Hiring an Online Sales Counselor (OSC) is like finding a unicorn that can juggle fire while smiling at strangers and analyzing a spreadsheet—all at the same time. No one person is going to nail every skill on the wishlist: people skills, task management, analytical thinking, adaptability, emotional stability, and the drive to perform. That’s why tools like the DiSC assessment can be incredibly helpful—not as a crystal ball, but as a flashlight to illuminate learning styles, communication patterns, and potential red flags. Over the years,…
Read MoreTime and Priorties: Event Planning for Your Business
Now if there’s one thing I can emphasize to individuals and companies, and especially to individuals who are sole proprietors, it’s to have a very clear business plan for your event. My plan for Blue Gypsy Bluesfest was, “hey I want to have a party and brand my company!” At first it was targeting the real estate industry in Hampton Roads, but then I just said, hey lets do this for charity and get anyone…
Read MoreBusiness Coach Vs. Snake Oil Salesman
Wow folks, I’ve just got to get this out there in a post to go on the record. I am very skeptical of business coaches, and people who train business coaches. There I said it. My skepticism comes from watching a whole business arise in this flagging economy. Have you ever heard that old Woody Allen quote, “Those who can’t do, teach. Those who can’t teach, teach gym.” Well when it comes to your business,…
Read MoreBalance: Work and Life
When you work in front of computer all day, and you own your own business, the tendency is to work to fatigue. At least that’s what I do. There is always something that needs to get done, and there seem to not be enough hours in the day to get it all done. At some point, you, have to step back and say, it isn’t all going to get done today. Set reasonable expectations for…
Read MoreWhen Social Media Works and Doesn’t Work in a Crisis
There were very good ways that social media was a huge help during and in the wake of Hurricane Irene. And there were many ways where it was more of a hindrance than a help. Living on the Eastern Seaboard in Northern Virginia and owning several properties nearby the Chesapeake Bay both in Norfolk, VA and in Mathews VA there were times that I was very frustrated with general media and the news services. And…
Read MoreHow Much Time Does It Take To Plan A Successful Event?
How much time should you give yourself if you are planning an event for your business? That is an excellent question everyone should ask themselves as they embark on the journey of putting on a function or corporate event. No really, I’m telling you, ask yourself how much time you think it will take to plan, execute and have create a successful outcome for the event. And then at least double that time. I learned…
Read MoreBuyer Beware: Your Daily Deal
So many “Daily Deal” sites are cropping up these days and one has to ask, how much of a deal are they really? It’s hard not to blink at a deal for a luxury hotel offering 70% off on a 3 day trip, or special deals on tubing, water sports etc, not to mention the facials and more. On some items it’s easy to know that the deal is genuine. $50 worth of flowers for…
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