Business Resources Blog & Articles

Here’s the responses that I get from the Question I posted in several business networking groups forum board recently.

I compiled them all into one so that you can see the different views I received — they all have good points… and I believe it’s something that we could think about when trying to create the appearance of success in order to get to success.

My Question:

Do you call yourself the president/ CEO of your own company? If you do, are you still answering incoming business calls yourself or do you have someone in your office answering calls for your company?

The reason why I asked this is because I’d like to be certain if having someone to answer calls for your company instead of yourself doing it, is important to the business image that you are trying to project everyday or not…

Responses:

“I do call myself the President of my company, but I don’t make a big deal out of it, because it doesn’t really matter to me or my target market. Everyone knows that I am my company, and for all intents and purposes, I am the main (and usually only) contact for the business. My off-site assistant and husband/partner work with my clients, but are never first contact. Plus, 99.9% of my prospect/client contact is made via email. The only prospective clients that call me are the ones that got my name out of the local yellow pages (can’t seem to get rid of the free listing) and I don’t want, and current clients rarely ever call me unless we have set up a call at a predetermined time, so it would be an unnecessary and frivolous expense for me to have my phone answered by anyone else.”

(the below is posted on a blog, she re-post my question on her blog and shared her opinions through that — MUST READ)

“This is a great question. I have quite a strong opinion about the matter, so please bear with me. Personally, I don’t use a fancy title. When I start calling myself President and CEO, it’ll be because my office space will be in a building (other than my apartment building), I’ll have someone other than myself on payroll, and a secretary will be answering my multi-lined phone system. For now, my title is not as important as what I do and the benefits I have to offer, so I don’t put any emphasis on a title. I see many small business owners and solopreneurs who put “President” and/or “CEO” as their title on their business cards, web sites and email signatures. Is it deceiving or pretentious to give themselves that title, even if it’s true? What’s the point? I’m being serious… WHY? It just bugs me… but that’s just me. I feel like asking them a bunch of questions about their corporation, until they cave in and admit they run their company from their basement office. I’m interested to hear what others have to say on the subject. Do you market yourself as President/CEO of your company? What difference does it make when handing your business card? Do you get asked about how big your company is, how many employees you have, etc…? If you don’t use this title, why not? Are you tempted? Does your title really make a difference to others? If so, why? Rima’s working on an article about this topic, so join in the conversation by posting your comments here or on Rima’s site.”

“Your question (CEO answering phones) made me think…because that’s what I do…and intended to do until my business is established when I could hire someone full time. Because all funds are directed toward marketing and design, it leaves little ‘free funds’ available for answering services, which I’ve found to be unusually expensive, as we actually handle most of our work on-line and only have need for occasional calls coming in. However, since you brought the point to my attention, could I ask what you charge and what services you provide in this area?  Would this be something that would actually be affordable for…say the independent practitioner who is a one-man show (such as most of the professionals listing on our site are).”

“I call myself President and CEO.  Also, I don’t generally answer my own phone – the reason is perception – when we answer the phone ourselves in our companies we may appear “small” to the prospect – when we have someone do it for us – it builds the perception that we are a force to be taken seriously – that we are successful.  It is a wise move to create the appearance of success to get to success – my mother used to say “fake it til you make it – and I don’t mean to be unreal – I mean to project a positive self-confident successful image even when you aren’t there yet.  People prefer to do business with successful businesses – that’s why this is even more critical when starting out.  The internet has really leveled the playing field for start-ups and small businesses – it has helped them to capture a larger piece of the customer’s pie.”

“Good question, have you received any replies? I call myself the president and founder of my organization and is a professional image important to me, Yes! Now do I answer my own phone calls, well you know this answer, yes now I do. Would I consider this to affect my company image maybe and maybe not it all depends on who is on the other line. Some people do not mind having that personal touch of being able to actually connect and speak with the owner of a company directly but then again there are others who will then understand or judge that fact that maybe your organization or company is not as large or profitable as it appears to be if you can’t even afford to have someone else take your calls for you or even if you are not BUSY enough to need someone else to take your calls for you. So again it all depends on who is on the opposite side of the receiver whether answering my own calls could affect my business image or not, but again it raises a good question and gives us something to think about moving forward.”

“It depends! I myself answer all important calls, and act quickly. For some routine calls, my staff will do it.”

“Many times customer feel delighted when someone higher receives the calls. After bug pass should ends there. Customer feel secure (i am talking about corporate customer.”

