Recycling and 10 "Don'ts" to Netwokring

Recycling - the Sault Way - Part 1
In 1972, I was the recycling captain of my apartment unit which amounted to taking sorted glass & newspapers monthly to a recycling station. Jim and Charla have made a commitment to the environment and have gone beyond just being a captain. Let me introduce you to the Queen of Recycling and the King of Composting who reside in Sault Sainte Marie Michigan. Charla Gordon (my sister-in-law) and Jim Lucas (my brother) are my heroes for recycling. In their quiet no nonsense way, they not only know what can be recycled, they practice it everywhere.

Q: How do you start recycling at work?

A: Charla - Recycling has to be a policy of your business, needs to be as easy as using the wastebasket, and it has to be encouraged from the top down. Some employees will have to be guided to learn that recycling is important and that it does not take any extra time.

Jim - Find a group or center that takes batteries, old computers, cell phones and other electronic devices. In our community Goodwill takes computers, printers and scanners.

Q. Even with a policy, how do you get everyone to participate?

A. Jim - Recycling has to be made convenient and it has to be visible for people to do it. If your business is not doing recycling at this time, take a few simple steps to get started. Set up your recycling areas in break rooms, offices, receiving areas and near the photocopy machine. Use totes, cardboard boxes or any other receptacles to collect recyclables.

Charla - When we were setting up recycling at the Nursery School, the parents were very willing to share their boxes with us. If you set up containers for cans/metal/glass, paperboard or cardboard, plastic, and paper that will probably cover material that most recycling centers take. The easier you make it, the more likely it will be followed. (Think lean - make the sorting part of the process especially if you live in an area where not everything is picked-up curbside - llf)

Q. How do you keep your staff motivated?

A: Jim - Find a motivated "believer" to put in charge of recycling - if your business is small enough one person can be in charge of taking totes to the recycling center - on your time, of course!
Next week - Thinking beyond the Recycling Center.

Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/

Jim Lucas - Composting King & Charla Gordon - Recycling Queen




Top 10 Ways to Lose Money in Networking Groups

#10 Sell Sell Sell every chance you get to every member of the group. Go for the transaction; never mind educating them and earning trust over time to gain access to the thousands of people in their network that may need your products and services.

# 9 Arrive late - They know that your time is far more important than theirs. Feel free to demonstrate just how busy you are by showing up late (or not at all) for other scheduled meetings with your fellow members. They will completely understand.

#8 Be absent - No need to show up. Your colleagues can just call you with referral information. It's not like you were gonna pass any referrals to them.

# 7 Don't invite guests - Just show up and meet the business professionals the other members successfully invite. Remember to sell to visitors too. As a matter of fact, include them in every mass email you send from now on...especially jokes and chain letters.

# 6 Air your grievances during open networking. Speaking negatively about your fellow members, their businesses and your networking organization will certainly inspire visitors to apply on the spot.

#5 Wing it. You can always think about what you're going to say while everyone else offers their 60 second presentations. You know all you need to know about them anyway.

#4 Schedule one to ones with everyone. You'll definitely increase your referrability by getting in front of as many people as possible and telling them everything you can about your favorite subject...YOU!

#3 Follow up is unnecessary. They trust you or they wouldn't have referred you. Right? It's not like they can offer you any advice on how to motivate a person from their network to purchase from you.

#2 Offer testimonials...that spotlight you. If you hadn't bought one of your fellow member's products or services they wouldn't have had the honor of selling to you. Go ahead. Toot your own horn!


And the #1 way to lose money in networking groups . . .

#1 Take that phone call or text message during a meeting. It's always impressive to see a business professional being ruled by their own office equipment and overbooked schedule. Show em' whose boss!

