If you’ve done some flying, then you’ve heard the request, “Is there a doctor on board?”
I always think they should be more specific because they are looking for someone with medical training, not a Phd.
It really is all in the title.
As a business professional you need to be concerned with your credentials. Many professions have licenses.
Attorneys
Acupuncturists
CPA
Massage Therapist
These licenses usually involve requirements of education and examination. But, there are many professions that do not require licenses or have any requirements. So what is that business person supposed to do?
Associations
Get involved in your local and national organization. Life Coaches have the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Organizers have the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). These organizations are working on creating standards in these industries for coaches and organizers to meet and exceed. Plus there are opportunities to network and share information.
Education
Pursue educational opportunities to certify your actions. There are many online programs where with an investment of time and money you can be recognized as a leader in your profession.
In working with many of my clients this is a topic that comes up frequently and True North helps them understand the need to provide honest and clear wording in all their materials to protect themselves and educate consumers.
Contact True North Business Consulting at 781-729-0481 today and comment below.
How to Set Up Your Family Information Center By Barbara Boone of Productivity Solutions
One of the most important things you can do for your family is to set up a family information center. Many people prefer to have it in the kitchen area while others prefer the home office. It doesn’t matter where you have it. The best place is wherever you and your family decide will work for everyone.
What things should be put into the information center? Here are some suggestions.
• Contact information for all family members: work, school, extra activities. The phone numbers of all of the places where family members will be on any given day.
• Emergency information. The people to contact in case of an emergency. This would include doctors, friends, neighbors, other family members, local fire, police, and poison control numbers.
• A calendar of all family activities. You can use an erasable one if you wish or a paper one that has every month listed. Make sure that the calendar has lots of room to write in each space all the information that you need.
• Coupons if you collect them.
• Blank sheet for grocery list.
• Folder for papers that need to be signed. (for school children)
• School calendar to check for days off and vacation.
How do you design it?
Again, the way you design it will depend on your family members and what will work for them. You definitely want to create a system where all of the above information is in the same place. Here is one suggestion.
• Buy a hanging file folder container. They can be purchased at Office Depot, Staples, Target, or Wal-Mart. Many are made of plastic. You can buy sturdier ones if you wish.
• Also buy interior file folders. You can purchase colored ones if you wish, but be careful because if you run out of a particular color and substitute a different one, you might confuse people using the system by colors.
• Label each interior file folder with a category name. You can use the list above and shorten the names. Ex. Contacts, Emergencies, Calendar, Coupons, Grocery List, Signed Papers, School Calendar. If you think of other categories that fit your family, use them.
• Put all of the file folders into the container. Begin to work on the contents of each folder until you have entered all of the information.
• When the information is completed, show all family members the system and how to use it.
• Practice using the system for a month. Evaluate its effectiveness and make changes if necessary.
Once you have established and used this type of system, you will be surprised at how useful and easy it is to maintain. At the end of each month, quarter, or year you can clean out the folders and replace out-dated information with new information.
Barbara Boone of Productivity Solutions is a certified Certified Productive Environment Specialists (aka iPEP Specialists) are trained and certified to implement the tools, principles, methodologies, and technologies endorsed by Barbara Hemphill, founder and CEO of the Productive Environment Institute.
Do You Have a Case of Yes and No Confusion? by Debi Silber, The Mojo Coach
The words yes and no are two extremely powerful words. They’re also two of the most misused words in our language today. Do you have a case of yes and no confusion and how can you tell if you do?
Let’s start with the word yes. Think of all the times you’ve said yes to an extra task, project, activity, commitment or responsibility. Maybe you said yes when you were asked to stay late at work or help a friend complete something they were working on. Of course your intentions were honorable but if you’re already overscheduled, overextended and overwhelmed with what’s on your plate, consider why you may have said yes, yet again.
We say yes to additional commitments for many reasons. Maybe we want to feel part of the group, like a “team player,” we want to feel like we’re contributing, helping and giving. Sometimes we say yes because it makes us feel needed, valuable or we feel “it’s the right thing to do.” Sometimes we say yes because we think that saying yes means we’re being…nice.
