Book Review: Step Up - How To Win More And Lose Less In Business By Daniel Grissom by Simon Barrett
plug itThe average bookstore is awash in self help business books, entire sections are dedicated to the subject. They also tend to have a common theme. How make a better 'widget' and more importantly, sell these better and more profitable 'widgets.' Sure they may reorder the chapters, change the occasional graphic, but it is the same old tired story! The soporific effect of this genre makes it a good alternative to sleeping pills, and the books certainly are not addictive!
What attracted me to this book though was Daniel Grissom's client list, few people can brag of working with Google, IBM, Eli Lily, and a host of other household names. His message is global: he has spoken to sales teams in Asia, Africa, Europe and the USA. As an insider into excellence for close to two decades, Grissom has discerned what works (and doesn't work) in the achievement of superior sales results. Even more interesting is the very different corporate cultures or as it is known in the trade 'branding' that these companies have adopted. How could a business plan work within the staid gray suited world of IBM also work in the denim clad, freewheeling, and pizza eating world of Google? With 20 years in the 'business coaching' world, if nothing else he might have something new to say, were my thoughts, so I decided to delve in.
Step Up is not the usual 'corporate' master plan, but rather it is aimed at a much more personal level, it does not matter if you are part of the sales force, line management, or part of the upper echelon of an organization, there is something to be learned, and that, Daniel argues comes from within yourself, not from external forces.
Step Up is actually an acronym, S-Standards, T-Talent, E-Evaluations, P-preparation, UP-Unleashed Potential.
I found the style of writing to actually be quite readable, which is another first in the Business Book category! The author sprinkles the text with short stories either from his own life, or about the problems and resolutions that actual business and sports figures have faced. These vignettes could form an entertaining book all by themselves. From Tiger Woods and how he made it to the next level, to Daniel himself, not getting his dream job at the first try, they are engaging, entertaining, and thought provoking. To quote from the text, "sometimes you have to slow down to speed up," meaning that sometimes you have to step back and re-evaluate what you are trying to do, and what your destination is.
Much of the final section of Step Up is geared to 'Coaching,' which in itself is not part of the basic Step Up acronym, but is a vital part of personal and corporate success. Coaching in the business world is no different to coaching in the sports world. Essentially it is someone who may be disassociated with you personally, but can evaluate your performance, and help you to the next rung on the success ladder. It could be your boss, it could be a friend, it could be a professional.
Step Up can be ordered through Amazon, he also has a web site at Daniel Grissom dot com.
2008-03-21
Preparing a Business for Sale : business book store shopping sale online
Preparing a Business for Sale
by DefaultValue@ThisisdefaultValue.usersshouldfillininformation.com
plug itEven if a business owner has no intentions of selling the business in the near future, a smart business owner will start preparing for the sale of the business from day one. Structuring a business so that a new business owner could step in at anytime and continue operations without any hiccups is a huge asset. This will maximize interest when you do advertise the business for sale maximizing profits. Advertising your business for sale at its peak is recommended. With a sales and profit history record for at least 12 months with each month matching or outperforming the last will see your business for sale listing generate genuine quality leads, speeding up the sale process while increasing the business value.
The bigger your business or company, the more likely it is that you are anal when it comes to keeping all business account information up to date. A smaller business is usually not as organized as the major corporate companies. So it is essential that all business owners no matter how big your company is, keeps all book work up to date allowing potential buyers to see exactly how your operations are conducted. Arrange your accountant to prepare profit and loss statements in additions to your own book work. Revise all of your business book work and refresh your memory, preparing you for any questions the potential buyer has in relation to expenses and purchases. Being able to answer all questions they have without hesitation show your professionalism and knowledge of your own business.
Most businesses will have a percentage of their business sales unrecorded because they are cash sales. No matter how big or small you should always disclose this information to a buyer, as it may justify the price you are asking for the business.
Implementing a sales or management team into the business from day one will look more inviting to a potential buyer. Demonstrating that all business sales came from a team environment and knowing that the success of the business did not come from one person (the owner) is an important factor. A sales or management team will prove that the success of the business will continue after the business transaction. If the potential buyer knows that the businesses success came from the existing owner’s rapport with customers that was built over the years, his technical skills or general knowledge of the business may deter him from the acquisition. Establish the business so it is not critical that you are essential to the success of the business.
