Sunday, December 27, 2009

Small Business

This blog includes rules and tips about starting your own small business and to learn more about how to improve your business ideas.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Five Types of Stands to Market Your Brand

Five Types of Stands to Market Your Brand
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brantley_Graham]Brantley Graham

If you are having a new business start up and want to be successful in your brand selling. One of the best choices is to exhibit in an exhibition or a trade show. For the promotion and marketing of your company there are various types of stands such as bespoke and custom modular exhibition ones, shell schemes and various sized pop up and banner stands. Following are a brief description of the choices you have:





Banner Stands - These are compact, easy to carry and are perfect for reuse. For a point of sale banner stands are ideal choice and are a great promotional tool also. They are affordable and come in different designs. Banner stands are often used outside the restaurants. They are much lighter to carry anywhere you want them. They are portable and easy to set up and dismantle. They are not very costly either.


Pop Up Stands - These types of stands are more suited to presentations, exhibitions or conferences. They come in a wide range of style and designs. These are light weighted and the construction is very simple, as the name suggests. To market your business pop up stands are a good dynamic solution and are also inexpensive. Portable pop up ones are just a right choice to make to exhibit your product in an exhibition or a trade show.




Exhibition Stands - these stands are custom made modular solutions for a company, they come in different styles and designs. Price of these stands and styles vary greatly. Some of these stands are expensive and are stylish and impressive; many companies spend their budget on these stands. Other companies may choose smaller stands but still they are a good design. There are many custom built exhibition stands, they have their own benefit as they are tailored according to your specifications and needs they fit to your product the most.




Literature Stands - These stands as the name suggests, are used to display literature in exhibitions and conferences. These types of stands may come in different styles and sizes, sometimes in different pocket sizes like, 4, 5 or 8 pocket size. They are easy to carry and they display more professionalism. These stands use literature holders that are collapsible and reusable as they are strong and elastic. As they are collapsible they are easy to pack and dismantle.




Exhibition Kits - One other perfect solution for a conference might be a combination of exhibition and display stands as one package, called the exhibition kit, you can buy one for a conference. It includes the combination of items like a roller banner, a pop up strand, some graphics and a plinth stand. These kits provide all items under a single roof.


Plinth stands are perfect for placing things on top of them like a laptop, free sweets or a business card. Panel and Pole stands might also be your choice they are robust and strong yet very flexible.

Visit TSNN.co.uk to place a quick quote for [http://tsnn.co.uk/exhibition_stand_design/suppliers]Exhibition Banner Stands for conference, meeting and other events from modular stands suppliers. TSNN.co.uk is the largest UK conference and event website and by submitting a quick quote, your requirements will be sent to multiple suppliers so that you can find various items including [http://tsnn.co.uk]exhibition stands and display boards.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Five-Types-of-Stands-to-Market-Your-Brand&id=3440360] Five Types of Stands to Market Your Brand

Top 8 Mistakes Small Business Owners Make

Top 8 Mistakes Small Business Owners Make
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jovana_Zivanovic]Jovana Zivanovic

When starting a small business most entrepreneurs are full of enthusiasm and high expectations, but, according to the US Small Business Administration, around 50 % of them fail within the first five years. Reasons for the failure are diverse and numerous, just like the risks involved in starting and running a small business. Here are some tips how to be within those 50 % of small businesses which manage to sustain and succeed.

1) Jump straight into a new business, dive in headfirst: Realistic and objective relationship with your own business starts when you start your company. Sometimes there is no time to analyze and think too much, unplanned opportunity shows, it is the right moment etc. But mostly you do have enough space to take a critical look at your venture before investing too much time or money. Think about things such as the weakest part of your plan, competition, chances on market, what would you do if this plan wouldn't work. These critical analysis will help you avoid some of the basic and very common mistakes. Believe it or not many of them could be skipped at the very beginning.

2) Underestimating how long it will take until the business starts to support itself and you: This simply means two things. First-you must be aware that each new business needs a lot of time to spread and start functioning-earning money, and you must count with that-being prepare to see no income for a first few months. Second-you must calculate how much exactly it is going to cost and what time period is necessary for your business to attract regular customers/clients. This is the most serious mistake and problem which make people bankrupt and give up.

