Business Tips From ‘A Christmas Carol’

I came across this article by By Jen Schiller  with business tips from A Christmas Carol one of my favorite this time of the year. Enjoy, Don

As the holiday season bulldozes on it’s sometimes hard not to feel like Charles Dickens’ infamous boss Ebenezer Scrooge in the classic ‘A Christmas Carol.’

And business owners and entrepreneurs, feeling the pinch of the holidays, can unintentionally develop some Scrooge-like tendencies.

Therefore, I’m putting on my best Jacob Marley ghost costume to bring  business tips, courtesy of ‘A Christmas Carol.’

The Ghost of Company Past:

To start with, I bring you the Ghost of Company Past. If you are a business owner try to remember the roots of your company. While change and progress are critical to the sustained success of a company, so too is the adherence to the principles and values set forth originally. Many young entrepreneurs get so wrapped up in the future that they fail to recognize what made the company successful in the first place. As the boss it is your job to keep employees on an ethical path.

Ghost of Company Present:

Next, we sail off with the Ghost of Company Present. Here’s the time for business owners  to remember to enjoy the current path of your company and view the positives of your current situation. Just like Tiny Tim saw the good in people despite all the obstacles he faced, you too should enjoy what you have. There is room for ambition in business, sure, but there’s no joy if you never stop to experience it. Bosses can use the holiday season as an excuse to celebrate company culture and instil a sense of pride for the company within the company.

Ghost of Company Yet To Come

Finally, we find ourselves in the presence of the Ghost of Company Yet To Come.

As the New Year dawns closer, business owners should take this time during the holiday season to envision their goals for the future of the company- remembering the lessons learned from the past and present. As the boss you may not find your grave unkempt or yourself stolen from, but outlining future plans to fix any issues you saw in the past or present iterations of your company is a noble and important goal this holiday season.

So there you have it, entrepreneurial tips courtesy of a trio of holiday ghosts. Maybe Dickens planned to write a compelling ethical and moral tale, but his story of the world’s most notoriously stingy boss set the stage for a set of holiday season-themed business ideas.

Don’t be a Scrooge this holiday season. Instead, be the entrepreneur and boss who is able to run a flourishing business, and an ethical one.

By Jen Schiller 

Mission Impossible charge more, sell more and Build Your Business

Mission Impossible charge more, sell more and Build Your Business

The death of Yellow Pages – What to do to Build Your Business in 2013

The death of Yellow Pages – What to do to Build Your Business in 2013

Build Your Business with Testimonial Videos

Build Your Business with Testimonial Videos

Soles4Souls Canada - The beginning Spring 2010

Financial Ideas that Work Mike Hassard Kelowna | Life Insurance Debt Investing Mutual Funds: Scam Impacts the Mets

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What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?

Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first.

You are all probably familiar with the Christmas time story of Dr. Seuss', The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

Dr. Seuss was a favorite at our house and as my family gets a little bit older, we find we all need a break from the commercialism of the holiday season.

In moving some boxes recently I came across a copy of the now famous Dr Seuss tale and in reading the book it brought back great memories of watching the original show on TV with my daughters.

There is a part near the end that has always moved me and I trust this holiday season it will help you with what’s really important!!!

From Dr. Seuss:

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?

It came without ribbons. It came without tags.

It came without packages, boxes or bags.

And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.

What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store?

What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?

As the holiday season approaches, we at Floodlight would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support.

It is business associates and customers like you who make our jobs a pleasure and keep our company successful.

We value our relationship with you and look forward to sharing our business thoughts with you in the year to come.

From all of us at Floodlight we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace and prosperity.

Donald Robichaud - President
FloodLight - Build Your Business
1-888-768-9415

http://www.floodlight.ca

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Kelowna Business Coaching Business Consulting: OBRG Networking Event Thursday November 25th – Wo...: "We have all heard it before is there such a thing as work life balance? What simple things can you do to grow your business without leave ..."

Donald RobichaudPresidentFloodLight Consulting - Build Your Business - 250-768-9415http://www.floodlightconsulting.com/http://donaldrobichaud.blogspot.com/

Social Media Marketing Kelowna – Are you connected?

Whether your company is just starting out, starting to grow or already established, you need to continually evaluate the tools which will help build your business to the next stage. Social Media has shifted the way we talk to friends, family and our clients.

When evaluating your marketing dollars for 2011 you’ll want to ensure that 25 % of your marketing budget is directed to marketing yourself on the internet. If your target market is under 30 years old it may be as high as 50%.

If you follow this thought process you will definitely want to arm yourself with social media tools, that will play an important role in the development of your company’s marketing strategy and business development.

