Three Simple Tips to Boosting Your Website Traffic
Three Simple Tips to Boosting Your Website Traffic
Would you like to attract more visitors to your Website? Try these three easy, effective, traffic-building tactics:
1. Register Multiple Domain Names.
Your domain name—also known as your Web address or Uniform Resource
Locator (URL)—is an important element of your online presence. That’s
why it’s important to have a name that’s short, simple and easy to
remember. You can include your company name, plus searchengine-friendly
keywords that are relevant to your product or service. To attract
visitors from a variety of locations, register multiple domain names
and point them to your site. Having variations of your domain name can
help you cater to different segments within your market, as well as
emphasize different aspects of your business.
Also, be sure to take advantage of direct navigation to capture
“type-in” traffic. Type-in traffic is simply traffic generated when
someone types a Website address directly in their browser address bar.
And it’s one of the most popular ways for consumers to locate
information, products or services online. In fact, research shows that
86 percent of online consumers reach Websites using non-search methods
such as type-in traffic. Also, type-in traffic produces Website
visitors that are twice more likely to convert to buyers than those
coming from search engine links.
Type-in traffic is the purest, most targeted form of traffic on the
Internet because it doesn’t rely on search engine placement, paid
advertising or links from other sites. With type-in traffic, Web
surfers locate information without using search engines/directories or
clicking on links from other Websites. They typically access Websites
directly by typing descriptive keywords with a .com into their
browser’s address box. For example, Web users interested in tropical
vacations, would type www.tropicalvacations.com in their browser. To
capture this traffic, you would simply purchase this domain name and
then forward visitors to your Website.
Additionally, type-in traffic can send a steady stream of
high-quality, hot leads to your Website. Here’s why: Internet users who
type keywords into their browsers are actively searching for products
and services. And this makes type-in traffic a powerful marketing tool
for businesses wanting to boost Website traffic and reach a broader
target market.
2.Submit to Major Search Engines and Directories.
Search engines and directories are the electronic equivalent of the
Yellow Pages. Therefore, you should optimize and submit your site to
search engines, so it’s easier for people to find your business online.
Search engines can drive a steady stream of “free” traffic to your
site—people who are actively seeking your products/services. Also be
sure to submit your site to directories that relate to your topic or
target audience. This will not only help improve your link popularity,
but it will also satisfy the search engines and very possibly increase
your keyword search ranking and Website traffic.
3. Promote. Promote. Promote. You have to constantly promote your site in order for it to be successful with your existing and potential customers.
Consider using pay-per-click advertising from Google, Overture or
Yahoo! to drive instant, qualified traffic to your site. Send spam-free
promotional emails and a regular e-newsletter for target campaigns. You
can also submit articles to online magazines and other Websites,
including a link back to your own Website. And don’t overlook the
effectiveness of banners, pop-up ads and online classifieds. The
possibilities for online advertising are almost endless!
Never have I been in the position of making as many critical decisions as I am
now - at the helm of my own business. I never imagined that providing freelance
secretarial services could be such a busy endeavor! When I first started it was
so incredibly difficult to obtain that first client. I spent hours each week
churning out newsletters, post card mailings, and publicity material of all
sorts. Additional hours were spent fine tuning my sales pitch and presentation,
practicing my elevator speech, reviewing my skills, and spreading the word about
my services and planned business. I was so incredibly motivated to get that
first customer and get on the road to wherever.
I was no longer under a corporate umbrella. It was just me now, and I had
taken the plunge. That first client did come along, and I still have the account
today. Then I gained my next client, and the next. Word was spreading, and the
power of referral sales hit home. I had heard how high your closing percentage
climbs when someone you work for refers you to a friend or associate. Wow, it
was amazing to actually experience it in motion. Why do people have a problem
getting referral sales? Because they do not ASK. Ask for referrals and ask
often, you will be quite pleased with the results. Now that that has been said,
please do not neglect giving referrals in return. Ask your customers how you
might best refer them, and what their ideal customer would be. Start this
process today and never stop. It will certainly build business and good will
with everyone you encounter.
"Let's not lose the conviction and drive we had when we were
brand new."
Now I am busy each day serving my customers. I truly love this business I have
created, and the flexibility and creativity it allows me has surpassed my
expectations. I wake up each and every morning anticipating another good day at
work, another project, a new contact, or a welcome opportunity to learn
something new. Something has changed though, and it has happened very subtly. No
longer do I spend hours each week creating new marketing and promotional
materials or poring over advertising strategies. I no longer grab a promotional
package and head into a business office for cold calling, nor do I engage in
cold calling on the telephone. I surprised myself with the new business I was
able to generate by just getting on the phone and calling around.
I realize I am busy serving my customers, but am I missing something by
cutting back so drastically on my marketing endeavors? Can I use the excuse that
I am too busy for that anymore? Should I be constantly churning out a percentage
of promotional materials to ensure my future viability? No matter how busy I am,
each and every day I have a conscious choice to spend my time focusing on
activities that will result in additional sales for my business, which will
result in vibrant future growth. It only makes sense that the results and
business I am enjoying now were only obtained by the groundwork I laid back when
I was brand new, and that to continue on this road I should continue marketing
and promoting my business and my services.
Let's not lose the conviction and drive we had when we were brand new. Let's
not get so busy within our daily routines that we hesitate to reach out and
expand ourselves, or get involved with additional activities that will grow our
business. Let's purpose in our minds and in our hearts to continue on this path
we have chosen. Let's do everything possible to continue to nurture and
strengthen our business and future viability by choosing to do those things that
will result in those additional sales that we once worked so hard for. The last
item that I have never forgotten is to never lose the excitement and
anticipation that accompanies gaining new clients and helping them succeed.
The Key To Enhancing Meetings, Conferences, Presentations And Other Events
An increasing part of my duties in providing freelance secretarial services to companies has been with transcription. As principal of Connecticut Secretary, I have noticed a tremendous jump in the number of requests for transcription services. And I have benefited from the increased knowledge these projects have provided regarding what makes a meeting successful.
Connecticut Secretary has a complete office devoted to secretarial support and transcription services in a variety of formats. We have transcription equipment to handle projects in digital and tape format — both micro and standard cassette tapes. New digital technology has allowed companies to email or upload audio to my server, allowing a fast turnaround in services.
Benefits Of Outsourcing Transcription Services
A manager at one company told me that approximately $40 billion to $60 billion is spent annually on transcription services, and much of that is outsourced to companies like mine. This outsourcing provides a tremendous cost savings to companies. They don’t have to pay insurance, benefits, or vacation pay to secure my services, and I am there when they need me, on a job-by-job basis. They also don’t have to spend money training me, and I work on my own equipment from my own office — which is an added bonus since they don’t have to worry about paying workers compensation insurance on my behalf.