“I have actually gotten compliments on the fact that my customers speak directly to me. If you call my office, I screen the calls, but I also answer them because I know they are important. I have also seen this backfire with one of my clients. Her business is a Home Inspection company where she has been the President for 16 years. Everyone wants her to answer the calls as well as see her come to the inspections. As soon as she had her assistant answer phone calls, her business slowed down and people were not satisfied with the fact that they couldn’t reach her any longer.
She is 60 now and very tired. She wants her business to pay off and now its time for her to relax, but by being the person that people always talked to, she has now set her business up for failure if she steps back. So…I would say that its great at first to introduce yourself to your clients and let them reach you occasionally that way they know you are still there and you still care about them as a customer, but in the case of my client…after 16 years of always answering the phones…it could hurt your business when you want to take a break. Pros and Cons.”

“I am President/CEO/Owner. My situation is a little different. I do not want to project the image of a larger company. I have a small but thriving business based on personal attention to my client’s needs and this is my “image”. To this end I answer all the calls myself.”

“It really depends on what number you give to clients if it is a direct number then you should take the calls. Thas is why on my cards it just gives the general office number, I take or will return virtual every call. I agree and had a similar problem in the early days I sold myself not the company and everyone wanted to speak to me, it has taken a lot of years to get aways from this.”

My conclusion is…

It depends on how important a successful business image is to a person. Some has been successful in business by running the day to day business operation alone, I mean literally ALONE without virtual assistants or outside help at all.

But those who value their time and want to be more productive, would want to streamline their day-to-day business operation. They hire virtual assistants, virtual receptionists, bookkeepers, designers, etc. Are you like them? If you are not, maybe it’s time to think big. Do whatever it takes to get that big deal by seeking help from professionals who can help you make it happen. Remember this, big businesses and the media will not take you seriously if they get a recorded message when they call your business number. So if you are planning to answer business calls yourself, be there at all times during your business hours. Don’t let your phones go unanswered. If you need assistance in 24/7 receptionists service, even as a back up, call Virtual Receptionists USA at 1 877 492 6813 for information or visit www.virtualreceptionists.biz.

A new Career in your middle years

Fred:  If you were born between 1946 and 1964 you are consider a baby boomer.    According to  an article that appeared by Blance  Evans in Realty News  “The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2025, approximately 35.”  “As of July, 2005 there are 78.5 million baby boomers”.  Many of these boomers are venturing out a starting new careers or a new business.

Lyna:  Wow, as a matte of fact you and I doing just that. I have been a decorative artist and a flight attendant and you have been in the construction trades and a scienctist and now we are moving into radio.

Fred: I wonder why so many baby boomers are doing this?

Lyna: Well, I can only speak for myself and I am just tired and bored of what I am currently doing.

Fred:  I’ll have to agree with you Lyna, and if you look at many of the guest we have had on our show as well as some of my friends, they are all tired of what they do and are ready for something new.

Lyna: There comes a point in one’s life, especially when you are in your 40’s and 50’s that you rethink what you do for a living and I think that’s another reason for changing careers or starting a new business.

Fred: So, what should one do and how should they go about starting over.

Lyna:  I would say first, they need to make sure they have the funding to not only start there new business,  but also to live on until the business get up and going.

Fred: This is true and many businesses fail due to lack of capital unless you start your career part time while maintaining your current job or business.

Lyna: I would also recommend that they reseach there choosen job or business thoughly.

Fred: I would even suggest they talk to someone already in that business or job.

Lyna: Heres an interesting quote from an  article  by Nichole L. Torress from Entreprenuer.com:

The benefits of starting a business at middle age or older are numerous, says Mel Chasen, author of Entrepreneurship Made E-Z. “After having done so many things, you’re able to use everything you’ve learned,” he says. All your life experiences, both good and bad, can be harnessed into starting your business. You’ve amassed experience, contacts and perhaps even a good savings account.

Fred: I would say to anyone thinking of starting a new business after 40 to evaluate your life experiences, you may be surprise what talents and skills you have developed over the years.

Lyna: That is so true, take a look at Grandma Moses, she didn’t know she could paint until she was in her 70”s.

Fred: A lot of people have talents they don’t know about, So I would encourage everyone to take a look at doing other things, Start a new hobby,  sport or whatever . You never know what talents you will discover.

Lyna: Starting a new job or career is also exciting and can give you a new outlook on life.
Fred: I agree and I would encourage anyone wanting to start a new business do take alook at many of the resources that are available at SCORE.

