Are You Ready?
The latest natural disaster to hit this planet is the volcano in Iceland. True, it has not devastated humanity the way the last three earthquakes (Haiti, Chile, China) have, but it certainly has affected businesses, lots of businesses.
Individually, war, natural disaster, local traumas and personal tragedies happen in our communities and will affect our business. Just saying to yourself or employees "Get back to work" is only affective for a short while. Knowing where you and your staff are vulnerable will help before tragedy strikes.
You may want to consider a four step approach to potential disaster.
1. Know your the risk for your business. Some businesses are in flood zones, others in quake zones. What is your local, physical risk? Make sure your computer backup system is working - You do back up your computer regularly, right?
2. Know your staff. Do they have loved ones in war zones? Do they have family in high risk careers? Are they living in a neighborhood subject to problems - natural or man-made?
3. Know your personal risk factors. Personally, what would you need to have on hand if the lights went out for a few days?
4. Finally, make and implement a plan. The implement is key. My car has a tool kit, duct tape, clamps, fix-a-flat, jumper cables, blanket, work gloves and a first aid kit. When I purchased my new car, and was transferring all this from the old to the new, the service tech commented that I wouldn't need that tool kit. I looked him square in the eyes and said "A girl scout is always prepared". I will be very happy if I never have to use the clamps and duct tape to fix a radiator hose again but I like to know that if needed, I have the tools.
Dave Krueger of World Prep, Inc from Toledo, Ohio has made a business about being prepared and his preparedness kits have won him awards and research grants. For him, being prepared is not only his business but he knows, it can save lives.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
419-897-0528 http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Referrals
Webster defines referrals as the act, action, or instance of referring. I had a Social Studies teacher that would never allow us to define a word with the word (or use the phrase "It's like...") but it's Webster after all. And I have to use the word "Like", only in a different context.
Bob Burg states the new Golden Rule in Business: All things being equal, people like to do business with people they know, like, and trust. How difficult is it to build this foundation with EVERY new customer you bring in? How time consuming is it to repeat your message consistently and concisely over and over again? Do you feel like you have reinvent the wheel in your sales process with every new client?
The answer is simple. Really. And you probably stated it at the last networking event. Recall when you said "Word of mouth is the best advertising"? It absolutely is. It's your responsibility to make sure it GOOD advertising.
Do your customers really know ALL that you do?
Do your customers feel like you've given them EXCEPTIONAL value?
Do your clients trust you to treat their associates EVEN BETTER than you treat them?
You can ensure the answer is YES! to all these by answering the following questions:
What are you doing to get your customers to acton your behalf and promote your product/service? What are you doing to get your clients to take actionand refer you to their friends and family? What are you doing to create urgency and motivate your sales force to bring in results sooner rather than later - this instant?
What would an automated referral system mean to your business? Find out at http://www.idealreferral.com/
Copyright 2010 Todd Pillars is an Referral Coach with Send Out Cards. Please contact him today at 419-855-2273 or tpillars@gmail.com to SUPERCharge your Referrals!
Visit http://www.sendoutcards.com/tpillars to send out a FREE "Thanks for being a customer" card to your hardest "hard-to-please" customer!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
If old blind bassets can learn new tricks, maybe you can, too?
Willing to Learn
Yes, you can teach old dogs new tricks. I have a basset hound that is 12 years old and has not had eyes since she was 6. Lydia has learned to how to go anywhere using her paws, ears, whiskers and sense of smell to help her navigate her large yard and beyond. She is willing to learn, no one makes her and her teacher is trail and error.
As we come out the "Great Recession", businesses need to be ready to learn. As business owners, we need to be willing to ask questions, stay curious and put our arms around new technology. Many of the most successful entrepreneurs do not have college degrees, but they are usually willing to learn.
419-897-0528
The Pressure's On Us All
April happens to be National Stress Awareness Month. April 16th is National Stress Awareness Day. To mark the occasion Fast Company (Apr10) shared the following information with their readers. I think they're worth looking at because their readers are your prospects and your clients!
