How Not to Get Stiffed, Improving Your Collection Procedures

Some businesses have slow paying customers or past due balances because they didn't "train" their customers in the beginning.

It is important that your customers know your credit policy and/or terms of payment, BEFORE they become a customer. Reiteration of your credit policy, when payment is overdue, is a good step to take in trying to obtain payment. Always ask for payment when it is justly due.

You should never extend credit to a new customer without having them fill out a credit application and go through the credit approval policy. Once you extend credit, it is important to maintain accurate records on an accounts payment history.

Adhere to your collection policies no matter what. You cannot see the future or changing market conditions. Try to keep current with trade reports pertaining to specific companies and industries.

Change your collection letters frequently, you can make them stronger and more action oriented.

Discourage payments on account or changes in payment terms. To many payment plans or changed payment terms can impair your cash flow.

Motivational Operations

There's an inexorable law operating in business.I call it the law of UP ·Unfulfilled Potential.One can see aspects of this law working in other areas:

For instance, in neurophysiology, humans are supposed to use only a fraction of our brains' capabilities; in technology, superconductivity is not yet widely available; and in medicine, the harnessing of the body's abilities to fight cancers is only just beginning to be understood and realized.

But the law of UP is particularly dominant in the business world ·and especially in operations.Operations is the blocking and tackling of any organization, the fundamentals that create the foundation for consistent success.

It's such an important function that in many companies the Chief Operating Officer is usually the next in line for the job of CEO.If a company is not doing operations well, all of its other functions are diminished.

Having consulted with operations leaders in a variety of top companies for two decades, I've seen that many are unfortunately strict adherents to the law of UP ·for one main reason: They've neglected an all-important results-driver, motivation.

Job Interview Preparation - What Employers Are Looking For

When an employer decides to conduct an interview with you, there are certain things that they are looking for from you. Naturally, you are likely to focus on these things during an interview, but you should remember all of the tips in this manual because following those tips is what is going to make the employers see all of those things in you.

Since everybody wants to have a leg up when it comes to an interview, it naturally seemed to be appropriate to let you in on what the employers are evaluating you on during an interview. So here is that list.

Your Enthusiasm : Employers want to know that you are willing and eager to be a part of their company. Being fully stocked with knowledge about the company is a sure fire way to show your enthusiasm.

Your ability to speak clearly : If you approach an interview mumbling and speaking slang, a prospective employer will not see you as a professional.

Showing your teamwork skills : You should show an example of your ability to work as a team during your interview.

Leadership skills : You should show your leadership abilities by approaching your interview with an offensive train of thought. Problem solving ability : Employers needs to know that you can handle yourself when a problem arrives.

Sweat the Small Stuff for Great Customer Service

Undoubtedly you've heard about the popular book series that started with Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, followed by Don't Sweat the Small Stuff at Work, ...in Love, ...with Your Family, etc. While these books relay a message containing a great deal of wisdom-don't let the little things in life stress you out-it's important not to make the mistake of overlooking the little things that can be critical to achieve wildly successful customer service in your business.

At first I was hesitant to write this article because the message seemed so basic and even felt a bit preachy. However, I reconsidered after numerous reminders from family, friends, clients and my own personal experiences that every day people are subjected to poor service. You've heard the stories; you've experienced it first-hand. Driving through the fast food restaurant without a word or a glance when you pick up your food. The store clerk that doesn't say "thank you." The teller that greets you with only a gruff "Next!" The receptionist that ignores you while discussing last night's social events with other employees. The bagger at the grocery checkout that complains about the newest company policy.

Consumers are starving for good service. And what they're often hungry for may sound like little things - common courtesies that certainly wouldn't be considered rocket science - but combined together provide a strong foundation for great customer service. In many industries or markets there are usually a few select players that far exceed the rest of the pack, while the rest trail far behind, or drop like flies. After all, comparable product, place, promotion and price are the requirements to even be in the running. Read the news and consider retail, dot-coms, etc. The differences between those that are thriving verses merely surviving are the people and the little things they do (or don't do).