Author Archives: Janine McKalister

About Janine McKalister

Janine is a full time communications tutor at an Australian international college. She commonly travels to Asia and provides consultancy services to C-Level executives at some of Asia's leading companies like Samsung and Lenovo.

Improve on your innovation and creativity techniques in Six simple steps.

Leave a reply

Have you also fallen to the pitfalls of limitation? If you are making some petty excuses why your innovation skill are not in its best shape, then you might find it helpful to study the next six steps of creativity improvement.

The wrong notion that creativity comes at any random moment foils the true nature of creativity. Your creativity is under your own command and does not come according to its own wishes. Sometimes, it is used as a petty excuse as to why not to innovate. How exactly to take command of creativity and how to call for it spontaneously whenever you need it? Let me show some six simple steps to make way for innovation and creativity to flourish.

1. Be objective to new ideas

You need to be objective every time a new idea is presented to you no matter how ridiculous it seems the first time. You need to give it a second look even if you already tried it because there might have been important factors that you overlooked the last time. By being objective to every new idea being presented you allow yourself to grow in a profound way thus stimulating your innovation and techniques. Do not out rightly reject new ideas, rather allow it to be seen in an entirely new light, full of anticipation and excitement for whatever it behold. These ideas could literally come from people that matter to your business; it is definitely all the more worthwhile to give it your appropriate attention.

2. Trial and error process

You need to test every idea that you deem good. You have to let it pass through the process of testing where its strengths and weaknesses are revealed for evaluation and rectification. If it fails the first time, give it a look and evaluate the things you need to improve to achieve the desired results.

3. Take calculated risks

Success comes after you have taken a great leap. When you stay in your comfort zone, you limit your opportunity to discover great, new and relevant things. Never be held back by your fear of failure, keep your charts open for testing. Risks are part of the venture. It could help you strengthen your structure. By taking risks, you are waking up your creative and innovative faculties to get ready for a test run.

4. Enjoy

Never let your business becomes a burden to you; otherwise, you will burn your passion out. Enjoy every moment you are doing things. Make sure that you are having fun while you are thinking of staying up ahead creatively. Innovation gladdens the heart and creativity excites the soul. You should have more glow to your face than wrinkles

5. Be results-oriented

Creativity and innovation only makes sense if it gives off relevant results. While you are busy crafting all the creative and innovative ideas, you must never lose focus on the results that must come out from all of you efforts. Everything must have to have a fruit, otherwise it is a senseless pursuit.

6. Mix everything up

You might just mix everything up all the given simple steps given above. You may do it all in progressive steps or do it all at once. To stimulate your creative juices you might just need to solicit big and bold ideas and then let them go through the trial and error process of which all the while you are taking a calculated risks, and then you are extremely enjoying the whole thing especially that you know you will have your desired results.

Earning in exchange for work experience

Leave a reply

You can make other people work for you and at the same time earn while doing it. The concept is simple; people pay you in exchange for work experience. Nothing could be greater than this right? Well it’s true, and many are taking advantage of it.

In a secluded town of New Zealand called Azaroa, there is someone who makes money while letting people do their work for him. He is a savvy entrepreneur who devised this simple yet profitable concept. I personally witnessed him when we just had our family vacation there recently. He heads the Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run. He earns a hefty $45 for letting people do his work. His mail run treads on unfamiliar roads running along scenic spots and exciting places, and you get to accompany this postie while you shoulder his job responsibilities in exchange of an experience plus the payment. This is such a wonderful arrangement and any business could copy its format.

Are you doing the same? Are you good at something that you could use to earn while letting people work for you? Is your work interesting enough to command such an arrangement, which is not only gratifying but also grossly profitable as well? Do you have a unique and particular skill to entice people to pay while working for you?

A photographer could conduct classes and demonstrations for his students, and then make an exhibit of the results
A weaving master could teach people how to make intricate weaving designs and then sell the resulting products
An article writer who is at the same time an English teacher could make his students write an essay for a certain topic and then post those to generate some revenues.

There are other things for which you can do to enjoy in what you do, at a far less effort, and a hefty payment from other people who wants to be a part of your work. However, you need to be careful in doing this. You need to draw a line of limitation so as not to divulge too much that you might lose your competitive edge.

Although I am an advocate of teaching people relevant skills for free. I have to admit that people also learn better when they have to shell out something from them, they think of it more of an investment than anything else.