~Two other childhood stresses are homework and being teased. Their coping mechanisms:
*Listening to music (44%)
*Eating (26%)
*Talking to their parents (22%)
Imagine That!
419.855.3399
Celebrating 10 years of delivering results for our clients.
Yes, you can teach old dogs new tricks. I have a basset hound that is 12 years old and has not had eyes since she was 6. Lydia has learned to how to go anywhere using her paws, ears, whiskers and sense of smell to help her navigate her large yard and beyond. She is willing to learn, no one makes her and her teacher is trail and error.
As we come out the "Great Recession", businesses need to be ready to learn. As business owners, we need to be willing to ask questions, stay curious and put our arms around new technology. Many of the most successful entrepreneurs do not have college degrees, but they are usually willing to learn.
- What do you need to learn to make your business the best this year?
- What does your staff need to maximize their strengths?
- What staff members have desire to learn and grow with your business?
- What staff members don't care to learn?
The ending of the recession won't wait for you. Make a plan now to garner the education you need to grow your business and plan who is going to do it with you. If Lydia can keep learning, so can we.
Basset hounds are known for being stubborn, but when given a challenge, Lydia, the blind basset, will always look to maximize her knowledge of the world around her. Just ask the Maumee police where she has a rap sheet for being 'at large '- and they are not talking about her girth.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC419-897-0528
The Pressure's On Us All
April happens to be National Stress Awareness Month. April 16th is National Stress Awareness Day. To mark the occasion Fast Company (Apr10) shared the following information with their readers. I think they're worth looking at because their readers are your prospects and your clients!
Children:
~One third of American children between 8-17 worry about their family finances.~Two other childhood stresses are homework and being teased. Their coping mechanisms:
*Listening to music (44%)
*Eating (26%)
*Talking to their parents (22%)
Adults:
~62% of Americans are stressed out about Work (source: American Psychological Assoc.) ~Two thirds of spoken curse words are a result of stress. The typical person will swear 80 times a day, out of the 15,000 words they'll speak.
~Each year, more than 275,000,000 working days are lost in the U.S. because of absenteeism resulting from stress.
~1 in 4 Americans admits to having a "mental-health" day to cope with their stress: This costs employers $602 per worker per year.
~More than 3 out of 5 doctor visits are stress related. In the US alone, more than $22.8 billion is spent on anxiety-related health care each year.
Question to you: What systems do you have in place to make doing business with your company stress-less for your prospects and clients?
Rebecca Booth
Marketing GoddessImagine That!
419.855.3399
Celebrating 10 years of delivering results for our clients.
Monday, April 05, 2010
Trust but Verify
"Trust, but verify" --Ronald Regan
For those of you who are time-starved and count on Monday Morning Motivators being only 500 words of less of reading, let me give you a quick synopsis.
In 1997, a complaint was filed with Michigan Department of Environmental Quality that a debris dam had been created on private property and the flooding behind the dam was threatening the complainers property. Without investigating, the state sent a letter to the property owner demanding the removal of the dam or face the full impact of the law - fines and cost of removal by the State.
The results presented in a very humorous, sarcastic, and public letter exposed that the land owner was wrong and the debris dams were constructed by some very industrious beavers. In the next section below are the two original letters.
The take away for business is really very simple - we often are pressed for time and will sometimes take second-hand information and jump conclusions.
In a lean effective organization we should think about:
• picking up the phone,
• leaving a "see me" note in an employees in box,
• sending a email for verification or just
• doing a quick internet search.
This may keep our business from having to live with the likes of the "beaver dam affair".
Have a great week and keep laughing, it has great powers!