Now, here’s something to think about. When we’re already overscheduled and overwhelmed, there’s a good chance we’ve neglected our own self-care. Maybe with these extra responsibilities there’s simply no time for a workout, a pre planned healthy meal, a haircut or that long overdue manicure. Taking on another project almost ensures that taking care of ourselves gets pushed even further down on our list of priorities.
We may resent the new responsibilities we’ve just taken on (or person who asked us to do them), as we wish we had a few minutes to knock a few items off our “to do lists,” reconnect with our partners, snuggle with our children or even find 15 minutes to read a magazine or catch a brief nap. Now, besides taking the time to recover from our day, rejuvenate and replenish ourselves, we deplete ourselves even further as we convince ourselves that a healthy, balanced lifestyle is out of our reach.
When we take a look at what’s truly important to us, what it is that we value, often we find that spending time friends, family and taking better care of ourselves makes up a good part of that list. Well, when we say yes to things that pull us further away from those values, we pull ourselves away from creating a lifestyle that could make us feel satisfied, healthy, happy and complete. Sure it may be agonizing when you’re expected to say yes to another task. That minute the person asking is waiting for their reply may feel like an eternity when they realize their usual “go to person” has just turned down their request. But there are two things to consider. One, you turned down their request, not them. Two, while that minute may be painful, the freedom you’ve secured to stay true to your priorities lasts much longer.
Sometimes it’s a matter of finding a phrase that resonates with you. “Thanks but I have too much on my plate right now.” ”I appreciate the offer but I have to say no for now.” ”When I can I’ll let you know” are a few ideas. In either case, find a phrase that works for you so you can give those most important to you (including yourself) what’s really needed.
Now let’s look at the word no. Think of how often you may have said no to a new adventure, opportunity, possibility or situation. There was a chance for an exciting experience, a rewarding relationship, and a new direction. Maybe it was an opportunity to learn, grow or evolve where you were asked to leave your comfort zone to pursue a dream, goal or talent. You wanted to say yes, thought about it, but what did you do? You said no! You may have told yourself you’re too busy, too old, too heavy, not smart enough, not pretty enough, you don’t have the right resources, information, equipment; you get the idea. This is a case of yes and no confusion!
We say yes to the things that pull us further and further away from our values, priorities and what’s most important to us. Then because we’re so overwhelmed with our lives (because of saying yes too often) we say no to things that could bring us joy, passion, pleasure and purpose!
It’s time to get the right words out at the right time. It’s time to say no to things that take us further away from giving our best to ourselves and those we love, while learning to say yes to things that encourage us to look, feel and live our best. Finally, here’s an additional incentive. Typically, saying no to something good leaves room for you to say yes to something…great.
Debi Silber, MS, RD, WHC The Mojo Coach, President of Lifestyle Fitness and the Founder of TheMojoCoach.com is THE secret behind some of the healthiest, most influential, charismatic, influential and successful professionals visible today. Sign up for a free special report “The Secret to Becoming Your Personal and Professional Best,” a full year of Mojo Tips and a subscription to Debi’s bi-monthly newsletter Mojo Moments. All free and all designed to inspire, empower and help
Friendly Competitors
By: True North Business Consulting, LLC
Each month True North Business Consulting, LLC presents a different topic to help you in your business.
Recently, I was giving a lecture about the saturation of the marketplace with certain professions. My suggestion was to do some research to see if the market could sustain all the same profession. Are there enough people that want that service?
As much as I try to encourage business owners to branch out to under utilized locals, there are still those that want to stay local. I can understand the need to work, play and live locally. Not only is it good for the environment, but also cutting down on commute times creates less stress.
My suggestion was to reach out to the local competitors. This is important for a few reasons. Predominantly, this is a great way to network. In your profession you may have a focus that is different from your competitors. Because of this, you may want to set up a referral system. This will lead to happy clients for everyone, and a professional atmosphere that clients will appreciate. My friend likens this to when you go to a hairdresser, and the new hairdresser tells you all the things wrong that the old hairdresser did. There is no need for this, especially if the market will support everyone.
