Trends Worth Billions – Consumer Demand Drives the Speed of Business (Part 3 of a 3-Part Series) With our daily time frames accelerating and demographics shifting, the need for businesses to get on top of their game becomes ever more important. For example, while the pizza trend took a couple of decades to get firmly rooted in our culture, consider how quickly the cell phone has become an essential ‘gotta have one’ product. And camera phones, the next stage in positioning the trend, are moving even faster. Introduced four years ago in Japan, 57 million camera phones were sold by 2003, with expected sales of 338 million by 2008. If a non-essential trend product such as camera phones can foster that much growth, how will the growth of more essential products and services that serve an aging population fare?Understanding trends gives you a profile of the marketplace, both what is beginning to appear now and what will be happening in the near and far distant future. They serve as an early predictor of how consumers are feeling, what products and services they will be seeking, and how businesses can respond to the anticipated needs. The best time to position a business is before the trend is well established. After all, market position is vital to the long-term success of a business.Trend marketing is the foundation of future growth. It is the ability to pinpoint and respond to the changing needs of the customer and do so better than anyone else. While traditional marketing activities, such as customer service, branding, advertising and promotions are vitally important, unless you have identified your future customer, all these activities have no point. Before you can market, you have to know your market. Doesn’t that make sense
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Avoiding Office Interruptions Common office interruptions, such as phone calls or visits
from co-workers, can lessen your productivity. These interruptions are especially menacing when on a deadline. By following some key steps, you can keep office distractions at bay and get your work done on time.1) Take Advantage of Voice Mail. Phone calls are important to every
job; however, when on a deadline, let the call go into voice mail. When you answer a phone call, your mind wanders from the task at hand.
Unless you are waiting for an important call, when on deadline let the
machine get it. Returning phone calls is easy, while returning to your
train of thought is not.2) Do Not Disturb. Chatting with co-workers is the most common office
"time-sucker." That's not to say that you should be anti-social, but
sometimes it is important to separate yourself from others to complete your project. If someone other than your boss, tries to interrupt
you while you are scrambling to complete a project, don't be afraid to tell them that you are extremely busy and don't have time to chat right now.3) Stay Focused. Although it is often tempting to let your mind wander,
a key to success is to keep from daydreaming when on a deadline. Your mind may want to continually wander away from the task at hand, but don't let it! Otherwise your concentration will be broken and you'll likely make mistakes. So stay focused on your task at hand to get the work done.4) Keep it Neat. A messy workspace is a guaranteed way to cause
interruptions. When you have to clear space each time you want to do
something, or when you have to constantly search through your clutter eve
Are you searching for an organized office? Then, the best thing you can do for yourself is schedule the time to clear the "To File" box and all those piles that have accumulated on your desktop, counters, chairs and floor. If you want organization, you will need to get rid of the piles and break the habit of piling. The secret is developing a filing system that works for you.
Schedule some serious time in your dayplanner, roll up your sleeves, and get to work. This is a good time to get those files in order, purge the unnecessary and archive those that you absolutely must keep, but rarely use. Current, active files are for those items that you need to run your home or business for the fiscal year. These files are accessed frequently and need to be in an order that makes sense to you. The archival files include those items that you need or want to keep but are not accessed frequently. These may include past year’s tax forms and documentation, old love letters and personal correspondence that you cannot part with, children’s art projects or research for your book.
As you progress through your organizing project, be on the lookout for excess papers that are cluttering your files. Toss or archive the old ones to make room for the current influx. Box, label and store the archives in the attic, basement, garage or off-site. Do not get caught in the trap of keeping papers “just in case.” Consult your attorney or accountant to find out what you personally need to keep and what you can safely toss.
Here are some simple filing rules that may make it easier to determine where to put your papers:
1. Separate personal and business files. If you have a home-based business or bring work home from an outside office, be very careful to keep everything separate. Set up specific zones or boundaries for each type of paperwork that enters your office. Color coding separate files makes it easy to visually identify where a particular file belongs.
2. Establish a labeling system that works for you. There is no law that says it has to be alphabetical. You can use broad categories and subcategories, color-coded files, numerical files, 3-ring binders, cubbyholes or desktop files. Whatever works best for you is the right thing to do. Just remember to label, label, label.