Sell your way to the top with up-selling

Leave a reply

Up-selling and cross-selling is one of the best ways to sky rocket your revenue. It is practical and enhances the other key parts of your business structure. Take time to learn its ways make god use of its advantages.

It was in Mc Donald’s that I had my first lesson about up-selling; only that I learned the lesson the hard way, I got suspended for ceasing to practise it. I thought it was such a bad idea. The fact of always asking people to have to add anything more to what they have already ordered might just be the reason of some of their irritation. I definitely do not want to be the subject of their irritation so I stopped, and that’s how I got suspended. Many years later, I realized that Mc Donald’s had been doing the thing the right way after all. Now I know that it makes perfect sense to ask people the “would you like additional fries to go with that?” question. People coming to Mc Donald’s are customers who have decided long before to spend some amount of money, sure there could be a chance that somehow they will respond favourably to your up-selling, and that would have made a huge difference already.

Up-selling and cross selling are really practical steps that require no additional capital but will provide additional revenue. It is such a brilliant technique but only a few are doing it, really. It dramatically increases earnings, which makes it really tempting to give it a serious try. See some of the examples below:

You are offering a service

As a service provider, you may make sensible offers that could really entice your clients to opt for your services. You could craft your strategy in such a way as offering your clients practical discounts if they choose to avail of the services for a longer term. Or every time you quote a customer, you might also include a quotation of the other services of products that you provide with a brief explanation as to its importance to them. One of the loopholes we commit in providing services is we do not get to offer relevant information to our clients which in one way or another could help promote your product or services. Take the initiative to promote your other services even if you have not been asked. There is no harm in doing so. Most customers might even appreciate you for it.

You are an online vendor

You can always take advantage of the technology we have how. You may readily walk your customers through with any of the products relevant to what they are about to purchase, of course this time with an enticing discount. Or if they plan on bulk purchases, then you could somehow provide a generous discount by slashing off a hefty amount. Make offers. Entice them to buy more thus increasing your revenue. This is up-selling at its best.

We know the certain advantages of up-selling and cross-selling. It is time now to discuss the first few steps we need to undertake to start things off:

When you sign off your email, do not forget to include special offers and a brief summary of your company to give them a concise idea of what you exactly do.
Read a very good article in Flying Solo about email newsletter. You will learn so much about the said topic that will help you along the way.
Take initiative to do things way above expectations. If you have something new, then make an effort to channel that to your clients. It will show how much you care about them.

Make no second thoughts about up- selling your services or products. It is a noble part of business strategy. It is proven to work even by large companies. You only need to make a choice, an educated choice to rev up your business.

I Say “No!” – For Better Communication and Human Relations

Leave a reply

Most of us are “people pleasers”. We enjoy giving favors to others to satisfy their needs or wants or to acquire their approval on certain matters. However, this attitude does not take us anywhere and it’s downright shallow. Sometimes, we ended up getting a lot of work and stressed by deadlines. The quality of work produced is also mediocre. Saying no is best skill you’ll ever learn and it applies to different situations whether in workplace, home, school or elsewhere.

Dealing with Demanding Clients

A definite example would be telemarketers who would go for extra mile just to seal a deal. Of course, there are instances where customers would demand for “more” or beyond the agreement. There are marketers that love to please their clients and they forgot to take charge of the situation or say no on some terms. This can be a big blow to the company once promises are not provided to clients. Apart from that, the marketers are also reliable for the contract by his/her client.

It’s actually liberating to finally say – “No!” It doesn’t make you a pessimist or a negative person rather it makes you strong, taking control and spirited. Having effective communications skills and acquiring the power of saying no is the best assets that a person can have; thus, take control of the situation and weigh possible options. Do remember that policies are policies and you defy this if you’re making your own judgment. It is true, though dealing with demanding customers is difficult. If anything goes off the track then simply say, “No! I’m sorry… I wish I could do that but I apparently it’s beyond my power and the rules…”

Dealing with Bosses and in Workplace Environment

Has your boss ever asked you to do him/her a favor? This happens a lot to good and obedient employees. If this, indeed, happened to you, then you probably said “Sure Boss, I can definitely help you with that!” Take this scenario for an instance, and you’ll have tons of work to accomplish. But why do people do this? Yes, they want to please their boss and gain their trust. If things go accordingly to plan, have a promotion!