3) Not knowing your customers: When you get an original idea of your business, your next thought should be the market and the customers. No matter what kind of products or services you provide, you must know in the first place what is your target group of people, who are your potential customers, what do they need, how can you help them, how can you reach them. And even when you already have a solid customer base, you must be careful about changes in fashion, finances, approach and everything that come with the times which are changing.

4) Spending or borrowing too much: Initial high expectations can work against small business owners when they lead to borrowing too much. When you take a credit or a loan from the bank, don't forget that you are the one who is going to return that money and your business won't start generating profit immediately. The larger the loan, the larger the monthly payment. When you do get the money for your new company, be careful what you are going to spend it on. Don't spend too much on equipment, furniture, hiring too many employees and renting a huge space. Go step by step.

5) Not being prepared for taxes: If this is your first small business to run, you must remember the taxes, as the regular monthly cost. People often make this serious mistake thinking only about invested money and profit it will bring. But you have to fulfill a couple of obligations to the state, you can't avoid them and these amounts are not low, especially if you let them accumulate. It's a good idea to have a separate bank account only for this purpose, put money into it from each payment you receive.

6) Lack of marketing and advertising plan: A marketing plan is a part of your initial small business plan. It creates the kind of attention you want to get in front of your customers. It is what attracts people to you and it is a story which stands behind your products or services. That story is what people like to buy. Especially if your business is fresh new, the marketing is the only way to let people now you are there. Having a website, a good website is a good way to promote your business and make it visible.

7) Ignoring the employees is a mistake many entrepreneurs make. You might be the key to everything but you cannot do everything. That is why you hire the people to work for you. And with you. Right staff is very, very important. By "right" I mean people who knows their job, and do it well. And for that you have to make them feel useful, important and respected. If you share your ideas, success and money with them, you will get the positive feedback, and that will have a positive impact on your company.

8) Giving Up: As we have already said building a business isn't an instant product. It is a very reason many companies shut down so soon. But, if you have a control over your finances and realistic business plan you should never give up when you come across the first obstacles. All the good and important things require certain period of time, and having in mind all the challenges of running a business brings, it's normal that the beginning is hard and not each period of the year is equally successful. If you're not starting than keep in mind all the bad moments you used to face with and how did you face with them. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs failed a few times before doing extremely well.

Jovana is technical writer, editor and small business expert at Bizcloud. Bizcloud is a combination of site-blog, application and service created in order to promote small businesses. http://www.bizcloud.net

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-8-Mistakes-Small-Business-Owners-Make&id=3348097] Top 8 Mistakes Small Business Owners Make

10 Ways to Ensure That You Don't Join the 97% of Small Business Owners That Fail in the First 5 Year

10 Ways to Ensure That You Don't Join the 97% of Small Business Owners That Fail in the First 5 Year
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Carol_Dodsley]Carol Dodsley

• Business plans
• Marketing strategies
• Cash flow forecasts
• Passive income streams
• Social networking
• Copywriting and more

I know how overwhelming it can be learning about all of these things and working out what to do first, what to do next and how to do many of these things when you've just finished your training and are so excited about being able to help others change their lives. All the business speak and tasks that you need to think about, plan and do, can feel overwhelming and oftentimes be intimidating too at the beginning of your journey to build a successful business!

As a beginner working for yourself and building a successful business, you do not need to know or worry about everything just yet. Right now, you just need to know the basics to get you started and to see your initial results.

So there's no need to feel overwhelmed about any of these things or think you need to spend mammoth amounts of time learning about writing business plans and all these other business related tasks. If you are passionate about your future business and committed to success, even as a beginner you can create rock solid business foundations by just following these simple tips:

1) Always take responsibility for what you are doing, decide what you want to do and what feels right for you to do. Take help and advice from others but don't follow their suggestions blindly. What works for others may work for you too but if their advice and suggestions just do not feel right to you, you don't have to follow them. Follow your own instincts and do what feels right for you.

2) Know that it will likely take 3-6 months before seeing real results from all of your effort and hard work, but after that point the results will start to snowball.

3) Focus on creating your own personal rock solid foundations and investing in yourself first and foremost. Too many people invest so much time and money to complete their training, gain their skills and qualifications and then forget to continue to invest in themselves and their future success. Without rock solid foundations you will be moving forward blindly and making your first business building blocks in credibly hard for yourself.

