train. And unfortunately, this is not a format for excellence. The training typically amounts to an education in job expectations and company policy, but rarely gives the staff person the necessary skills for success in sales. Professionally conducted sales workshops can make a tremendous difference in staff output success and sales process improvement . Skills in negotiating deals, active listening and solid communication, professional conduct and problem solving are all essential to successful sales people. And a skilled professional sales staff will absolutely make a strong impact on any company’s financial gains.

Traits of the Best Propterty Managers

Ryan — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:10:00 +0000

Being a great property management company is something that can be measured. Mostly this is something that is best measured however by the people working at the company how they act and what skills they have. The people who are working the most often with people need to be great in all of the following skills.

Customer Service
This is all important because they are not only dealing with the people who own the properties, but also with the tenants. Getting a new tenant often takes a great amount of customer service and some meditations between what the owner wants and what the tenant wants. If one or both parties find themselves unhappy in the deal the property manager will be incredibly unhappy. Knowing how to use customer service as an advantage can also earn them repair men who will do a good job time after time because it is known that the property manager is cordial, nice, and pays a reasonable amount for the services they provide. Customer service is also about action. Not just saying what will be done, but doing it first then letting people know that the problem is fixed.

Sales
Making both parties happy is great, but it is nothing if the property manager can not sell ideas . Before a person has moved into a place they are not looking to rent a house or an apartment but rather the idea of a home. They not only must be able to be sold on the fact that all their stuff can fit in there, but also that this could be a home. During negotiations both parties have to be sold on the idea that they are paying a fair amount for the service and area. Sales people are often good at communication which is important in this line of work making sure everyone knows when things are going to happen and what is going to happen. Property managers should also be profit minded and renting a home at a higher price not only earns the property owner more money, but also the property manager. However the higher the price the more services are usually provided such as pool maintenance and utilities, so weighing that against the other option it might end up costing them more money than they are making.

Customer Service at a Football Game

Ryan — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:43:13 +0000

Is there customer service at a football game? Yes, there is, and it goes far beyond the idea of concessions and souvenir purchases. Football and other sporting events actually serve as perfect examples to demonstrate various aspects and perspectives on customer service and what all it incorporates. In a world where the global market is becoming the norm, competition is higher than it has ever been in history, and maintaining the highest possible standards of customer service is essential not only to thriving, but simply surviving as a business. Steve Barbarich has experienced the extremes of customer service as a consumer and is personally aware of the importance of adhering to the highest ethics in this respect.

While a sports fan is at a football game they are extremely unlikely to notice the efforts made by the stadium and city or state, if it�s a professional team, to ensure not only their satisfaction and enjoyment but also their safety and well being before, during and after the game. From ticket sales to organizing the food vendor distribution, the convenience and satisfaction of the customer is at the heart of the planning.

The one area a sports fan is likely to be disgruntled if not properly served during the game is if their team suffers a defeat, and particularly a bad one. This may seem like a strange way to describe customer dissatisfaction, though when it is viewed literally, the football team is there specifically to provide a service, that of winning the game. Of course the thrill and entertainment of the sport is also part of their responsibility, and though that may seem like an extreme or even outrageous example, the intention is simply to demonstrate that there is no end to the possible aspects of excellent customer service and businesses are doing their customers and themselves a favor by exploring all of the potentials.

Basic Customer Service Skills

Ryan — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:49:40 +0000

Customer service is an essential aspect of most and likely all jobs. While it may have a stronger importance in positions that directly serve and or interact with others, it can probably be applied to everything. With this in mind, it makes sense that there is a growing number of training programs that are particularly focused on created solid service skills. Steve Barbarich has been aware of this importance for many years and has applied to his business practices since he first began operating.

The basics of providing great customer service may seem like common sense, and in fact do come naturally to some individuals. These include a simple smile or polite greeting when first encountering a customer and or client, and also engaging them in friendly conversation when appropriate. This is actually a somewhat ambiguous aspect of customer service. While some industries almost require personal oriented conversations with clients, with other it can be inappropriate. Bartending is a perfect example of when engaging in conversations with clients is extremely common and often considered to be an essential aspect of the job. However, even here it is important to remember that there are appropriate boundaries to consider and the amount of conversation should always be depended on the costumer�s interest level.