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
419-897-0528
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
______________________________________
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Reply to:
GRAND RAPIDS DISTRICT OFFICE
STATE OFFICE BUILDING 6TH FLOOR
350 OTTAWA NW
GRAND RAPIDS MI 49503-2341
JOHN ENGLER, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
HOLLISTER BUILDING, PO BOX 30473, LANSING MI 48909-7973
INTERNET: http://www.deq.state.mi us
RUSSELL J. HARDING, Director
December 17, 1997
CERTIFIED
Mr. Ryan DeVries
2088 Dagget
Pierson, MI 49339
Dear Mr. DeVries:
SUBJECT: DEQ File No. 97-59-0023-1 T11N, R10W, Sec. 20, Montcalm Count-,),
It has come to the attention of the Department of Environmental Quality that there has been recent
unauthorized activity on the above referenced parcel of property. You have been certified as the legal landowner and/or contractor who did the following unauthorized activity: Construction and maintenance of two wood debris dams across the outlet stream of Spring Pond.
A permit must be issued prior to the start of this type of activity. A review of the Department's files show that no permits have been issued. Therefore, the Department has determined that this activity is in violation of Part 301,. Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Michigan Compiled Laws annotated.
The Department has been informed that one or both of the dams partially, failed during a recent rain event, causing debris dams and flooding at downstream locations. We find that dams of this nature are inherently hazardous and cannot be permitted. The Department therefore orders you to cease and desist all unauthorized activities at this location, and to restore the stream to a free-flow condition by removing all wood and brush forming the dams from the strewn channel. All restoration work shall be completed no later than January 31, 1998. Please notify this office when the restoration has been completed so that a follow-up site inspection may be scheduled by our staff.
Failure to comply with this request, or any further unauthorized activity on the site, may result in this case being referred for elevated enforcement action.
We anticipate and would appreciate your full cooperation in this matter. Please feel free to contact me at this office if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
David L. Price
District Representative
Land and Water Management Division
616-356-0269
dlp:bjc
cc: LWMD, Lansing
MontcaImCEA
Pierson Township
Lieutenant Mary C. Sherzer, DNR LED
________________________________________
Reply:
Stephen and Rosalind Tvedten
2530 Hayes Street
Marne, MI 49435-9751
616-677-1261
616-677-1262 Fax
steve@getipm.com
1/6/98
David L. Price
District Representative
Land and Water Management Division
Grand Rapids District Office
State Office Bldg., 6th Floor
350 Ottawa, N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2341
Dear Mr. Price:
Re: DEQ File No. 97-59-0023; T11N, R10W, Sec 20; Montcalm County
Your certified letter dated 12/17/97 has been handed to me to respond to. You sent out a great deal of carbon copies to a lot of people, but you neglected to include their addresses. You will, therefore, have to send them a copy of my response.
First of all, Mr. Ryan DeVries is not the legal landowner and/or contractor at 2088 Dagget, Pierson, Michigan - I am the legal owner and a couple of beavers are in the (State unauthorized) process of constructing and maintaining two wood "debris" dams across the outlet stream of my Spring Pond. While I did not pay for, nor authorize their dam project, I think they would be highly offended you call their skillful use of natural building materials "debris". I would like to challenge you to attempt to emulate their dam project any dam time and/or any dam place you choose. I believe I can safely state there is no dam way you could ever match their dam skills, their dam resourcefulness, their dam ingenuity, their dam persistence, their dam determination and/or their dam work ethic.
As to your dam request the beavers first must fill out a dam permit prior to the start of this type of dam activity, my first dam question to you is: are you trying to discriminate against my Spring Pond Beavers or do you require all dam beavers throughout this State to conform to said dam request? If you are not discriminating against these particular beavers, please send me completed copies of all those other applicable beaver dam permits. Perhaps we will see if there really is a dam violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Michigan Compiled Laws annotated. My first concern is - aren't the dam beavers entitled to dam legal representation? The Spring Pond Beavers are financially destitute and are unable to pay for said dam representation - so the State will have to provide them with a dam lawyer.