Let us, however, look this scenario in a different perspective. If you are the first person that your boss went for, then there is something about you that he/she likes. You must be one of the best employees in the company – dedicated and a real performer. Apparently, you end up working for hours, underpaid, catching up deadlines and pressured by your boss. As you know, this is not the best attitude to showcase your skills in work. Just be honest and tell your boss that you will not accept additional work since you don’t want to sacrifice its quality and presentation.

Learning how to say No is a way for us to stand up for ourselves, or values and relationships towards peers. As mentioned, it does not make you a negative person but rather a person who knows how to handle situation. Be true to yourself, you have the full control over matters – try to say No to ease up your burden.

Telesales Tips for Attracting Prospective Clients

Leave a reply

In our age, telephone communication is the best way to reach prospective clients. Certainly, most businesses can’t disregard this effective marketing strategy. However, phone sales can be a hefty challenge. A marketer has one good chance to make an impression and closing a sale. This can be daunting task especially when you’re about to interrupt a client’s day and bugging to make a deal with you. Telephone sales techniques can help immensely in the process. Learning phone sales strategies will result to less stress and better opportunities. Here are some telesales tips for attracting prospective clients:

Avoid Conversing in Noisy Environment

When making a call, always consider the location and mood within the room. By doing this, you are able to have a fruitful conversation with your client. Avoid conversing in loud and stressful location because it will heavily affect the quality of your call and stuttering delivery.

Gear Positive Spirit – Be Confident, Engaging and Professional

A telemarketer should always have a positive attitude when talking to potential or special clients. Being assertive and professional is essential in every engagement. When dealing with passive customers, it is important to showcase confidence on your voice.

Have a Definite Plan – List your Objectives and do some Research

Telemarketing is a difficult task especially if you disregard the planning stage. It means having careful understanding of objectives and goals; research is also necessary. Knowing your target audience will eventually lead to a good start. If your prospect can’t talk with you, set for another date when they are available. Once everything is agreed, you got a sale on hand.

Determination is an integral part of telemarketing. Without it, you’ll often get plenty of hung up. You also don’t have to be aggressive. Assertive and aggressive are different. Keep your tone lively. If a various options aren’t going to work for the other person, provide a new set of telesales techniques. If the other person has to take care of a situation while on the phone, reschedule or wait patiently while he handles whatever is going on.

Responses

As mentioned previously, a good attitude takes to your sales call another level. However, this also means delivering subjective and objective responses. If your customer does not agreed to some terms, then make him/her understand your point in a structured and understandable context. Never lose hope when your customer is objecting in some points, this simply shows that he/she is interested to know the deal better.

Practice makes Perfect

Trainings are given to telemarketers before they start calling prospective clients. Doing some role plays with a fellow agent can boost accuracy and have better communication on the phone. Practically, many telemarketers have mastered their marketing techniques and sales pitch by doing these practices. However, you can’t please every customer. Make sure that you handle the situation to close a deal. In conclusion, these are just some of the telesales tips that may come in handy when doing your job. Consider other suggestion to hone your communication and close many sales as possible.

Controlling your Anger to Communicate Effectively

Leave a reply

Anger – where does this takes you? Studies shows that people dealing with anger problems recalls tragic events in their past and later brought them anguish and unpredictable behavior. When someone starts getting in your nerves, you simply lost it or burst your bubble eventually. Anger is not healthy at all. Putting across the way you feel towards a person or a situation is the best thing that you can do. There are several reasons why people face anger management issues. Conveying it directly or indirectly is rather unsafe and mediocre. Following these tips of dealing with anguish behavior will ensure controlled emotions and better communication with others.

1. Admitting that you are Angry

People do not often admit that their mistakes and even anger issues. Why? Because they are afraid to hear more negative things and criticisms towards them and they are unable to figure out their unstable emotions. It is really crucial to acknowledge mistakes and that a person is pressured by anger. To avoid these situations, admitting that you are angry is the first step to treatment.

2. Identifying the Root Cause

As mentioned previously, anger has a deeper meaning, a root cause. Taking full responsibility of your feelings is the greatest lesson that you will learn. Anger is unhealthy. It can trigger emotional and physical instabilities. Identifying the root cause is the best way to go. How? Talk to a psychiatrist to know about your personality. Tests are given to measure your stress levels. Or have an intimate conversation with yourself and look what makes your angry – is it a person, place, object or situation?

3. There is Hope!

Every problem has a solution. Patients with anger management issues are frequently stressed by their environment. This is the reason why they don’t communicate effectively! They easily lose their temper whenever things won’t fall on their hands. Remember, the world doesn’t revolve around them. Making some adjustments is hard to do but analyzing personal traits can make a huge difference. For most people, anger is an emotion. Yes, it is true! But it is controllable. If you are personally dealing with this problem, then it’s never too late to ask for help. Anger is toxic – it prevents a person from communicating effectively and gaining respect from others.