3. When you first set up a filing system, use post-it notes for labels until you are comfortable with the order you have placed things. It is much easier to tear off a sticky note than retype labels. First set up the system, live with it for a while, and then type the labels. Typed labels are neater and easier to read and worth the investment of time. Use a label maker or learn how to use labeling software installed on most computers.
4. Toss those prefabricated labels and concentrate on your own words. Label files according to how you think. You do not need to use nouns. Verbs and even full sentences may work better. My favorite filing job was with my mother who wanted to keep some papers that were not specific to anything. Of course, I posed the big question, “Why?” Her response was that they were things she liked. We set up a file labeled “Things I like” and she is happy. She now has a place to put those trivial papers without cluttering her desktop.
Why get organized? Paper has become the biggest source of clutter – junk mail, emails, correspondence, and website surfing. Most of us prefer to read information on paper rather than the computer screen, so we print and print and print some more. With the information highway spewing forth tons of data, the printers keep spewing forth tons of printed material even though statistics show that we use only 20% of the papers we keep.
It is time to wage war on the paper influx by learning to make wise choices. Take a good look at everything piling up on your desk or countertops. Is the information still relevant? Is the information available somewhere else? Toss papers that can be replicated or unimportant. Clutter is simply the by-product of indecision. Make the decision to purge!
Email is a major form of paper clutter as more households obtain computers. Printed emails pile high around the computer with the good intentions of reading them someday. Decide what action to take on the document while it is still in the computer inbox – act on it or delete it. Be careful not to overload the inbox. This, too, can become a source of clutter.
When you take time to establish an effective way to handle incoming papers, you can win the battle of the piles.
Judith Kirk, owner of Organizing Resources, provides services in personal organizing of time, paper and space. She uses a holistic approach in teaching life management skills. There is an immediate physical, emotional and psychological payoff the moment our surroundings are in order. The impact of simplifying and organizing renews our spirit and builds confidence. Order is the basic foundation upon which to build inner peace, contentment and joy in life. For more information and a free newsletter click on www.OrganizingResources.com
What I learned About Soda Vending Machines Soda vending machines come in all shapes and sizes but the most common style are the stand-alone full sized machines.Soda vending machines have lots of capacity. Even my old one that I paid too much for had a capacity of over 500 cans with 7 total selections. That's a lot of soda which also means that it could be possible that you don't have to visit a location too often if you are looking to vending as a part-time business.The large capacity of these machines coupled with reasonable product costs and retail price can produce a decent business with healthy margins. I was paying an average of $.40 for a can of soda (tax and deposit included) and retailing that same can for $1.00. So with a $.60 margin multiplied by 5 machines each selling 200 cans of soda a month = a pretty nice little monthly return that doesn't require a lot of work because the machines have lots of capacity!In theory at least.Here is what else I learned about soda vending machines...All soda machines plug into a wall because that's how the compressor works to keep the soda cold.Older machines may not be multi-price! They may have a coin mechanism inside the machine but that doesn't mean that you can change the price of your product easily. If you insist on starting your vending business by dealing with Rip-off Bizop Vending Company because they give you the location with your machine, ask the salesguy to show you how to change the price of your soda machine.Newer soda vending machines can sell bottled product that is either glass bottles or plastic. The glass bottles don't break.Soda vending machines that allow you to
s “just in case.” Consult your attorney or accountant to find out what you personally need to keep and what you can safely toss.
Here are some simple filing rules that may make it easier to determine where to put your papers:
1. Separate personal and business files. If you have a home-based business or bring work home from an outside office, be very careful to keep everything separate. Set up specific zones or boundaries for each type of paperwork that enters your office. Color coding separate files makes it easy to visually identify where a particular file belongs.
2. Establish a labeling system that works for you. There is no law that says it has to be alphabetical. You can use broad categories and subcategories, color-coded files, numerical files, 3-ring binders, cubbyholes or desktop files. Whatever works best for you is the right thing to do. Just remember to label, label, label.
