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Run Your Small Business without Interruptions

July 21, 2017 by Thomas Leave a Comment

In running your small business operation, you have a lot on your plate. That said the last thing you want to deal with on an on-going basis is interruptions.

While some of those interruptions are all but unavoidable, others are preventable.

Take for instance when you are being bombarded with phone calls on a daily basis. Yes, many of those can be customer calls ranging from questions to comments on your brand. Others, meantime, can be nothing short of a nuisance.

If you’re wondering how to find out who’s calling you on a regular basis, it is actually easier than you may think.

There are services out there that allow you to track down where the call is coming from. In doing so, you can determine if it is worthy of your time or not.

In the event you continue to receive calls from the same number or numbers, you can end up blocking them. By doing so, you remove one more obstacle to avoiding daily interruptions

Calls Are Not the Only Issue

While unwanted phone calls can put a crimp in your daily plans, they are not the only issue you must deal with.

Whether in business for years or getting started in the small business world, keep it moving.

Among some of the interruptions to best try and avoid:

Email overload – Have you ever stopped to count how many emails fill your inbox on a daily basis? If you did, there’s a good chance you would be quite surprised by the volume. It is best when you have some down time to go through and sort those that you need to receive on a regular basis.

Customers coming in – In a business where customers come in on a regular basis, you have a fine line to balance. On one hand, you want to make sure customers feel welcome when they enter your business. On the other side, you can’t afford to have disruptions that keep you from doing your duties as head of the business. Make sure you find that happy medium.
Employee distractions – Though you don’t want to babysit, some workers need more direction. In such cases, stress to those individuals the importance of time management. It only takes one or two employees to throw off the production schedule for a small business. If this occurs, some customers may become upset that they’re not getting what they want on time.

Keeping Your Focus Too

In owning a company, you have to make sure your time management skills are exemplary for others under you.

This means making sure you delegate responsibility when necessary.

For some small business owners, they try and do everything under the sun on their own. As a result, they can end up dropping the ball more times than not.

Your best bet is to hire the right people, responsible individuals that is. When you do, you will feel better about assigning tasks that you can’t do or have time for.

Last, don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Remember, some of the best small business leaders out there have made their share of gaffes over time. What separates them from the losers is they learned from their mistakes.

So, are you ready to become an even better small business owner today?

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

8 Key Traits of Fantastic Project Managers

July 15, 2017 by Thomas Leave a Comment

The key to successful project portfolio management revolves around dynamic project managers.

The pivotal role of the project manager is to plan and execute a project from start to finish, overseeing (and motivating!) a team of people in the meantime to set all the pieces in motion at the right time.

Successful project managers are a rare breed.

If you’re curious about making a career move to project management or you are trying to pick out the best match from a slew of candidates, these 8 key traits set the good project managers apart from the lousy:

The Ability to Delegate. Good project managers know that their role is to manage, not do, the project. The project manager should have a high-level overview of the project and the tasks that need to be accomplished in order to achieve the end goal. Then, he or she should delegate those tasks to the best employee for the job.
Motivational and Coaching Skills. A poor project manager might get frustrated after delegating tasks and seeing that the work has been done substandard. Such a project manager might say, “Never mind, I’ll just do it myself!” But in the long run, this strategy will backfire over and over again. The same problem will crop up until the project manager coaches the employee(s) in how to do the work to meet expectations. Good project managers recognize weak areas and bolster their employees to help them grow, not tear them down for their honest mistakes.
Enthusiasm for the Project. Enthusiasm is contagious, and a positive attitude has to start with the project manager. If the manager is bored with the project, the employees will be too. If, on the other hand, the manager exudes optimism and fully supports the work of his or her team, then employee satisfaction is more likely to be high.
Excellent Communication Skills. There’s no room for a wishy-washy or vague project manager in businesses that value efficiency. Managers need to communicate well not only with the employees they manage, but also the higher-ups. Frequent and very specific communication is key. Action items should have clear due-dates and assignees, for example, and negative feedback should be delivered with tact but never avoided altogether.
A Knack for Organization. This is where a project portfolio management tool can make all the difference. When there are multiple ideas and projects that require attention, project managers need to know what’s happening at all times. Even the most focused and organized individual can lose track of important information. Successful project portfolio management hinges on a dynamic organizational system and an ability to use such a tool to its maximum potential.
The Ability to Stay Level-Headed. When conflicts or problems inevitably arise, it falls to the project manager to work out a solution. Knee-jerk reactions have no place in the meeting room. A level-headed response to challenges helps keep projects moving ahead while also maintaining employee morale.
Persistence and Perseverance. As the saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!” A project manager should be the last person to back down to a challenge. When emails are ignored, the manager should pick up the phone or arrange to speak in person. When product testing feedback is negative, a solution-oriented mindset is necessary to revitalize the project. In short, a good project manager naturally has a “never say die” attitude.
The Ability to Creatively Problem Solve. A persistent and persevering person is also a problem solver. When a bump occurs in the project’s original road map, the project manager smoothes it out. It does not matter if this problem relates to funding, human resources or any other aspect of the project; the manager’s mission is to see the project to completion (and to uphold the highest standards possible).

Being surprisingly hard to come by, successful project managers are worth their weight in gold.

They have a track record of high-quality projects on their roster and are respected by the people who work with them—both above and below them on the corporate ladder.

If you’re looking to promote a current employee to the position of project manager, their leadership skills may have already bubbled up to the surface; if not, look for these 8 traits to pick a great candidate.

Photo credit: Pixabay

4 Keys to a Better Employment Search

July 12, 2017 by Thomas Leave a Comment

Having trouble locating the job you want? If the answer is yes, you are not alone.

For millions, the thought of finding the ideal employment opportunity can be frustrating.

As an example, if desperate to pay your bills, you are more than likely going to take the first position out there. In doing so, you may find yourself stuck in a job that is both stressful and frustrating. You could also end up in a situation where boredom sets in. As that happens, you could find it impacting your job performance.

If your employment search is coming up empty, what options are on the table moving forward?

Know Where the Work is

For starters, your job search may be teetering on the edge because you’re looking in all the wrong places.

For instance, are you following the right employment and job market info in your search? If not, you are less likely to locate the ideal job situation.

Keep in mind there are countless online and offline services out there to educate you on where the jobs are. With that information in-hand, you are in a better position to nab the job you want.

With that in mind, take these four keys to heart:

Attitude

First, a positive attitude is a necessity when search for new employment.

If you go into the process with a lackluster attitude, the results tend not to go your way. Be sure to stay positive throughout the experience. Yes, there are going to oftentimes be some down points, but keep your ultimate goal in mind.

You also want to show off that positive attitude when going on interviews (see more below). If a prospective employer sees you are not all that interested in the position, it more times than not will show.

Personality

Everyone has their share of bad days from time to time.

With that in mind, it is crucial that your real personality shines through when you interview for a job. Go into each interview with excitement and a desire to show the interviewer that you want to work for them.

Unfortunately, too many people show up at interviews with less than stellar actions. From little interest to having not researched the company (see more below), they fall flat.

Always remember that you should never burn bridges on an interview.

Even if you do not get the position, thank your interviewer for taking time out of their schedule to meet with you.

You might very well discover that a future position with the company can come your way. This is because of a solid interview you had the first time around, yet did not get the position.

Research

While you are not taking a quiz in high school, a job interview is a test or sorts. As a result, you need to have done your homework on the company and what it does.

As an example, how silly would you look if you went into an interview and did not understand the following?

What the company does

What are the duties of the person they will hire for the job opening?

How long the company has been around

Always be sure to read up on any company you’re going to interview with.

By being knowledgeable about the company and the opening, you improve your odds.