4) Decide if you want to work for yourself on a self-employed basis or build a business. There is a big difference between the two and knowing which you are doing will make a big difference to the building blocks you will put in place and also to your future financial success too.

5) Before you begin to look for premises, find clients, spend time and money on creating leaflets & websites and much more, make sure that you know why you want to create a successful business on an emotional level. Ask yourself what it will feel like and give you emotionally to create a successful business.

6) Ask yourself what is in it for you materialistically - how much money do you want to attract, what materialistic things would you like to have in your life, where would you like to live, what would you like to be able to do.

7) Decide what business arena you are working in - all too often small business owners stumble into a particular business arena because someone else tells them it is a good idea, or they decide they want to work for themselves and begin their business working for themselves in the same business arena they were working in as an employee only to find a few months down the road that they are not happy and don't actually like the arena they find themselves in - whatever business arena you choose, ask yourself if you really enjoy reading about it, hearing about it, talking about it, learning about it.

8) Decide how you want to offer your products or services to others, look at what you really enjoy doing and think out of the box. If you are in the helping arena with your business, you may offer one to one services, you may though enjoy offering group workshops more or online video and audio services. You can offer products and services in so many different was - check in with yourself that you really enjoy the way you will be offering yours.

9) Check that your vales align to your business goals and dreams, if you build a business that is out of synch with your own values, it will be very hard work for you as you will be working against yourself. if you are not sure what your top 5 values are take some time to look at them before you begin your business and then write them down and pop them on your wall so that you can look at them often, and check that everything you are doing is aligning to them.

10) Check that your beliefs are not in conflict with your dreams and plans for your business. if you believe:

You do not deserve to be successful
You are not experienced enough to be successful
You are not expert enough to be successful

You wont be successful. if you currently have limiting beliefs at this stage you re-frame and release them before beginning your business, if you begin with limiting beliefs they will challenge you and potentially block your success. If you will just do these 10 simple but powerful things listed here, you will make a strong start to developing rock solid business foundations that will benefit and enable your success over the long term.

Carol

Carol Dodsley is the founder of the Specialist Guild of Excellence and Success, the worlds leading specialist business success community. Carol is your Specialist Business Success Expert, and is passionate about helping you attract more clients, create more income, work less hours and remove overwhelm an frustration as you build your business success: [http://www.ultimatebusinesspotential.com]http://www.ultimatebusinesspotential.com. To receive your totally FREE UBPBM(TM) Ultimate Business Potential Models, foundational programme report and start creating your rock solid business success foundations, visit the website today [http://www.ultimatebusinesspotential.com]http://www.ultimatebusinesspotential.com.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Ways-to-Ensure-That-You-Dont-Join-the-97%-of-Small-Business-Owners-That-Fail-in-the-First-5-Year&id=3448484] 10 Ways to Ensure That You Don't Join the 97% of Small Business Owners That Fail in the First 5 Year

5 Secrets For Small Business Success

5 Secrets For Small Business Success
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Drew_Stevens]Drew Stevens

It is the best of times; it is the worst of times, immortal words written by Charles Dickens more than 200 years ago. Numerous businesses are struggling with both profits and productivity. While the current recession weighs heavily many organizations are doing well despite the storm. So how can organizations rise from the economic quagmire? What can be done to ensure success and what might be done to prolong a business' existence?

First, it is imperative to understand that 90% of the economic wealth within the United States stems from small business. Entrepreneurs are the economic backbone to our society- not complex business.

1) Many years ago, management guru Peter Drucker stated that there is only one reason that organizations are in business- the customer. The customer is the focus for everything; sales, marketing, research and development, even finances.

2) Cultivate Relationships. It costs 10 times more to develop a new client than sell an existing one. Current clients are the lifeblood of every successful business. Get to know your clients.

3) Driving Force. Strategy is the framework that guides those choices which determine the nature and direction of an organization. To encourage useful thought and to build a clear and concise strategy, business owners should be seeking answers to the following questions:

• What is the thrust or focus for future business development?
• What is the scope of products and markets that will and will not-be considered?
• What are the future emphasis or priority and mix for products and markets that fall within that scope?
• What key capabilities are required to make the strategic vision a reality?
• What does this vision imply for growth and return expectations?