Advantages Of Transcribing Meetings
That same manager indicated that he spends approximately 40 to 50 percent of his time in meetings. Prior to his experience with recording and transcribing the audio, he had felt that this was unproductive time. But once he realized the benefits of transcribing the meetings and conference calls into hard copy, he felt much differently. Now he can utilize the points and areas covered in greater detail, distribute the copy to participants for additional review and clarification, and take action on specific items with greater clarity.
The transcribed material provided action items that individuals were personally responsible for — enhancing productivity among participants almost immediately. He found that he also benefited when meeting with his supervisors or board members, as he could provide a detailed overview of what was covered in the meetings and give focused presentations in executive-level strategy sessions.
Benefits Of Transcribing Conference Calls And Presentations
I have also transcribed audio from conference calls and presentations where not all of the office staff could be in attendance. The manager indicated that this gave him the opportunity to share the materials covered with his entire staff, as he could distribute the materials throughout the office when he returned. He also held meetings afterward, allowing office staff to review the transcription. They were able to discuss the event, expand upon the items and topics covered and explored how certain actions could impact the company if undertaken. This is a fantastic avenue of team building and involving staff with opportunities to learn and discuss the information presented as a group.
Five Strategies For Having A Successful Meeting
The most successful meetings are prepared in advance with agendas. The agendas should focus on what will be covered during the meeting, as well as provide a brief overview of areas of discussion and indicate who will be speaking. A good meeting allows audience participation and provides ample time for individuals to discuss topics of interest. The agenda also provides some background information, so that meeting participants can come to the meeting well prepared and ready to participate.
Good meetings start and end on time, with courtesy reminders to participants. This respects the fact that most people have a full schedule, and allows them to move on to other areas they have committed to, without having to feel that they are disrupting the meeting by leaving before the session is over and everyone has been allowed to speak.
Good meetings are action oriented. Participants are allowed to take action for each agenda item before the meeting is over. They can decide what actions need to be taken and who is responsible. This is where transcribing meetings is a tremendous benefit to everyone involved. Good meetings allow tasks to be assigned as they arise during the meeting, so you don’t loose sight of them as the conversation expands. To keep the meeting properly focused, all off-topic statements or discussions can be added to follow-up action items.
To have an effective meeting you must also record and transcribe the minutes, and document the group's decisions. All assigned action items will be documented and distributed to attendees to follow through to completion. This fosters a sense of responsibility and prevents any misunderstanding of who is handling what project. It’s a good idea to distribute these transcribed minutes in a timely manner to all participants.
The last step to a good meeting is to say thank you! Remember to thank participants for attending the meeting, and especially those who have shared information and contributed to the discussion. Recognize the efforts of all involved at the end of the meeting, and the entire group will leave feeling positive and ready to take action on the items covered.
Final Points To Ponder
Try to help everyone feel involved in meetings — as if they have a voice. Give them the responsibility to tackle projects, as well as recognition for their contributions. If you follow these guidelines, you’ll discover that participation in meetings will increase, attendees will show up on time and ready to discuss agenda items, and productivity will jump. I’ve received positive feedback time and time again from individuals who have never used transcription services. And I have felt very positive to have been involved in the process.
Please remember Connecticut Secretary when you decide to capitalize on the power of transcription for your next meeting, presentation, conference call or event! I look forward to hearing from you!
Best Regards,
Kate Smalley
Kate Smalley Connecticut Secretary P.O. Box 896 Branford, CT 06405
Using Grace and Good Sense for Ethical Competition
While all companies have the right to do
business; this does frequently present a question with regards to ethical
behavior when it comes to competition. How much should you trust the "other"
guy? How much should you tell the "big" guy? How far apart should you really set
yourself?
Sure, you can always answer the questions of
your competitors, but how much information is enough, and how much is too much?
There is a difference between working with integrity, and simply handing all of
your “secrets” over to the competition.
These are things you will need to ask
yourself every time another competing businessperson or person in a similar
industry approaches you with questions with regards to your services, rates, and
other business-related information. How much should your competition really know
about you?
There are some points that you can politely
and professionally decline to give away, but you must have enough integrity to
not seek the same information from the competitor to whom you have previously
denied your own information. These points include:
Your rates - how you
develop your rates is your business, and allowing the competition to know how
to calculate rates will lose you an important advantage.
Where you get your sales
- you have worked hard to develop your customer base. You needn’t provide your
competitors a free ride.
Try to maintain an
understanding with your competition that neither you, nor they will badmouth
each other, should a customer "switch sides." You can establish this policy by
simply creating an example.
Make certain that your
competition does not ask your friends and associates who your customer are, so
that they can hone in on your existing business.
While making sure that
you’re not being copied, you should also be original and join your own
committees that you feel will be beneficial to you. You want to develop your
own purposes and interests, not those of your competitor.
Make certain that other
companies do not take your slogan and modify it slightly for their own use -
and don’t do this yourself. At most, use other slogans for inspiration.
Watch the copyright on
your ads. Your ads should not be copied close to word-for-word, and you should
not copy the ads of others'.
Don't feel the need to
associate with the competition after meetings. Your competition may simply be
honing in on your sales opportunities. Work the room equally, so that nobody
is taking advantage of your friendliness.
While you don't need to take the attitude that the
business world is a war ground, you should also make certain that nobody is
taking advantage of your knowledge, integrity and hard work. Remember that it is
a small world. We are all judged on the way in which we speak about others, how
we compete, and our feelings towards others. Be professional and work with grace
at all times, and you will never need to concern yourself with ethics in your
business.
Strategies for Planning and Conducting Effective Meetings
Did you know that business
executives spend about half their time sitting in meetings? In fact, 40 to 50
percent of their working hours are consumed by meetings, according to a study by
the Annenberg School of Communications at UCLA and the University of Minnesota's
Training & Development Research Center.
Meetings are inevitable —
whether you’re a business executive or member of a volunteer, social, or civic
organization. But meetings can be a very effective and efficient way to
communicate, if properly planned and conducted. To help you pull off successful
meetings, below are some key strategies to follow. You may only need to address
a few of them, if you’re conducting an informal meeting. For a meeting with
major consequences, you should give all or most of these areas careful
consideration.
Prior to the Meeting
First, you’ll need to
define the purpose of the meeting and develop an agenda with the cooperation of
the key participants. Then distribute the agenda and circulate background
material, lengthy documents or articles ahead of time. This will make
participants feel prepared, involved and up-to-date, so they can be ready to
make valuable contributions to the meeting.
Next, choose an appropriate
time for everyone to assemble. It’s also important to set a time limit and stick
to it, as much as possible. Participants have other commitments and will be more
likely to attend meetings if you make them as productive, predictable and short
as possible.
