Bimethyls

Do you lack motivation? I must confess, even I have periods when I am not particularly motivated. I have times when I just want to goof off, drink some beer with friends, watch some dopey show on TV or take a nap. I don’t think you would be human if you were doing something all the time. You would be some sort of boring robot.

However, overall I would say that I am very motivated to achieve all sorts of things. The thing is this – when I am particularly motivated to do something I really do mow down the work in front of me. I am always challenging myself to go faster, be more productive and to find better ways of doing things. When I work, I REALLY work – no mucking around!

The hardest part of doing anything is to make a start. A trades-person will often spend as much time assembling the tools as doing the job. Making a start is essential. If that is your problem then might I suggest that you get a clock and work as hard and as fast as you can for 15 minutes. When you have done that sit back and look at what you have done. Often it will inspire you to keep going.

Often I will “chunk” my work into 15, 30 or 60-minute blocks of time. I compete each successive block with each preceding block to see how much more I can get done.

I am always working with targets. For instance, I have set myself a target of 15 minutes to write this article then another 15 minutes to edit and polish it. So far, at this point I have only consumed seven minutes of my time in writing. That leaves me more time to edit and polish, or it may mean that I finish the whole thing quicker than I anticipated. That is always a bonus.

If motivation or, more correctly, lack of motivation is your biggest hurdle then try the techniques I mentioned above. One other thing you might like to try is rewarding yourself after you have successfully completed a target block. Let’s say you are digging a trench. Set yourself a point at where you will take a five-minute break and reward yourself with a nice cold lemon juice. How refreshing that would be.

Motivation is all about having a clear plan, setting targets, marking off checkpoints and giving yourself the occasional reward. When I finish this article my reward will be to make myself a nice cup of black tea. I have now taken just over ten minutes to complete my goal of writing this. The proofing and editing took only three and a half minutes. My little rest and that cup of tea now awaits me.

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

About the author: Gary Simpson is the author of eight books covering a diverse range of subjects such as self esteem, affirmations, self defense, finance and much more. His articles appear all over the web. Gary’s email address is budo@iinet.net.au. Click here to go to his
Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website where you can receive his “Zenspirational Thoughts” plus an immediate FREE copy of his highly acclaimed, life-changing e-book “The Power of Choice.”

How Do You Score with your Clients?

Your clients will verbally and silently let you know how you are performing. Do they routinely give you repeat business, testimonials, and referrals to others?

The only way to accomplish the above is to initially work for a win-win solution, then continually deliver on extraordinary service, follow-up promptly on promises, listen carefully and make certain everyone is satisfied. This is relationship selling at its best.

The real estate agent stories below exemplify how service will work for you dependent upon how you work with your client. You will read why one agent will never be called again, the second needs to move on to another career and the third has all the business she wants.

How can the outcomes be so different for the three agents in the same industry? It is all dependent upon attitude and a willingness to work hard on the client’s behalf. Here are their stories:

A rental agent was recommended to me for getting the word out about a condo. The recommended agent came with a “partner” on a Friday afternoon to meet with me. By Monday morning the recommended agent was gone. She never once mentioned her upcoming leave. We felt it was less than honest and would never seek her help in the future after she returns.

The partner, or second agent, was dedicated to our account. Not only did this agent not follow up on promised advertising on our behalf, he does not communicate. Unless I called a minimum of 2 times, he would not return a call let alone initiate a call to provide status updates. Realizing he did not have our interests in mind, we terminated the agreement.

The third agent represents the model of how this service should be. She immediately took over on our behalf, and offered to host an Open House for our rental. The reason for selling soon disappeared. This agent did not give up. She then put us on her distribution list to sales comparables for our area. Once I a while she will write to ask what’s new and send holiday greetings. When we are ready to sell, she will be the one invited in to help us.

Ask yourself – am I doing everything possible to accommodate my clients in a friendly and reasonable manner to encourage repeat business and referrals? Am I building a team event each day to improve employee and client loyalty?

To further ensure repeat business, referrals and testimonials, check in frequently with your clients. Thank everyone involved with the purchasing decision. Thank each employee involved in each sale. Encourage employees to offer suggestions for improvement. Implement a bonus program for exceeding goals. Offer relevant training for each level. Build employee loyalty.