Lyna:  And lets not forget the many resources available on the internet as well as our show.

Go to http://www.growingyourbusiness.net for more.

Listen to the recording of a Verbal Networking Event: How To Use Social Networking Sites to Generate Business, that Strictly Business Network organised together with WECAI Network in Verbal Networking conference room last Wednesday, February 7th, 2007.

When networking in social networking sites;

1. You want to be known, liked and trusted first before you can expect people to do business with you or send referrals to you. Networking is about building relationships with people so give others the opportunity to get to know, like and trust you.

2. Do not ask for more than what you can give to the members of each network that you choose to be involved in. Share your knowledge and contribute your ideas as well as tips to the network/s as much as you possibly can.

3. Network in sites that attracts your ideal clients.

4. Set aside time for networking, just like you would set aside time for yourself to attend a business networking event in your community. By networking on the internet, you are actually saving a lot of traveling time and transportation costs so find networking sites on the internet that you know you will enjoy being a part of.

5. Seek opportunities to exchange dollars with members of that network instead of giving business or sending businesses to people that you do not know, like and trust; and vice versa.

6. You should also seek opportunities for cross-marketing partnerships or joint-venture partnerships while networking with these other like-minded business people. Reasons being that once you are known, liked and being trusted, more doors of opportunities will open for you which will result in you doing joint-effort marketing and promotions with non-competing companies so that your online marketing reach will double or triple through each project.

For more ideas and tips on how to effectively network in social networking sites, listen to this 53 minutes recording.

You will find that some of the things that you hear in this recording can be implemented immediately, and that include how to choose a networking site based on the target market that you have chosen for your business.

This event was brought to you through collaborative efforts made possible by the Leaders of Strictly Business Network;

Rima McDonald - www.BusinessResourcesPodcastDirectory.com

Cynthia Frazier - www.BusinessWomensGrowthSummit.com

Heidi Richards - www.wecai.org

Cristina Favreau - www.CristinaFavreau.com

Gillian-Hood Gabrielsom - www.HealthierOutcomes.com

Pam Akkerman - www.WebExecutiveAssistant.com

Jeanne Fuller - www.ForAccess.com

Sharon Williams - www.The24HourSecretary.com

 Strictly Business Network - Verbal Networking 001 [53:45m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (76)

Is the love of your life still as romantic as he was when you first met him? Does he still shower you with gifts for “no reason” or call you up from work in the middle his busy day just to tell you he misses and loves you? If not, maybe he needs some suggestions on how to re-kindle the flames of romance and YOU can help!

Talk2Bev.com has teamed up with some wonderful sponsors for the First Annual Baby Boomer Valentine’s Day Contest. In 250 words or less, women are invited to write an essay on what advice they would give baby boomer men to help them prepare for an “exceptionally romantic” Valentine’s Day with their mates. Is sending flowers still important? Should he cook a nice, candlelight dinner complete with all the trimmings or take her out to dinner? Or has age and time made it OK to do NOTHING at all?

The judges selected for this contest are five baby boomer men who are eager to read the essays.

There will be ten winners in all and the GRAND PRIZE WINNER will receive a 3-day, 2-night mini vacation package to one of 26 destinations in the US. There are also some other fabulous gifts as well.  So ladies, gather your thoughts and give him some advice please.

Send your entry to: babyboomervalentine@gmail.com

Beverly Mahone from Talk2Bev.com suggest sending yours in as early as possible while the judges eyes are still FRESH

Your winning entry will be posted on www.talk2Bev.com as well as in this blog.

A List of our wonderful Sponsors:

Business Podcast Resources Directory (Rima McDonald)
Sonshine Travel (Elizabeth McGrath)
A Little Taste of Italy (Gloria Mount)
SendOutCards (Tasha Beckman)
WECAI Network (Heidi Richards)
The Secrets of Prosperity (Kim Emerson)
Gano Excel Coffee (Tally Green)
Healthier Outcomes (Gillian Hood-Gabrielson)
Healthy Women Online (Kam)
OlderWiserWomen.org (Barbara Phillips)
Veriuni All Natural–All Purpose Cleaner (Yvette Bergeron)
Mid-Life Heroin (Jenn Wright)

What are some of your best practices and tips for making your customers/clients feel special?

Are you doing anything special for your clients for Valentine’s Day?

If you’d like to share, Glenda Hinz is writing an article about this very topic and would be glad to give reference to you (and your business) in the article.

Send your tip to glenda@hinztime.com today!

For each tip, you’ll be entered into her Valentine’s Day contest (see info below).

