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Getting clients in any business or a set-up is very helpful. But, it is not as easy as it sounds to be. There is a lot of work involved and many people are not very open to new things or strangers. Our job then becomes to make them listen to us.

Below are few suggested steps to introduce yourself to new clients:

The Introduction

First of all, they need to know your or the company’s name. The first step or e-mail should be a general introduction. It should not be very detailed or descriptive. It should be short and precise. You might not receive an answer to it, but it will give them some idea of you or your company.

The Details

Secondly, after you have introduced yourself you need to send them the details. The details need to be about the company and the product. In this, you can give a brief detail about the company. But, make sure it should have specific details about the company, like the address and the contact number. It should be like a small summary about the company.

The Offer

On the third time, you should provide them with complete details. In this, it should tell them what your product can offer or can help them in the company. The language in this mail should be precise and effective. The client should know what you are selling and understand you well. In this you mail, you might or might not receive a call.

The Call

If you have mentioned your name in the previous e-mails or messages, your clients will immediately recognize you. Making calls at the right time is very important. You should make calls when you think the people are more relaxed. It can be the afternoon at lunchtime or in the evening. But, your motive shouldn’t be to sell. It should be to get an appointment.

The Appointment

After you have managed to get an appointment, it’s important to be prepared. Make conversations with them so that they know it is about them. Generally, people like getting attention from others. Also, it is important for you not to push them too hard. A successful sale comes from a strategic planning and patience.

Some of the above steps might be offensive to some. But, as always patience is the key. Once you have acquired the appointment it becomes important to close the deal. A successful deal needs strategic planning. To learn more, read about few tips on how to close a deal.

The way a consumer behaves constantly change, hence it is important for the sales team to be updated always. Selling any type of product, be it virtual or a service is always difficult for a person and institution. It becomes very difficult to become persuasive without sounding arrogant or annoying.

It becomes very important to close the deal, and it hampers the sales strategy. But, one should always remember that the customer comes first.

Below are few strategies to close a deal faster and effectively:

The Decision Maker

In any company or institution or family, there is always a decision maker. Once, you understand what the decision maker wants, you can actually close the deal easily. Sometimes, it happens that the decision maker sends someone from the company to understand about you or the company. At this point, it is important to know what the decision maker wants even though he/she is not present.

Being Real

During a sales process being genuine is very important. It is for you to make the client understand that you care, not just about your business but also about them. Being prepared is very different from speaking in an unrealistic tone. If you sound like that you are speaking in a robotic manner, then the customer will get turned off. On the other hand, if you speak from a prepared perspective, in a genuine manner, the customer will feel satisfied.

A sense of urgency

Presenting the client with a deadline will help them to commit. Making them feel they have the upper hand, through a discount or a free subscription, will help them to commit. But, don’t rush the customer; just give them a reason to come to you instead of anyone else.

Be Prepared

During a sales presentation, there can be objections. Which can make you take a step back or you can pause and take time to think for an answer. This doesn’t leave a good impression. It is always advisable to be prepared for any obstacle or objection which can be presented. To overcome that, one can always sit with the team and ask them to present every possible objection or obstruction.

The competition

Knowing what your competition is doing in the industry keeps you two steps ahead. Prepare yourself and take notes what they are doing. Do your research and understand what they are doing and find the gap which your company can cover. Sometimes, this small gap will the biggest selling point.

Watch What you are saying

Don’t try to push your way to the customer. Understand and listen to them. You should know what your area of expertise is. You want to present yourself as real and professional.

The demands of work and personal life are very difficult for some people. Achieving a balance between the two becomes almost an impossible task for many. In today’s competitive times, the question is striking and very important. To achieve a balance between work-life.

Below are few ways you can achieve a balance between the two:

Learn the Policies

It is best and recommended that you inquire about the work policies. Firstly, it is always good to know if your company has policies on working from home or flex-time. If you are already performing well in the office, it will be easier to negotiate with your employer. That way, you can both achieve a common ground.

Communication

It is very important for you to communicate with your employer. They should know when you won’t be able to work in the office due to some family matters. It is good to inform and let your bosses know. Sometimes, it becomes surprising on how empathetic your boss can be. It becomes always a good option to first talk with your boss.

Technology to Advantage

There is always an ongoing debate whether the increase in technology is a boon or a bane. It is important for you to use technology to your advantage. Work calls and e-mails are always incoming. It is important that there should be time set aside for you to work. It’s always good to set some time aside for yourself or your family. Work should not always be a top priority.

Work from Home

Secondly, you should always take few days off and work from home. It could help in freeing some time for yourself. That way, you can concentrate on your work for long stretches, and in the extra time, you can spend with your family.

Saying “No”

It is good to know your strengths and limitations. It is not always a necessity to run errands every time for everyone at your office. There is always an option for you to politely decline. Doing things from guilt or pity takes your time from activities you like to do.

Fighting the Guilt

To give 100 percent to everything is impossible for anyone. Even Batman and Superman aren’t capable of doing that. There is no need to bash yourself on things which you have missed. If you are able to fight the guilt in you then you will be able to balance your time more.