If possible, set up the
room so attendees can face each other in a circle, semi-circle — or U-shaped
rows for large groups. The location you choose should comfortably suit your
group's size. Rooms that are too small can get stuffy and create tension; a
larger room is more comfortable and encourages individual expression.
During the Meeting
Greet attendees and make
them feel welcome, even latecomers when appropriate. If possible, serve light
refreshments to help break the ice and make everyone feel comfortable.
Begin the meeting on time,
so you can end on time. Start by reviewing the agenda and setting priorities for
the meeting. Stick closely to the agenda, but also encourage group discussion to
collect all points of view. Keep the conversation focused on the topic, and
don’t hesitate to ask for only constructive and original comments.
Tactfully end discussions
when they’re going nowhere or become too touchy. As a leader, set a good example
by listening attentively and showing appreciation for participants’ input.
Keep minutes of the meeting
for future reference in case a question or problem arises. Summarize any
agreements reached and end the meeting on a positive note. For example, have
participants volunteer to share their views on what good ideas or positive
developments they feel resulted from the meeting. And before everyone leaves,
don’t forget to set a date, time and place for the next meeting.
After the Meeting
Be sure to transcribe and
distribute minutes of the meeting within three or four days. This will help
reinforce the importance of the meeting and give participants a clear and
accurate record of what took place. Follow up on any delegation decisions and
ensure that all participants understand and carry out their responsibilities.
Give recognition and appreciation to excellent and timely progress. And put any
unfinished business on the agenda for the next meeting.
You should also
periodically evaluate meetings and work on any areas that need improving.
Remember, meetings that are effectively planned — from start to finish — can
leave participants with a sense of accomplishment and enhance your
organization’s overall success.
Strategies for Planning and Conducting Effective Meetings
Did you know that business
executives spend about half their time sitting in meetings? In fact, 40 to 50
percent of their working hours are consumed by meetings, according to a study by
the Annenberg School of Communications at UCLA and the University of Minnesota's
Training & Development Research Center.
Meetings are inevitable —
whether you’re a business executive or member of a volunteer, social, or civic
organization. But meetings can be a very effective and efficient way to
communicate, if properly planned and conducted. To help you pull off successful
meetings, below are some key strategies to follow. You may only need to address
a few of them, if you’re conducting an informal meeting. For a meeting with
major consequences, you should give all or most of these areas careful
consideration.
Prior to the Meeting
First, you’ll need to
define the purpose of the meeting and develop an agenda with the cooperation of
the key participants. Then distribute the agenda and circulate background
material, lengthy documents or articles ahead of time. This will make
participants feel prepared, involved and up-to-date, so they can be ready to
make valuable contributions to the meeting.
Next, choose an appropriate
time for everyone to assemble. It’s also important to set a time limit and stick
to it, as much as possible. Participants have other commitments and will be more
likely to attend meetings if you make them as productive, predictable and short
as possible.
If possible, set up the
room so attendees can face each other in a circle, semi-circle — or U-shaped
rows for large groups. The location you choose should comfortably suit your
group's size. Rooms that are too small can get stuffy and create tension; a
larger room is more comfortable and encourages individual expression.
During the Meeting
Greet attendees and make
them feel welcome, even latecomers when appropriate. If possible, serve light
refreshments to help break the ice and make everyone feel comfortable.
Begin the meeting on time,
so you can end on time. Start by reviewing the agenda and setting priorities for
the meeting. Stick closely to the agenda, but also encourage group discussion to
collect all points of view. Keep the conversation focused on the topic, and
don’t hesitate to ask for only constructive and original comments.
Tactfully end discussions
when they’re going nowhere or become too touchy. As a leader, set a good example
by listening attentively and showing appreciation for participants’ input.
Keep minutes of the meeting
for future reference in case a question or problem arises. Summarize any
agreements reached and end the meeting on a positive note. For example, have
participants volunteer to share their views on what good ideas or positive
developments they feel resulted from the meeting. And before everyone leaves,
don’t forget to set a date, time and place for the next meeting.
After the Meeting
Be sure to transcribe and
distribute minutes of the meeting within three or four days. This will help
reinforce the importance of the meeting and give participants a clear and
accurate record of what took place. Follow up on any delegation decisions and
ensure that all participants understand and carry out their responsibilities.
Give recognition and appreciation to excellent and timely progress. And put any
unfinished business on the agenda for the next meeting.
You should also
periodically evaluate meetings and work on any areas that need improving.
Remember, meetings that are effectively planned — from start to finish — can
leave participants with a sense of accomplishment and enhance your
organization’s overall success.
Event planning can turn
even the most capable person into a ball of nerves. But if you’ve been selected
to plan your company’s next holiday party, awards banquet or open house, relax.
Our helpful tips can make the process go more smoothly and successfully.
Initial Considerations
First, consider how you
want your event to look and feel. Think about: What kind of event are you
holding? Who will attend? What is the reason for the event or celebration? What
do you hope to accomplish? Do you have specific goals or outcomes that you
expect? Keep in mind that your event should generate goodwill, excitement and
enthusiasm about your company. You should use it to grow your business and as an
opportunity to strengthen relationships with employees and your clients and
customers.
Planning Your Event
Once you’ve defined the
basic parameters, then you’re ready to proceed with planning.
Make a
checklist –
Create a checklist to provide a step-by-step guide to organizing and executing
a special event.
Develop a budget –
This will provide you with a financial “blueprint” for the
event. The budget should be specific, and include revenue opportunities
(sponsorship, ticket sales, donations, etc.) as well as expenses such as
printing, permits, insurance, speakers, food, supplies and security. Maintain
good records, keeping track of all income and expenses. Also, expect the
unexpected, extra expenses will come up — so plan ahead.
Schedule facilities -
The location and site of your event is critical for success.
Selecting a site is more than just finding out what rooms are
available. There are many factors to consider, including room capacity,
whether you’re having an in/outdoor event, if there are special needs for
ramps/elevators, if you’ll need a podium, stage or special equipment, and how
many tables and chairs will be necessary for guests.
Have plenty of food and drinks -
What kind of food will you serve? Lunch? Snack foods? Dinner? Buffet? Sit
down? What kind of beverages will be available? Will they be served in a can,
punch bowl, or some other way? If you intend to serve alcohol, ensure plenty
of designated drivers are available to transport those who may be unable to
drive home.
Plan
publicity/marketing -
Great publicity and marketing are the key to a successful
event. There are many different methods you can use to get the word out about
your program. Determine who you want to attend and then target your
advertising accordingly. Consider supplementing paid advertising with
inexpensive fliers, handouts, email messages and word-of-mouth.
Book a
speaker/entertainer -
Consider the following factors if you are planning a speaker,
entertainment, or facilitator for an event: Who is the agent/manager for the
speaker/entertainment? Does the speaker/entertainment appeal to a broad
audience? How many people are expected to attend? Does the
speaker/entertainment have special technical requirements for their
presentation? Does the artist/entertainment require hotel or transportation
arrangements?
