Archives: December 2007

Make Better Use of the E-mail Subject Line

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 31

With the amount of e-mail we receive increasing almost exponentially, we are always looking for ways to tweak the way we handle our electronic correspondence. Here's how the subject line...

How to Receive Less E-mail

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 28

The staggering amount of e-mail we receive is causing some companies to declare "No E-mail Days." Here are a few things you can do to reduce the amount of e-mail...

How to Make Sure Your E-mails are Read

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 27

Given the flood of e-mail that people are receiving these days, a problematic practice has developed—skimming. With a full 70% of readers skimming their e-mails to get the facts, it...

Use Your Instincts to Close a Sale

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 26

When involved in a conversation, have you ever had the feeling that your companion was not being completely honest and up front with you? While many people have felt this...

What Are Leaders Responsible For?

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 25

One of the biggest challenges every leader faces is personal responsibility. The organization holds you accountable for the results of your team, but as a leader you are also responsible...

Improve Your Listening Skills

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 24

Do you ever feel like other people are not on the same wavelength as you? Just being aware that every communication relays both information and feelings can make a world...

Change Your Work Environment, Invigorate Your Workplace

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 21

If you feel the pace at your small business is a bit sluggish, it might be time to do an "environmental audit." Put yourself in the shoes of someone—be it...

Understanding Your Phone Bill

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 20

If you're like most business owners, the sheer complexity of your phone bill can be baffling. Chances are you simply look at the amount due and write a check rather...

Tax Answers for Home-Based Businesses

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 19

When you start your own business, your tax situation will change dramatically. Many new business owners get overwhelmed with the tax laws and regulations that govern their new venture. Luckily...

Ensuring Consumer Privacy and Security Online

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 18

Forrester Research reports that 86% of consumers are worried about giving information to marketers because of privacy and security concerns. It is also estimated that half of North American households...

Leaders Use Open-Ended Questions

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 17

Becoming a good listener is not something that happens overnight. Many people in leadership roles are more accustomed to speaking than they are to letting others do the talking. Exceptional...

Reenergize Your Workplace

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 14

Employees seem stuck in a rut? Try taking them on an "idea excursion," such as going to a museum, doing improv, or having a scavenger hunt. I do this in...

Can It Be Work If We're Having This Much Fun?

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 13

It used to be called "loafing," and now it's called "replenishing." It used to be called "goofing around," and now it's called "de-stressing." How can a business be productive if...

What Is and Isn't Legal to Use on a Web Site?

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 12

Is it legal to set up links to a Web site without asking? Can I copy information from a Web site and use it again? And who owns the design...

How to Interact with Customers Using Social Networks

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 11

Here are some tips to getting the most traction in reaching out and connecting with your customers via social networks: •Send individual e-mails. Every social network has a personal inbox...

Cutting Energy Costs on a Small Budget

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 10

As the cost of energy continues to rise, many small business owners struggle to maintain their bottom line while maintaining a space that's comfortable for employees and customers. Here are...

Ten Things to Avoid When Hiring Administrative Support Staff

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 07

A good support staff can save you from disaster. They're cool under pressure, can make decisions quickly, and can even anticipate problems before they become unmanageable. Hiring support staff takes...

The Web 2.0 Way to Get Close to Your Customers

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 06

In today's online world, customers have all the power. They can now shop online to find the products they want, and search from Tennessee to Tokyo. Communication between companies and...

Cleaning Up Your Company's Bad Credit Profile

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 05

How bad is your company's credit? You may not think about it much, but you can bet your suppliers do. A bad credit rating can damage your company in several...

Social Networking 101

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 04

For those who don't know what social networking is, let me take a moment to clarify. It's the new catch phrase for what used to be called word-of-mouth advertising. A...

Design Your Own Database System

Posted by: Rod Kurtz on December 03

Think your small business' database has to be created by the professionals? Think again. No one is as familiar with your company's individual needs as you are. And, with the...