Getting the word out in today’s internet world is imperative and the marketing of you and your business will be given a big boost by social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Below is a quick overview for the big four of Social Media:

Facebook:
As of July 2010 Facebook has more than 500 million active users, which is about one person for every fourteen in the world. Users may create a personal profile, add other users as friends and exchange messages, including automatic notifications when they update their profile. Additionally, users may join common interest user groups, organized by workplace, school, or college, or other characteristics.

The benefits of Facebook - Facebook is an excellent social networking source. You can have a business profile page, and different groups. It also has a great event tool which allows you to invite people to your next party or business social event.

Twitter:

Twitter is a website which offers a social networking and micro blogging service, enabling its users to send and read other users' messages called tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters displayed on the user's profile page.

The benefits of Twitter - Twitter has many uses for both personal and business use. It's a great way to keep in touch with your friends and quickly broadcast information about where you are and what you're up to. For example, "I'm downtown and aching for some sushi, anyone like to join me?" For business, Twitter can be used to broadcast your company's latest news and blog posts, interact with your customers, or to enable easy internal collaboration and group communication.

YouTube:

YouTube is a video-sharing website on which users can upload, share, and view videos. YouTube uses video technology to display a wide variety of user-generated video content, including movie clips, TV clips, and music videos, as well as amateur content such as video blogging and short original videos. Most of the content on YouTube has been uploaded by individuals, although media corporations including CBS, BBC, and others are using this medium as a marketing tool. YouTube is the second biggest search engine tool after Google.

The benefits of YouTube - With YouTube you can create your own customized channel or customer base. Whenever a video is added to a YouTube account, it leads to the creation of one profile channel by itself. Keen viewers usually form a part of this channel and may also take its subscription. One may also promote their websites further by sending newsletters through e-mails to these subscribers. In other words, it can aid in building your customer list.

LinkedIn:

LinkedIn is mainly used for professional networking. As of August 2010, LinkedIn had more than 75 million registered users, spanning more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. The site is available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. The purpose of the site is to allow registered users to maintain a list of contact details of people they know and trust in business. The people in the list are called Connections. Users can invite anyone (whether a site user or not) to become a connection.

The benefits of LinkedIn:

For many professionals LinkedIn has become the social tool for professional networking on line. It’s a convenient way to stay connected to current colleagues and people who you’ve worked with in the past. It’s a great way to be connected with the owner’s and decision makers of the business world.

Social Media is a great way to share expertise with a target market of prospects and clients and to become a leader in your field. Build Your Business with Social Media and increase your market share with loyal followers.

Fore more information contact:

Donald Robichaud
FloodLight Consulting
Build Your Business
Email
250-768-9415
http://www.floodlightconsulting.com/
http://donaldrobichaud.blogspot.com/

Soles4Soles Campaign Target Demolished

Donna and Donald Robichaud  help out at the Kelowna Rockets Game. Picture taken by James Young of SNAP.

Well heeled Okanagan residents, spearheaded by Jim Belshaw of Roy's Shoes on Ellis, have ripped apart the Soles4Souls campaign target.

The aim was to generate a heady 25,000 pairs of gently used shoes in a 25 day period, the majority of which are destined for Haiti. That figure alone was pretty high but pales in comparison to the 40,000 that were actually collected.

We dropped by a Kelowna Rockets home game where Jim and the dedicated team of sole collectors were busy polishing another chunk off the total as fans poured through the doors. A great achievement and dedication to the cause, good work Jim!

Donald Robichaud
FloodLight Consulting – Build Your Business
250-768-9415
http://www.floodlightconsulting.com/
http://donaldrobichaud.blogspot.com/

Selling Breakthroughs – August 1st 2010 – Kelowna Sales Training

Keep your customers satisfied to create lasting relationships.

The secret to making a successful sale is knowing what, why, how and when your audience wants to buy. Learn the processes and stages of both buyer and seller simultaneously to understand how to apply sales skills and behaviors that accurately match the buyer’s state and motivations. Understand how to use your expertise confidently to positively influence outcomes and meet both the buyer’s and your own requirements. A sale isn’t over until your client knows that the solution to their business problem is you and your product or service.

This course will help you:

•Accurately assess customer needs and establish needs awareness
•Present solutions based upon priority and big picture needs, not products or services
•Use the buyer’s motivations for increased focus and creating opportunities
•Communicate as a problem-solver and a trusted partner
•Develop professional, long-lasting business-to-business relationships
Who should Attend:

Anyone involved in the selling process.

Format:

•A highly-interactive 1-day workshop.
Tools Provided:

•A Comprehensive Learning Guide
•A pre- and post-workshop skills assessment
•Half hour with our sales professional one month after training
Detailed Synopsis: Selling Breakthroughs

The Selling Breakthroughs workshop. will give you the skills needed to transform selling products, services or ideas into selling “business solutions” are essential for salespeople at all levels.