Determination

There is a good chance you’re not always going to get the job you want the first time around. With that in mind, will you stay determined to keep shooting for your goal?

With countless job seekers, you have to remember that there are only so many positions one can fill. With that being the case, you’re not guaranteed anything.

For instance, what if you want a job with a certain company and you interview, yet they hire someone else? Do you write that business off moving forward?

Remember, there is always the chance the person they hired won’t work out or will go elsewhere sooner than later. By staying engaged with that company, you could end up working there.

Ways to go about this include:

Following their job boards

Dropping the H.R. person an occasional email to see if they still have your resume on file

Improving your work skills so you are an even better option the next time around when they have an opening

The employment search can be a challenge.

That said are you up to the task?

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas writes about business topics on the web.

Is Your Past Keeping You from Your Future?

June 30, 2017 by Thomas 1 Comment

When you are looking for a new job or even trying to hold on to the one you have, should you have worries about your past?

For some, skeletons in their closet can end up being much more damaging than they first may think. As a result, they end up not getting the job they want. In fact, their career goals may disappear because of their past.

Given today’s digital age, it is easier than ever for people to run into trouble due to the Internet. If someone digging on you finds some information they don’t like, will they use it against you?

To do your best to avoid any major roadblocks in your career, try and see what people are saying about you.

Knowing What is in Your Record?

When you are thinking about pursuing a new job or even maintaining the one you have, don’t let your past stand in the way.

To know what others may have discovered about you, the time may be now for performing a background check.

By doing such a check, you can see if one or more things are hindering you from getting where you want to be in your career.

Have you ever considered doing a license plate search? If not, doing one may surprise you.

A few unpaid tickets in your past could come back to haunt you in more ways than one. Not only may authorities be seeking you, but what if you apply for a job that involves driving a company vehicle? If you have one or more unpaid traffic tickets, they could keep you from getting that position.

Even if a background check or license plate search doesn’t show any gaffes, take stock moving forward. You may have been setting yourself up for trouble and not even realizing it.

So, what are some things that could be preventing you from moving forth with your career? Among them:

Attitude – Do you have a negative attitude towards work and co-workers? Although you may not admit to this, it may very well be the one thing holding you back. If it is, better to change it now and not regret it later. Although you do not have to be a cheerleader at work, you should take each day as a chance to improve you and the company.

Effort – While no one expects you to work 80 hours a week, do you have trouble making it even through 40 hours? If so, it can end up reflecting in a bad way on your performance. In some cases, employees must go that extra mile because a project needs to get done for a client or clients. As such, it is important that you are willing to roll up your sleeves and work whatever is necessary. In doing so, you will oftentimes catch the eye of your employer too.
Goals – Although employees should not use any job as a stepping stone to the next one, many do. That said having career goals is critical to your ability to succeed. As an example, don’t come across as someone who thinks they know it all. Face it; even employees in the workforce for decades are still learning on a daily basis. This is especially the case given the ever-changing role of technology at many jobs. Always make it your goal to improve your skills year after year.

In looking to secure your future, make sure your past doesn’t end up holding you back.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web

Learning Chinese Pays Benefits

June 28, 2017 by Thomas Leave a Comment

With the business growth China has seen, it only makes sense that many businesses have an eye on the Orient.

If a business is setting up shop there, they want to make sure employees they bring in know language and culture. With China the second largest economy, there are opportunities for foreign investment.

With that in mind, how are you best-served as someone traveling to China to do business or study?

Going Online to Begin Your Journey

Like with much everything else in life these days, using the Internet to help guide you is a great place to start.

The worldwide web has an infinite amount of information, some of which can be beneficial to employers, employees, students and more. By tracking down the right info, you can put yourself in a better position to succeed at home and even abroad.

If you’re an employee or student who will be traveling to China, don’t wait until the last-minute to learn. Being prepared ahead of time can give you an advantage over others.