Other aspect of customer service that are essential to any business include maintaining a professional ethic that includes both honesty and respect for the consumer. It is clear to anyone who is trying to make a major purchase if they are being respected for their time or if they feel they are impeding on the seller�s time and or space. Few things are as disgruntling to any consumer as the feeling that they are bothering a service provider. In addition it is important to actively listen to the consumer and make sure the product or service they receive is what they are expecting and believe they ordered. Finally, it is important to rectify in a timely manner any concerns or issues a client may have with their product or service.

Hurricane relief donations

Ryan — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:47:29 +0000

It has been awhile since that summer when Rita, Katrina and Ike came to visit. But the devastating effects of those hurricanes can still be felt in the gulf coast, all the way from Florida to Texas.

Hurricane Katrina happened nearly three years ago already . And is considered one of the worst natural disasters the United States has ever seen.

The Gulf Coast region is still suffering greatly from the aftermath of the storm. But something to consider is that it was not the Hurricane itself that brought the city of New Orleans to its knees. Hurricane Katrina�s devastating after math was due to manmade issues. What happened to New Orleans was a combination of bad politics and spending. It was a result of resources not being properly allocated by politicians.

And now the government has made it its duty to step in a rebuild New Orleans and protect the vanishing wetlands in Louisiana. Now levees are being built by the same old mentality just bigger and higher. Unfortunately, due to years, since the Revolutionary War of trying to keep the river and sea at bay, New Orleans is now a city that is sinking. The city and area have lost so many acres of its wet lands that it is basically defenseless. Another unfortunate thing is that many people and politicians did not have protecting New Orleans and Louisiana from storms as a top priority. The legislation for this was about 40 years behind schedule.

The only positive thing that came out of that Hurricane season and the aftermath of storms like Katrina was the charity work that went into helping rebuild. One such effort by businessman Steven Barbarich was that he donated a portion of profit for every unit he sold on his wholesale hot tub website.

Let�s pray there will never be another set of storms like in 2005.

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Complaint Handling

Ryan — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:51:56 +0000

A complaint handling system can be used to improve customer satisfaction and retention. Therefore it is wise to integrate such a system into your business or organization so that you can effectively handle customer complaints.

The optimal way to introduce a complaint handling initiative is to assign an individual or team to lead its development and implementation. This whole process should be endorsed by top management.

While you create your customer complaint handling system you should address the mechanism for informing customers on how to address their problems with your company. This includes such issues as how they report complaints � e.g. phone calls, letters, emails, web site forms, or via sales or customer service staff. Therefore everyone within the organization who is assigned to receiving complaints should be versed in the correct use of the complaint handling system, as well as any policies and procedures involved in its operation.

Escalation of the complaint is an important issue and should be pre determined. That is who the complaint gets assigned to for resolution. If the quality department is involved there may be a need for corrective action tracking and route cause determination.

If complaint handling software is utilized then the statistics should be reviewed for trends that may emerge. Often reoccurring complaints can be used to improved quality thereby eliminating similar complaints or problems from occurring in the future.

Proper Food Handling Techniques When Cooking on Drop In Grills

Visiting Kuala Lumpur

Ryan — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 22:49:49 +0000

A trip to the capital of Malaysia can be an exotic adventure. Kuala Lumpur was originally a tin-mining village. Over time it has grown into a bustling urban center. From its Chinese roots it has blossomed into a multicultural haven.

Visitors will find the contrasts of the city extends into every aspect of life. From luxury hotels Kuala Lumpur to budget youth hostels, the extremes of experience await. The traditions and historic sites of KL (the city’s nickname) stand side-by-side with shopping malls and skyscrapers. The eastern heritage of Malaysia blends with western urban influences. The result is a unique energy and charm that will entice visitors to return again and again.