The Department's dam concern that either one or both of the dams failed during a recent rain event causing dam flooding is proof we should leave the dam Spring Pond Beavers alone rather than harassing them and calling their dam names. If you want the dam stream "restored" to a dam free-flow condition - contact the dam beavers - but if you are going to arrest them (they obviously did not pay any dam attention to your dam letter -- being unable to read English) - be sure you read them their dam Miranda first. As for me, I am not going to cause more dam flooding or dam debris jams by interfering with these dam builders. If you want to hurt these dam beavers - be aware I am sending a copy of your dam letter and this response to PETA. If your dam Department seriously finds all dams of this nature inherently hazardous and truly will not permit their existence in this dam State - I seriously hope you are not selectively enforcing this dam policy - or once again both I and the Spring Pond Beavers will scream prejudice!
In my humble opinion, the Spring Pond Beavers have a right to build their dam unauthorized dams as long as the sky is blue, the grass is green and water flows downstream. They have more dam right than I to live and enjoy Spring Pond. So, as far as I and the beavers are concerned, this dam case can be referred for more dam elevated enforcement action now. Why wait until 1/31/98? The Spring Pond Beavers may be under the dam ice then, and there will be no dam way for you or your dam staff to contact/harass them then.
In conclusion, I would like to bring to your attention a real environmental quality (health) problem; bears are actually defecating in our woods. I definitely believe you should be persecuting the defecating bears and leave the dam beavers alone. If you are going to investigate the beaver dam, watch your step! (The bears are not careful where they dump!)
Being unable to comply with your dam request, and being unable to contact you on your dam answering machine, I am sending this response to your dam office.
Sincerely,
Stephen L.Tvedten
xc: PETA
Monday, February 15, 2010
Planning and Tax Chuckles
Planning is Everywhere
Yes, it is Monday Morning, but think back to Saturday morning and waking up imagining all you are going to get done and how your day will be so productive. Now, come back to Monday Morning.
Did you get all you planned done?
Did you get some of what you wanted done?
Are you wondering where the weekend went?
In my gardening world, I often call my work in the yard "project begetting". One project or job can't be started until another is completed and starting one task sometimes leads to other side jobs that will be nice. Oh yes, and then I need to take a trip to the hardware store for something I'm missing. . . and it goes on and on. Overall I don't mind when it comes to gardening because it is my hobby and it usually doesn't have a "to be finished by date". Come to think of it, I know my garden won't be done until my ashes are recycled in the yard.
The work of business is filled with life happening, chaos reigning and tomorrows becoming yesterdays at an accelerating pace. That said, the businesses that will be great are those that get comfortable, very comfortable with planning. If you hear yourself saying "I'll get to that" or "first I have to do. . .", realize you are experiencing project begetting. Planning is the key to managing this syndrome.
We need to approach all the work of business as not just a task or project, but as aligned to our goals. If what you are doing right now does not support your goals why are you doing it?
Getting your plan on paper starts the process and then we
Implement
Check
Review
Correct
Repeat!
If you want to be gainfully moving forward, get a plan aligned with your goals! Don't know where to start? Give me a call and I'll help you design the plan of your dreams.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
419-897-0528
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Tax Thoughts to Give You A Chuckle
February is here, so your mailbox should be stuffed with the various W2s, 1099s, 1098s, and other paperwork you'll need to complete your taxes. Gathering that information isn't much fun, so here's a collection of tax quotes to brighten your day.
"Worried about an IRS audit? Avoid what's called a red flag. That's something the IRS always looks for. For example, let's say you have some money left in your bank account after paying taxes. That's a red flag."
Jay Leno
"The only difference between a taxman and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin."
Mark Twain
"The difference between death and taxes is death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets."
Will Rogers
"Two years ago it was impossible to get through on the phone to the IRS. Now it's just hard to get through. That's progress."
Charles Rossotti (former IRS Commissioner)
" A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money."
G. Gordon Liddy
"Day in and day out, your tax accountant can make or lose you more money than any single person in your life, with the possible exception of your kids."
Harvey Mackay
"If you get up early, work late, and pay your taxes, you will get ahead - if you strike oil."
J. Paul Getty
"If you are truly serious about preparing your child for the future, don't teach him to subtract - teach him to deduct."