Arrange for parking - If you’re expecting a large number of guests,
ensure there is ample parking. The parking you select should be easily accessible to the
location of the event. If you have delivery trucks, caterers or special
equipment being brought to the event, you will need to make sure everyone
knows the best location for unloading.
Evaluate the event - One of the most ignored, yet important, elements of project planning
is evaluation. If you want to determine how successful an event is, you’ll
need to collect feedback from participants. Create an evaluation form to hand
out (and, if possible, collect) at the end of the event. To encourage
participation, your evaluation form should be anonymous and short.
Make
reflections -
Once your event is over, take time to reflect back on it. Also
consider the entire planning process and the feedback provided on the
evaluation forms. Reflecting back will help you improve the event for the next
time.
Regardless of the type of
event you’re planning, make sure it’s meaningful and celebrates your company in
a uniquely positive way. This will make your event an affair that is truly a
successful business bash!
On Tuesday, November 15, eight Moms met with Millie to give her ideas for her book-in-progress OASIS in the Overwhelm – for Busy Moms. When their husbands found out about their wives’ meeting, the men requested a meeting of their own.
Way to go, Millie! Since publishing her book, "Oasis in the Overwhelm," Millie has received recognition and reviews from around the world! Stop by her site and visit to learn more about her speaking engagements.
Three Simple Tips to Boosting Your Website Traffic
Three Simple Tips to Boosting Your Website Traffic
Would you like to attract more visitors to your Website? Try these three easy, effective, traffic-building tactics:
1. Register Multiple Domain Names.
Your domain name—also known as your Web address or Uniform Resource
Locator (URL)—is an important element of your online presence. That’s
why it’s important to have a name that’s short, simple and easy to
remember. You can include your company name, plus searchengine-friendly
keywords that are relevant to your product or service. To attract
visitors from a variety of locations, register multiple domain names
and point them to your site. Having variations of your domain name can
help you cater to different segments within your market, as well as
emphasize different aspects of your business.
Also, be sure to take advantage of direct navigation to capture
“type-in” traffic. Type-in traffic is simply traffic generated when
someone types a Website address directly in their browser address bar.
And it’s one of the most popular ways for consumers to locate
information, products or services online. In fact, research shows that
86 percent of online consumers reach Websites using non-search methods
such as type-in traffic. Also, type-in traffic produces Website
visitors that are twice more likely to convert to buyers than those
coming from search engine links.
Type-in traffic is the purest, most targeted form of traffic on the
Internet because it doesn’t rely on search engine placement, paid
advertising or links from other sites. With type-in traffic, Web
surfers locate information without using search engines/directories or
clicking on links from other Websites. They typically access Websites
directly by typing descriptive keywords with a .com into their
browser’s address box. For example, Web users interested in tropical
vacations, would type www.tropicalvacations.com in their browser. To
capture this traffic, you would simply purchase this domain name and
then forward visitors to your Website.
Additionally, type-in traffic can send a steady stream of
high-quality, hot leads to your Website. Here’s why: Internet users who
type keywords into their browsers are actively searching for products
and services. And this makes type-in traffic a powerful marketing tool
for businesses wanting to boost Website traffic and reach a broader
target market.
2.Submit to Major Search Engines and Directories.
Search engines and directories are the electronic equivalent of the
Yellow Pages. Therefore, you should optimize and submit your site to
search engines, so it’s easier for people to find your business online.
Search engines can drive a steady stream of “free” traffic to your
site—people who are actively seeking your products/services. Also be
sure to submit your site to directories that relate to your topic or
target audience. This will not only help improve your link popularity,
but it will also satisfy the search engines and very possibly increase
your keyword search ranking and Website traffic.
3. Promote. Promote. Promote. You have to constantly promote your site in order for it to be successful with your existing and potential customers.
Consider using pay-per-click advertising from Google, Overture or
Yahoo! to drive instant, qualified traffic to your site. Send spam-free
promotional emails and a regular e-newsletter for target campaigns. You
can also submit articles to online magazines and other Websites,
including a link back to your own Website. And don’t overlook the
effectiveness of banners, pop-up ads and online classifieds. The
possibilities for online advertising are almost endless!
Never have I been in the position of making as many critical decisions as I am
now - at the helm of my own business. I never imagined that providing freelance
secretarial services could be such a busy endeavor! When I first started it was
so incredibly difficult to obtain that first client. I spent hours each week
churning out newsletters, post card mailings, and publicity material of all
sorts. Additional hours were spent fine tuning my sales pitch and presentation,
practicing my elevator speech, reviewing my skills, and spreading the word about
my services and planned business. I was so incredibly motivated to get that
first customer and get on the road to wherever.
I was no longer under a corporate umbrella. It was just me now, and I had
taken the plunge. That first client did come along, and I still have the account
today. Then I gained my next client, and the next. Word was spreading, and the
power of referral sales hit home. I had heard how high your closing percentage
climbs when someone you work for refers you to a friend or associate. Wow, it
was amazing to actually experience it in motion. Why do people have a problem
getting referral sales? Because they do not ASK. Ask for referrals and ask
often, you will be quite pleased with the results. Now that that has been said,
please do not neglect giving referrals in return. Ask your customers how you
might best refer them, and what their ideal customer would be. Start this
process today and never stop. It will certainly build business and good will
with everyone you encounter.
"Let's not lose the conviction and drive we had when we were
brand new."
Now I am busy each day serving my customers. I truly love this business I have
created, and the flexibility and creativity it allows me has surpassed my
expectations. I wake up each and every morning anticipating another good day at
work, another project, a new contact, or a welcome opportunity to learn
something new. Something has changed though, and it has happened very subtly. No
longer do I spend hours each week creating new marketing and promotional
materials or poring over advertising strategies. I no longer grab a promotional
package and head into a business office for cold calling, nor do I engage in
cold calling on the telephone. I surprised myself with the new business I was
able to generate by just getting on the phone and calling around.
I realize I am busy serving my customers, but am I missing something by
cutting back so drastically on my marketing endeavors? Can I use the excuse that
I am too busy for that anymore? Should I be constantly churning out a percentage
of promotional materials to ensure my future viability? No matter how busy I am,
each and every day I have a conscious choice to spend my time focusing on
activities that will result in additional sales for my business, which will
result in vibrant future growth. It only makes sense that the results and
business I am enjoying now were only obtained by the groundwork I laid back when
I was brand new, and that to continue on this road I should continue marketing
and promoting my business and my services.