Offering finance is a good way to achieve maximum profit for the sale of the business. Not only does it give the buyer an additional option for financing the acquisition, it also shows the buyer your confidence in the businesses continued success once you have sold the business.
by DefaultValue@ThisisdefaultValue.usersshouldfillininformation.com
plug itEven if a business owner has no intentions of selling the business in the near future, a smart business owner will start preparing for the sale of the business from day one. Structuring a business so that a new business owner could step in at anytime and continue operations without any hiccups is a huge asset. This will maximize interest when you do advertise the business for sale maximizing profits. Advertising your business for sale at its peak is recommended. With a sales and profit history record for at least 12 months with each month matching or outperforming the last will see your business for sale listing generate genuine quality leads, speeding up the sale process while increasing the business value.
The bigger your business or company, the more likely it is that you are anal when it comes to keeping all business account information up to date. A smaller business is usually not as organized as the major corporate companies. So it is essential that all business owners no matter how big your company is, keeps all book work up to date allowing potential buyers to see exactly how your operations are conducted. Arrange your accountant to prepare profit and loss statements in additions to your own book work. Revise all of your business book work and refresh your memory, preparing you for any questions the potential buyer has in relation to expenses and purchases. Being able to answer all questions they have without hesitation show your professionalism and knowledge of your own business.
Most businesses will have a percentage of their business sales unrecorded because they are cash sales. No matter how big or small you should always disclose this information to a buyer, as it may justify the price you are asking for the business.
Implementing a sales or management team into the business from day one will look more inviting to a potential buyer. Demonstrating that all business sales came from a team environment and knowing that the success of the business did not come from one person (the owner) is an important factor. A sales or management team will prove that the success of the business will continue after the business transaction. If the potential buyer knows that the businesses success came from the existing owner’s rapport with customers that was built over the years, his technical skills or general knowledge of the business may deter him from the acquisition. Establish the business so it is not critical that you are essential to the success of the business.
Offering finance is a good way to achieve maximum profit for the sale of the business. Not only does it give the buyer an additional option for financing the acquisition, it also shows the buyer your confidence in the businesses continued success once you have sold the business.
Book Review: The Go-Giver - A Little Story About A Powerful Business Idea : Business book store shopping sale online
Book Review: The Go-Giver - A Little Story About A Powerful Business Idea
by Simon Barrett
plug itWhat a great little book! It is not often that I get excited about a business book, in fact I can not think of another occasion that it has happened. Most business books are dry and boring, The Go-Giver is nothing like that.
The authors, Bob Burg and John David Mann, have take a whole different approach to getting their message across, no dry boring list of 20 neat things to do with your Rolodex. The Go-Giver is written in the style of a novel, the novel consists essentially of a number of parables and how the main character Joe implements these ideas.
Joe is a 'go getter,' but, as the authors explain, Joe is hardworking and conscientious, but spends more time 'going' than 'getting.' He is coming up on the third quarter of not making his sales quota, and is becoming more and more desperate to find those elusive clients that can change his fortunes. In frustration he turns to a senior but ignored figure in his department and asks for some advice. Gus suggests that Joe attend an upcoming talk by a speaker known as 'The Chairman,' alas Joe needs answers now, not next month, and asks Gus for 'The Chairman's' telephone number.
The die is cast. And the story unfolds.
I won't share Joe's story with you, I will share my own instead. Although I have just finished reading The Go-Giver, by a huge amount of improbability the ideas that Bob Burg and John David Mann are suggesting pretty much mirror my own story.
About 18 months ago I decided that I had had enough 'fun' in the computer industry, after 30 plus years I was burned out, I wanted to write. Of course no one wants to publish or even entertain a new writer. My solution was to 'give greater value,' I wrote for free! Free is always a great price!
Guess what? It wasn't long before I started to get invites to write for money. The authors are right, become a giver, if you give great value the rewards will come. And love what you do, the more you love it, the better it gets.