Fran Lebowitz
"Our party has been accused of fooling the public by calling tax increases 'revenue enhancement'. Not so. No one was fooled."
Dan Quayle
"The question is: What can we, as citizens, do to reform our tax system? As you know, under our three-branch system of government, the tax laws are created by: Satan. But he works through the Congress, so that's where we must focus our efforts."
Dave Barry
"I wouldn't mind paying taxes... if I knew they were going to a friendly country."
Dick Gregory
We hope you enjoyed these quotes. But please remember this: there's nothing funny about paying taxes you don't legally have to pay. If you're looking for a plan to pay less tax, call us today!
Copyright 2010
Tim Pinkelman, CPA
Accounting Center & Tax Services, Inc.
419-882-9255 or 734-847-0400
http://www.accounting-centers.com/
Yes, it is Monday Morning, but think back to Saturday morning and waking up imagining all you are going to get done and how your day will be so productive. Now, come back to Monday Morning.
Did you get all you planned done?
Did you get some of what you wanted done?
Are you wondering where the weekend went?
In my gardening world, I often call my work in the yard "project begetting". One project or job can't be started until another is completed and starting one task sometimes leads to other side jobs that will be nice. Oh yes, and then I need to take a trip to the hardware store for something I'm missing. . . and it goes on and on. Overall I don't mind when it comes to gardening because it is my hobby and it usually doesn't have a "to be finished by date". Come to think of it, I know my garden won't be done until my ashes are recycled in the yard.
The work of business is filled with life happening, chaos reigning and tomorrows becoming yesterdays at an accelerating pace. That said, the businesses that will be great are those that get comfortable, very comfortable with planning. If you hear yourself saying "I'll get to that" or "first I have to do. . .", realize you are experiencing project begetting. Planning is the key to managing this syndrome.
We need to approach all the work of business as not just a task or project, but as aligned to our goals. If what you are doing right now does not support your goals why are you doing it?
Getting your plan on paper starts the process and then we
Implement
Check
Review
Correct
Repeat!
If you want to be gainfully moving forward, get a plan aligned with your goals! Don't know where to start? Give me a call and I'll help you design the plan of your dreams.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
419-897-0528
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Tax Thoughts to Give You A Chuckle
February is here, so your mailbox should be stuffed with the various W2s, 1099s, 1098s, and other paperwork you'll need to complete your taxes. Gathering that information isn't much fun, so here's a collection of tax quotes to brighten your day.
"Worried about an IRS audit? Avoid what's called a red flag. That's something the IRS always looks for. For example, let's say you have some money left in your bank account after paying taxes. That's a red flag."
Jay Leno
"The only difference between a taxman and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin."
Mark Twain
"The difference between death and taxes is death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets."
Will Rogers
"Two years ago it was impossible to get through on the phone to the IRS. Now it's just hard to get through. That's progress."
Charles Rossotti (former IRS Commissioner)
" A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money."
G. Gordon Liddy
"Day in and day out, your tax accountant can make or lose you more money than any single person in your life, with the possible exception of your kids."
Harvey Mackay
"If you get up early, work late, and pay your taxes, you will get ahead - if you strike oil."
J. Paul Getty
"If you are truly serious about preparing your child for the future, don't teach him to subtract - teach him to deduct."
Fran Lebowitz
"Our party has been accused of fooling the public by calling tax increases 'revenue enhancement'. Not so. No one was fooled."
Dan Quayle
"The question is: What can we, as citizens, do to reform our tax system? As you know, under our three-branch system of government, the tax laws are created by: Satan. But he works through the Congress, so that's where we must focus our efforts."
Dave Barry
"I wouldn't mind paying taxes... if I knew they were going to a friendly country."
Dick Gregory
We hope you enjoyed these quotes. But please remember this: there's nothing funny about paying taxes you don't legally have to pay. If you're looking for a plan to pay less tax, call us today!
Copyright 2010
Tim Pinkelman, CPA
Accounting Center & Tax Services, Inc.
419-882-9255 or 734-847-0400
http://www.accounting-centers.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)