Ask your clients how service may be improved. Stay involved with their future growth plans. Keep your clients abreast of new developments within your own company and how your improvements may help them grow their business.

Every time you see a write- up in the newspaper about their company or industry, let your client know. Ask how the news will affect them.

Become an information resource for your prospects and clients. Recommend others who can use your clients’ services and refer your clients to others who can help them. Let your clients know that you are not only a vendor but also a partner. Strive to build client loyalty. Once you routinely implement these suggestions, the repeat business, testimonials and referrals will follow.

© Smooth Sale Tips Newsletter by Smooth Sale 2003-2005. All Rights Reserved.

Smooth Sale requests that if you wish to re-print this article, please contact us first for permission, and provide us with full credit.

Your center of influence will grow And Your Business Will Prosper

Elinor Stutz, CEO of Smooth Sale and Author, has transformed her successful award-winning corporate sales career into a business training entrepreneurs and network marketers on how to sell better and build business more quickly.

Smooth Sale Delivers: Full Day and Half-Day Sales Skill Training for Entrepreneurs and Network Marketers; Community Sales Tele-Classes, and Speaking Engagements to benefit your Group.


Sales@SmoothSale.net

http://www.smoothsale.net


Read: “Smooth Selling a quick course in building relationships”

Hear: “Smooth Selling CD audio seminar”

Request: A talk for your group

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Call: 415 615 6887 or 800 704 1499

I just happened upon an article that entices us to speak about customer transactions as “experiences.”

Suddenly, I feel I’m emerging from a time capsule, back to the 1960’s (most of which really happened in the 70’s according to people who were there.)

Everybody is barefoot, dangling love beads, and singing “If you come to San Francisco, wear a flower in your hair!”

I’m a little uptight, in my London tailored suit, custom shirt and way too conservative necktie.

This doesn’t go unnoticed by the hippie chick that has been giving me the eye; or is she really scowling? I can’t tell; maybe it’s this funny Kool-Aid they gave me when I sat on the grass…

(Is my tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth?)

Anyway, she says, “Relax, man; just groove behind THE EXPERIENCE!”

Wow, suddenly, I kid you not, that rock group starts playing that song from The Jimi Hendrix EXPERIENCE!

Coincidence?

I don’t think so, man, like everything is this groovy EXPERIENCE!

Like, man, like have you ever EXPERIENCED anything like that!

Customer service has been invaded by throwbacks from the psychedelic, Peter Max, paisley painted, VW Microbus universe.

Their rhetoric is ridiculous because it disserves our understanding. They speak of “customer relationships” as if we’re courting, sparking, marrying, and divorcing people who are buying light bulbs and widgets from us.

Wrong, we’re exchanging value for value, and it’s not like LOVE, MAN!

It’s about THE MONEY!

These are commercial transactions, first, last, and always.

So, can we just drop off these relics who use 60’s-speak as if it were real, and get on with the business of the 21st century?

Most people think that a team is a group of people gathered together with a particular goal in common. In a way that is right but in many ways tat is very wrong. A group of individuals that are working together without a clear understanding of how they fit into the whole and how everyone else fits into the whole cannot possibly work in symphony and be a truly cohesive team. Now on the other end of the equation we have a group that has an intimate knowledge of how they contribute to the goal and how the other team members contribute to the final result. This group of people can be considered a team since they truly work together, not just work in close proximity.

A team’s success depends on all of the parts working smoothly without a break in the action. A real team can speak to one another without really going into all of the details of what is needed. Teams that work together well know what is going to happen and what must happen on everyone’s part. This type of group is not just stumbled upon. A team that works well together is built from the ground up. How you say? That is the secret. There are a ton of different exercises and activities that can be done to help this process along. What will work for your team is possibly different than what will work for another team. The people involved play a part in the team building process. Different activities work better on certain types of teams; some are good for sports, some for corporate people and still others for clubs and organizations.

The fastest way to learn which type of group activities to use to improve your team would be to hire a consultant to help you out. There are lots of consulting companies that will come in and study your company or group and its members to determine what types and specifically which exercises will help hone your team to a sharp edge. There are a lot of these companies that claim expertise but do not really have it so if you go to hire someone make sure you check their references.