Networking? What a boring and overused word, but when approached the right way it can lead to great things. By being a giver good things happen, by being a giver I have talked with famous authors, publishers, world class musicians, and movie directors. My network is amazing and growing! As Bob and John explain, 'everyone in your network is a walking talking ambassador for you.'
Help your friends, and your competitors. That might sound less than sensible, but in fact it makes perfect sense. If you can not help someone, tell them who can, even if it is a competitor. You will be amazed what good things happen as a result.
I won't share the rest of the authors' ideas, but I will say this, they all make perfect sense, and even if you are not trying to become a captain of industry, there is something that can help you in your business or personal life.
I have not given up my day job, but I am well on my way to doing so. Read The Go-Giver, I know that you will learn something. I wish I had read it years ago.
You can get your own copy from Amazon, and even if you are not looking to change your luck in the business world, you might learn something that will help you in your personal world.
by Simon Barrett
plug itWhat a great little book! It is not often that I get excited about a business book, in fact I can not think of another occasion that it has happened. Most business books are dry and boring, The Go-Giver is nothing like that.
The authors, Bob Burg and John David Mann, have take a whole different approach to getting their message across, no dry boring list of 20 neat things to do with your Rolodex. The Go-Giver is written in the style of a novel, the novel consists essentially of a number of parables and how the main character Joe implements these ideas.
Joe is a 'go getter,' but, as the authors explain, Joe is hardworking and conscientious, but spends more time 'going' than 'getting.' He is coming up on the third quarter of not making his sales quota, and is becoming more and more desperate to find those elusive clients that can change his fortunes. In frustration he turns to a senior but ignored figure in his department and asks for some advice. Gus suggests that Joe attend an upcoming talk by a speaker known as 'The Chairman,' alas Joe needs answers now, not next month, and asks Gus for 'The Chairman's' telephone number.
The die is cast. And the story unfolds.
I won't share Joe's story with you, I will share my own instead. Although I have just finished reading The Go-Giver, by a huge amount of improbability the ideas that Bob Burg and John David Mann are suggesting pretty much mirror my own story.
About 18 months ago I decided that I had had enough 'fun' in the computer industry, after 30 plus years I was burned out, I wanted to write. Of course no one wants to publish or even entertain a new writer. My solution was to 'give greater value,' I wrote for free! Free is always a great price!
Guess what? It wasn't long before I started to get invites to write for money. The authors are right, become a giver, if you give great value the rewards will come. And love what you do, the more you love it, the better it gets.
Networking? What a boring and overused word, but when approached the right way it can lead to great things. By being a giver good things happen, by being a giver I have talked with famous authors, publishers, world class musicians, and movie directors. My network is amazing and growing! As Bob and John explain, 'everyone in your network is a walking talking ambassador for you.'
Help your friends, and your competitors. That might sound less than sensible, but in fact it makes perfect sense. If you can not help someone, tell them who can, even if it is a competitor. You will be amazed what good things happen as a result.
I won't share the rest of the authors' ideas, but I will say this, they all make perfect sense, and even if you are not trying to become a captain of industry, there is something that can help you in your business or personal life.
I have not given up my day job, but I am well on my way to doing so. Read The Go-Giver, I know that you will learn something. I wish I had read it years ago.
You can get your own copy from Amazon, and even if you are not looking to change your luck in the business world, you might learn something that will help you in your personal world.
Increase your business success - Use Outsourced Accounting and Bookkeeping services : Business book store shopping sale online
Increase your business success - Use Outsourced Accounting and Bookkeeping services
by Santi Sam
plug itGood accounting and bookkeeping services can considerably increase the likelihood of business success.
The following two tables from The Small Business Book (Robert Hamilton and John English) make the point eloquently.
Survival Related To frequency of accounting Report
Frequency Survival Rate %
At Last month - 79
Quarterly - 71.5
Half-yearly - 49.9
Annually - 36.0
Survival in relation to accounting records
Accounting Records Survival Rate %
Excellent �"good -- 63.0
Average -- 49.8
Inadequate -- 20.1
Poor �" non existent -- 2.5
As one can see the difference between average and good accounting can make a 25% difference in business survival.
