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When a shopper picks up a product in a store, whats the first thing they notice? The packaging, right? The same holds true for someone buying a service. Yet instead of a folded carton with colorful graphics, you are the packaging for your service business. Intangible points of contact, including your clothes, your briefcase, maybe even your breath, all burn a lasting image in your buyers mind.Here are some of the more common packaging elements all service marketers should pay attention to:Your clothes All your technical expertise wont mean diddly if you wear a tie dye t-shirt and striped bell bottoms to your first client meeting. Always dress better than you need to, says Sue Morem, author of How to Gain the Professional Edge; Achieve the Personal and Professional Image You Want. Even when dealing with a casual company, remember you are not a part of that company; youre an outsider. If youre not sure what to wear, find a personal shopping consultant. BriefcaseIve seen people use briefcases that looked like they carried the first batch of Pony Express mail. Resist the temptation to use that briefcase Uncle Joe bought you at Wal-Mart and instead invest good money in one at a reputable luggage store. Briefcases are one of the few personal effects almost every business person carries into a meeting and this simple item speaks volumes about your image.Your notebookWhen you pull out some paper to take notes, do you pull out a sturdy, professional looking notebook or just a pad of paper? This item, which sits on the table throughout the meeting, may go unnoticed by many of your buyers. But then again, it may not. EtiquetteSaying please and thank you. A firm handshake. Looking someone in the eye when talking to them. Etiquette is the equivalent of the ribbon and bow on a package, says Morem. Good etiquette lets others know you are in control and finishes off your image. For a good primer on professional etiquette, consult her book. Proposal coversUp until five years ago, I routinely faxed my proposals to prospects. Then, one of these prospects said to me Jay, I have two proposals here. One is handsomely bound and the other is faxed. Which do you think I should go with? Point taken. When final packaging your proposals, estimates or RFPs, use the highest quality binding system you can afford. EnvelopesDo you still hand-address your envelopes? A lot of business people I know do and I sure wouldnt penalize them for it. But if your competitors are ink jetting their envelopes, your image will suffer ever so slightly.Email addressWhat image does your email convey? If your email address is [email protected]