3. When you first set up a filing system, use post-it notes for labels until you are comfortable with the order you have placed things. It is much easier to tear off a sticky note than retype labels. First set up the system, live with it for a while, and then type the labels. Typed labels are neater and easier to read and worth the investment of time. Use a label maker or learn how to use labeling software installed on most computers.
4. Toss those prefabricated labels and concentrate on your own words. Label files according to how you think. You do not need to use nouns. Verbs and even full sentences may work better. My favorite filing job was with my mother who wanted to keep some papers that were not specific to anything. Of course, I posed the big question, “Why?” Her response was that they were things she liked. We set up a file labeled “Things I like” and she is happy. She now has a place to put those trivial papers without cluttering her desktop.
Why get organized? Paper has become the biggest source of clutter – junk mail, emails, correspondence, and website surfing. Most of us prefer to read information on paper rather than the computer screen, so we print and print and print some more. With the information highway spewing forth tons of data, the printers keep spewing forth tons of printed material even though statistics show that we use only 20% of the papers we keep.
It is time to wage war on the paper influx by learning to make wise choices. Take a good look at everything piling up on your desk or countertops. Is the information still relevant? Is the information available somewhere else? Toss papers that can be replicated or unimportant. Clutter is simply the by-product of indecision. Make the decision to purge!
Email is a major form of paper clutter as more households obtain computers. Printed emails pile high around the computer with the good intentions of reading them someday. Decide what action to take on the document while it is still in the computer inbox – act on it or delete it. Be careful not to overload the inbox. This, too, can become a source of clutter.
When you take time to establish an effective way to handle incoming papers, you can win the battle of the piles.
Judith Kirk, owner of Organizing Resources, provides services in personal organizing of time, paper and space. She uses a holistic approach in teaching life management skills. There is an immediate physical, emotional and psychological payoff the moment our surroundings are in order. The impact of simplifying and organizing renews our spirit and builds confidence. Order is the basic foundation upon which to build inner peace, contentment and joy in life. For more information and a free newsletter click on www.OrganizingResources.com
Taking Charge Of Your Files One of the first steps is to box up last years files. However, before you do that be sure to go through your files and clean them out. The files that can take up a lot of space during the year, can be easily tossed. For example, your correspondence file, newsletter files, chron files. You can also combine your completed client files for the year, both seller and tenant buyers.
After you have gone through the paper file cabinet, be sure to do the same with your computer files. Years ago when computer memory was at a premium, people did not keep all the extraneous garbage on their computers, like people do today. Just like your paper files, move the files to disks or your zip drive if you need to, or just delete them. You don't need every letter you sent, every e-mail, or all the newsletters you've been meaning to read. Also go through your favorites and clean them out.
Treat your computer like memory was at a premium and you won't hold on to items you will never use. Unfortunately today everything is in gigabytes rather than megabytes.
After you have cleaned out the paper files and computer files, next step is to make up your files for this year.
Avery Label Pro is excellent for doing up file labels. In fact all type of labels. It allows you to run another set of general files out very quickly. Remember time management and organization are keys to not wasting your time. I'm sure that many of you are thinking boxing up and making up of files is a waste of time. However, when a client calls and you can't find something they want to know, it will become of paramount importance. So, keep your files organized, bot
icated labels and concentrate on your own words. Label files according to how you think. You do not need to use nouns. Verbs and even full sentences may work better. My favorite filing job was with my mother who wanted to keep some papers that were not specific to anything. Of course, I posed the big question, “Why?” Her response was that they were things she liked. We set up a file labeled “Things I like” and she is happy. She now has a place to put those trivial papers without cluttering her desktop.
Why get organized? Paper has become the biggest source of clutter – junk mail, emails, correspondence, and website surfing. Most of us prefer to read information on paper rather than the computer screen, so we print and print and print some more. With the information highway spewing forth tons of data, the printers keep spewing forth tons of printed material even though statistics show that we use only 20% of the papers we keep.
It is time to wage war on the paper influx by learning to make wise choices. Take a good look at everything piling up on your desk or countertops. Is the information still relevant? Is the information available somewhere else? Toss papers that can be replicated or unimportant. Clutter is simply the by-product of indecision. Make the decision to purge!
