I often tell entrepreneurs that the ability to sell is the most important skill you can learn. Be it in relationships, trying to get a job, seeking funding or selling a product, the skill of selling is key. Very close to this skill is the art of negotiation. Most times you will not sell your idea, product or service right away, instead there will be a period of back and forth negotiation. Here are some tips I’ve learned along the journey of life that I think will help you become a more powerful negotiator.
Turn Your Windows Mobile Phone into a WiFi Router
May 7, 2009 by 1 Comment
This software allows you to transform the data plan on your Windows Mobile based smart phone (here is a list of compatible phones) into a WiFi router for less than a one time $30 fee.
I find this solution most useful for when you have an unlimited data plan and you have several devices such as a iPod Touch and a NetBook that only have WiFi access.
Be sure to check with your cell phone provider to make sure you are not violating any terms of use.
Dealing with Customer Complaints 101
May 1, 2009 by 1 Comment
I believe that one key ingredient to business success is happy customers. Keeping happy customers means, at the minimum, you are satisfying their needs. Once way to raise the bar is through powerful customer service. I ran across the following 5 step “Recipe for Recovery” by Ron Zemke, author of “The Service Edge” designed to provide a framework when dealing with customer complaints. I think he provides an excellent framework that will help you achieve the ultimate goal of continued and repeat business.
Video Conferencing Software Roundup
April 28, 2009 by 3 Comments
Long past are the days when people had to be in the same physical room to have a meeting and conversations. Conference phone calls have been standard affair in the business world for decades, but with high speed Internet playing an integral roll in today’s world, video conferencing is far and away starting to take precedence.
The ability to see whom you are communicating can often seal a deal, and it’s generally easier to have a conversation with them as well. This roundup features software solutions to enable and empower you to fill your video conferencing needs.
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Essential Gear for the Traveling Businessperson
March 30, 2009 by Leave a Comment
If you travel a great deal in your line of work, you know the trade offs involved with trying to pack and transport as many business tools and reference materials as possible into the smallest amount of space (in addition to the rest of your luggage). Mastering this art can mean more productive business meetings on the road; fewer missed flights from running through concourses with excess baggage; and far less stress in your life overall.
Coordinating Online Meetings with Ease
January 20, 2009 by 4 Comments
If you have tried to coordinate meetings between more than two people, you undoubtedly know the pain. Many emails, phone calls and even text messages to ensure an optimal time for all. Here are some web based applications that can greatly simplify this process and provide you with the tools to hold an effective meeting.
70 Interviews to Help You Build an Outstanding Internet Company
January 11, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Andrew Warner of Mixergy.com has put together some incredible interviews with some amazing people with purpose of helping entreprenuers create better Internet companies. Amazingly, all of the interviews are free!
There was one issue I encountered that minimized my joy a tiny fraction at finding this treasure trove; 1) not enough time to listen to them all right now! and 2) no one place to go for an easy short list of all of the interviews (this is undoubtedly because Andrew is busy creating awesome interviews!)
In this post, I have created a list of all the interviews in a easy to browse format that takes you directly to the interview page for your convenience. On that interview page, Andrew has an introductory video, written summary of the interview, streaming audio and download link. Enjoy! I sure am.
Enterprise 2.0: Changing Models for Organization
October 30, 2008 by Leave a Comment
I had the great pleasure of serving on a panel after a presentation given by PhD candidate and Enterprise 2.0 consultant Agi Horspool at Cal State Fullerton. Following are my notes from Ms. Horspool’s slides and presentation.
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 – Talking Points
October 6, 2008 by Leave a Comment
I received the following talking points via BIA OC, that summarize the recently past bill, today from Gregory S. Brown with the NAHB Governmental Affairs office.
BaseCamp Just Became Much More Usable
September 7, 2008 by 1 Comment
One of my biggest complaints with BaseCamp is the inability to add a description to milestones easily. You can work around that problem by creating a message after you create your milestone, then attach that message to the milestone. Far too many steps! I want to be able to quickly add the description without all of the extra steps.
While I still cant add a description directly from the milestone creation screen, BaseCamp has just made it much easier to attach a description.