Next, competition makes you do better. If your competitor does something differently than you, then evaluate it. It may be something you can improve upon or it may be something that you feel you do better. Either way it makes you stay current, and your business significant.
One step further would be to form a group with your competitors. You could bring about local improvements; perhaps sponsor an intramural sports team. By banding together you help your profession and the community at large.
TrueNorth Business Consulting is available for educational seminars on the topics of marketing, negotiation, mediation and business law. One on one legal coaching is also available for a fee. Group discounts are available.
A Holistic Approach
By: True North Business Consulting
Each month True North Business Consulting, LLC presents a different topic to help you in your business.
The idea behind holism is that all the parts must be taken into account, not just the whole. In the health and wellness community it is known as alternative medicine, taking into account social, physical, and other components to help those with illnesses. It has been successful, so why not apply the same idea to business?
What this means for businesses is that it is not just about reaching the end goal, but how you get there. All the businesses I work with want to be successful, meaning they want to make money. But, there has to be thought given to all the dimensions.
Marketing
When advertising are their truthful statements being made? And where did the statements come from? So many times people use written information from websites as if it is open to the public. It’s not. Someone wrote that copy and it should be respected. Ask permission, if you want to use their words.
Management
Part of managing a business is the everyday dealings. Those dealings are with clients and with employees. Each should be treated with respect. No one wants to do business with a practice that is not well run.
As employees we spend a lot of time at work. There needs to be benefits, even small ones like sharing a meal. Never take employees fore granted.
Legal
Make sure the contracts are fair to both sides, that all of the ramifications and risks are understood. Too many times one party takes advantage of the other party. Even more so, there is a vindictive nature that seems to come out to destroy each other. I am sure that was not the primary intention of dealings, and all of the ramifications- more than loss of money are not being considered.
A holistic approach to business takes into account the social impact of business decisions, not just for the sake of business. There is an understanding that people are humans, and that there is an end ramification, trying to be holistic will leads to more satisfaction in your business dealings.
If you want more information on this topic or wish to make a consultation appointment, please go to truenorthbusinessconsulting.com
When I see something truly remarkable, I just can’t wait to share it with you. Today is such a day.
Imagine having someone introduce you to top-tier media such as MORE Magazine, MORE magazine online, AOL, Dr. Phil and others. Sounds great, but very expensive, right? I mean, if you’ve ever looked into hiring a PR agency, you know it costs thousands just to get started.
Now imagine being introduced to top tier media for only $47!
My friend Janet Powers of the Diva Toolbox has these connections and is offering to introduce you to them for only $47.
It gets better…For $47 Janet will put you, your story and your articles in front of a list top-tier national media for a WHOLE YEAR.
These are media contacts who specifically ask Janet to share her contacts (YOU) with them. In other words, they need women to feature! And the list of national media contacts who are seeking out the Diva Toolbox to help them locate women to feature is growing every month.
In the first few weeks of Janet offering this program, she succeeded in getting 1 woman on the Dr. Phil show, 8 people on the home page of AOL and twenty articles published on MORE Magazine Online – not to mention that her own radio show was a hot topic on The View.
From where I sit, I see this as a no-brainer if you are interested in getting national media coverage. As you can imagine, I have signed up already myself!
If you go to the Diva Toolbox web site directly, you’ll see that this service is regularly $197 but she is offering this to my list for this reduced investment because she knows you are interested in increasing your visibility and she’d love to help you.
Here is where to go to find out more http://blog.divatoolbox.com/?id=697
But to sign up use this link (INSERT YOUR LINK – if you don’t have a link yet and want to be an affiliate – send me an email ) because the price on the site is $197 and because you know me – you can sign up for only $47:
I encourage you to check out the program details and sign up right away if you want to tell your story to major top-tier media. This offer expires on Friday, November 19 at 5pm EST.
Full disclosure: I am an affiliate of this program which means that if you sign up, I get a commission from Diva Toolbox. I invested in this program myself and would love to see both of us featured in these media outlets in 2011 – or even still in 2010.