Copyright 2010 by Ivan Misner & Paula Frazier

Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula's business networking articles have been published internationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion - Busting Networkings Biggest Myths. Check out #33, Delusion with a twist! Paula can be contacted at paula@referralinstitute-va.com

"Helping people create Referrals For Life®"

Changing & Taxes

Business tips for week of January 25, 2010

“We are here and it is now. Further than that, all human knowledge is moonshine.” H.L. Mencken

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Change the World
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Maybe you have seen:
“Please consider the environment before printing out this email” at the bottom of emails. I just started noticing it late last year and some very quick research lead me to a book printed in 2004 called “Change the World for a Fiver”. Lots of great tips mostly for the home and individual and this is classic LEAN – eliminating waste. Eliminating waste one tiny step at a time is a never-ending project with huge impact for business by reducing cost to your organization.

Even though Kermit the Frog says “It Ain’t easy being Green”, when you start small, it can be quite infectious. Where to start?

1. Turn off equipment when it's not being used.
2. Encourage communications by email, and read email messages.
3. Turn out lights when you leave a room.
4. Produce double-sided documents whenever possible.
5. Do not leave taps dripping (Okay, this is old – my older sister won a science fair project on the leaky faucet in 1964!)
6. Print drafts on the backside of scrap paper.
7. Find a supply of paper with maximum available recycled content.
8. Choose suppliers who take back packaging for reuse.
9. Take your own bags everywhere.
10. Recycle. Just about everything has a second or third life.

Next week: an interview with my favorite recyclers!

Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
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Cell Phone and Taxes
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If you have teenagers at home, you've probably marveled at how they can sit for hours with their cell phones, texting away in a language that looks like it was designed specifically to shut you out. Kids these days (and some adults, too) have built their lives around cell phones and text messaging. It's fast becoming a cliché of the times. In fact, in the recent George Clooney film Up in the Air, one character's live-in boyfriend breaks up with her by text-message while she's flying around the country with Clooney.

But now, there's finally a cell phone application for grownups. It's for taxes -- and it's here just in time for the stack of W2s, 1099s, and 1098s that are about to start hitting your mailbox. Imagine if filing your taxes were as easy as this:

1. Snap a picture of your W2 with your iPhone camera.
2. Answer some questions about interest and unemployment income, and the like.
3. Review your information and e-file directly from your phone.

Of course, there are a couple of catches. (Aren't there always when it comes to taxes?)

1. You have to have an iPhone. The app's optical character recognition software works best on newer "3GS" iPhones with more sensitive camera lenses.
2. You have to live in California. The manufacturer considers this year's rollout to be a "beta test" and plans to make more states available next year.
3. Most important, you have to file a 1040-EZ -- the very simplest form available.

That third "catch" is the real killer. Like it or not, complexity is what creates tax-saving opportunities. No "smart phone" is smart enough to keep up with new and ever-changing tax breaks for buying new cars or new homes, financing your children's college tuition, or building your business. Sometimes the strong lure of technology is not always the answer to planning your businesses future.
Tim Pinkelman, CPA
Accounting Center & Tax Services, Inc.
Two Locations – Temperance MI & Maumee OH
419-882-9255 or 734-847-0400
http://www.accounting-centers.com/

Wanting - Partying - Santa

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What You Want Part 2
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Last week we did a quick exercise to get to the root of what we really want, this week, take a short period of time to think about your business quagmires - those sticky, icky places where things went wrong. Who was always around? What brought out the best whine? Who approached it as a challenge with solutions? Make a list and burn it.

Now, make a plan for what you want to do, focus on the positive behaviors and activities that are producing results, people that do well and the successes they bring, and which customers do you really, really want to hug when you hear their voice. When animal trainers want to produce a new behavior, they focus on WHAT they want, not what they DON'T want. Learning from your business quagmires for the solutions may be the perfect start to the New Year in a new way.

Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/

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Party Plans
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The holiday party is a great time to meet people but . . . you should have a plan!

Everybody goes to parties, and the holiday season is full of them. It’s also a business slowdown season for many of us who are not in retail. The holiday parties are NOT just a place for free food and drinks.

Holiday parties and other social mixers bring new opportunities to network, even more than the rest of the year. The holidays are times when we are more likely to see people in a social setting, and this setting definitely lends itself to building relationships.

