Archive for August, 2008

Is it Time for a Break?

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

Yikes! I looked in the mirror this moring, and it was not pretty. I had huge circles under my eyes and my face was puffy with a few pimples ready to come out.

Now, I take pretty good care of myself. I work out almost every day and eat healthy foods. But sometimes you just have to look at what your body is telling you.

And you know what? It’s time for a break! (especially with Labor Day upon us)

I’m sure you can relate to this too.

With worries about the economy and bringing in new sales, things can get out of hand.

After all, it’s wise to listen to the words of Richard and Kristine Carlson in their book, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. And it’s all small stuff.

Do you need a break?

If your job is not interesting any longer, and you just want to sleep, it’s time to take a break.

Whether it’s a simple day away from the computer, or a whole week in Cancun, give yourself some time off!

You’ll actually be more productive when you return to work.

And I know as an entrepreneur, this is not always easy. But it’s essential.

Plan ahead. Get work done in advance. Try to develop systems and people to help run your business without your involvement. And take some time to breathe.

Well, I can tell my body needs some serious rest and relaxation…so I’m going to take some of my own advice and step away from the computer.

Then, when I come back, I’ll be refreshed, revived and ready to go!

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For help with your online copywriting and PR efforts, please feel free to comment below or visit www.rembrandtwrites.com for additional information. Thanks!

3 Quick Business Travel Tips

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008

I just came back from visiting my client in Montana. And even though it’s pretty cool that you can visit three different states in one day (and still be back at your office the next day), I don’t recommend it.

I’m shocked that I made all of my connections (although I was running through the airport at full speed to catch my flight home).

Traveling for business today is very stressful. But there are some things you can do to make it more relaxing and productive.

Here are my quick tips:

1. Plan ahead.
Try to plan your trip in advance as much as possible.

You’ll have a better chance of reserving better seats and the flights you want. Plus, you’ll have time to organize your hotel room, rental car, directions, and other pertinent items.

2. Confirm. Confirm. Confirm.

Right before your trip, be sure to confirm all of your accomodations. This is a great way to avoid potential problems and get your schedule ready.

Plus, you never know when an airline might change your flight time or seat without telling you!

3. Be patient.

When you need to deal with bulky luggage, complaining travelers, tight seats, and long flights, it’s best not to let the negativity get to you.

Instead, take deep breaths, read something positive or listen to your favorite music. 

I know this may sound redundant, but is it really worth it to let a simple business trip give you more wrinkles and gray hair?

When I travel, I try to look at it as an adventure to learn something new and work on my patience levels. Then, if the trip does not go well, at least I’ve improved my education and my well being in the process!

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Do you have some tips for relaxing on a business trip? Please feel free to share them with others below.

And if you need help with your online copywriting or public relations, please let me know or visit www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’d love to hear from you?

Don’t Get Duped!

Thursday, August 21st, 2008

Yesterday, I was at a sales meeting and a man in his mid-sixties introduced
himself. He talked about his family, business and health, and I listened
politely. Later on, he asked if I’d like to meet with him during the break to
discuss my business.

Thinking that he may want to hire me for publicity or online copywriting
services, I agreed to talk to him in the public, refreshment area.

Well, after 15 minutes of listening to how big his car was, how big his house was and how big his bank account was, I realized just “how big” his ego was! I also came to the conclusion that I’d been “duped.”

Has this ever happened to you?

Here I was trying to get to know a potential customer when I realized that he had other things on his mind – and nothing business-oriented!

Fortunately, it only took me a few minutes to discover his alternative
motives. I excused myself and returned to the meeting with a colleague.

If you are ever pursuing a new business contact, I have a few words of
advice…Listen to your gut instinct!

You can waste a lot of time trying to win new customers. But if you get any inkling that a potential new client is simply not interested in buying what you have to offer, or gives you a difficult time regarding your fees, move on as soon as possible.

By targeting the customers you want to pursue, you can avoid going after the wrong business.

But I can tell you from experience. Even if dollar signs are swimming in your head at the thought of a big, new contract, take a moment to step back and think about the situation.

If something just doesn’t feel right, please go with your gut and end the
conversation. You’ll save yourself a lot of time, embarrassment and hassle. And there are always better opportunities available if you look for them!

Do you have a business story about being “duped” by a potential customer? Please share your story below or feel free to contact me…but only if you truly want PR and copywriting help :>!