Let's not lose the conviction and drive we had when we were brand new. Let's
not get so busy within our daily routines that we hesitate to reach out and
expand ourselves, or get involved with additional activities that will grow our
business. Let's purpose in our minds and in our hearts to continue on this path
we have chosen. Let's do everything possible to continue to nurture and
strengthen our business and future viability by choosing to do those things that
will result in those additional sales that we once worked so hard for. The last
item that I have never forgotten is to never lose the excitement and
anticipation that accompanies gaining new clients and helping them succeed.
The Key To Enhancing Meetings, Conferences, Presentations And Other Events
An increasing part of my duties in providing freelance secretarial services to companies has been with transcription. As principal of Connecticut Secretary, I have noticed a tremendous jump in the number of requests for transcription services. And I have benefited from the increased knowledge these projects have provided regarding what makes a meeting successful.
Connecticut Secretary has a complete office devoted to secretarial support and transcription services in a variety of formats. We have transcription equipment to handle projects in digital and tape format — both micro and standard cassette tapes. New digital technology has allowed companies to email or upload audio to my server, allowing a fast turnaround in services.
Benefits Of Outsourcing Transcription Services
A manager at one company told me that approximately $40 billion to $60 billion is spent annually on transcription services, and much of that is outsourced to companies like mine. This outsourcing provides a tremendous cost savings to companies. They don’t have to pay insurance, benefits, or vacation pay to secure my services, and I am there when they need me, on a job-by-job basis. They also don’t have to spend money training me, and I work on my own equipment from my own office — which is an added bonus since they don’t have to worry about paying workers compensation insurance on my behalf.
Advantages Of Transcribing Meetings
That same manager indicated that he spends approximately 40 to 50 percent of his time in meetings. Prior to his experience with recording and transcribing the audio, he had felt that this was unproductive time. But once he realized the benefits of transcribing the meetings and conference calls into hard copy, he felt much differently. Now he can utilize the points and areas covered in greater detail, distribute the copy to participants for additional review and clarification, and take action on specific items with greater clarity.
The transcribed material provided action items that individuals were personally responsible for — enhancing productivity among participants almost immediately. He found that he also benefited when meeting with his supervisors or board members, as he could provide a detailed overview of what was covered in the meetings and give focused presentations in executive-level strategy sessions.
Benefits Of Transcribing Conference Calls And Presentations
I have also transcribed audio from conference calls and presentations where not all of the office staff could be in attendance. The manager indicated that this gave him the opportunity to share the materials covered with his entire staff, as he could distribute the materials throughout the office when he returned. He also held meetings afterward, allowing office staff to review the transcription. They were able to discuss the event, expand upon the items and topics covered and explored how certain actions could impact the company if undertaken. This is a fantastic avenue of team building and involving staff with opportunities to learn and discuss the information presented as a group.
Five Strategies For Having A Successful Meeting
The most successful meetings are prepared in advance with agendas. The agendas should focus on what will be covered during the meeting, as well as provide a brief overview of areas of discussion and indicate who will be speaking. A good meeting allows audience participation and provides ample time for individuals to discuss topics of interest. The agenda also provides some background information, so that meeting participants can come to the meeting well prepared and ready to participate.
Good meetings start and end on time, with courtesy reminders to participants. This respects the fact that most people have a full schedule, and allows them to move on to other areas they have committed to, without having to feel that they are disrupting the meeting by leaving before the session is over and everyone has been allowed to speak.
Good meetings are action oriented. Participants are allowed to take action for each agenda item before the meeting is over. They can decide what actions need to be taken and who is responsible. This is where transcribing meetings is a tremendous benefit to everyone involved. Good meetings allow tasks to be assigned as they arise during the meeting, so you don’t loose sight of them as the conversation expands. To keep the meeting properly focused, all off-topic statements or discussions can be added to follow-up action items.
To have an effective meeting you must also record and transcribe the minutes, and document the group's decisions. All assigned action items will be documented and distributed to attendees to follow through to completion. This fosters a sense of responsibility and prevents any misunderstanding of who is handling what project. It’s a good idea to distribute these transcribed minutes in a timely manner to all participants.
The last step to a good meeting is to say thank you! Remember to thank participants for attending the meeting, and especially those who have shared information and contributed to the discussion. Recognize the efforts of all involved at the end of the meeting, and the entire group will leave feeling positive and ready to take action on the items covered.
Final Points To Ponder
Try to help everyone feel involved in meetings — as if they have a voice. Give them the responsibility to tackle projects, as well as recognition for their contributions. If you follow these guidelines, you’ll discover that participation in meetings will increase, attendees will show up on time and ready to discuss agenda items, and productivity will jump. I’ve received positive feedback time and time again from individuals who have never used transcription services. And I have felt very positive to have been involved in the process.
Please remember Connecticut Secretary when you decide to capitalize on the power of transcription for your next meeting, presentation, conference call or event! I look forward to hearing from you!
Best Regards,
Kate Smalley
Kate Smalley Connecticut Secretary P.O. Box 896 Branford, CT 06405
Using Grace and Good Sense for Ethical Competition
While all companies have the right to do
business; this does frequently present a question with regards to ethical
behavior when it comes to competition. How much should you trust the "other"
guy? How much should you tell the "big" guy? How far apart should you really set
yourself?
Sure, you can always answer the questions of
your competitors, but how much information is enough, and how much is too much?
There is a difference between working with integrity, and simply handing all of
your “secrets” over to the competition.
These are things you will need to ask
yourself every time another competing businessperson or person in a similar
industry approaches you with questions with regards to your services, rates, and
other business-related information. How much should your competition really know
about you?
There are some points that you can politely
and professionally decline to give away, but you must have enough integrity to
not seek the same information from the competitor to whom you have previously
denied your own information. These points include:
Your rates - how you
develop your rates is your business, and allowing the competition to know how
to calculate rates will lose you an important advantage.
Where you get your sales
- you have worked hard to develop your customer base. You needn’t provide your
competitors a free ride.
Try to maintain an
understanding with your competition that neither you, nor they will badmouth
each other, should a customer "switch sides." You can establish this policy by
simply creating an example.
Make certain that your
competition does not ask your friends and associates who your customer are, so
that they can hone in on your existing business.
While making sure that
you’re not being copied, you should also be original and join your own
committees that you feel will be beneficial to you. You want to develop your
own purposes and interests, not those of your competitor.
Make certain that other
companies do not take your slogan and modify it slightly for their own use -
and don’t do this yourself. At most, use other slogans for inspiration.
Watch the copyright on
your ads. Your ads should not be copied close to word-for-word, and you should
not copy the ads of others'.
Don't feel the need to
associate with the competition after meetings. Your competition may simply be
honing in on your sales opportunities. Work the room equally, so that nobody
is taking advantage of your friendliness.
While you don't need to take the attitude that the
business world is a war ground, you should also make certain that nobody is
taking advantage of your knowledge, integrity and hard work. Remember that it is
a small world. We are all judged on the way in which we speak about others, how
we compete, and our feelings towards others. Be professional and work with grace
at all times, and you will never need to concern yourself with ethics in your
business.