Until recently small businesses could not afford best accounting or bookkeeping services. Small companies had to rely on part-time bookkeeping services, with no guarantee that the person will be available when needed. Part-time bookkeeping or accounting service providers cannot provide the diversity of accounting and bookkeeping experience needed.
Even for larger companies, there is a shortage of accountants. The number of accounting graduates is down 25% and the number of CPA candidates is down 22%. Since the need for accounting expertise is going up and the supply is down, the salaries for US accountants are increasing faster than inflation.
Companies like General Electric pioneered outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services. Many large companies have followed suit. Typically they have created captive operations with at least 300+ employees.
There is now a new class of vendors (primarily from India) who provide outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services to clients who may need only a quarter-time accountant to clients needing three hundred accountants.
Outsourced accounting and bookkeeping service firms have several advantages:
1. They can train their staff consistently in accounting, bookkeeping, or tax return preparation.
2. They are much less vulnerable in case of employee absences, illnesses etc.
3. The outsourced accounting and bookkeeping service firms have to invest in quality control to retain clients.
4. For one price the customer receives a bundle of necessary skills, all the way from clerical level to controller level. Outsourced accounting and bookkeeping service firms provide:
1. Flexibility in manpower requirement �" one can buy only the required services from outsourced accounting and bookkeeping service firms.
2. The client is relieved of the need to hire, train, and manages staff.
3. The client is also relieved of rent, computers etc.
4. Considerable cost-savings. Outsourced accounting or bookkeeping services cost as little as 1/3rd. the cost of comparable US resources.
One of the arguments against using Outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services is security or loss of control of data. Outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services firms spend considerable time and energy to keep their data secure.
To summarize, use of outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services, can give the business owner a key tool that he can use to get timely, actionable information. It raises the probability of success at an affordable price.
by Santi Sam
plug itGood accounting and bookkeeping services can considerably increase the likelihood of business success.
The following two tables from The Small Business Book (Robert Hamilton and John English) make the point eloquently.
Survival Related To frequency of accounting Report
Frequency Survival Rate %
At Last month - 79
Quarterly - 71.5
Half-yearly - 49.9
Annually - 36.0
Survival in relation to accounting records
Accounting Records Survival Rate %
Excellent �"good -- 63.0
Average -- 49.8
Inadequate -- 20.1
Poor �" non existent -- 2.5
As one can see the difference between average and good accounting can make a 25% difference in business survival.
Until recently small businesses could not afford best accounting or bookkeeping services. Small companies had to rely on part-time bookkeeping services, with no guarantee that the person will be available when needed. Part-time bookkeeping or accounting service providers cannot provide the diversity of accounting and bookkeeping experience needed.
Even for larger companies, there is a shortage of accountants. The number of accounting graduates is down 25% and the number of CPA candidates is down 22%. Since the need for accounting expertise is going up and the supply is down, the salaries for US accountants are increasing faster than inflation.
Companies like General Electric pioneered outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services. Many large companies have followed suit. Typically they have created captive operations with at least 300+ employees.
There is now a new class of vendors (primarily from India) who provide outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services to clients who may need only a quarter-time accountant to clients needing three hundred accountants.
Outsourced accounting and bookkeeping service firms have several advantages:
1. They can train their staff consistently in accounting, bookkeeping, or tax return preparation.
2. They are much less vulnerable in case of employee absences, illnesses etc.
3. The outsourced accounting and bookkeeping service firms have to invest in quality control to retain clients.
4. For one price the customer receives a bundle of necessary skills, all the way from clerical level to controller level. Outsourced accounting and bookkeeping service firms provide:
1. Flexibility in manpower requirement �" one can buy only the required services from outsourced accounting and bookkeeping service firms.
2. The client is relieved of the need to hire, train, and manages staff.
3. The client is also relieved of rent, computers etc.
4. Considerable cost-savings. Outsourced accounting or bookkeeping services cost as little as 1/3rd. the cost of comparable US resources.
One of the arguments against using Outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services is security or loss of control of data. Outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services firms spend considerable time and energy to keep their data secure.
To summarize, use of outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services, can give the business owner a key tool that he can use to get timely, actionable information. It raises the probability of success at an affordable price.
