15 Ways to Reduce Your Stress Level at Work

I found this article on America’s Best Companies written by Lynn Celmer.  The 15 points are here but if you want the whole article go to this link: http://www.americasbestcompanies.com/blog/stress-level-at-work.aspx

1. Get Moving

2. Time Management

3. Take a deep breath

4. Find a hobby

5. Laugh

6. Know your trigger points and hot spots

7. Reduce chemical stress

8. Consider environmental changes

9. Keep a journal at your desk

10. Take care of your health

11. Avoid office gossip

12. Talk it out

13. Improve your attitude

14. Create a de-stressing toolbox for your desk

15. Put things in perspective

www.businessbeware.biz

What Makes a Bad Customer and Why the Slogan “the customer is always right” is Not Always True

I know I am about to embark in a territory that most would argue with even just the heading, but no holding back now…

I have always grown up knowing this simple phrase “The Customer is Always Right.”  Many people grow up believing this concept and taught to treat your customers right, which is the right thing to do. Like I have said before, this slogan is not entirely true in today’s society like it use to be.  I have always interpreted it in the sense that it was not whether the customer was or is actually correct but the customer is entitled to their point of view while the business should meet the needs and demands of the customer.  

Let’s be honest, not many truly believe that every customer is always right.  But as businesses, we are entitled to treat them with respect of their point of view, which is key to running a good business and to keep the customers coming back.  The slogan is typically used by businesses to:

1. Convince customers that they will get good service at this company
2. Convince employees to give customers good service

Some customers use this slogan to fight back at the company, but too many times a customer will use it to try and demand just about anything.  What I find is that some of the nicest people will not use that against you and be as calm as can be and work it out with you.  It’s those abusive customers who try to manipulate businesses over and over that get businesses fired up.  Even big companies like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, etc. deal with idiots that keep coming back trying to scam them at their large stores.  It’s like you can have a great group of kids, but there is always going to be a bully or two in the group, which is just like business with customers.  You have some great ones and so oh no so great ones.

Some customers are bad for your business… We had a customer before call in who needed a service call for her irrigation system.  We responded and worked her in within 4-5 days (busy time of the year too)  and looked up her information and she had not used us since ‘05.  We went out there to fix a few broken pipes she had and do some other maintenance to the system she wanted done as well.  We finished and the next day she decided she wanted to add a few more heads to the system, so we explained that it would be a follow-up and additional charges for labor and materials, which she agreed to.  After fixing everything, a good two day’s worth of work we sent her the invoice.  A few days later she called back saying that we were not there that long and she did not clear it with us to add the heads, but I guess she must have forgotten that she signed the change order on site the first day to add the additional parts.  After going back and forth she said that she would report us if we did not take some off her bill and also pulled the card “the customer is always right.” Oops, like I said I guess she forgot about that signature…she finally sent in the check about a month later and wrote us a letter that she was not using our service ever again.  Now I hate losing customers but as I read that letter, there was a sigh of relief that we did not have to deal with her anymore.  These customers will only cause you headaches and more trouble than they’re worth.

We’ve all heard that a happy customer will tell 5 people/friends about your business and unhappy one will tell about 100.  Of course if the customer is really upset, they have many outlets to go talk about your business and file a complaint.  You want to prevent this from happening because it can hurt your business, especially if it’s online, everyone will hear about it.  But you can’t make everyone happy, that’s just a fact.  If you do happen to see yourself on a blog or forum, write back to tell your side and be professional about it while you write it so others will see that.  DON’T do it on an emotional whim, we all know how those turn out in the end.

Dealing with customers is almost dealing with kids, they will sometimes push the limit to see how far they can go.  Make sure customers know up front about your policies and charges for service, etc.  Be honest with them and hopefully they will be honest with you when you try giving them the benefit of the doubt.

What is the point if you have one of these customers that gives you so much trouble each time you deal with them and cringe each time they call your office?  Why keep putting yourself through the same thing each time where you have to suck up to them?  No one is better than the other person, if they think they are above you, they have it wrong and don’t let them treat you that way.  If the customer threatens to not use your company again, remember what you were told as a kid “if you gave it your best and did all you could, don’t look back.”  If you did the best you can with trying to please that customer, don’t break your back for them and don’t look back, keep looking forward.  Your business is YOUR business, don’t let others run you around and make decisions for you, make them yourself and stick to what you believe is the best route for your business.