Consider incorporating team building into your group or company. Feel free to use the resources below to continue your research.

Information on Ski Vacations in Aspen, Alaska & Big Sky

I am sure you will agree that, before departing on any vacation, a little information on your destination can only help. Our purpose is to provide you with exactly that regarding ski vacations!

Alaska Ski Vacations

Alaska, which has always been a source of awe and mystery, has some of the best skiing in the world, and the Alyeska Resort is one of the finest resorts in the state. With a top elevation of 2751 feet and a 2501 vertical drop, the area gets an average of 631 inches of snow annually. Although this is some of the best skiing in the world, you won’t find the slopes overly crowded, and there are no long lift lines. There are nine lifts, including six chair lifts and two surface lifts, and one cable car line. There are 68 trails for beginners, intermediates, and experts, with the majority of the trails designed for intermediate skiers. Night time skiing is allowed, which makes your ski experience more adventurous and thrilling. You will see snow capped mountains, hanging glaciers, and of course, the famous Northern Lights. This resort is ranked number nine of the top twenty-five killer ski trips by Skiing Magazine. The season begins at the Alyeska Resort in mid November, and runs through mid April. This area of Alaska boasts the longest daytime areas in the United States, with approximately sixteen hours of daylight each day during April. During December, however, there are only about seven hours of daylight – which makes night time skiing necessary if you are going to get in the time that you want to spend on the slopes. The Alyeska Prince Hotel is the place to stay! Here you will enjoy elegant rooms and fine dining. Nightly entertainment is available as well. There are other nightlife spots in the area as well, that are not associated with the Hotel. If tubing interests you, then visiting the Glacier Tubing Park is an absolute must! Featuring two lanes of terrain and a surface lift, everyone in the family will enjoy spending time at the tubing park. The Alyeska Terrain Park is a must for snowboarding enthusiasts. Other winter activities that can be enjoyed in and around the Alyeska Resort include flight seeing, helisking, ocean cruising tours, dog sledding, ice climbing, back country skiing, mountaineering, and polar bear viewing. At the Alyeska Resort, the ultimate winter vacation can be experienced. Brave the elements, then return to the Hotel for some pampering. Get a taste of what Alaska is really like, and what skiing is meant to be! There are activities for the entire family to enjoy, and there are many area sights and attractions to be enjoyed as well. This really is an awesome winter family ski vacation! Enjoy your Alaska Ski Vacation.

Aspen Ski VacationsAspen Mountain has long been known as the playpen of the rich and famous – and it is. But it is also a great place to take a family ski vacation. Christmas in Aspen is especially wonderful! Aspen Mountain rises above the town of Aspen, with a top elevation of 11215 feet and a vertical drop of 3269 feet. There are 76 trails suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts, accessible by eight lifts, including seven chair lifts and one cable car line. While Aspen has much to offer skiers, as well as those who enjoy the night life in a ski town, you should expect lots of crowds and lift lines on the slopes. Again, this is the playpen of the rich and famous, and many people choose this ski vacation spot simply for that reason – as well as for the great runs and nightlife. There are numerous places to stay in and around Aspen, with more than 100 restaurants to choose from as well. Ski instructions and equipment rental are abundant in the area, and snowboarders are welcome.When you think of all the ski resorts in the world one of them stands out in your mind. Aspen offers a variety of ski areas for all levels and it covers 4,500 acres or more spread over four mountains. This resort is known for its nightlife because of the downtown area and the quieter Snowmass resort area has something to offer everyone.

Aspen provides all the restaurants and bars you could ever want or need You can take a stroll through this luxurious city and find many boutiques and much more. There is a lot of history in many of the buildings that are in the downtown area. One of these buildings is the Ute bank; this building can be dated back to the silver area around the 1800’s.

With everything that there is to do in Aspen you shouldn’t find yourself getting bored. Aspen is located in Colorado, and with the various mountain ranges, you are sure to find slopes that are suitable for your level. Snowmass is one of the most popular resorts in the world, so be sure to make reservations well in advance.What a great ski vacation awaits you in Aspen!

