FabulousHelp

Archive for the ‘Business Support’ Category

Today’s economy is worse than anything seen in years.  Jobs are being cut left and right, and people who still have jobs are sometimes stuck in an unhappy environment because there just is no other place for them to go.  So as a business owner, what do you do to keep your employees happy and productive during a time when everyone is worried about the security of their jobs?

As some of you know, I still work in an office as well as help my partner run FabulousHelp.  I developed some ideas on what I think makes a happy work environment.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of simple missed opportunities when it comes to keeping employees happy.  I know that times are tough but a happy employee can go a long way.  A happy employee makes for a productive employee.  And even though times are tough, a small investment can go much further than nothing at all.  And that doesn’t always mean money!

I will be writing a series of entries on ways to improve the work environment.  I am not an expert, but these are just my observations from experience.  I hope that you will all find the entries helpful.  Stay tuned tomorrow for my first entry – Communication!

Have a Fabulous Day!

It’s a fact of life – if you want to succeed, you need to know how to interact and communicate effectively in business – with your employees, business partners, vendors, prospects, and customers.

As a small business owner, this is evident in how you would explain your expectations to your employees versus how you would convey these expectations to your business partner or even to a potential client.  As we all know, sometimes language breaks down, and this can leave the feeling of irritability, anger, and frustration… and most certainly, an undesirable result.

Communication is very important in this instance - there are many times where the wrong type of communcation would result in a significant loss of credibility and respect and possibly, some business.

So, what are some effective and simple ways to manage these emotions?

1. Know the different between anger and frustration and what it feels like. Sometimes, we can get really “cut off” from our feelings and act rashly without knowing why. Spend some time knowing what anger feels like to you.  This simple step is very important. 

2. Take a hike! Yes, walk it off! Before you desire to “vent”, excuse yourself and take a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Movement in the body, will clear your mind and may save you from losing your temper and a potential embarassment.

3. Still need to vent? Complain. Sometimes the simple act of sharing your frustration will calm you down. The right type of support can help you move either move forward or gain some perspective so have a trusted source.

4. Make a list and check it twice. In this list, you write down everything you do NOT want to happen in this type of situation like “to play a fool”, “to be unprepared”, etc. Writing provides that outlet you need to clear your thoughts. Go ahead, clear your mind and  generate productive solutions by writing this list.

5. Distraction helps. Sometimes, a healthy distraction is enough to calm you down. Consider shifting your focus to something menial and it will eventually shift your attitude.

6. Stay positive in this situation. Easiest way to manage stress is by focusing on “what’s working” rather than “what’s wrong”. It’s not an easy task, but well worth the effort – glass is half-full people!

7. Take action now! When something isn’t working, it may mean that another part is ready to be fixed. If you would like something to be different, start the process of making it so. Rather than feeling annoyed and frustrated, transform that energy into positive movement forward and work towards a solution.

8. Shout it out! Always make your needs and those of your business known. Sometimes, just communicating your desires in the form of an appropriate request can move situations along.

Regular use of these tips will help you stay well balanced and happy as your business grows and flourishes. It’s helped me – now it’s time for you to try them and see!

Have a Fabulous Day!

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Giving a corporate gift is never easy, especially since a lot of the time you don’t really have a personal relationship with a colleague.  So here are some of my tips to help you along in the process.

 1.  Make Sure You Know the Gift Policy!

If you are not the business owner, make sure you know your company’s policy and the recipient’s company policy on gift giving.  A lot of companies, especially if they are or works with government (city, state or federal) have policies on how much you can spend on a gift as well as the value of a gift you are allowed to receive; sometimes even the type.  For example, government offices usually do not allow cash gifts.  This typically means no gift card either – even if it is just Starbucks!  So make sure you know the policy before choosing what to give or what you or your recipient can accept.

2.  Look and Listen for hints

This is the number one piece of advice that I give to anyone, even if it is not a corporate gift.  Notice if someone wears a certain color more often then not, do they wear certain accessories all the time (IE: a broach or a tie clip), listen during conversations or meeting for things the person may enjoy doing (IE; eating at a certain restaurant, playing golf, gardening).  These are just some examples.  When you look for the clues you will be amazed how easy it is to get just the right gift.

