Time, Knowledge And Energy; What They Should Mean To YouWritten by Chuck and Sue DeFiore
Our time, knowledge and energy are our most valuable resources. We do not let anyone waste them. Time. You only have so much time in a day to earn money. Learn to put a dollar value on that time. Don't let anyone squander your valuable time. We all meet people who love to talk, we're guilty of this ourselves upon occasion. However, our time, and yours also, is valuable, after a polite or not so polite period, inquire as to how this person is going to compensate you for your time. If they don't want to or can't, cut conversation off. We know this sounds harsh, but this person is taking money out of your pocket. That said, we don't mean you shouldn't donate your time to worthwhile charities or causes, we do. Just be careful where you spend your time resource. Knowledge. If you're like us, you've spent money and effort to acquire knowledge you're using in business. Don't give it away. Our knowledge has a specific dollar value. Like us, you'll meet people who will want to pick your brains for free. Don't let them. In our Lease Purchasing business, we are constantly talking with people who just have one quick question. Right! We all know where that leads. Or someone will want one of our contracts to use. Sorry, our knowledge was hard won, and it will cost you to get it. Again, question, how do you plan on compensating us for our knowledge.
| | In Business, Image Isn't Everything; It's The Only Thing!Written by Chuck and Sue DeFiore
We have all heard this lament, but how much do we practice it. With all relaxed rules today, do we really present ourselves in best light. It seems all articles I see today are about how old fashioned today's workers find their supervisors or bosses to be in way they dress, policies they implement and old fashioned ways in which they conduct their business.I am of belief, and will continue to believe, that first impression I make is lasting one. Whether it is by phone or in person, I want to present myself in best possible light. But then again, I am from old school, one today's workers are complaining about. Let's look at companies that are still standing. After all hoopla has passed, companies that have used fundamental principles of Business 101 are ones still among us. The Intels, IBMs, Burger Kings, AT&Ts, Sears, Microsofts, Dells, Gateways, etc. I am not advocating living in dark ages. I believe for a company to survive it has to move with times, but basic structure and foundation on which we have built our business - image, courtesy, ethics, customer being right, are cornerstones to running a successful business, whether it is home-based or not. Too many home-based business have taken pajama mentality into all of their business practices. I have called on businesses that have cute messages on their machines, music that is obnoxious, children answering telephone, screaming televisions, radios in background. This does not inspire confidence in me to do business with this person. That is not to say I have not had reservations about companies that have offices outside home. In fact, it was a call placed to one that inspired this article. When I called and spoke to owner of this business, she had no idea on how a particular process worked or what it's cost would be. Wow, it's her business and she doesn't know how it works or what it costs. Guess who I didn't do business with. I am not saying you have to be an expert, but at least know basics and tell me you employ an expert in that area that will be better able to help me, don't hem and haw and tell me you don't have a clue. This does not give me a good impression of you or your company.
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