Plain and simple: some customers are not right and if they want to be rude and threaten you, smile and say “we thank you for your business but there are also plenty of other companies in our area you can use.”  That’s not you being rude, that’s just being as nice as you can saying you don’t need their business.  There are too many great customers out there to be worried about and wasting all your time on the ones that are just trying to drain you for what they can…

 

www.businessbeware.biz

101 Ways a Contractor can cut on their costs

I was taking a look at ContractorMag.com and came across this article this morning that was pretty good and thought I would share with you.  Check it out at http://contractormag.com/features/contractors_searching_ways_to_cut_costs/

 

www.businessbeware.biz

 

Why Hard Working Americans Will Come Out on Top Opposed to Wall Street Gold Diggers

If you haven’t heard the news or been under a rock for the past nine months, you know that the economy is currently “in the hole.”  Everyday it’s the same thing on the news about big companies losing money, Wall Street’s Dow soaring down, businesses folding, etc.  It’s very depressing to even listen to after a long days work while trying to survive your own daily issues.  But yet, I am appalled at what I see on TV lately about the bailout and big companies.  AIG for instance, I don’t know the whole background story but what I do know is that we “as in America” own 80% of AIG since they are basically living off our tax money.  Well the CEO (can’t remember his name at the moment) that got AIG to where it is today that stepped down about 3 years ago is now suing the company for losing so much in the stocks.  But like the anchor said on the nightly news, “If he is suing AIG, he is also suing you and I.”  That really hit home as the anchor said that.  I mean it’s completely true, no way around that.  I saw so many Americans being interviewed showing how mad they were at the fact that these high paid, lazy, greedy CEO’s of AIG are using the bailout money to hand out bonuses to around 75 employees.  What’s worse is that it’s the ones in the mortgage section that got them in this mess in the first place!  That just does not add up to me.  Americans are furious, there was one construction worker working while being interviewed tossing blocks down to someone in the subway saying “this is how real hardworking Americans work and live, they need to get off their high horse and learn how to actually work to support your family and make a living.”  I know that’s  how most feel, because that is how I feel towards the subject as well. 

It’s not fair to those losing their jobs, trying to do everything they can to support their families while others who sitting in lavish homes that don’t deserve to be there.  Now I’m not putting a label on all CEO’s, so let me get that straight.  I have met some great people in high places but they are very involved in charities, etc. and pretty down to earth people who live in nothing more than an average American would. 

It’s crazy to see how some peoples work ethic is to get out and work with their bare hands, shoveling, working in underground sites, breaking their backs to run a restaurant all day, etc. when others are taking people’s money and running with it having no shame in it.  Everything I have known or seen from what America has become today is from hardworking Americans that got us here.  Not the politicians and big name CEO’s, even the president can’t change things in a year or even four years, it’s just someone to look to and put blame on if things don’t go how you want them to.  Work ethic is what got our great country here and lazy greedy people are what got us in this rut today.  Even when we get out of this recession, down the road we will have another one thanks to those who create scandals and have no remorse for what they do.  What’s sad is many politicians say we have rules but not all of them follow the rules, they think they are above them. 

I have met some people before who had lots of money and the dirtiest work they did was go to a local grocery store to get food (I kid you not, this is what they said).  The whole time in that conversation they had their nose up at me like I was nothing more than “blue collar” person.  I don’t like to judge people and try to live my life where I don’t but the whole time I was thinking how dare you look at me like that… Tell you what though, I would rather have my simple, great hardworking life than that one they led.  

The problem with many today is, we all want, want, want.  What’s the point in having all these things if you have no where to put it all and it only brings you joy for a short while then puts a hole in your pocket?  So many kids want to live the big life like some out in LA and be in the spotlight to be someone in this world.  It’s just completely sad when you see all these things today and how greedy so many are. 

Hard working Americans will come out on top simply because they always have.  Some hard working Americans can be anyone who worked to get where they are, those are the ones who appreciate what they have and give back to those who don’t have as much.  They deserve to be where they are right now, so I am not talking about them.  Hard work pays off when you give it your all.  Think about your parents and grandparents who worked so hard for you and the family to be okay, continue what they did so your kids can learn from you too and know what hard work is.  Also live everyday like it was your last, because you never know what tomorrow might bring!