Most people think of networking only in traditional networking venues, such as the chamber, strong-contact referral groups like BNI, and other business-oriented gatherings. But that’s not using the power of networking to its fullest.

It can be the best time to introduce yourself or have a friendly conversation with one of your superiors. Making an impact on someone important can be a real career booster; it could open the door for new job opportunities, promotions and/or new business.

In order to make the most of “holiday party networking,” here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Be prepared! If you’re going to hobnob, try to know whom you are talking to, what their job and role in the company are and what they’ve done this year for the organization. Use this info as a way to start a conversation. If you know some of the people who will be in attendance, do a Google search on them. Do some homework.

• Ask questions. Some suggestions: How did you start the business? How did you take the business international? How did you start franchising? What were some of the challenges with . . . ? Have you read any good books lately? (My favorite is: How can I help you?)

• Have a “teaser” topic ready. Approaching the end of the year, every business wants to increase profits and performance in the New Year. Have an idea ready that describes how you can improve your sector in the coming year. (Word to the wise: Don’t give away the goose; set up a meeting to discuss the details.)

• Use this introduction as a segue for a future meeting. As mentioned above, you don’t want to “end” the conversation at the party. The end game here is to open the door for follow-up. You want to be able to connect with the person after the party, one-to-one.

• Don’t have more than a couple drinks. It’s a party, but it’s not YOUR party. You don’t want to be stinking of liquor when you approach the people you want to connect with. Impressions count. Make the right one.

• Be confident of your value. Introducing yourself to an executive can be an intimidating experience, so give yourself an informed pep talk. Before the event, make a list of the things you’ve done over the past year and understand how what you do may integrate into discussions. Once you’ve got this down, there’s no reason you shouldn’t feel good about yourself. Consider how what you’ve done can integrate with the executive’s interests.

• Honor the event. Make sure when networking at a holiday party–or any non-traditional networking event–that networking is supplementary to the reason people are there, so don’t treat it like a chamber mixer. Be sincere.

Don’t act as if you’re in the boardroom giving a presentation; keep it natural and leave them intrigued. The real emphasis must be on “finesse” at a company holiday party. Yes, it is a great networking opportunity–but if you overtly “sell,” you may turn people off! After all, it is a holiday.

You can network anywhere, including events where it might not at first occur to you to try it–and, paradoxically, it’s at these non-traditional networking settings where you’ll often get the most bang for your buck.

Copyright 2009 Ivan Misner, PhD, Founder BNI International
Paula Frazier
Referral Marketing Expert & Master Trainer
Referral Institute
540-793-0622
http://referralinstitute-va.com/
"Helping people create Referrals For Life®"

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Santa Came to Town
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When you think of Santa, you probably focus on what he gave. But have you ever thought about what he pays? You can be sure the IRS does!

Santa is most famous for his holiday gift-giving. His North Pole organization is set up as a not-for-profit corporation under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). But Santa also operates a second, highly profitable business focused on licensing and endorsements. So how can Santa shelter some of those presents? Fortunately, Santa can take advantage of many of the same deductions as any other business owner. Those include:

• Mileage. Santa can choose to deduct "actual expenses" (maintenance, upkeep and depreciation on the sleigh, reindeer chow, etc.) or the standard allowance (currently 55 cents per mile). In Santa's case, his trip around the globe to deliver toys to all the good little girls and boys makes the allowance his best bet. (His sleigh also qualifies as "energy efficient" - it's 100% "green," running entirely on reindeer power, and even Rudolph's nose is low-wattage.)

• Uniforms and work clothes Santa provides for himself and his elves are deductible so long as they're not "suitable for ordinary street wear." This time of year it seems like everyone enjoys a red coat and hat. Still, we feel confident Santa's classic look is distinctive enough to pass the test.

• Home office. Home offices are deductible so long as they're used "regularly and exclusively" for work and constitute the "principal place of business." Santa's North Pole workshop certainly qualifies, which means he can write off depreciation, utilities, cleaning and maintenance, and holiday decorations. Code Section 132(j)(4) even lets him write off "on-premises employee athletic facilities" for holding reindeer games.