4) Amplify Marketing. History proves that recessions are the best times to increase the market's awareness and perception of your products and services. Recessionary times call for aggressive measures and one of the best strategies when others are retreating is to increase marketing. As competitors tightly control advertising to balance profit streams, a recession is a great time to overtake ridiculous budget habits

5) One for all and All for One. The final principle of success in every business is the ability of all involved working to fulfill the needs of the organizations most important asset- the customer. 45% of every client interaction involves customer service and support. It is imperative for all companies to follow the rule of the Three P's - People, Processes and Physical Evidence

The best organizations understand the need for a clear vision, have created strategies to circumnavigate the issues and remained focused on the customer. If your organization is moving astray, review the 5 principles, make a 30-day plan, create some action and watch your margins and success soar!

Copyright 2009 Drew Stevens PhD. All rights reserved.

There are 7 techniques you can use daily to assist you preparation efforts. Get the 7 Secrets to Sales Preparation by emailing me today. Ask about our Free 30 Minutes "Sales Acceleration Coaching Clinic" to help you gain immediate sales result!

©2009. Drew J. Stevens Ph. D. All rights reserved.

Drew Stevens PhD is one of the worlds leading experts in sales and sales skills. Dr. Drew is the author of six books including Split Second Selling and the soon to be released Ultimate Business Bible. With over 25 years of sales experience and business leader, Dr. Drew has extensive experience in assisting both entrepreneurs and selling professionals to experience higher efficiency and effectiveness. He is also the creator of the Sales Leadership Certificate one of only 14 programs in the United States offering an accredited degree in the profession of selling and has a top ranked podcast called Sales Fitness offering tips and techniques that immediately improve selling performance.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Secrets-For-Small-Business-Success&id=3450570] 5 Secrets For Small Business Success

This Just In! The 10 Small Business Ideas For 2010

This Just In! The 10 Small Business Ideas For 2010
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Susan_S._Judd]Susan S. Judd

Small businesses are everywhere, but only a few actually have made it to the top. Obviously, if you are like me, you look at a small business as a sizable investment because no matter how small it is, there is still a start-up cost to pay. In this day and age, people are looking to save as much money as they can. Unfortunately, the economy isn't what it used to be and people have had to adjust. But yet, even in these hectic times, time is till moving forward, and everyone is looking to become an entrepreneur.

Given below are the top 10 small business ideas for 2010 that are likely to grow and become very popular over the coming years:

1. Organic Cloth Diapers - The neat thing about this is that it is very simple. You can find organic cloth almost anywhere, and if you own a sewing machine and know how to sew a diaper, you are all set. Right now, people are struggling just to pay the electric bill, let alone pay for diapers. Another great thing is that people will never stop having kids, and they will also never want to stop saving money! To boot, they are contributing to a healthier environment - which is something that has become very crucial...and even trendy!

2. Working From Home Online - A business that lets you promote products, such as affiliate marketing is expected to grow enormously over the next few years. The great thing about it is that the start up cost is small, and all you need is your computer to work!

3. Offer Services From Your Own Home - If you have a designated space in your home that you could call your office, then this would be the perfect idea. Since you are into saving money, a home office is just the thing to have. Most entrepreneurs spend money on office space, which can really cut into their expenses.

4. Organic Produce - As I'm sure you have noticed, everyone is talking about the whole concept of "going green". There have been more discoveries made about health and the benefits of living a healthy, "green" lifestyle in the past five years more than ever before. People are always looking for a way to save, and be safe also. Organic produce isn't grown using harsh chemicals, and that is what separates it from the rest.

5. Trash Treasures - Do you have an accumulation of cans, cardboard, old clothing, etc? Instead of throwing it out, find something to make with it. There are a bunch of websites that freely give out ideas on easy arts and crafts. You could start by creating a few things, get your own website, and operate your business right from the comfort of your own home.

6. Outsourcing - This is something else that is becoming more popular as time passes by. The pay is good, and it also gives you a chance to become highly recognized without having to do a lot of advertising.

7. Online Home Business - There are seriously thousands of small business ideas you could choose. You could choose to make or sell soy candles, makeup, household cleaner, t-shirts, office equipment, greeting cards, etc. Either way, it's something you need to think about that could possibly create a very lucrative profit.

