Tips from March 5, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss handling conflict management. Engage in active listening. There are two sides to every story, and listening to others will help in understanding what the problem is, and open up ways to solve the issue at hand. Pay attention to others. Conflicts involve more than one party. Take the time to listen to both parties, and try to understand where each is coming from. Arrange a meeting between the parties involved in the conflict. A mediation session will allow both parties to confront each other in a controlled setting to talk out their problems. Communicate clearly. A conflict will never be solved without clear, honest, and open communication.  Daily Overview: Be a leader when it comes to conflict management and take control of the situation. You will gain respect. [Read Full Article]

We use "people skills" each day during every interaction with others.  Interactions in the workplace generally have a professional manner, and are typically analyzed and scrutinized. Look no further if you desire to boost your personal skills, be confident in the office, connect with others to establish rapport, and understand your reasoning for miscommunication. Follow these Ten Commandments for People Skills in the Workplace.1. Thou Shall Not ComplainDon't complain! The workplace will be a stressful environment at times. Complaining at work takes away from productivity and invites negativity to take over. At least half of the people you complain to at work will not care, and some could even think that you got what you had coming. If you're frustrated with something while at work, save it for personal time.2. Thou Shall SmileSmile and say cheese! Smiling is part of the foundation for outstanding people skills. It shows the worl... [Read Full Article]

Tips from March 3, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss nonverbal communication. Smile! Showing your pearly whites invites people to your conversation. It also generates a positive vibe and environment to share ideas. Eye contact is crucial. It shows that you are paying attention to what is going on around you, and that you are listening to the conversation. Eye contact will engage others to interact with you in conversation as well. Stop fidgeting! Nervous hand gestures, such a foot tapping, folding hands over chest, hair twirling, or just anything awkward will generate negativity and uneasiness in others. Nod your head while others are talking.  They will know you are listening, and acknowledging that you understand what is taking place. Daily Overview: You can communicate to the world without speaking. Keep these nonverbal cues in check the next time you are speaking. [Read Full Article]

Tips from March 1, 2010 The Small Business tips today discuss how to assess people skills. Casual conversation helps bring people skills to light. Take note of various actions, reactions, body language, and topics in a natural setting. Someone's answer to a "what if" question can tell you a lot about them. Ask about real life situations. Remember their reactions and what they'd do in that situation. Watch someone's interaction with others, and gather a group of observers to watch as well. Ask other observers about the interaction to get other, unbiased opinions of how it went. Conduct a self assessment. Ask questions on what people think about themselves: strengths, weaknesses, organization, coaching, listening & communication. Daily Overview: To assess someone's people skills it's best to compare your own observations against what they think of themselves. Communication is a large part of these skills. Take... [Read Full Article]

Management and Operations Ten Worst Communication Blunders of 2009 From a steady review of major news events, here are the ten worst communication blunders of 2009. BusinessKnowHow.com Management and OperationsProductivity Coach's Corner: Clear the Clutter, Create OpportunityThe following is a specific key to success in lightening the load on your body and mind. This is a practical activity, one you can do to reduce the unnecessary physical and psychological stress you may be carrying around right now. Wouldn't it be worth it to invest less than one half of an hour to regain some confidence and control? M... [Read Full Article]

Combining unique preferences, resentment and rebellious tendencies, and elaborate priorities, marketing to Generation X is quite a difficult task. Here are 6 rules of marketing to Generation X. Don't recycle the past. Generation X knows many popular marketing strategies that have worked for Baby Boomers. Gen X knows what has been used already, and in turn know what is a new and exciting way to grab their attention.  What's "In" may not be in with Gen X. This group is attracted to what is affordable and of great quality. Trends which don't break the bank are the ones that Gen X will lean towards. An example of well marketed trends to Gen X include the "Going Green" effort. Gen X is highly concerned about the environment and will try green trends. "Hard selling" is poor selling. Generation X finds "hard selling" harsh, rude, and obnoxious. They are turned off by this sales method. If you are going to pitch to Gen X... [Read Full Article]

Tips from October 12, 2009 The Small Business tips today are about building customer loyalty. Communicate with your customers to see what they need/want. Exceed their expectations to make them come back. Offer coupons and incentives for customers on their next purchase to ensure they return to your business. Create a customer loyalty program. After so many purchases, offer a freebie. Offer rewards for referrals to your business. Personalize! Get to know your customers. It will bring them back to your biz because you know them. Daily Overview: Creating a loyal customer brings people back to your store, constantly increasing your business. [Read Full Article]

Tips from October 13, 2009 The Small Business tips today cover knowing your customers. Get the name, email address, and phone number of purchasing customers. Send them personalized coupons Ask customers for their birthday (month and day) Send them a discount, coupon, or freebie on their day. Learn your customers' names. As they return, address them personally. Cater to their buying trends. Communicate with customers. Find out feedback by calling or mailing them a survey. Daily Overview: Getting to know your customers can create a huge return for your business. Show you care and they'll come back. [Read Full Article]