2. Focus on how you can learn new skills now and in future. The new economy is a learning economy where your value is based on what you know and how fast you can learn new things. The old idea that people over age of 25 learn more slowly is pure myth. Adults with lots of work experience are usually first to find ways to put new knowledge to work.

3. Work with experts to learn insider techniques. We are now beyond pioneer stages of Internet. The techniques that work are proven and well-known to experts. Don't waste time reinventing wheel. Learn from those who have already paid plenty of dues. Find what works and put it to work.

4. Create a logical plan, work it, and stick to it. Nothing comes to those who don't work hard. Equally, very little comes to those who don't plan their work and work their plan. Keep your goals in mind each day and refuse to let yourself become derailed by temporary setbacks or bewildering crush of new information.

By keeping these four things in mind, you will be firmly on your way to realizing your full potential in new Internet economy.

So now, when she is told by guest that coffee in his room tastes bad, she can ask him which brand he would prefer. Five minutes later, she calls in to local grocery store, buys a jar of his favorite coffee, takes it to guest's room and leaves jar, with a card personally signed by her. The guest is delighted, and tells his colleagues what a fantastic place hotel is. All it cost was a jar of coffee, a little thought, and ten minutes.

It even saved a heap of paperwork.

Empower your staff to solve little problems and many of big ones will vanish too.

Think like your customers. --------------------------

How can such an obvious statement be ignored by so many companies? If you were buying from you, would you buy from you again? If your mother walked through door of your store, would you treat her any differently to your other customers? If answer is yes, you are wrong. You should treat every customer like your mother. Substitute President, or Queen of England, if you like. You get picture.

If you are dealing with a customer who has a complaint, never try to rationalize it or justify it. Don't blame problem on 'company policy'. As far as that customer is concerned, YOU are company. YOU have to solve problem. So think like they think:

Why is this a problem?

How would I feel if it had happened to me?

What solution would I want?

Think that way, and you will quickly get irate customer on your side. Irate customers expect to be fobbed off with company rules and excuses. The best way to defuse them is to give them immediate solutions, without argument.

Over-copy your competitors. ---------------------------

Do some research. Ask around. Who is best company in field? Why? What do they do that is so good? Now, here is clever part: ask what they could improve, what even best companies do wrong. Then, when you copy good stuff, you improve on bad stuff as well.

There is nothing wrong with copying good ideas. We all do it all time. The real trick is to put your own slant on idea and freshen it up to make it your own.

When you have identified little niggling problems that even best companies get wrong - go out and celebrate! Once you have solved them, these become your most powerful benefit-laden selling points:

"Of course we have great prices and people willing to help you pack your groceries. Who doesn't? But at Bloggs Supermarket, you get our special double- reinforced carrying bags. We buy them specially so even if a whole quart of milk leaks out, your groceries will never fall through bottom."

It is often small difference that makes sale. Not because of item itself, but because it shows your customers that you care enough about them.

That way, they will care about you too.

Customers who care about companies they deal with spend a lot of time telling their friends. Everyone like to boast about great service they received.

They become your best promotional weapon: evangelists.