8. Seasonal Businesses - And I'm not talking about just for one season. Something that you could do (and I am sure it would be profitable) would be to buy and sell products from distributors that are put out just for the season. Be sure that other stores such as Wal-Mart and Target do not carry the same products. Make your products 100% unique. For example, in spring, sell "spring-cleaning" products. In February, sell chocolates, and other Valentine's Day gifts. In summer, sell school supplies, etc. People will want to buy your products because they are unique and the ideas keep changing, so it's also very interesting!

9. Traveling Businesses - This idea is a lot like a lemonade stand. You transport your products with you and advertise your business by selling at different locations. This will help tremendously with bringing the customers to you.

10. Freelancing Business Ideas - This involves staying at home and providing your professional writing and blogging services to various clients. A great way to advertise is to create a website as well as write for other websites at discount prices to attract more clientele.

Susan Judd is an expert in the field of business. She is an excellent resource when it comes to [http://www.businessideas.net/]successful small business ideas. She owns and operates several of her own small businesses and knows first hand all the details about what goes into formulating [http://www.businessideas.net/category/small-business-ideas]good small business ideas.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?This-Just-In!-The-10-Small-Business-Ideas-For-2010&id=3158242] This Just In! The 10 Small Business Ideas For 2010

How to Start Your Own Small Cleaning Business

How to Start Your Own Small Cleaning Business
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_P._Gray]Jeremy P. Gray

Venturing on your own small cleaning business is definitely an exciting endeavor. Turning this dream into reality is easy once you've took care in following the steps below:

Create a business plan.

Identify the budget for your small cleaning business. Work your way from here so it would be easy for you to identify which kind of cleaning would you offer. Canvass the costs of supplies, commercial space rentals and marketing or advertising expenses. Once you've set up these things in your business plan, go and busy yourself with thinking of your small cleaning business name.

Apply for a legal permit.

Check out the documents you would need to submit to register your business. If you still have budget, purchase a domain name for you're your small cleaning business website. Never fail to process the legal requirements of your business as this could only provide you with future problems.

Buy supplies and equipment.

Purchase needed supplies and equipment. Properly install your equipment in your commercial office if there's a need to. You should also take note of other supplies you might need in the future. Do the first inventory of you small cleaning business so you can easily calculate your expenses.

Consider advertising.

Have an ad announcing the opening of your small cleaning business. Don't forget to include your business name, logo, address, website address, contact numbers and services offered.

Build a bunch of client base.

Treat your first clients in a royal fashion. Address their needs promptly. Remember that the first batch of clients will be your referral base. Giving them the best service increases your chances to be recommended to a colleague or friend.

Ensure the happiness of your employees.

Make your employees feel that they are part of the business. Involve them in marketing schemes. Their happy and content dispositions would definitely create positive effects to your customers.

Widen your horizons through strategic marketing.

Check out the block of your customers so you can identify your target market. Strategize your marketing strategies such as promotions, loyal customer points and gifts toward this target market. Analyze what they usually look for and provide them that.

Jeremy Gray is a successful entrepreneur and a commercial cleaning business owner. He also owns and maintains [http://cleaningbusinesssecrets.com]CleaningBusinessSecrets.com, an indispensable resource for anyone looking to start their own [http://cleaningbusinesssecrets.com/articles/how-to-advertise-your-own-small-cleaning-business/]small cleaning business.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Start-Your-Own-Small-Cleaning-Business&id=3457361] How to Start Your Own Small Cleaning Business

Three Useful Tips to Repair Your Credit

Three Useful Tips to Repair Your Credit
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Peter_Lisdorf]Peter Lisdorf

As part of the credit-laden majority, I've had my own share of inconsistencies and irresponsibility as a payer. Though most of them have been due to certain financial difficulties at given periods in time, some just reflect my bad financial habits. And correct me if I am wrong, you share some of mine, too.

Unbalanced credit card purchases, late payments, defaulted loans and seemingly endless revolving debts are common examples of what we call daily doses of credit. We borrow and borrow, until we couldn't pay off on time anymore, which often leads us to arguments with the creditors and collectors. Worse, it leads to a damaged standing in our reports. We don't only gain unresolved debts that may resurface anytime, we also lose our reputation as borrowers. After having experienced looking at my delinquent standing with a distraught ego, I figured out that I should learn how to repair my credit. Some of those that I have learned through time are discussed below.