3.  Try to get something that the person would not get for themselves

I know, this is sometimes easier said than done.  Sometimes it is just a matter of a change of color or a trinket.  One time I worked for someone on a particularly large project.  It lasted for a few weeks and I definitely did some overtime on making sure the project was done right and on time.  As a reward the person bought me a handbag.  Now I know what you are thinking, “what is the big deal about a handbag?”  Well, the handbag was a beautiful aqua blue color.  Even though I would have never purchased that for myself I loved it!  I use it all the time to this day and it was still a practical gift.  It was that simple to get a completely appropriate gift and still put a personalized spin to it.

4.  Make sure you like it

This is by far the simplest rule.  If you don’t like what you are giving as a gift, odds are the person you are giving it to will not like it either.  This isn’t always the case but it a good rule of thumb.

5.  Think outside the box

It is really easy to get the typical office gift – a pen, a paperweight and golf balls.  When you think outside the box your gift becomes more memorable, which in turn makes doing business with you more memorable.  You can still stay within the realm of regular gifts and be original as well.

6.  Personalize

A personalized gift shows that you took special time out to get a gift particularly for that person.  Personalizing is very popular now also so you can get a personalized gift and not break the bank.

7. BUY a present

A lot of businesses often give promotional items or items that the company makes or manufactures as a gift.  This is not a terrible idea but if you are giving a gift to show gratitude or for a special occasion it would be better to purchase a gift.  You don’t have to spend a fortune but take the time to purchase something that shows you appreciate what that person does for you. 

8. Think Considerate

Sometimes thinking considerate helps in your decision of what to get as a gift.  Did someone just have a baby?  Maid service for a day would probably be appreciated.  Did someone just get home from the hospital or have a death in the family?  Food is always a good gift – like prepared meals for a week (there are services that do this).  Did someone just relocate to a new office in a new town?  Send them something from their home town.  Gifts like these are always greatly appreciated and you will be a big hit!

9. When all else fails, call FabulousHelp!

When you really cannot think of anything or if you just don’t have the time call FabulousHelp.  We are very creative and have great ideas.  We can help you get the perfect gift within your budget.  Just drop us a few lines about the person you are shopping for and your budget and we will find exactly what you need.

I hope these tips were helpful for everyone.  Did I miss something?  Do you have any tips?  Leave us a comment – we love to hear from you!

Make it a Fabulous day!

I know I usually write tips to help you maximize your business but today I thought I would write in an effort to get to know our readers.  Everyone has a different way of conducting business and developing relationships; a style if you will.  What is your style?  How do you get a client to do business with you over anyone else?  How do you build professional relationships?

I will use myself as an example.  I take the more personal approach.  I don’t just do a hard sell – I like business to be more natural.  I am professional but I am fairly laid back.  I like everyone to be comfortable.  I like to hear how you are doing, how are the kids etc.?  This doesn’t mean that we will be chatting like we’re best buds but it’s nice to build rapport with someone.  Having a sense of humor keeps me on track and allows me to not take things personally, because, after all, it is still business.  I like to make sure that I am as easy to talk to as possible. 

I think that the more approachable you are the more open the lines of communication will be which is very important (especially when you work with a VA).  Taking the time to get to know someone helps you gain some intuitiveness when it comes to figuring out how the person you are working for wants things done.  It helps me be more in touch with the person I support, how they communicate best, how to interpret what they are saying and the tone they are saying it in, keeps me at the top of my game.  I like to call this a “business friendship” and I can’t tell you how many times having a business friendship has helped me out in a jam (especially on 9/11 – long story).

People sometimes forget how important these business friendships are; not just on a client level but also amongst employees and employers.  In my experience, the best work environments are those that encourage camaraderie and open communication. 

So what do you do to maximize your business and relationships?  What kind of relationships do you like to have with clients, employees, or consultants?  Are you all business?  We want to know…leave us your comments.

Make it a fabulous day!