Big Sky Ski Vacations

With all that Big Sky, Montana has to offer skiers, it is amazing that so few know about its existence! Known for its wide open slopes and short lift lines, Big Sky Ski Resort has one of the largest lift served vertical drops in the United States. Over 5300 acres of ski slopes and trails await skiers, with over 33 feet of snowfall each season. Big Sky Ski Resort features twenty three lifts, 220 trails, and a 4350 foot vertical drop. The top elevation is 11154 feet. Along with the ski lifts, there are also two cable car lines available. While there are beginner slopes, most of the slopes are geared toward intermediate and expert skiers. There are many places to lodge in Big Sky Resorts Mountain Village, which rests at the foot of the impressive Lone Peak mountain. Enjoy Sleigh Ride dinners, ice skating, parties, snowmobile tours, and a variety of community events. At Big Sky, there are no strangers. Big Sky, Montana is one of the highest rated Ski Resorts in the United States, and there is something here for everyone. Have a great ski vacation at Big Sky, Montana!

We hope that you found this information of use &, should you require further information on other ski vacation destinations, you can find similar articles on destinations from A – W in this article series on ski vacations! Simply use the search facility for “ski vacation”.

Barry Williams is the Managing Director of Sun Villas Direct Ltd http://www.sunvillasdirect. com

who offer all kinds of vacations & travel related services worldwide, including ski vacations

Compiled from my numerous articles and reports on copywriting, the following 66 tips will help you write copy that builds awareness, generates leads and increases sales.

To plan your project, answer these basic questions:
1. What is the piece?
2. What is the subject?
3. Who is the audience?
4. What is the purpose?
5. How will the piece be used?

To prepare to write copy, gather useful online and offline source materials:
6. Web sites.
7. Ads.
8. Brochures.
9. Newsletters.
10. Annual reports.
11. Articles.
12. Catalogs.
13. News releases.
14. Speeches.
15. Videotapes.
16. Market research.
17. Marketing plans.
18. Reports.
19. Competitors’ ads and sales literature.

To write effective copy:
20. Loosen up and make writing fun.
21. Be personal.
22. Be interesting.
23. Use humor with caution.
24. Always make things easy on your audience.
25. Have the “you’s” far exceed the “we’s.”
26. Write strong noun-verb combinations.
27. Write short sentences and paragraphs.
28. Use simple words.
29. Write to express, not impress.
30. Write the way you talk.
31. Use personal pronouns.
32. Use contractions.
33. Use the active voice.
34. Begin sentences with conjunctions.
35. Use subheads.
36. Write subheads that tell the story to those who skim copy.
37. Use bullets.
38. Stop after saying what needs saying.
39. Capture attention in an appropriate way.

To get attention:
40. Use a headline.
41. Tell the audience something they know.
42. Ask a question.
43. Offer an anecdote.
44. Say something timely.

To connect with your audience:
45. Do your homework.
46. Walk a mile in their shoes.
47. Make them feel important (and do it sincerely).
48. Talk in terms of their interests.
49. Arouse in them an eager want.
50. Begin in a friendly way.
51. Get them saying “yes, yes” immediately.
52. Dramatize your ideas.

To persuade and motivate:
53. Identify the need or problem.
54. Provide a solution and its benefits.
55. Provide proof with facts, statistics, opinions and testimonials.
56. Tell the audience what to do next, including how and when.
57. Keep the call to action simple and specific to avoid confusion.

To write clearly and correctly:
58. Always let clarity be your guide.
59. Make sure subjects and verbs are in agreement.
60. Don’t overload copy with modifiers.
61. Put modifiers near the words they’re modifying.
62. Use a dictionary, thesaurus and stylebook.

To complete the copy:
63. Keep approval levels to a minimum.
64. Read copy from your audience’s viewpoint, not as an editor.
65. Provide specific comments.
66. Let the copywriter do the rewriting.

Copyright (c) 2006 Neil Sagebiel

Neil Sagebiel is a veteran copywriter who has served clients such as Microsoft, The Seattle Times, Lucent Technologies, March of Dimes, Airborne Express and Unisys. To sign up for his FREE expert tips to help you write better and sell more, visit www.neilsagebiel.com.