Email is a major form of paper clutter as more households obtain computers. Printed emails pile high around the computer with the good intentions of reading them someday. Decide what action to take on the document while it is still in the computer inbox – act on it or delete it. Be careful not to overload the inbox. This, too, can become a source of clutter.
When you take time to establish an effective way to handle incoming papers, you can win the battle of the piles.
Judith Kirk, owner of Organizing Resources, provides services in personal organizing of time, paper and space. She uses a holistic approach in teaching life management skills. There is an immediate physical, emotional and psychological payoff the moment our surroundings are in order. The impact of simplifying and organizing renews our spirit and builds confidence. Order is the basic foundation upon which to build inner peace, contentment and joy in life. For more information and a free newsletter click on www.OrganizingResources.com
Ring In The New Year The New Year is almost here and most of us are thinking about how we might be healthier, happier, wealthier and more productive. Here are my suggested resolutions to help you accomplish these goals.For Bookkeepers:Re-educate yourself – there is always something new to learn. See if your company offers education reimbursements and apply for them. You might want to consider non-bookkeeping type classes as well, such as classes in communications, organization, managerial skills and computer training.Organize yourself- the best way to be more productive. Start with your workspace and then move on to your work day. Ask your boss to fund the purchase of a Day-Timer or other similar organization tool and use it every day.Get Certified – a sure career booster. By earning a certified bookkeeper designation you will bring added value to your resume.Think about specialization – as in most professions, specializing in one or two industries will increase your value in the workplace as you will be familiar with the specific requirements for that industry.These recommendations not only work for bookkeepers but for all dedicated employees of any type.For Business Owners:Learn to read and understand your financial statements and take a hands on approach in how your business is spending its money – understanding your financial picture will help you make your business successful.Communicate with your employees – communication goes two ways, learn to listen. I would say that the most common complaints employees have is the small amount of time supervisors spend listening to their suggestions a
ed emails pile high around the computer with the good intentions of reading them someday. Decide what action to take on the document while it is still in the computer inbox – act on it or delete it. Be careful not to overload the inbox. This, too, can become a source of clutter.
When you take time to establish an effective way to handle incoming papers, you can win the battle of the piles.
Judith Kirk, owner of Organizing Resources, provides services in personal organizing of time, paper and space. She uses a holistic approach in teaching life management skills. There is an immediate physical, emotional and psychological payoff the moment our surroundings are in order. The impact of simplifying and organizing renews our spirit and builds confidence. Order is the basic foundation upon which to build inner peace, contentment and joy in life. For more information and a free newsletter click on www.OrganizingResources.com
Returnable Plastic Packaging: 7 Universal Cost Saving Tips You will find the tips in this first section to be useful in saving money regardless of the specific returnable packaging you decide to use. Keep them in mind throughout your packaging purchases. These tips cover (but aren't limited to) plastic corrugated, thermoformed plastic trays and pallets, and other reusable products1. Consider using thinner plastic. The chances are good you will save money when you can reduce the thickness, regardless of which Returnable Packaging product you are using. Because of the advances in film structures, in many cases you’ll be able to increase the strength while reducing the thickness.2. Plan Ahead. Purchasing or committing to take an additional month or two of product will assure that you have product when you need it.3. Designate a freight carrier if you have an existing relationship with one. Your discounted rate with a carrier (Roadway, CCX, Old Dominion, etc) can have a drastic impact on your bottom line.4. Ask your supplier to hold inventory for you. This reduces your cost, locks in your pricing (the plastic industry can be volatile), and frees up your storage space.5. Implement an Automatic Replenishment Program with your supplier. It will make your life and your supplier’s life much easier.6. Determine a Safety Stock amount for your supplier to keep on hand at all times in case of an emergency. You can identify the correct amount by reviewing your sales activities during the past quarter or year.7. Rely on your Packaging Professional for help and guidance. They expect you to know your business and realize you may not be as familiar with theirs.
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San Francisco is a wonderful town and a great place for your next meeting, conference or convention. Take the time to make a special event of it, and your guests will be leaving a bit of their heart there, too!
When someone asks you what you do, do you stammer and stutter, then spurt out a label or winded explanation that meets you with a glazed-over look? Discover how a powerful elevator speech can generate energetic dialogues that will increase your recognition and attract more clients.