Be sure to sign up ASAP because this special $47 offer goes away Friday, November 19 at 5pm EST.
Welcome to TrueNorth Business Consulting’s presentation of a Business Makeover. Each month will feature an idea that can help your business. True North focuses on helping businesses, especially health and wellness practitioners maintain and grow their business using the areas of business law, marketing, insurance and project management.
How can you tell if something is fair? In a negotiation, object criteria is something outside of the negotiations that lets the parties know the options or offers are fair. An example is when buying a house the seller does not make up a number. It is based on a market analysis, comparing the houses to other that have sold in the neighborhood, along with the assessed value. When the buyer goes to make an offer, the buyer can say that what they are offering is fair based on the same analysis. The market value is not set by the two parties, the buyer and the seller; it has been set by an outside, third party. The market analysis is the objective criteria.
Having an objective criterion can help strengthen the options you have put forward in a negotiation. Some other examples of objective criteria are:
1. A third party professional
2. Quotes from other manufacturers or service providers
The following are not objective criterion, because they are not impartial:
1. Friends
2. Someone in a higher position than you (or other party) at the company
It is important to have objective criteria—it can make a difference in a good deal or a bad deal. Remember, would you want to pay too much for a house? That would happen if you did not have the market analysis.
Contact TrueNorth Business Consulting about our legal coaching services.
Welcome to TrueNorth Business Consulting’s presentation of a Business Makeover. Each month will feature an idea that can help your business. True North focuses on helping businesses, especially health and wellness practitioners, maintain and grow their business using the areas of business law, marketing, insurance and project management.
Could you afford contacting an attorney every time you need to make a legal decision? The answer is probably no. Most small businesses cannot afford to keep a lawyer on retainer. But, there are so many times that you wish you had more information or something to go on. This is where legal coaching can help you.
Recently, a client needed a licensing agreement. They had a form from another country. I evaluated it and determined it would take me hours of work to create something from that contract. Instead, I sent over a few forms and we had a discussion of what they needed to be protected from. This took only two hours of time, and the client understood what they needed to look for in the future for these types of agreements.
I have also talked clients through negotiations, having them practice what they will say and giving them some other options. Again, they are gaining knowledge so they are able to make these types of decisions on a daily basis. Legal decisions come up every day for most business owners.
This is legal coaching, a revolutionary idea where clients are empowered. Legal assistance is in their framework, utilizing their expertise and building upon it, keeping in mind that there are other considerations like insurance and marketing. Attorneys do not have expertise in every industry- they are not painters, web designers or massage therapists; they are lawyers with legal knowledge. You bring the expertise of your businesses and what you want out of the contract or negotiation.
If you are interested in legal coaching or mediation services, please contact TrueNorth Business Consulting.
Too good to be true?
My friend wanted a passive income stream, which means making money without actively selling a product or service. A business associate suggested a product line, explained that customers would order online and she would make money. She went to an information session, was sold on the products and signed up without having a lawyer look at the documents.
She sold the products, and then wanted to known when she would be collecting her payments. It was then she was told she would not be paid, but instead received points towards products. It was not a passive income stream she was looking for, but instead a multi level marketing company or MLM.
MLM
Multi level marketing is a system where one business person, the top of the pyramid, receives commissions of their sales and the sales of others they get to sign up under them. It is sometimes referred to a pyramid scheme. This is not to say that they are all illegitimate, they are money makers for some.
What you should look for?
If you want to sell product, you have been approached and are interested, then there are some things you should keep in mind.
• Recognize that you are signing a contract. You may want to have a lawyer review it.
• Is there a penalty if you decide to terminate it?
• Can you easily terminate the contract?
• Next, look at how much money you have to give up front.
• Is the only way for you to make money to find someone else to sell with you so that you gain their commissions?
• Can you just sell the products in your office and do a markup. In this way you are treating the company more as a distributor.
There are opportunities in multi level marketing, but there are also risks. You need to have a good understanding of what it expected for you to make money before signing the contract.
Contact TrueNorth Business Consulting for your legal coaching needs to review your MLM contract.