Pay before the 30th day.

Delayed payments are reported in the bureaus in 30, 60 and 90 days. If you are still trying to come up with funds to pay your overdue payment, make sure that you don't wait for the 30th day, since it will be posted as delayed by then.

Get as much credit cards and use them all.

No, this isn't a silly advice. You can get as much plastic cards as you like, as long as you use them all. The point is that you should never concentrate amounts of purchases on one single card, and never make it almost reach its limit. The best thing to do is make small purchases on each and every card, and of course, pay them all in time. The result - you get a better standing, because your debts are paid in full, on time, and it also means that you can handle many credit lines at the same time.

Negotiate with Creditors.

Since there is little way you can revert a bad standing, you can at least, negotiate with your original creditors and point out that you will pay your loan in full, for as long as they declare it cleared. Some may not be able to pull it off, but trust me, use your persuasive abilities and you will do just fine.


There are a lot of things that you can do aside from sulking in one corner and waiting for your debts to pile up, and your reputation to slide down the drain. It is possible that you can repair it. With the examples mentioned above that I have done through out the years, and by consulting debt counselors, you may be able to find newer ways for yourself. If you do not take action now, it may take about ten years to actually recover from a bad standing. With the right amount of determination and strategy, you don't need to have a bad history forever.

To learn more about how to improve your credit standing try visiting also thecreditreport.info, where you will get your [http://www.thecreditreport.info/credit-score/credit-score-explained-21.html]credit score explained, as well as finding more tips and advice how to build credit using [http://www.creditcreditcard.info/accountnow-mastercard-prepaid-credit-cards.html]mastercard prepaid credit cards.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Three-Useful-Tips-to-Repair-Your-Credit&id=3451899] Three Useful Tips to Repair Your Credit

Monday, October 26, 2009

Marketing and Advertising - Event Marketing - Field Marketing

Marketing and Advertising - Event Marketing - Field Marketing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Simmons_Powell]Simmons Powell

Event marketing is designing or developing a 'live' themed activity, to promote a product, cause, or organization, also called event creation.

Event marketing varies widely in terms of what product or service a company tries to advocate and how they go about promoting it. With so many different goals, it is not surprising that there are many different types of event staff available to fit each marketing strategy, including: brand ambassadors, samplers, tradeshow representatives, product demonstrators, street teams, costume characters, team leaders, and nightclub promoters.

Brand Ambassador: A brand ambassador publicly promotes a company's brand by delivering the brand message and increasing brand awareness. The brand ambassador serves as the public image of the brand. Some responsibilities involve: distributing pamphlets, gathering crowds, and talking with potential customers. Use brand ambassadors when you need an outgoing, friendly rep to interact with consumers while promoting your product.

Tradeshow Representatives: A tradeshow representative has a role similar to a brand ambassador, but they spend more time communicating with potential customers and providing more specific information about the company's product or service at a more focused location/event. Tradeshow reps typically work at a company's display area at a convention or show.

Field marketing is one of the ways of promoting our product, like event marketing. Field Marketing is the use of highly skilled and trained field marketing professionals to conduct brand-building strategic (long-term) or tactical (short-term) marketing exercises on behalf of clients.

Field Marketing allows fast and flexible solutions to the dynamics of the changing environment that is tailored to the needs of the client's market. Each campaign is individually designed to meet the client's objectives, so the reality is that any campaign might well involve two or more of the core disciplines. Thus FM works hard to maximize the client's budgets and give as much pay back as possible.

To explore more about [http://www.staffwarehouse.biz/]brand ambassadors and other marketing strategies such as field marketing, event promotions, [http://www.staffwarehouse.biz/]promotional girls, models and even more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simmons_Powell http://EzineArticles.com/?Marketing-and-Advertising---Event-Marketing---Field-Marketing&id=3102542

Key Account Manager

Key Account Manager
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ashita_Mehra_Gupta]Ashita Mehra Gupta

Key Account manager (KAM) is a necessity in the present scenario. Corporates should take care of the following points for KAMs success:

1. KAM requires a top down support if he and the corporate really want to succeed. KAM is the center point of the business, he is the core, so a positive support from all departments is a minimal requirement for his success.