4. Redirect and Ease Up

Most people don’t like hot-tempered individuals. Why? The moment anger manifested it turns to uncontainable behavior such as rage or hurting someone. Redirecting anger is a definite solution. Channel your energy to productive activities to ease up. Take heed, managing anger is a personal decision. Change is, however, inevitable. Relaxation techniques are recommended – simple breathing can cast off temper.

Effective communication enables people to pay close attention to you. You don’t want them to disrespect you if anger comes along in the scenario. Again, anger is unhealthy, toxic and downright mediocre. Even though it is nice to vent out frustrations, it still does not bring anything good to you. If there is no reason to be mad at somebody, then control it! Communication is about understanding one another.

The truth about energy equation

Leave a reply

To mine a source of energy you have to use energy. This is how it works. When money works, it produces money. Take time to read the facts I learned about the equation of energy.

We are in a world where every single thing produced requires a proportionate amount of energy expenditure. It seems we are exhausting all the available energy, but proven facts show that there are things that leave us energized rather than exhausted. Here are a few examples of the stated fact:

When you exercise you are poised for a good and relaxing vibes. While you exercise you expend an amount of energy to perform the physical activities associated in exercise. But instead of exhausting us, it does exactly the opposite, it energizes our body. All you need to do is for you to find out which activity fits you and then you just start doing it.
When you spend time with people that stimulate your being, you feel way better than when you are around people who talks only about misery. These people are the ones that make you feel stronger even in your dire circumstance.
When you show kindness, it could open up a well spring of energy within us. No matter how small or trivial in your eyes at the moment, kindness will always have a great and noble impact on both the giver and the recipient.
When you treat yourself, you feel energised for all the relaxing effect it gives. You can go have a relaxing vacation, buy yourself your dream watch or shoe or anything to make you feel anything good, you just do it. You need to spend time for yourself. The more satisfied you are within yourself, the more capable you are of showing kindness to others.
When you communicate, communication is very powerful. It gives us a feeling of security knowing that someone out there cares for you.
When you go for entertainments you help yourself get refreshed after a long hard day’s work. An uplifting movie, a walk in the park or anything that entertains, the effect is still the same; it energises you to no end.
When you read a book, it is one of the most relaxing things you can do. You stimulate your mind, and at the same time you get to relax.

Life is too short; you cannot live it without an attempt to preserve it. Take time to reenergize, and all the while you will find out how fulfilling it is indeed.

Getting to know Innovation and Renovation; its significance and uses

Leave a reply

I was basically amazed just how two talented artists, whom I just met recently, use discarded objects to come up with an entirely genuine and creative artwork. It made me think about the wonderful creativity it projects and under what category does it fall, is it innovation or renovation?

I know one designer who uses as her medium the second hand ordinary jackets and then literally transform them into a fashion creation covered with intricate silk designs. While I also happened to know one other artist who rather uses old watches and uses them to create beautiful accessories and jewellery. These two people really evoked something inside of me a feeling of amazement and inspiration that I have not felt for a long a time. I do not even care if they use existing discarded objects to create their masterpieces. In my own line of work, I often see creative pieces come out from junks. They have created an exemplification of true genius. But will it make a huge difference if creativity sprouts from an idea that already exists? How about all the other things that come out beautifully from something ordinary that presently exist. Things like articles, marketing strategies and techniques that have its starting point from other people’s work. Not all people will agree that it is an example of creativity; they do not believe that it deserves recognition as a work of originality and arts. The idea of using the strategies and techniques of others and improve on it I believe is a creativity in itself. I believe it is an example of how creative people are that they even make things greater that are already great. I guess this is a law of nature, evolution. What we see in front of us are basically a result of constant improvement. Nothing comes out from nothing; it must start from something that already exists. I am honestly amazed by the kind of transformation that it produces and the feeling it evokes that witness it. Businesses are no different, strategies and techniques come out from something that already exists. I myself felt that I am constantly recycling the works of others. I used other people’s work to launch my new ideas and continually improve what others have already formed. Now I see that I have not actually made something out of nothing. Like all the others, I had been recycling.

How about you, have you had this moment as well when you start doing things trying to improve on others’ work and ideas? Let me hear your part of the story. Share your experience with us.