Among the areas of most importance:

Language
Culture
Laws
Finding medical help if necessary

By using the Internet, you will be better prepared to take on any challenges you will face in your new home. Whether going to China on a temporary or long-term basis, educate yourself on this part of the world.

With Chinese lessons online, you can educate yourself before arriving there.

When you team up with the right learning tool to learn Chinese, look for one that offers the following:

Teachers instructing students in Chinese as a second language and Chinese literature.

Instruct you in Chinese online as they would if you were in attendance in a classroom.
Online hours that meet your schedule needs.
Affordable pricing.

Keep in mind that you need a laptop or desktop computer, a headset, and the ability to connect to the web. Once those needs are all met, you’re on your way.

Making Your Life Work in China

When relocating to China or any other country for that matter, be sure to assimilate to the local culture.

Not only is it important to learn the language, but also the cultural differences.

From greeting locals to words that could be offensive, do your best to educate yourself.

It is a good idea to try and reach out to people you may know in the U.S. from China or the country you plan to live in. By talking to them, you can pick up some tips on your upcoming travels.

Among them:

How to greet locals.

What parts of the country you will be staying in are the safest to travel to?

What foods and entertainment will most likely meet your tastes?

Where to go if you are in need of medical or legal help.

If the time comes for you to relocate to China or elsewhere in the world, educate yourself as much as possible.

In doing so, your experiences are much more likely to be positive ones.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

Is Your Small Business on Shaky Financial Ground?

June 21, 2017 by Thomas 1 Comment

As you sit back for a moment and assess where your small business is, are you happy with what you see?

For countless small business owners, there is much to be happy about. Hard work and smart financial decisions have left them with healthy businesses.

On the flip side of the coin, you have some small business owners who are far from running healthy brands.

For whatever the reason may be, they are struggling to make ends meet. As a result, times are tough to say the least.

That said how can you position your small business to be as healthy as possible when it comes to finances?

Lower Your Debts and Boost Your Income

So that you are in the best possible financial position you can be now, keep in mind these pointers:

Income

You want to be making as much income as possible as you run your company.

With that in mind, how do you get by when times are tough?

You have to figure on there being some down times throughout your business run. As a result, having the all-important rainy day fund to get you by is crucial.

Your income is also of course affected by how much outreach you do. This is especially the case in trying to get new customers to come aboard. If you are doing very little in marketing and advertising, how can you expect consumers to know about you? Even if you have to trim your promotional budget from time to time, do not drop it altogether.

Also make it a point to encourage your current customer base to help you recruit new customers.

By providing the former with loyalty rewards, they are more likely to spread the word.

Debts

Although you would love to be clear of all debts, you more than likely can’t say that is the case. As such, it is important that you manage your debts.

One of the ways to go about this is by making sure all your business and personal taxes are up to date. There’s nothing worse than owing a lot of money to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

One means in discovering such unpleasant news is to do a free federal tax lien search online.

Such a search allows you to discover if you do in fact owe the government money. If that is the case, paying it off as soon as possible is your best move. Otherwise, you could end up in a worst-case scenario of losing everything.

Once that online search does in fact show you owe money, do your best to set up a payment plan. By doing so, you show the IRS that you are not walking away from your financial responsibilities.

Growth

Knowing when the right time may be to grow your small business can of course prove a challenge.

With that in mind, always have a focus on what your industry trends are. This includes if there is current growth, decline, and some mergers and acquisitions. By being adept to what is going on, you are better suited to make decisions about your own company.

If you do decide now in fact is the time to grow your brand, be sure to have the financial assets necessary.

In the event you are tight on money, you may consider asking a family member or friend to invest in your business. If so, be sure to do it in a professional manner as you would with a stranger. By keeping everything professional, there’s less chance of a breakdown in the relationship.

For you to do as much as possible to keep your business from being on shaky financial ground, be smart.

The better you are in making financial decisions, the better odds your business has in sticking around.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.