 

www.businessbeware.biz

Plan Ahead to Minimize Next Year’s Taxes

For those who don’t know about the site America’s Best Companies, it’s a great site for businesses, entreprenuers, etc. for information, articles and more.  I found this article by Charles Cooper (who also wrote an article about Business Beware that was great!) It’s called: Deduction Junction http://www.americasbestcompanies.com/magazine/articles/deduction-junction.aspx

It’s good and informative, so check it out.

www.businessbeware.biz

Mistakes Made when Starting a Business

Here is an article written about mistakes that are made when starting up a business.  Good article, check it out. 

http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_01_06_09.htm?chan=smallbiz_smallbiz+index+page_getting+started

Can Twitter Work for the Small Business?

Came across this article that you might be interested to read if you have thought about using twitter and you’re a smaller business.  Check it out.

http://www.site-reference.com/articles/General/Can-Twitter-Work-For-the-Small-Business.html

If you’re on Twitter, hope you follow us as well!

www.businessbeware.biz

Privacy Issues with Websites on Google

Many people have issues with websites that store information about businesses and customers, which they have a right to be.  If a business types in their name on Google and it comes up with reviews from websites like those from RipoffReport.com where they place the business name on Google, that can cause some problems.  No business wants to find their name tagged to a report with big bold letters saying how terrible it is even before their website listing on the search engines. 

I don’t agree with placing people’s info or business information on search engines if you have a site that you can file complaints on.  On Business Beware, yes, you can file complaints against customers but the information that is filed is NOT shared or sent out on search engines.  Only a person who registers can see the information stored in the database, we do not distribute the information about customers or the business information. 

I know that topic is an issue with many people as it is with businesses, but I can honestly say we set ourselves apart from that.  Yes, your name may be filed in our database by a business, but you do not have to worry about it carrying through search engines like Google.  Even though our service is to file complaints against consumers, we do not agree with blasting information all over the place against someone. 

Hope this gives you a better idea about Business Beware and our policy.

www.businessbeware.biz

10 Tips on Making Your Business Eco-Friendly

 

Today, going green is what everyone is trying to do whether it’s for your house, business or simply places you go.  As a business there are many things you can do to save and conserve energy.  It’s not only evironment-friendly but also may save you some money with your company.  Here are 10 tips that can help you get a jump start if you are looking to green your business.

#1 Turn off equipment.

#2 Encourage communications by email.

#3 Produce double-sided documents.

#4 Reduce fax-related paper waste.

#5 Don’t leave taps dripping

#6 Install displacement toilet dams in toilet reservoirs.

#7  Find a supply of paper with maximum available recycled content.

#8 Choose suppliers who take back packaging for reuse.

#9 Instigate an ongoing search for “greener” products and services in your local community.

#10 See if your existing office furniture can be refurbished.

Hope these few things help jump start you to making your business greener!

www.businessbeware.biz

Tips for Dealing with Bully Customers

So we have all dealt with a bully customer at least once in our lives. You know the one I’m talking about too where they call you and go off on you to show how tough they are when youre sitting there trying to get a word in.  Here are a few tips when you come in contact with these customers:

#1 Dont Take it Personal. -Which is exactly what I mean when I say that.  When a customer calls and just starts to lay into you, just listen to them because you know you won’t get a word in but also don’t take what they are saying personal.

#2 Ignore the language. – When they start dropping some curse words in while they go off on you, don’t let it get under your skin.  Sometimes that can make us more mad when we hear them say those things, just ignore it. 

#3 Don’t talk about what you can’t do, tell them what you CAN do. – Customers don’t want to hear about things you can’t do for them, they want to know what you can or will do for them.   It stinks I know but if you do that you will win their heart and loyalty.

#4 If you do everything you can and they still give you trouble, tell them you don’t need their business. - I mean exactly that too.  If a customer will not cooperate with you after you do all you can for them, then you can simply say and in a nice way, “we don’t need your business.”   Let me clarify what I mean here…As a business you should not resort to this at first, this is if this customer absolutely cannot be pleased and they give you more problems than they do business.  Every business has at least one of these or deals with one along the way.  If everytime you get a call from this customer that is not happy about something each time, then you don’t have to keep bending over backwards for them.  Customers are important to a business but not if they cause you problems.

#5 Sometimes when they make a mistake they look to blame it on you even though they made the mistake.

Remember, these are just some tips from my experience.  Don’t be intimidated by the bully customers, alot of them are all talk.  If you do everything you can for the customer, then you did what you can and after that I would not look back.  And if none of the above work, when a customer starts yelling just smile back at them, they can’t stand it   (and what I mean by this, is what I have always been taught is ‘Kill them with kindness.”)

www.businessbeware.biz