Creating an environment to foster creative ideas

Leave a reply

We need to be loaded with fresh ideas every single day to keep our motivation at an optimum level. Most of the time these ideas do not readily come when summoned, sometimes it needs a special circumstance for it to visit our parameters. To foster fresh and creative ideas, an idea-conducive environment is basically required.

I have come to believe that to ensure our business survival, we need to never cease from generating relevant ideas. It fuels our inherent need for activity. For being useful and relevant in a society we belong to. Generating ideas keep us moving forward in a platform that ensures success and contentment. Ideas are dynamic product of thoughts that have primary practical uses for the conceiver. It directs the path upon which to tread. It is a life giving water that wets our weary existence, without it, things begin to die. You really need to identify exactly your stimulating factors in producing ideas, because ideas are the true answers to our dilemmas. You have to be able to tell which could stimulate your creative juices. A fresh idea is as important to our life as the water is to a plant. When I asked people around about the influences and environment where and when they feel creative, their varied answers really astonished me. Here they are:

“When I’m Motorbiking”

“When I’m in the bathroom”

“When on vacation”
“When I’m interestingly reading”
“When I ride my bike”
“In the swimming pool”
“When I paint”
“In a relaxing environment”
“When I spend time with my family”
“In the Opera house”
“While showering”
“On the road walking”

None of the respondents ever said he felt being creative when they were in the office behind their desks. I have never anticipated this but somehow this is an eye-opening result of my mini-survey. This only means that we need to create an environment that allows us to tap our creativity. A revolutionary idea states that “when you have so much to do, all the more that you should spend more time getting yourself to relax”. I agree with that idea, and the explanation about that is not even nearly complicated. By getting to a place or circumstance where you can think clearly, you allow the creative faculties of your being to help you finish your work efficiently and effectively. You are tapping the powers of your own creativity.

Ensure then to spend greater amount of time with people, circumstance and place that could literally enhance your creativity. You have to make a balanced work-leisure equation. Enhance the one without compromising the other.

You may start gradually until everything else comes naturally to you. Generate better and fresher ideas by extending the time you allot to the particular stimulants. And the success you will taste is far sweeter than the usual course.

Ways to Improve Customer Service and Satisfy Clients

Leave a reply

It’s a common knowledge that without customers, a business would not survive. Beside the point of whether you’re a service provider or retailer, a business relies on what the customer thinks and how to stream customers continuously. It’s quite imperative to understand how to please them because they are somewhat the bread and butter of the company.

New customers is big factor, this is a huge section in the market whereby they can rely on repeat custom from people who have purchased a product or service from them in the past. The common basis why some companies are capable of drawing the same clients time and time again is that they offer an exceptional and best customer service, making certain that every client who buys a product or tries service from them is pleased as possible.

Many companies ignore the fact that customer satisfaction is the measurement of quality of their business. Customer service representatives are entitled to promote and sell as much products as possible. However, there ultimate goal is to assure that they provide the best answers to customer queries and requests. If you’re looking for ways to improve customer satisfaction to boost profits and revenues, here are 3 tips that can be used to effectively build the level of satisfaction towards clients.

Sell quality – Every customer wants to be assured that they’re getting the best value for their investment, no matter how much they spend. It’s important to constantly offer quality to your products and services. The main reason why customer satisfaction is crucial is how it helps boost the company’s sales. A happy and well-satisfied customer will eventually recommend the company to their friends, relatives, family and workmates.

Be flexible and offer other options – The problem with customer service is the lack of support and options to explore. Customer will be happier if provided with greater options. For example, offering ways to pay their accounts in the simplest ways they can, incentives, treats, freebies and ways to return their unused products or service. However, don’t go overboard. Never promise something that your business can’t deliver. This is putting your company in jeopardy with trust and loyalty.

Collecting Feedbacks and Taking Actions – whether it’s positive or negative, the customers’ feedbacks is valuable. This will determine if the service is still intact or failing. In terms of how to generate their feedbacks, it is suggested to explore media like getting in touch over the phones, sending emails, reading comments and suggestions over forums and blogs. Never lose hope if the customer thinks that the business is terrible, take this as a challenge to improve and solidify your target market.

The accomplishment of every business relies on its customers and by executing these strategies, you can be certain that your clients are contented with your business and will both return to make additional purchases and recommend your business to their friends, family and colleagues. Take customer satisfaction is a higher degree, it entails a lot of work and assuring that every customer is served well.