Strategies for Planning and Conducting Effective Meetings
Did you know that business
executives spend about half their time sitting in meetings? In fact, 40 to 50
percent of their working hours are consumed by meetings, according to a study by
the Annenberg School of Communications at UCLA and the University of Minnesota's
Training & Development Research Center.
Meetings are inevitable —
whether you’re a business executive or member of a volunteer, social, or civic
organization. But meetings can be a very effective and efficient way to
communicate, if properly planned and conducted. To help you pull off successful
meetings, below are some key strategies to follow. You may only need to address
a few of them, if you’re conducting an informal meeting. For a meeting with
major consequences, you should give all or most of these areas careful
consideration.
Prior to the Meeting
First, you’ll need to
define the purpose of the meeting and develop an agenda with the cooperation of
the key participants. Then distribute the agenda and circulate background
material, lengthy documents or articles ahead of time. This will make
participants feel prepared, involved and up-to-date, so they can be ready to
make valuable contributions to the meeting.
Next, choose an appropriate
time for everyone to assemble. It’s also important to set a time limit and stick
to it, as much as possible. Participants have other commitments and will be more
likely to attend meetings if you make them as productive, predictable and short
as possible.
If possible, set up the
room so attendees can face each other in a circle, semi-circle — or U-shaped
rows for large groups. The location you choose should comfortably suit your
group's size. Rooms that are too small can get stuffy and create tension; a
larger room is more comfortable and encourages individual expression.
During the Meeting
Greet attendees and make
them feel welcome, even latecomers when appropriate. If possible, serve light
refreshments to help break the ice and make everyone feel comfortable.
Begin the meeting on time,
so you can end on time. Start by reviewing the agenda and setting priorities for
the meeting. Stick closely to the agenda, but also encourage group discussion to
collect all points of view. Keep the conversation focused on the topic, and
don’t hesitate to ask for only constructive and original comments.
Tactfully end discussions
when they’re going nowhere or become too touchy. As a leader, set a good example
by listening attentively and showing appreciation for participants’ input.
Keep minutes of the meeting
for future reference in case a question or problem arises. Summarize any
agreements reached and end the meeting on a positive note. For example, have
participants volunteer to share their views on what good ideas or positive
developments they feel resulted from the meeting. And before everyone leaves,
don’t forget to set a date, time and place for the next meeting.
After the Meeting
Be sure to transcribe and
distribute minutes of the meeting within three or four days. This will help
reinforce the importance of the meeting and give participants a clear and
accurate record of what took place. Follow up on any delegation decisions and
ensure that all participants understand and carry out their responsibilities.
Give recognition and appreciation to excellent and timely progress. And put any
unfinished business on the agenda for the next meeting.
You should also
periodically evaluate meetings and work on any areas that need improving.
Remember, meetings that are effectively planned — from start to finish — can
leave participants with a sense of accomplishment and enhance your
organization’s overall success.
Strategies for Planning and Conducting Effective Meetings
Did you know that business
executives spend about half their time sitting in meetings? In fact, 40 to 50
percent of their working hours are consumed by meetings, according to a study by
the Annenberg School of Communications at UCLA and the University of Minnesota's
Training & Development Research Center.
Meetings are inevitable —
whether you’re a business executive or member of a volunteer, social, or civic
organization. But meetings can be a very effective and efficient way to
communicate, if properly planned and conducted. To help you pull off successful
meetings, below are some key strategies to follow. You may only need to address
a few of them, if you’re conducting an informal meeting. For a meeting with
major consequences, you should give all or most of these areas careful
consideration.
Prior to the Meeting
First, you’ll need to
define the purpose of the meeting and develop an agenda with the cooperation of
the key participants. Then distribute the agenda and circulate background
material, lengthy documents or articles ahead of time. This will make
participants feel prepared, involved and up-to-date, so they can be ready to
make valuable contributions to the meeting.
Next, choose an appropriate
time for everyone to assemble. It’s also important to set a time limit and stick
to it, as much as possible. Participants have other commitments and will be more
likely to attend meetings if you make them as productive, predictable and short
as possible.
If possible, set up the
room so attendees can face each other in a circle, semi-circle — or U-shaped
rows for large groups. The location you choose should comfortably suit your
group's size. Rooms that are too small can get stuffy and create tension; a
larger room is more comfortable and encourages individual expression.
During the Meeting
Greet attendees and make
them feel welcome, even latecomers when appropriate. If possible, serve light
refreshments to help break the ice and make everyone feel comfortable.
Begin the meeting on time,
so you can end on time. Start by reviewing the agenda and setting priorities for
the meeting. Stick closely to the agenda, but also encourage group discussion to
collect all points of view. Keep the conversation focused on the topic, and
don’t hesitate to ask for only constructive and original comments.
Tactfully end discussions
when they’re going nowhere or become too touchy. As a leader, set a good example
by listening attentively and showing appreciation for participants’ input.
Keep minutes of the meeting
for future reference in case a question or problem arises. Summarize any
agreements reached and end the meeting on a positive note. For example, have
participants volunteer to share their views on what good ideas or positive
developments they feel resulted from the meeting. And before everyone leaves,
don’t forget to set a date, time and place for the next meeting.
After the Meeting
Be sure to transcribe and
distribute minutes of the meeting within three or four days. This will help
reinforce the importance of the meeting and give participants a clear and
accurate record of what took place. Follow up on any delegation decisions and
ensure that all participants understand and carry out their responsibilities.
Give recognition and appreciation to excellent and timely progress. And put any
unfinished business on the agenda for the next meeting.
You should also
periodically evaluate meetings and work on any areas that need improving.
Remember, meetings that are effectively planned — from start to finish — can
leave participants with a sense of accomplishment and enhance your
organization’s overall success.
Event planning can turn
even the most capable person into a ball of nerves. But if you’ve been selected
to plan your company’s next holiday party, awards banquet or open house, relax.
Our helpful tips can make the process go more smoothly and successfully.
Initial Considerations
First, consider how you
want your event to look and feel. Think about: What kind of event are you
holding? Who will attend? What is the reason for the event or celebration? What
do you hope to accomplish? Do you have specific goals or outcomes that you
expect? Keep in mind that your event should generate goodwill, excitement and
enthusiasm about your company. You should use it to grow your business and as an
opportunity to strengthen relationships with employees and your clients and
customers.
Planning Your Event
Once you’ve defined the
basic parameters, then you’re ready to proceed with planning.
Make a
checklist –
Create a checklist to provide a step-by-step guide to organizing and executing
a special event.
