Windows 7 – A Breath of Fresh Air

Windows 7 is Microsoft’s new operating system set to make it’s debut on October 22nd.

Based on my usage over the past few months, Windows 7 is shaping up to be the best OS Microsoft has ever offered. It does more than Vista and most importantly is much easier to use. Sometimes the promise of “new and improved” turns out to be true after all!

There are real improvements in several areas.

• Faster bootup
• More intuitive user interface
• Improved data backup tools
• Improved recognition of networks and connected devices
• Support for touch screen displays

And, it takes less “horsepower” (system resources) to accomplish these things.

If you want to make the move to Windows 7, Vista users can perform an upgrade installation (i.e. you don’t have to reinstall the operating system). Windows XP users however, will have to perform a complete re-installation of the operating system, programs and data.

If you are not happy using Vista then you should consider upgrading sooner rather than later. Remember, besides the financial cost, your valuable time is involved.

Once Windows 7 is officially released on the 22nd, new PC’s will be available with Windows 7 pre-installed.

One final important note – All current XP and Vista users qualify for “upgrade” pricing. Complete product and pricing details are available at http://www.microsoftstore.com

About the author: Bill Rush is the owner of Rush Technologies Inc.  Rush Technologies can help you transform your burdensome technology infrastructure into your most valuable asset. You may contact Bill directly at BillRush@RushTech.net.

10 Commandments of Customer Service

These days it seems that we have collectively resigned ourselves to the fact that Customer Service “just ain’t what it used to be”.  What that really tells us is that we all have opportunities to differentiate ourselves from “everyone else” by providing great customer service to our clients.  And from a business growth standpoint, the best source of increased business and referral business should be our current customers and clients.  After all, they are the ones that know us best and should be willing to tell others about us.

With that in mind, we recently sponsored a seminar that provided the following Customer Service tips.  See where you can improve so that your customers become  “Raving Fans” of your business.

10 Commandments of Customer Service

1. Don’t expect your customers to tolerate customer service mistakes
2. Always do what you say you will do when you say you will do it
3. Never, ever make a promise that you are not sure you can keep because promise-breaking is the same as lying
4. Never try to remember your promises; put them on a task list
5. Remember that unacknowledged communication is the most profound form of disrespect
6. Respond to every inbound phone call or email in half the time your customers expect
7. Review your task list before the end of the day to make sure you have not broken any promises
8. If it appears that you won’t be able to keep a promise, always re-negotiate before the deadline
9. Use auto-responders and voice mail greetings to communicate your absence so you don’t appear non-responsive
10. Communication technology problems are never acceptable excuses for breaking promises, so make sure your technology is working

Thank You to Dave Verbeten, of ActionCOACH in Libertyville for the Top Ten list.

About the author: Dan Sawchuk, CPA, is a co-founder of the LaCo Business Blog. Dan is the Business Development Manager with Accounting Freedom, Ltd. and Payroll Specialists, Inc. in Mundelein, IL.  You may contact Dan directly at Dan@accountingfreedom.com.

The Incredible Benefits of Niche Marketing

Cross-posted from Biz Warrior Online

Do you have a niche that you cater to?

Are you an insurance agent, or are you an insurance agent that specializes in liability insurance for mobile disc jockeys and musical groups?

Recently I was doing some research on federal e-mail marketing laws, and I happened upon a website for a company that helps winemakers do e-mail marketing.  Talk about a very specific niche. Not liquor distributors, but only people who actually make wine.

At first glance, this may look restrictive. But think about it. If you pick a niche like that, you have several competitive advantages.

1. You can easily become known as an authority in that particular niche or industry.
2. You can very easily cross-promote other services or products that would be of interest to that niche.
3. You quickly become acquainted with the specific needs and wants of that niche, so you can service them better than your competitors who are “general practitioners.”

Give this some honest thought. If you were considering a product, and had the choice between a generic product and one that is specifically geared to your industry, which would you pick? Research shows that people overwhelmingly choose something that is specifically tailored to them.

How can you adapt this to your business model?

About the author: Brent Allan is the “Small Biz Marketing Wiz” who specializes in unconventional marketing methods for small businesses. He is the editor and head honcho for BizWarrior Online. He kind of likes this concept of doing a small marketing tidbit every Monday.