The program will broaden your understanding and develop your selling skills to uncover the underlying business need, create a desire to act on solving the business problem or to take advantage of a business opportunity, make clientcentered sales presentations, gain commitment, and enhance the relationship by ensuring client satisfaction.

The program provides practical planning tools and processes, with case studies and practice sessions to learn and enhance your selling skills.

Unit 1 An Overview of the Selling – Buying Process:
In this overview unit we examine the process and stages that a buyer moves through in any buying situation. This enables us to appreciate the skills and behaviors required by the salesperson to support the buyer throughout the process.

Unit 2 Need: Establishing buyers’ needs and need awareness:
The foundation of any sale and worthwhile relationship requires a clear understanding of the buyer’s real needs – their situation, problems and opportunities. In this unit you will learn the importance of first impressions, and how to use appropriate selling and interpersonal behaviors to achieve strong and positive relationships. You will enhance your questioning skills to obtain appropriate facts and information, and to get confirmation, agreement and commitment.

Unit 3 Priority: Activating needs to priority:
This stage is the vital link between establishing needs and presenting a solution. We explore general and specific buying motives, and identify and establish the individual motivations and drives of our buyers. You will learn specific questioning skills that focus the buyer on their real situation, and help them clarify those needs that are priorities for them. You will become comfortable challenging the status quo.

Unit 4 Solution: Presenting a business case solution:
This Unit is designed to move you towards mastery of presenting a business case that meets the buyer’s specific product and service needs, demonstrates value, and is based on positive relationships. You will further enhance your questioning and listening skills. You will learn how to prepare generic and client specific product and service analyses, based on a complete understanding of features, advantages, benefits and end results. You will prepare a value-based solution, with a documented valueadded package, that effectively differentiates your solution. You will learn how to deal with various forms of resistance, including “price” issues, and positively sell on value and
relationship factors.

Unit 5 Implement: Closing and implementing:
Through an understanding of buying signals, stress and risk assessment, and closing techniques, you will learn how to support the buyer to implement their solution choice. Preparation of a checklist and plan will ensure both parties commit to and complete full implementation.

Unit 6 Relationship: Cementing the relationship and managing expectations:
This unit looks at our customers in terms of importance and worth to help us better allocate our time. Development of an expectation feedback system helps us monitor and evaluate results against expectations. Proactive follow-up will ensure an ongoing relationship based on trust and credibility.

Total cost – Selling Breakthroughs – $495.00

Sign up before August 1st 2010  – and receive!!

One hour Sales Trainnig on: How do people Buy? (Value $150.00)

For more information and to see how FloodLight can help you Sell smarter, call:

Donald Robichaud
FloodLight Consulting – Build Your Business
250-768-9415
http://www.floodlightconsulting.com/
http://donaldrobichaud.blogspot.com/

Okanagan Business Referral Group

Okanagan Business Referral Group Thursday is Kelowna's Premier Networking Group for Okanagan Business. For more information on OBRG click here.

Our Mission - Networking in Kelowna with Okanagan Business Referral Group OBRG

At Okanagan Business Referral Group (OBRG) Kelowna our mission is to network and build strong relationships with our members to better help the clients we serve and to build better businesses in Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.If you think your business would be a good fit for Okanagan Business Referral Group (OBRG) Kelowna email us at obrgkelowna@gmail.com, or call one of our members.

Join OBRG - Okanagan Business Referal Group Kelowna - The Okanagan's Preimer Business Networking Group

and get the power of word of mouth referrals working for you!

Meet our members ... OBRG Bio site
Articles from our members OBRG Main Site

OBRG Kelowna - Okanagan Business Referral Group Thursday

Kelowna's Premier Networking Group for Okanagan Business!

We meet Thursday mornings from 7 am to 8:30 am at The Sandman Hotel Conference Centre 2130 Harvey.
For more information on one of our members make sure to check our members articles, or check our members bios here.

What people are saying about Floodlight

FloodLight has been working with me and my business for over a year now, their expertise and professionalism is second to none. FloodLight has taken my business to a new level and has also taught me invaluable business strategies, networking skills and marketing.

Work done on my website by FloodLight has proven to be very successful in being found and first rate in rebuilding of the site. I recommend that any business using Floodlight Business Solutions Group and Donald Robichaud and his team has gained an invaluable asset to their business.

Joe Wackerbauer
President
Okanagan Custom Homes Ltd.
250-494-9609
250-809-9519 cell
http://www.okanagancustomhomes.com/ 


I started working online through the internet with Floodlight Consulting at the beginning of 2008 after being recommended by a business partner Ken Kunka of Flywheel Building Solutions.

I knew I needed some help in a few areas of my business so I engaged with Floodlight.

Floodlight has proven to be a big asset to my company by helping my business relate and speak to my clientele.