Develop a budget –
This will provide you with a financial “blueprint” for the
event. The budget should be specific, and include revenue opportunities
(sponsorship, ticket sales, donations, etc.) as well as expenses such as
printing, permits, insurance, speakers, food, supplies and security. Maintain
good records, keeping track of all income and expenses. Also, expect the
unexpected, extra expenses will come up — so plan ahead.
Schedule facilities -
The location and site of your event is critical for success.
Selecting a site is more than just finding out what rooms are
available. There are many factors to consider, including room capacity,
whether you’re having an in/outdoor event, if there are special needs for
ramps/elevators, if you’ll need a podium, stage or special equipment, and how
many tables and chairs will be necessary for guests.
Have plenty of food and drinks -
What kind of food will you serve? Lunch? Snack foods? Dinner? Buffet? Sit
down? What kind of beverages will be available? Will they be served in a can,
punch bowl, or some other way? If you intend to serve alcohol, ensure plenty
of designated drivers are available to transport those who may be unable to
drive home.
Plan
publicity/marketing -
Great publicity and marketing are the key to a successful
event. There are many different methods you can use to get the word out about
your program. Determine who you want to attend and then target your
advertising accordingly. Consider supplementing paid advertising with
inexpensive fliers, handouts, email messages and word-of-mouth.
Book a
speaker/entertainer -
Consider the following factors if you are planning a speaker,
entertainment, or facilitator for an event: Who is the agent/manager for the
speaker/entertainment? Does the speaker/entertainment appeal to a broad
audience? How many people are expected to attend? Does the
speaker/entertainment have special technical requirements for their
presentation? Does the artist/entertainment require hotel or transportation
arrangements?
Arrange for parking - If you’re expecting a large number of guests,
ensure there is ample parking. The parking you select should be easily accessible to the
location of the event. If you have delivery trucks, caterers or special
equipment being brought to the event, you will need to make sure everyone
knows the best location for unloading.
Evaluate the event - One of the most ignored, yet important, elements of project planning
is evaluation. If you want to determine how successful an event is, you’ll
need to collect feedback from participants. Create an evaluation form to hand
out (and, if possible, collect) at the end of the event. To encourage
participation, your evaluation form should be anonymous and short.
Make
reflections -
Once your event is over, take time to reflect back on it. Also
consider the entire planning process and the feedback provided on the
evaluation forms. Reflecting back will help you improve the event for the next
time.
Regardless of the type of
event you’re planning, make sure it’s meaningful and celebrates your company in
a uniquely positive way. This will make your event an affair that is truly a
successful business bash!
On Tuesday, November 15, eight Moms met with Millie to give her ideas for her book-in-progress OASIS in the Overwhelm – for Busy Moms. When their husbands found out about their wives’ meeting, the men requested a meeting of their own.
Way to go, Millie! Since publishing her book, "Oasis in the Overwhelm," Millie has received recognition and reviews from around the world! Stop by her site and visit to learn more about her speaking engagements.
Three Simple Tips to Boosting Your Website Traffic
Three Simple Tips to Boosting Your Website Traffic
Would you like to attract more visitors to your Website? Try these three easy, effective, traffic-building tactics:
1. Register Multiple Domain Names.
Your domain name—also known as your Web address or Uniform Resource
Locator (URL)—is an important element of your online presence. That’s
why it’s important to have a name that’s short, simple and easy to
remember. You can include your company name, plus searchengine-friendly
keywords that are relevant to your product or service. To attract
visitors from a variety of locations, register multiple domain names
and point them to your site. Having variations of your domain name can
help you cater to different segments within your market, as well as
emphasize different aspects of your business.
Also, be sure to take advantage of direct navigation to capture
“type-in” traffic. Type-in traffic is simply traffic generated when
someone types a Website address directly in their browser address bar.
And it’s one of the most popular ways for consumers to locate
information, products or services online. In fact, research shows that
86 percent of online consumers reach Websites using non-search methods
such as type-in traffic. Also, type-in traffic produces Website
visitors that are twice more likely to convert to buyers than those
coming from search engine links.
Type-in traffic is the purest, most targeted form of traffic on the
Internet because it doesn’t rely on search engine placement, paid
advertising or links from other sites. With type-in traffic, Web
surfers locate information without using search engines/directories or
clicking on links from other Websites. They typically access Websites
directly by typing descriptive keywords with a .com into their
browser’s address box. For example, Web users interested in tropical
vacations, would type www.tropicalvacations.com in their browser. To
capture this traffic, you would simply purchase this domain name and
then forward visitors to your Website.
Additionally, type-in traffic can send a steady stream of
high-quality, hot leads to your Website. Here’s why: Internet users who
type keywords into their browsers are actively searching for products
and services. And this makes type-in traffic a powerful marketing tool
for businesses wanting to boost Website traffic and reach a broader
target market.
2.Submit to Major Search Engines and Directories.
Search engines and directories are the electronic equivalent of the
Yellow Pages. Therefore, you should optimize and submit your site to
search engines, so it’s easier for people to find your business online.
Search engines can drive a steady stream of “free” traffic to your
site—people who are actively seeking your products/services. Also be
sure to submit your site to directories that relate to your topic or
target audience. This will not only help improve your link popularity,
but it will also satisfy the search engines and very possibly increase
your keyword search ranking and Website traffic.
3. Promote. Promote. Promote. You have to constantly promote your site in order for it to be successful with your existing and potential customers.
Consider using pay-per-click advertising from Google, Overture or
Yahoo! to drive instant, qualified traffic to your site. Send spam-free
promotional emails and a regular e-newsletter for target campaigns. You
can also submit articles to online magazines and other Websites,
including a link back to your own Website. And don’t overlook the
effectiveness of banners, pop-up ads and online classifieds. The
possibilities for online advertising are almost endless!
Never have I been in the position of making as many critical decisions as I am
now - at the helm of my own business. I never imagined that providing freelance
secretarial services could be such a busy endeavor! When I first started it was
so incredibly difficult to obtain that first client. I spent hours each week
churning out newsletters, post card mailings, and publicity material of all
sorts. Additional hours were spent fine tuning my sales pitch and presentation,
practicing my elevator speech, reviewing my skills, and spreading the word about
my services and planned business. I was so incredibly motivated to get that
first customer and get on the road to wherever.
I was no longer under a corporate umbrella. It was just me now, and I had
taken the plunge. That first client did come along, and I still have the account
today. Then I gained my next client, and the next. Word was spreading, and the
power of referral sales hit home. I had heard how high your closing percentage
climbs when someone you work for refers you to a friend or associate. Wow, it
was amazing to actually experience it in motion. Why do people have a problem
getting referral sales? Because they do not ASK. Ask for referrals and ask
often, you will be quite pleased with the results. Now that that has been said,
please do not neglect giving referrals in return. Ask your customers how you
might best refer them, and what their ideal customer would be. Start this
process today and never stop. It will certainly build business and good will
with everyone you encounter.