Glenda will be sharing the link to the article on this blog when it is completed.

Glenda said, “One of the ways I like to make my customers feel special is by sending them an unexpected greeting card…when they get some good press, they’ve lost a couple pounds and shared with a list I’m on…anything that they need a little “pat on the back” for or “just because.” And sometimes I even add in a gift card to Starbucks or Home Depot or another of the many gifts cards we have available. If you’d like to discover how you can send personalized greeting cards to your clients (from your computer, any time of the night or day), go to www.easyholidaycards.com and request a no-obligation demonstration AND you’ll be entered into our Valentine’s Day Contest to boot!”

Here’s the Valentine’s Day Prizes:

Ten (10) greeting cards (plus postage) through SendOutCards ($25 value) - 2 prizes, 2 winners

One personalized handwriting font ($49 value) - 1 winner

Here’s how to enter:

1. Send your tip for making your customers/clients feel special and receive one entry for the greeting card prize. Send 2 tips and receive 2 entries, etc. Send your tips to glenda@hinztime.com

2. Request and complete a no-obligation demonstration of our personalized greeting cards and receive one entry for the greeting card prize. Request your demonstration here. (Enter IVWCC as the coupon code, if you are a member of IVWCC.org.)

3. Refer someone to Glenda (they must complete the demonstration) and receive one entry for the greeting card prize. They can request their demonstration here. (Have them enter your name as the person who referred them as the coupon code.)

4. Sign up as a SendOutCards customer through Glenda and receive one entry for the personalized handwriting font.

There’s lots of ways to enter!

All entries must be received by midnight Central time on Tuesday, February 13.

Winners will be announced by Noon on February 14, 2007.

Getting FREE Audio and Video Delivered to You!

- Learn about Podcasting and how to subscribe to and download Podcasts (downloadable radio shows, tv shows and movies).

- Get a free Podcatcher to subscribe to and download your favorite podcasts.

- Make the most of all of the free audio and video programs, as well as full-length movies and radio shows.

- You can download them and listen to them whenever you please.

And you don’t have to be “techy” to do it!

When: Thursday, February 15, 2007, at 3pm EST/ 2pm CST/ 12pm PST

Where: http://www.AudioConferenceRoom.com.

1) There is a short video that shows you how the room works. Please review it.

2) There is also a link to get into the room. BEFORE THE CLASS, please make sure you can get into the room without any problems. If you have any problems, contact Penny Haynes at penny@1stpod.com.

Please register at www.BusinessResourcesPodcastDirectory.com if you are not a registered member (user) of the directory yet because this workshop is exclusively for the BRPD’s Members/ Users only. If you are already a registered member/ user of the directory, you will receive a more detailed information abt the event/workshop via email IF you had opt-in to receive emails about upcoming events/ workshops.

We look forward to “see” you there!

Is Social Networking a must for your business?

That depends!

First you need to know the answer to a few key questions. Where does your current business come from? Where is your future business most likely to come from? How big is your current circle of influence (network)? How much time do you have?

Social Networking can be a great benefit to business owners. Especially small business owners who depend on introductions and referrals from others to increase their market reach. Social networking has been called six (or less) degrees of separation because you can find virtually anyone online.

This use of online, friend/associate-based networking has already proven to be one of the most valuable business tools the Internet has yet provided. From LindedIn to Ryze, to Xing, to Meetup, to MySpace, Tagworld, to Friendster and Tribe and the hundreds of other Social Networking sites - business owners have discovered how to tap into this huge networking space to make connections to grow their circle and their business. And so can you!

Join Rima MacDonald, President/ CEO of Business Resources Podcast Directory and Founder of Strictly Business Network on Ryze and Cynthia Frazier, President of Energy Tour Cafe, and the co-moderators of Strictly Business, as they share their experiences with Social Networking and how you too can capitalize on the ever-growing list of online business networking sites. You will learn the do’s, the don’ts, the benefits, and drawbacks to social networking. You will hear success stories and draw backs, learn the most
effective ways to approach others in the network, and how to use it to promote your own business interests. You will leave this webcast with a much better understanding of how facilitate communication and referrals to grow your business.

In addition to learning about Social Networking as a Business tool - you will be introduced to one of the newest Social Networking sites on RYZE - Strictly Business.

Hosted by The WECAI Network - this webcast takes place on Wednesday, February 7th, 2007 at 12 Noon (Eastern Time).

To register for this eWednesday chat, visit http://www.eWednesdaychat.com.