Business Continuity Audit » Doing Business

10 Credos for Doing Business

admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:16:43 +0000

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.

top 10 credos

Small Business Invoice Templates For a Professional Feel

admin — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 12:21:29 +0000

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

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:39:12 +0000

When 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

Tips For Starting a New Business

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:16:50 +0000

Nowadays, people show more interest in doing business. Because, doing a business is more beneficial than employed in an organization or in a service. Are you in an idea of starting a new business? If so, you must keep some points in your mind. Here are some tips for starting a new business.

First, you must do a good deal of research working via a business plan; however, that is simply a start. You must be an expert on your products, services, and industry to start the business. Associating yourself with the related business or professional associations before you initiate your business would be a cracking idea.

Before start your business, you must develop a business plan; because, it will facilitate you avoid wasting your money and time into starting a business, which will not succeed.

The main area in starting a business is getting clients or customers. No business will succeed without clients and customers. Do not wait to get the clients and customers until you start your business officially. Networking and getting contacts are highly essential.

Initiate your new business when you are still employed. It may consume time to get profit in your new business. Therefore, starting a business while you are employed is a great idea.

You are going to utilize much of time and energy to start the new business and establish it into a victorious business concern. Therefore, it is very important to deeply enjoy and love what you do.

A business always needs support. Therefore, find a mentor or an expert to provide you help and support whenever you in need. If possible, you may attend a business start-up program.

You should approach possible investors and lenders. Do not anticipate starting a business and then get money from a bank.

If you do not have the expertise in accounting or bookkeeping, hire some experts. Approach a lawyer to write up a business contract. Without expertise, if you try to do those things yourself, you may waste time and money in the long run trying.

Let the people know everything about you and your business to prove them that you are a professional doing a serious business. That means developing all the accessories such as a business phone, pro business cards, and a professional email address, and treating the individuals in a gracious and professional manner.

The most important thing you must do in high priority is get the legal and tax issues done right away. It is more difficult and very expensive to disentangle a mess afterwards. Thoroughly learn what are your legal and tax obligations (such as charging GST or PST, income tax, labor laws, and registration) before you start your business and function it accordingly.

By: Gary Pearson

Vested Business Brokers

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:13:50 +0000

Hiring the expertise of a vested business broker is a good strategy, especially when doing business. If you are thinking of buying or selling your business, the foremost thought on your mind is, of course, how you will be able to optimize your sale or purchase. Getting the services of a reliable and knowledgeable vested business broker can make a huge difference.

Vested business brokers act as the middlemen between buyers and sellers. They may have ready resources, such as a long list of clientele who are ready to make purchases or people who are itching to sell businesses or properties. Vested business brokers may also be in contact with a wider network that, in turn, can put you in touch with more possible buyers and sellers.

Aside from these perks, the services of vested business brokers usually include some form of promotion, like advertisements and publicity, which can speed up the sale or purchase of your item.

Business deals, such as the buying and selling of a business or property, usually includes a fair amount of paper work and can take up a lot of your time. If you do not want to be bothered by the technical details, then you can hire a professional to address your needs. Vested business brokers can take care of everything from setting up meetings, making credit inquiries and even doing your paperwork. With these people at the helm, all you need to worry about is getting a fair deal.

The buying and selling process can be complicated. Many of the business dealings involving buying and selling can be taxing. That is why you need someone reliable who will take care of your assets and your money. You want someone who is smart enough to know a good deal when he stumbles upon one and turns away from a bad deal as soon as the warning signs flash.

By: Steve Valentino