The Crazy World of Business Networking

Business networking can be a tremendously useful tool – but it can also be very confusing.  What should I say?  What should I expect?  Is it worth my time and effort to attend networking events?  How do I know what is expected of me?

I’m no networking expert, but I have recently had to process a lot of these questions for myself.  Here are a few of my personal tips for effective business networking:

1) Networking is About Making Contacts, NOT Generating Business

Why so emphatic?  Because other networkers can identify people who are at a networking event just to sell you their stuff or services.  And guess what?  They don’t usually like it.  There are obviously plenty of exceptions, but in general this is a solid rule.  So if it’s not about generating business, why bother?  Because the business will follow if you are making good contacts.

2) Identify the Type of Group Up Front

Don’t be afraid to call someone and ask the questions.  Is the group open to anyone or restricted by category or industry?  Is the group a social meeting or does it actively generate referrals within the group?  Is the group a free gathering or will it require an application and membership fee?  How much is the membership fee and how often can you visit before making a membership decision?

All different types of groups can be effective depending on what you are looking for.  Consider what you need out of networking, and pick the group(s) that work best for you.

3) Tighten Up Your “Elevator Speech”

An “Elevator Speech” is your 60-second introduction to yourself and your business.  But here’s a good tip – you don’t need to share EVERYTHING in your 60-seconds.  Give an introduction and include a story or testimonial that will make it memorable.  In a networking environment, your introduction will be enough to generate more conversation later with anyone who is interested in what you do.  You can go into all the detail you want at that later point with only the folks who are truly interested!

About the author: Matthew Cook is a co-founder of the LaCo Business Blog. Matt owns and operates One Stop Seminars, promoting educational events throughout Lake County, Illinois.  You may contact Matt directly at Matthew.Cook@OneStopSeminars.com.

Your Kid: The Entrepreneur

Why are you an entrepreneur?  Do you want your kids to know the rush of entrepreneurial success, to gain from big wins, and to learn from big losses?

I do.

Michelle Fabio wrote a great article called Beyond the Lemonade Stand.  She offers some advice on getting started.

No matter what summer business you and your child decide to pursue, there are some basic things you can do to help get things started:
1. Draw up a business plan…
2. Know the law…
3. Get supplies and equipment together…
4. Help with marketing…
5. Lay off…

Read the article for specific ideas and more details.

All successful businesses are driven to success by entrepreneurial people.  You may not fit the dictionary definition of an “entrepreneur,” but if you’ve got the bug, you know it.  So how can entrepreneurial parents inspire their children to great things?

1) Be a good example
If you are a good entrepreneur, your kids will likely follow in your footsteps.  If they see you taking risks and reaping rewards (or dealing responsibly with failures) they’ll catch on.  Kids are like that.  Imagine all the things you wish people had done for you, and then do that for your kids.  Most entrepreneurs have to fight through lack of support from those around them

2) Encourage responsibility
Encouraging responsibility means two things:  It means letting your kid win AND letting your kid lose.  Let your kid make big wins on his or her own, and then teach them how to be responsible with the profits.  And on the flip side, let your kid lose and deal with the consequences.  Bailouts may be all the rage in Washington DC these days, but they have no place in entrepreneurial training!  Think of it this way – do you want your kid’s first experience with entrepreneurial failure to come when they are out on their own, trying to feed themselves or their families?  It’s better to learn the invaluable lessons of failure while living at home with your support.

3) Start early
There is a camp in the “child raising industry” that suggests you should shield your child from all “grown up issues” as long as possible.  This is nonsense.  There is value to protecting kids from the worst of the world, but teaching them the truth should start at the beginning.  Does your 6 year old want a new toy?  Offer them the chance to weed the garden for the money.  Does your 10 year old want a new bike?  Take them around the neighborhood to offer to rake leaves.  Does your 13 year old want to go to that expensive summer camp?  Suggest they start a business to earn the money.

If you invest the effort to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of your kids, everyone will benefit – your kids, the community, and YOU!

About the author: Matthew Cook is a co-founder of the LaCo Business Blog. Matt owns and operates One Stop Seminars, promoting educational events throughout Lake County, Illinois.  You may contact Matt directly at Matthew.Cook@OneStopSeminars.com.