9 Ways to Love Your Business More : Business book store shopping sale online
9 Ways to Love Your Business More
by Naz Daud
plug itThere comes a time in every business owner's life when they feel down or just simply bored with the business they are in. Doing the same thing every day will eventually lead to fatigue no matter how exciting the business was in the first place.
Here are some ways to reignite the passion that you had in the early days:
1) Take a break. The business will manage without you for a few days and you will come back fresh and ready for the challenges ahead. The common excuse for not taking time off is that "the business will never manage without me!" If you do not take some time off soon how will the business cope if you become ill?
2) Get a makeover. Pamper and preen yourself during normal working hours. Chuck out everything that you have not worn in the last 12 months and replace it with something stylish and comfortable.
3) Stop doing the work you hate. Outsource it and focus on the aspects of the business you enjoy and are good at. As an example, if you dread doing the payroll or the accounts get a decent bookkeeper in.
4) Start networking. Get out and about and meet some new people for a change. Talk to every friendly face and even people that will never buy from you and have no need for your widgets.
5) Change your role. If you have a number of employees why not change roles for a week. If you are primarily focused on sales change roles with the person that deals with distribution or vise versa. If you deal with finance all the time why not go out and meet your customers for a change?
6) Ditch your unprofitable customers. It is amazing how many people keep on doing business with companies that never make them any profit and always pay late. Focus on acquiring new business and giving closer attention to your profitable customers.
7) Treat your staff. Show them you care by taking them out for a meal to your favourite restaurant. Do not drink too much alcohol incase you say or do something you might regret the next day.
8) Get some coaching. A fresh pair of eyes might reveal valuable information about your business that you can not see because you are too close. You might learn something new about yourself or even be inspired to change the direction of the business.
9) Develop your skills. Go back to "school" and learn something new or improve the skills that you already possess. If you can not stand the thought of being taught then buy the latest business book, tapes or videos.
If after trying all or some of the above, you still hate your business then sell it. Your hatred for the business you are in, will show in all aspects of your dealings with staff, customers and suppliers. Eventually it will drain you and start affecting your health and your relationships.
It is never too late to start the business that you have always wanted as long as you are still healthy and financially stable.
by Naz Daud
plug itThere comes a time in every business owner's life when they feel down or just simply bored with the business they are in. Doing the same thing every day will eventually lead to fatigue no matter how exciting the business was in the first place.
Here are some ways to reignite the passion that you had in the early days:
1) Take a break. The business will manage without you for a few days and you will come back fresh and ready for the challenges ahead. The common excuse for not taking time off is that "the business will never manage without me!" If you do not take some time off soon how will the business cope if you become ill?
2) Get a makeover. Pamper and preen yourself during normal working hours. Chuck out everything that you have not worn in the last 12 months and replace it with something stylish and comfortable.
3) Stop doing the work you hate. Outsource it and focus on the aspects of the business you enjoy and are good at. As an example, if you dread doing the payroll or the accounts get a decent bookkeeper in.
4) Start networking. Get out and about and meet some new people for a change. Talk to every friendly face and even people that will never buy from you and have no need for your widgets.
5) Change your role. If you have a number of employees why not change roles for a week. If you are primarily focused on sales change roles with the person that deals with distribution or vise versa. If you deal with finance all the time why not go out and meet your customers for a change?
6) Ditch your unprofitable customers. It is amazing how many people keep on doing business with companies that never make them any profit and always pay late. Focus on acquiring new business and giving closer attention to your profitable customers.
7) Treat your staff. Show them you care by taking them out for a meal to your favourite restaurant. Do not drink too much alcohol incase you say or do something you might regret the next day.
8) Get some coaching. A fresh pair of eyes might reveal valuable information about your business that you can not see because you are too close. You might learn something new about yourself or even be inspired to change the direction of the business.
9) Develop your skills. Go back to "school" and learn something new or improve the skills that you already possess. If you can not stand the thought of being taught then buy the latest business book, tapes or videos.
If after trying all or some of the above, you still hate your business then sell it. Your hatred for the business you are in, will show in all aspects of your dealings with staff, customers and suppliers. Eventually it will drain you and start affecting your health and your relationships.