• Retirement. Santa seems to love his job now. But how will he feel about his long night's work as he ages? He'll probably want to stuff some cheer in his own stocking. The problem is those naughty nondiscrimination rules that force him to contribute on behalf of his elves. We recommend a "safe harbor" 401(k) to maximize his own contributions without worrying that the plan may become "top-heavy."

• Family employment. It's not clear if Mrs. Claus holds a formal position in Santa's organization. However, putting her "on the books" would let Santa boost the couple's qualified plan contributions and perhaps establish a Section 105 medical expense reimbursement plan to write off his medical bills as a business expense.

And remember - if you have any last-minute holiday finance questions, don't hesitate to call us!

Tim Pinkelman, CPA
Accounting Center & Tax Services, Inc.
419-882-9255 or 734-847-0400
http://www.accounting-centers.com/

What you Want and Personal Economy

"Look for ways to continually improve. If you’re not getting better, you’re probably getting worse.” --Karen Kerrigan

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What do you Really Want?
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This Saturday my Husband and I ventured into the shopping fray. We stopped and enjoyed a cup of strong coffee and talked about what we wanted to get others for gifts. We both agreed that giving required really thinking about the person and what they may or may not want or appreciate. From this conversation it is easy to start thinking about the things we want in our own lives.

Often we want something ABOUT what we want, rather than the object itself. For example, we can't all be ballet dancers, yet we could bring more beauty and grace into our life. Try this exercise from Dr. Phil McGraw:

1. What do you want in life?
2. What must you do to get it?
3. How will you feel when you get what you want?

Use the answer to 3. to start over, putting it as the next number 1.

EXAMPLE:
1. I want a red sports car.
2. I must save a lot of money to get one.
3. I will feel special when I’m driving in it. So, this answer becomes your new #
3 --> 1. I want to feel special.
2. I must set myself apart to get it.
3. I will feel exceptional. - What you want is

3 --> 1. I want to be exceptional.
2. I must be a master at what I do.
3. I will feel like I made a difference.

What you really want is not the car, but to make a difference. You can keep this up until real clarity
unfolds, or stop here and seek “What you must do” to make a difference. As you wind down 2009, think about what you want for your business in 2010. . . what you really want!
As you wind down 2009, think about what you want for your business in 2010. . . what you really want!


With a short work week ahead, feeling complete by Thrusday may require a plan. Try this Weekly Plan to get your thoughts together to acheive a restful holiday.

Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/

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Focus On Your Personal Economy (Energy)
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You are in control of your choices! That’s hard to remember sometimes especially with the current state of the economy. What follows are 5 steps you can take over the coming weeks to jump-start your personal economy - your health, happiness and success and start the New Year with a bang!

Step #1
Make healthy food choices at each meal.
Instead of cutting things out of your diet, try the flipside of the equation and add fruits and/or vegetables to every meal you eat.

Step #2
Exercise daily!
Take at least 30 minutes every day to get your heart rate up a little and get moving! You pick – it could be walking, riding a bike, roller blading, running, dancing or even playing with your wii (they are cheaper than ever this year).

Step #3
Minimize negativity in your life.
Quit watching the news or listening to idle gossip! Be observant during the day and find ways to reduce the negatives wherever you can.

Step #4
Do what makes your heart sing!
Find some time every day to do something that is the answer to this question – “In my picture perfect life, I am …”

Step #5
Be thankful all day long.
Three times a day, morning, noon and night, say out-loud and with feeling behind it. “I am so very thankful for…” and then mention something very specific.

Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com/
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/

A Free Copy of Think And Grow Rich! The Best-Selling Success Book of All Time http://www.FreeTGRbook.com/ChangingLanes  Vic Johnson, wants to give you a free copy of Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill! It is one of my personal favorites and one I give to college granulates. It is one of the few books I reread on a regular basis and still find new thoughts. Think and Grow Rich has been responsible for more self- made success stories than any book I know.