Opportunities for doing business can increase if your values match the values which your customer holds. So what are the best ways for doing business through relationships? Here is the list of the ten best ways that I have come across through my own and others personal experience:
Always listen to the other person Give away information that will help the other person in writing Dress professionally Have a business card that is not homemade Provide many ways to contact you including your web address and email Have a nice looking website with good content Always answer your emails and queries promptly Create touch points that are meaningful Build the relationship before trying to sell Be focuses on your expertise and do not try to be everything
Your message must be clear and concise yet it must create an excitement about what you have to say and what services you provide. The next topic will give you a list of the best ways to create that excitement.
The first point is always the most difficult for people as we all have a tendency to want to talk about our own business and what is happening within our own world. I always remember the sales folks I want to avoid because they cannot stop talking about how great their product is. I could not care less about the product, what I want is what can that product do for me and how can it help to solve my problems.
By: Bette Daoust, Ph.D.
Posts Tagged ‘Doing Business’
10 Credos for Doing Business
April 27th, 2010Small Business Invoice Templates For a Professional Feel
March 27th, 2010
Every small business owner knows how important it is to make your presence known to those whom you serve with your products and services. This is why branding and logos are so important. It also makes the most sense to customize all your important papers and business stationary with the same brand or logo. The public needs to see your mark on everything so they can begin to associate this mark with what you do and who you are. What would some of our favorite businesses be without the great logo we have come to recognize as part of our daily lives?
When one considers the thought of a well designed invoice, it needs to be one that is professional in nature. No more of the print it yourself variety. It is time to look for a professional who can customize it to your needs and give you a working template easy enough for you to use for every transaction each time you make a sale. Every template to include the invoice template should have the same quality about it. It should be easy to use but look like a million bucks to the customer.
Many places on the internet can customize all your invoice templates to meet your specific shipping needs. They can also match the design of the invoice with other important things like receipts, letterhead, envelopes, and more. The cost is fairly inexpensive when you are referring to custom designed work. It will make the most impact on those who see how professional your small business is and the time you took to carefully present yourself in the best way possible. None of your customers wants to open the invoice and see a sloppy mess in front of them when they could have a nicely done invoice providing them the information they need the most.
You will feel your business is well thought out and being managed in a most efficient way. Isn’t it time to leave your mark on the world and get yourself recognized? The best way to give your customers the reassurance they are doing business with a true professional is to give them a professional and custom appearance when they receive their invoice in their package of goodies!
By: Ashish K Arora
Business Card Etiquette
January 20th, 2010When doing business abroad it is important to understand the local culture. Culture includes areas such as a country’s norms, values, behaviours, food, architecture, fashion and art. However, one area of culture that is important for the international business person is etiquette.
Understanding business etiquette allows you to feel comfortable in your dealings with foreign friends, colleagues, customers or clients. Knowing what to do and say in the right places will help build trust and open lines of communication.
One aspect of etiquette that is of great importance internationally is the exchanging of business cards.
Unlike in North America or Europe where the business card has little meaning other than a convenient form of capturing essential personal details, in other parts of the world the business card has very different meanings.
For example, in Japan the business card is viewed as a representation of the owner. Therefore proper business etiquette demands one treats the business card with respect and honour.
Below we have provided you with a few examples of international business card exchange etiquette that may help you on your business trips abroad.
General Business Card Etiquette Tips:
• Business cards are an internationally recognised means of presenting personal contact details, so ensure you have a plentiful supply.
• Demonstrating good business etiquette is merely a means of presenting yourself as best you can. Failure to adhere to foreign business etiquette does not always have disastrous consequences.
• When travelling abroad for business it is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into the appropriate language.
• Business cards are generally exchanged at the beginning of or at the end of an initial meeting.
• Good business etiquette requires you present the card so the recipient’s language is face up.
• Make a point of studying any business card, commenting on it and clarifying information before putting it away.
Business Card Etiquette in China
• Have one side of your business card translated into Chinese using simplified Chinese characters that are printed in gold ink since gold is an auspicious colour.
• Ensure the translation is carried out into the appropriate Chinese dialect, i.e. Cantonese or Mandarin.
• Your business card should include your title. If your company is the oldest or largest in your country, that fact should be highlighted on your card.
• Hold the card in both hands when offering it.
• Never write on someone’s card unless so directed.
Business Card Etiquette in India
• If you have a university degree or any honour, put it on your business card.
• Always use the right hand to give and receive business cards.
• Business cards need not be translated into Hindi as English is widely spoken within the business community.
Business Card Etiquette in Japan
• Business cards are exchanged with great ceremony.
• Invest in quality cards.
• Always keep your business cards in pristine condition.
• Treat the business card you receive as you would the person.
• Make sure your business card includes your title. The Japanese place emphasis on status and hierarchy.
• Business cards are always received with two hands but can be given with only one.
• During a meeting, place the business cards on the table in front of you in the order people are seated.
• When the meeting is over, put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio.
Business Card Etiquette in the UK
• Business card etiquette is relaxed in the UK and involves little ceremony.
• It is not considered bad etiquette to keep cards in a pocket.
• Business cards should be kept clean and presentable.
• Do not feel obliged to hand out a business card to everyone you meet as it is not expected.
By: Neil Payne