Donald Robichaud and I get together on a regular basis over the internet, as I continue to mould my vision for TLC Energy Solutions.

My business gets easier day by day as I set the path for success with the help of Floodlight Consulting. I have more confidence and my weakness have become my strengths.

It dawned on me today that after every one of our meetings I stand up, out of my office chair and do a Tiger Woods style fist pump.

Sounds silly but I do this because at the end of our meetings I feel a real sense of accomplishment and progress with TLC Energy Solutions.

Thanks again for all your Help!

Terry Laurin President
TLC Energy Solutions
http://www.tlces.com/

Is Social Media Worth Your Time?

Every one - from politicians, businesses, musicians, celebrities and many other groups of people - uses social media such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or other social networking outlets to spread their message, build their businesses and connect with others.

Do they know something we don't?

Networking, whether online or offline, is a great use of time when done properly. As with anywhere you spend your time, knowing why you are doing it, how you will measure success and having a plan is the best approach.

With that said, I jumped in with both feet last year with the guidance of a social media expert, and I have found clients, joint venture partners, speaking engagements and other great connections through various social media outlets. I am a member of more social media outlets than I can count, but I currently focus on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. While I am not an expert in social media, here are five reasons to take some time to learn the benefits of social media.


1. There Is No Direct Cost

There is no direct cost unless you opt for an upgrade, if one is offered. I haven't paid for an upgrade and have steadily increased my list to include over 1000 followers between just three social media outlets, and without much effort.

2. Build Your Business by Connecting With Peers

Are you interested in finding joint ventures, affiliates, guest experts or other peers you can bounce ideas off of? In the last few weeks alone, I have located one large joint venture partner and have had several other partnership opportunities cross my desk. Business owners just like you are using social media to connect with others who are interested in using your articles, hosting you as a guest expert on teleseminars, webinars and live events, and even creating projects together!

3. Build Your Business by Following Reporters You Are Targeting

Would an article written by a certain reporter make your year? Follow them on Twitter or Facebook and see what is of interest to them and what they are writing about. You don't know what golden nugget you'll find by following them online that may open the door at the right time. Follow them and invite them to follow you as well! Or with LinkedIn you can find out how many degrees you are from them. You may surprise yourself by being only one or two degrees away from your target!

4. Showcase Your Expertise, Build Your Platform and Attract New Clients

Social media is an interesting animal. While many people use it to grow their businesses, you must be mindful about outright promotions. Generally speaking, heavy marketing of your products and services on these sites is a big no-no. Here's how I do it. I'll post something like this: "Just got off the phone with social networking guru Nancy Marmolejo. Now I'm off to finish writing my sales page for the Business Breakthrough Series." People who are intrigued will check you out and may end up deciding to follow you and ... bingo! They have just entered your world!

5. Reach Large Audiences

The world is your oyster in social media. There are only a few businesses that are truly limited by geographic boundaries, especially if you are in the information marketing business. Being active on social networking sites eliminates geographic boundaries and allows you to reach a vast number of people from all over the world. If you have products and services that can be purchased by anyone in the world, being active in social media is an absolute must for you. I recently held a teleseminar with people from over 10 countries in attendance, all from the comfort of my home office! And my sweat pants!

So, is social media worth the time? It depends. Social media is absolutely the wave of the future, and you will need to know something about it at some point. However, whether you work it into your plan for 2009 depends on your goals. If you have a goal of increasing your reach to prospects either locally or internationally, you can do that quite effectively through social media. However, if you can cannot and will not commit to learning how to "tweet" on Twitter or communicate on Facebook or use your connections on LinkedIn, it will not be worth your time.

My advice to clients when they are just starting out is to select one social media outlet, whether it's Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter, and master it before jumping into every outlet possible. You obviously need to schedule time for connecting, so select the social networking outlets that will benefit you the most.

Now that I am experiencing the financial results of my online efforts, I understand why this is such a great use of my time and I'm hooked!
About The Author
Meredith Liepelt, President of Rich Life Marketing, offers a free report called "101 Ways to Attract Ideal Clients, Build Your List and Raise Your Profile," which can be downloaded immediately at http://www.richlifemarketing.com/

Kelowna Social Networking

Four years ago I began FloodLight Consulting to help my clients articulate what they do best by generating more business through daily sales, marketing and branding strategies.

As I begin my fifth year of business it is very gratifying to see present and former clients referring business, leveraging opportunities and creating their own social network.

This blog was created as a thank you for allowing me to share in your dreams and the endeavour of growing your business.
-
Donald Robichaud
President
FloodLight Consulting
250-768-9415







http://www.flood/lightconsulting.com
http://donaldrobichaud.blogspot.com/
"We Help Entrepreneurs Reach their Goals"