One of the more notable sites in Kuala Lumpur is the Petronas Twin Towers. These towering skyscrapers were once the tallest building in the world. Today they hold the record for the tallest twin towers on the planet. The city is full of skyscrapers and even more are being developed, giving KL one of the tallest skylines in the world.

Visitors flock to the city’s most popular attractions such as the Putra World Trade Centre and the Kuala Lumpur Tower. Another site worth a visit is the Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square). The city is full of beautiful temples and mosques such as the masjid Negara and the Thean Hou Temple. There are museums, galleries and even a zoo and an aquarium.

Some travelers schedule their visit to coincide with the city’s many festivals. Kuala Lumpur boasts the largest Thiapusam procession in the world. This is a Hindu event that draws tens of thousands of participants and observers. Other festivals of note are the Pongal festival (also Hindu) and a number of Chinese cultural festivals.

This growing city of over 1.5 million residents has much to offer in terms of culture, history, spirituality and even shopping. It’s a good bet for an enjoyable vacation trip.

Development Slowing in Dubai, UAE

Ryan — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:35:00 +0000

The global credit crisis is beginning to affect the future of developments in Dubai, UAE. The first Formula One theme park was scheduled to open later this year in Dubai Motor City. However, investors just announced a delay in completion of the park. They now hope to open in 2010, unless new financing can be found in the next few weeks.

Over the last decade Dubai has exploded into the premiere leisure and business destination in the Middle East. Manmade islands, luxury resorts, and world-class sporting venues have attracted millions of tourists to this desert paradise by on the Persian Gulf. With the Dubai International Boat Show about to begin, the question becomes is the wealth and luxury of the yachts it features sign of the future of the city or is the stalled development a better indicator?

The Formula One park is the first of its kind in the world. The $460 million project is fifty percent complete. The next step in construction, the installation of the rides, has been halted due to banks pulling out of the development. While the project director remains confident that the park will open, he is highly doubtful the funding can be found soon enough to ensure a 2009 opening.

This is only the latest suspension of major developments in Dubai. Experts estimate that as much as a quarter of the over 800 projects currently being developed in Dubai have been suspended due to credit and debt concerns. This includes the halt of construction on the world’s tallest skyscraper as well as the the building of additional artificial islands off the coast.

With much of Dubai’s economy tied up in tourism, trade, and real estate, its no wonder that the current global economic problems are having a sharp affect on the city’s development. With tourism falling off worldwide, the hotels in Dubai, UAE are facing the same slowdown as other global tourist destinations. Likewise the restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail stores will have to adjust to the loss of future growth. Given the business boom the region has experienced, Dubai could be in for quite a shock.

Green IT is no longer a Mystery

Alice — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:29:11 +0000

A new "Dummies" book, "Green IT for Dummies" was featured in a MarketWatch article yesterday. There are so many simple, easy things that businesses and IT departments, especially, to save energy – which also saves companies money and it helps the environment, too. Companies across the nation are losing out if they aren’t using power efficiently. As a famous frog once said, "It’s not easy, being green." Hopefully books like these will help enlighten people how to save green by being green. The book is schedule for a traditional paperback release in March 2009.

Mexico Maps Need More Use

Ryan — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:34:07 +0000

I save the maps that I use when I travel. Because the company that I work for is global, I travel across the United States, Europe and the Pacific Rim. Really, I travel just about everywhere. And I use the maps that helped me know where I was as souvenirs. They always have notes that I can refer back to when I have to travel to a specific area again.

I went to Japan last summer and my map of Japan is marked up. I went all over Tokyo and even to a few remote villages. I had a translator so it was even easier to get around but most everyone spoke English. I will be going back there in about six months so I plan to review the notes from that map before I go.

My Florida state map helped get me through all of the traffic there. Because they have attractions like Disney World and wonderful beaches, the state is always packed with tourists. If I didn’t have that map to refer to, I would probably still be stuck in traffic.

But my Mexico maps do not have much writing on them, though. That is because I did not travel everywhere. I went to Mexico City for one day and the meeting was at my hotel. I hope to go back and get more use out of those maps. The city was beautiful albeit polluted. I would love to go and see the sights.