"Let's not lose the conviction and drive we had when we were
brand new."
Now I am busy each day serving my customers. I truly love this business I have
created, and the flexibility and creativity it allows me has surpassed my
expectations. I wake up each and every morning anticipating another good day at
work, another project, a new contact, or a welcome opportunity to learn
something new. Something has changed though, and it has happened very subtly. No
longer do I spend hours each week creating new marketing and promotional
materials or poring over advertising strategies. I no longer grab a promotional
package and head into a business office for cold calling, nor do I engage in
cold calling on the telephone. I surprised myself with the new business I was
able to generate by just getting on the phone and calling around.
I realize I am busy serving my customers, but am I missing something by
cutting back so drastically on my marketing endeavors? Can I use the excuse that
I am too busy for that anymore? Should I be constantly churning out a percentage
of promotional materials to ensure my future viability? No matter how busy I am,
each and every day I have a conscious choice to spend my time focusing on
activities that will result in additional sales for my business, which will
result in vibrant future growth. It only makes sense that the results and
business I am enjoying now were only obtained by the groundwork I laid back when
I was brand new, and that to continue on this road I should continue marketing
and promoting my business and my services.
Let's not lose the conviction and drive we had when we were brand new. Let's
not get so busy within our daily routines that we hesitate to reach out and
expand ourselves, or get involved with additional activities that will grow our
business. Let's purpose in our minds and in our hearts to continue on this path
we have chosen. Let's do everything possible to continue to nurture and
strengthen our business and future viability by choosing to do those things that
will result in those additional sales that we once worked so hard for. The last
item that I have never forgotten is to never lose the excitement and
anticipation that accompanies gaining new clients and helping them succeed.
The Key To Enhancing Meetings, Conferences, Presentations And Other Events
An increasing part of my duties in providing freelance secretarial services to companies has been with transcription. As principal of Connecticut Secretary, I have noticed a tremendous jump in the number of requests for transcription services. And I have benefited from the increased knowledge these projects have provided regarding what makes a meeting successful.
Connecticut Secretary has a complete office devoted to secretarial support and transcription services in a variety of formats. We have transcription equipment to handle projects in digital and tape format — both micro and standard cassette tapes. New digital technology has allowed companies to email or upload audio to my server, allowing a fast turnaround in services.
Benefits Of Outsourcing Transcription Services
A manager at one company told me that approximately $40 billion to $60 billion is spent annually on transcription services, and much of that is outsourced to companies like mine. This outsourcing provides a tremendous cost savings to companies. They don’t have to pay insurance, benefits, or vacation pay to secure my services, and I am there when they need me, on a job-by-job basis. They also don’t have to spend money training me, and I work on my own equipment from my own office — which is an added bonus since they don’t have to worry about paying workers compensation insurance on my behalf.
Advantages Of Transcribing Meetings
That same manager indicated that he spends approximately 40 to 50 percent of his time in meetings. Prior to his experience with recording and transcribing the audio, he had felt that this was unproductive time. But once he realized the benefits of transcribing the meetings and conference calls into hard copy, he felt much differently. Now he can utilize the points and areas covered in greater detail, distribute the copy to participants for additional review and clarification, and take action on specific items with greater clarity.
The transcribed material provided action items that individuals were personally responsible for — enhancing productivity among participants almost immediately. He found that he also benefited when meeting with his supervisors or board members, as he could provide a detailed overview of what was covered in the meetings and give focused presentations in executive-level strategy sessions.
Benefits Of Transcribing Conference Calls And Presentations
I have also transcribed audio from conference calls and presentations where not all of the office staff could be in attendance. The manager indicated that this gave him the opportunity to share the materials covered with his entire staff, as he could distribute the materials throughout the office when he returned. He also held meetings afterward, allowing office staff to review the transcription. They were able to discuss the event, expand upon the items and topics covered and explored how certain actions could impact the company if undertaken. This is a fantastic avenue of team building and involving staff with opportunities to learn and discuss the information presented as a group.
Five Strategies For Having A Successful Meeting
The most successful meetings are prepared in advance with agendas. The agendas should focus on what will be covered during the meeting, as well as provide a brief overview of areas of discussion and indicate who will be speaking. A good meeting allows audience participation and provides ample time for individuals to discuss topics of interest. The agenda also provides some background information, so that meeting participants can come to the meeting well prepared and ready to participate.
Good meetings start and end on time, with courtesy reminders to participants. This respects the fact that most people have a full schedule, and allows them to move on to other areas they have committed to, without having to feel that they are disrupting the meeting by leaving before the session is over and everyone has been allowed to speak.
Good meetings are action oriented. Participants are allowed to take action for each agenda item before the meeting is over. They can decide what actions need to be taken and who is responsible. This is where transcribing meetings is a tremendous benefit to everyone involved. Good meetings allow tasks to be assigned as they arise during the meeting, so you don’t loose sight of them as the conversation expands. To keep the meeting properly focused, all off-topic statements or discussions can be added to follow-up action items.
To have an effective meeting you must also record and transcribe the minutes, and document the group's decisions. All assigned action items will be documented and distributed to attendees to follow through to completion. This fosters a sense of responsibility and prevents any misunderstanding of who is handling what project. It’s a good idea to distribute these transcribed minutes in a timely manner to all participants.
The last step to a good meeting is to say thank you! Remember to thank participants for attending the meeting, and especially those who have shared information and contributed to the discussion. Recognize the efforts of all involved at the end of the meeting, and the entire group will leave feeling positive and ready to take action on the items covered.
Final Points To Ponder
Try to help everyone feel involved in meetings — as if they have a voice. Give them the responsibility to tackle projects, as well as recognition for their contributions. If you follow these guidelines, you’ll discover that participation in meetings will increase, attendees will show up on time and ready to discuss agenda items, and productivity will jump. I’ve received positive feedback time and time again from individuals who have never used transcription services. And I have felt very positive to have been involved in the process.
Please remember Connecticut Secretary when you decide to capitalize on the power of transcription for your next meeting, presentation, conference call or event! I look forward to hearing from you!
Best Regards,
Kate Smalley
Kate Smalley Connecticut Secretary P.O. Box 896 Branford, CT 06405
Using Grace and Good Sense for Ethical Competition
While all companies have the right to do
business; this does frequently present a question with regards to ethical
behavior when it comes to competition. How much should you trust the "other"
guy? How much should you tell the "big" guy? How far apart should you really set
yourself?
Sure, you can always answer the questions of
your competitors, but how much information is enough, and how much is too much?
There is a difference between working with integrity, and simply handing all of
your “secrets” over to the competition.
These are things you will need to ask
yourself every time another competing businessperson or person in a similar
industry approaches you with questions with regards to your services, rates, and
other business-related information. How much should your competition really know
about you?
