Posts by Jason Holland
Don’t Dream of the Future – Make It
Biding your time until your “dream” job falls in your lap is a recipe for disappointment. But by using Michael Masterson’s principle of chicken entrepreneurship, you can create your own dream job and secure your financial future at the same time.
Read MoreWasting Time and Money With Customer Service
My cellphone plan includes free text messaging. But on last month’s bill, there was a charge for two of the dozens of messages I sent – for a total of about 50 cents.I called the company and, as you might expect, spent an hour or so on hold, being transferred, and explaining my gripe to a succession of reps.When I hung up, it occurred to me: That hour of my time could have been much better spent.
Read MoreFree Content at Your Fingertips
Looking for material that you can use for your e-books and other information products? There are countless resources for finding content that’s in the public domain. By that, I mean content that was never copyrighted… or that was copyrighted but the copyright expired. You can repackage and republish that stuff to your heart’s content, without the author’s permission. And you don’t have to pay him or her a cent.
Read MoreSide-of-the Road Marketing
Garage Sale” signs at busy intersections get noticed by folks who are out for a Sunday drive. Billboards on the highway do a good job of drawing traffic to restaurants and attractions. And at election time, roadside signs are fairly effective at drumming up support for candidates and issues.
Read MorePrevent Your Business From Being an “Open and Shut” Case
Chinese take-out is big business in South Florida. But “Chang’s” never had a chance.
They opened, added their name to the sign at the plaza entrance… and that was it. No ads in the local paper, no insert in the Penny Saver, not even a guy sticking flyers under windshield wipers in the parking lot.
Read MoreThe Wrong Kind of Publicity
You’ve probably seen the Cash4Gold infomercials. You send in your old jewelry, and they cut you a check. But when one curious blogger tried it, he got back a third of the appraised value. He called to complain and get the jewelry back – and Cash4Gold quickly upped their offer.
Read MoreTalking Trash About Customers
If you run a business where your employees interact with customers, clients, business partners, vendors, etc. (pretty much any business), you must have a zero-tolerance policy for “trash talking.” Employees should put on a public face when anyone outside the company is around. No gossiping, no insulting comments about former associates… nothing negative.
Read MoreAre You Marketing With Just One Channel?
Some business owners and marketers think that one channel of marketing (maybe direct mail, TV ads, or joint ventures) is all they need.
Read MoreWhen Being Assertive Goes Too Far
Confidently asking for what you want, holding others accountable when things go wrong, and not allowing yourself to be talked into making bad decisions are just a few examples of how being assertive can help you get things done.
Read MoreIs Your Marketing Plan All About Fun?
You (and your team) have looked at your products and have developed a plan for getting those products in front of your target market.
Read MoreEmployee Review Do’s and Don’ts
If you want your employees (and your company) to grow, you can help them excel by scheduling formal yearly performance reviews. You sit down with each employee, and take a comprehensive look at all the work they have done over the past year. You discuss how their skills have progressed, their biggest successes, where they need improvement, and their goals for the coming year.
Read MoreWhy You Should You Take the Family on Your Next Business Trip
If your job or business requires you to travel frequently to meet with clients, attend conferences and seminars, or consult with business partners… it could be affecting your home life.
One way to tip your work/home balance back the other way is to bring your family with you on the road.
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