2. If we talk about accountability, then whenever a key customer gets affected, or can be affected, the commitment for that customer must come from all levels, departments etc. of the supplier. Without proper support a KAM can do nothing whenever there is a crisis and therefore he alone cannot be held responsible.

3. There should be teamwork and for the same it is critical to sustain an energetic internal communications programme.

4. In my opinion a KAM knows his client the best so he should have a say in decision making, all employees should accept the change and work towards it, thereby supporting the KAM.

Tips for KAM:

Understanding the customer's business is very important. Unless and until a KAM understands his client business, he wont understand his requirements. Thus he will not be able to frame any value proposition for his client and gradually will fail. As the relationship progresses the value proposition will change. e.g., from just providing a service, the expectation will grow to providing the service with best quality and in time. Below are few suggestions:

1. Understand what your client wants, some only want a commodity or a service supplier. If this is the case, then sorry they are not the key.

2. Add value, articulate it and not the cost alone.

3. A win-win situation, proposing a mutual value proposition, is the best thing to do. It benefits your client as well as your own company.

4. Keep refreshing your value propositions to match with the customer's changing business. This will help you gain a beneficial position with your client.

I am sure these tips will help you all. Remember, do things gradually, dont rush! Keep experimenting but make sure it does not harm your reputation nor the corporate's, and learn from your old mistakes.

Keep viewing for more updates. Happy reading!

The author, Ashita Mehra Gupta is a Project/Key Account manager herself. She has done some private research on this topic and has a passion to educate more and more people who have similar interests. All the above content has been already tried and tested by her in her job.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashita_Mehra_Gupta http://EzineArticles.com/?Key-Account-Manager&id=2925794

Monday, October 19, 2009

Workplace Stress Accident Claims

A recent case in the Midlands saw the NHS being forced to pay a health worker 370,550 plus a further 24,000 per year for life, as the result of stress incurred whilst working in a Birmingham hospital. While this is encouraging news for anyone who suffers from work related stress, ministers have expressed concerns about the amount of NHS money being paid out in compensation claims. In the West Midlands alone, the NHS paid out 48 million, only 17 million of which was to patients. As a result, politicians are lobbying to have the laws changed where stress related illness is concerned, which could make things more difficult for future sufferers.

The Health and Safety Executive defines work related stress as "the process that arises where work demands of various types and combinations exceed the person's capacity and capability to cope". The result can be a significant increase in illness and disease and high numbers of staff absence. Interestingly, the HSE mentions the responsibility of employees to ensure that a job is well organized, designed and managed to help reduce the potential for stress related illness, although, as of yet, there is no discrete law that deals directly with the issue.

If you feel you are suffering from stress that is caused by your work, then you may be in a position to take out a claim against your employer. However, you would be best advised to employ the services of a work injury lawyer. While most people assume that these legal specialists are only for physical accident claims, their knowledge of the Law could be of significant help to you in launching such litigation, as there are certain aspects of the Law that may help you with your claim.

From the outset, there are certain things that can be taken into consideration. Firstly, it is understood that an employer has a duty of care to his employees and this is implied in the contract between them. Where employer's changes and impositions impact upon the conditions of employment, dignity at work and the personal well being of employees and the result is a stress related condition or injury then there may be cause for a claim. A good work injury specialist will be able to find the cause and effect of a situation like this.

It is also worth bearing in mind that stress can be caused through a number if other factors, such as harassment, bullying and discrimination of race, ethnicity, disability, religion, sex, sexuality and age. If it can be proven that the stress suffered is as a direct result of inappropriate behavior on the part of the employer or another colleague, then it is likely that you will have good grounds on which to base our complaint. In addition, there are also Laws in effect that protect those who feel they need to make a case for stress related conditions, so there is no need to fear dismissal or disciplinary procedures.

Getting in touch with a work accident solicitor could see you taking the first steps towards claiming compensation for a situation that has caused you undue stress and worry.

Visit Work Accident Solicitors if you have been [http://www.workaccidentsolicitors.co.uk/why-choose-us.html]Injured At Work.

Read our free [http://www.workaccidentsolicitors.co.uk/]Work Accidents Guide to discover everything you need to know about making a Work Accident Claim.

Nick Jervis is a solicitor (non-practicing) and a consultant to Work Accident Solicitors who specialize in Work Accident Claims.

Aleksandar Georgievski

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