It is never too late to start the business that you have always wanted as long as you are still healthy and financially stable.
2008-03-11
Not Stocked At The Ballet Store - Your Ability To Concentrate : Business book store shopping sale online
Not Stocked At The Ballet Store - Your Ability To Concentrate
by Dianne M. Buxton
Advancing in ballet, and into pointe shoes is determined by some finer details other than age, experience and muscle strength. Your ability to concentrate, to form neural pathways (learning new things through concentration and repetition) and to create the correct muscle memory will show that you can go on to pointe work. You must be able to work safely, with no distractions. If you are a little tired, or having an "off day", your ability to concentrate will get you through.
Holding back a young dance student from pointe work, who has the near-perfect physique, allowing for accurate placement and tidy looking exercises, is sometimes advisable.
The extent of muscular strength may not be present yet. Just as important, the maturity and ability to concentrate may not be developed.
The advantage of practising pre-pointe foot exercises is that a student has focused on some finer details of muscle work in the tiny intrinsic foot muscles. These muscles do not get developed well in our footwear, generally.
Specific exercises using the toes like you are playing a piano, or switching off lifting the big toe from the floor, then the other four toes, develop the foot muscles.
But first, the neural pathways are developed. The ability to concentrate on these tiny movements trains the brain to recognize what you want.
Then, after repetitions of the correct movements, the brain connects immediately with the right muscles and the correct movement results. That's muscle memory. And the strength follows.
I've often recommended stretching while you are watching a movie, or studying. Sprawled on the floor with a book, in second position, and slowly stretching and backing off when pain occurs, does not take the same kind of focus.
What you cannot get on the shelf at the ballet store, you can get with practise. Your brain will build neural pathways any way you want. If the technique is accurate, hurrah. If not, you will at some point have to unlearn, and learn again. That is more difficult.
If your power of concentration is not developed, no problem. You just repeat a correctly learned exercise. Your fantastic brain takes over. You feel your muscles and every single part of a movement. THEN you start to build strength.
And when you get into pointe shoes, you already have a better ability to concentrate, a good muscle memory from well built neural pathways, and a measure of control.
Some excellent tips and tricks to build strength, muscle memory, and understanding faster, are provided here.
by Dianne M. Buxton
Advancing in ballet, and into pointe shoes is determined by some finer details other than age, experience and muscle strength. Your ability to concentrate, to form neural pathways (learning new things through concentration and repetition) and to create the correct muscle memory will show that you can go on to pointe work. You must be able to work safely, with no distractions. If you are a little tired, or having an "off day", your ability to concentrate will get you through.
Holding back a young dance student from pointe work, who has the near-perfect physique, allowing for accurate placement and tidy looking exercises, is sometimes advisable.
The extent of muscular strength may not be present yet. Just as important, the maturity and ability to concentrate may not be developed.
The advantage of practising pre-pointe foot exercises is that a student has focused on some finer details of muscle work in the tiny intrinsic foot muscles. These muscles do not get developed well in our footwear, generally.
Specific exercises using the toes like you are playing a piano, or switching off lifting the big toe from the floor, then the other four toes, develop the foot muscles.
But first, the neural pathways are developed. The ability to concentrate on these tiny movements trains the brain to recognize what you want.
Then, after repetitions of the correct movements, the brain connects immediately with the right muscles and the correct movement results. That's muscle memory. And the strength follows.
I've often recommended stretching while you are watching a movie, or studying. Sprawled on the floor with a book, in second position, and slowly stretching and backing off when pain occurs, does not take the same kind of focus.
What you cannot get on the shelf at the ballet store, you can get with practise. Your brain will build neural pathways any way you want. If the technique is accurate, hurrah. If not, you will at some point have to unlearn, and learn again. That is more difficult.
If your power of concentration is not developed, no problem. You just repeat a correctly learned exercise. Your fantastic brain takes over. You feel your muscles and every single part of a movement. THEN you start to build strength.
And when you get into pointe shoes, you already have a better ability to concentrate, a good muscle memory from well built neural pathways, and a measure of control.
Some excellent tips and tricks to build strength, muscle memory, and understanding faster, are provided here.
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