Everything can’t be perfect

Remember, unmade beds, or a messy desk is not something to be worried about. If you start worrying about petty things, then you won’t be able to find time for anything. There is always a scope to relax and enjoy your time. At the house, if you can afford to outsource help, then it is better to pay someone to do your daily housework.

Enjoy the Little Things

Lastly, it is in the little things you need to find joy. The daily metro journey or a good walk should be your private time. Allowing yourself to daydream once in a while or appreciating the weather or the beauty of nature will help you relax. If you don’t allow yourself to enjoy the little things, then you will easily get burned out.

It is a daily struggle for all of us to attend work. But, for some, the workload starts to bring them down. According to a study conducted by Center for Workplace Mental Health, Mental illness short-term disability claims are growing by 10 percent every year. In fact, the workplace is losing their workers in a very rapid growth due to depression. There has been an increase in workers showing the symptoms of “presenteeism”. Which means, the employers are present physically, but not mentally.

Symptoms

While some amount of stress is necessary for a good performance, an acute amount of stress is linked to depression and other diseases. Apart from stress below are other symptoms that can trigger depression:

• Loss of control: It is a feeling where one feels they have lost control. Loss of control can be related to not being able to handle the workload or changing the work culture. Also, when you cannot talk about these feelings to your supervisor or co-worker.
• Job Insecurity: Feeling that you can be fired anytime. Also, it can be triggered when you fear that you will lose your job if you address workplace issues.
• Irregular work hours and poor sleep: The constant schedule change is affecting your sleep cycle. It is not allowing to recover or get rest.
• Interference, Work-Life: Work is constantly keeping you engaged. Even when you are outside of work, you have to be in touch with your boss. Thus, this behavior is affecting the lives of your family.
• Discrimination or Harassment: Threatening environments are always an acute stressor. Facing workplace discrimination or harassment leads to depression.
• Different Values: If you are working in a place where you don’t like working, or it doesn’t match your values it can become a trigger for depression.

What to do?

Workplace stress is normal. According to Yerkes-Dodson, there is a required amount of stress to be able to perform. But, it is important to distinguish between stress and depression. When you are under acute stress, which is causing loss of sleep or it is getting very hard to get out of bed they might be some signs of depression.

Sometimes, withdrawal and laziness are there because the person is having difficulties to keep it together. In the face of depression, work becomes difficult. Read more to learn how to work in the face of Depression.

Apart from learning to get back on your feet, it is also important to know how to relax. Read more to learn few tips on how to Relax After Work. 

A workplace is a social space. It is important to interact with each other, as to know them. But, some people are inclined towards making the social space a havoc. A better co-worker is always the one who will try and understand each other. If everyone contributes to becoming a better co-worker, then the workspace becomes a helping environment. But it is frequently asked, what to do to become a better co-worker?

Below are few ways on how to become a better co-worker:

A cheering “Hello!”

Walking into the office with a slouched posture and immediately starting your work leaves a bad impression. It gives out vibes that you want to avoid them. Hence, people start ignoring you, and at worst avoid you. The habit of smiling and greeting takes one a long way. It presents you as a cheerful person. Thus, increasing your workplace relations.

Small Talks

The art of small talks goes a long way. It reminds the other person that you are a human being before an employer or an employee. Asking and taking a genuine interest in their hobbies and interests will make them feel comfortable.

Take their opinion

Asking about what they think will make them feel happy. People always love if someone takes opinions from them. After you take their opinion a polite thank you lead a long way. Even if, the advice is not helpful enough.

Avoiding Gossip

No one likes to be talked behind their back. Hence, you should also avoid the same. If someone approaches with an office gossip, it’s better to ignore them or change the topic. Ignoring the gossip puts you in a better light and presents you as a nice, welcoming person.

Dealing with a difficult co-worker

If there are some difficult co-worker and you have to deal with them. Then, imagine that your child is watching you (even if you don’t have a child). No one wants their child to learn bad manners. Imagining them watching you will stop you to stoop down to the other person’s level.

Give compliments

Often we look at people’s mistakes rather than looking at their achievements. Giving compliments to people around you will make them feel happy. Complimenting them on their personal and professional achievements will make you a better person and friend to them.

Returning calls & e-mails

A good place to start becoming a better co-worker is good office etiquettes. Returning someone’s calls and e-mails shows your good side. It also leaves a message that they are not unimportant. Also, if you ignore the messages it becomes frustrating for the other person and sometimes humiliating.

Give Credit

Withholding credit if credit is due leaves you alienated. If there is a necessity of credit then, it’s better to know the person that they have done an extraordinary job. Embracing the attitude that everyone wins together presents you as a better person. Also, if someone gives you credit incorrectly, politely say thank you and take the name of the person who deserves it. They will remember.

Always be on time

Finally, it’s always good to be on time. It shows that you respect yours and others time. So, next time you have to reach your office, or to a meeting, or just a place to meet your co-workers, remember to be on time. It presents you in a good light.

Getting your first job is a difficult task, but once you get it you feel at the top of the world. It is the first step towards your ambitions. However, with great powers come great responsibilities. You don’t know how to handle the tasks at hand. You are filled with a lot of questions, and you don’t seem to find answers to that. Without answers the tendency to make mistakes increase. Hence, here are few tips on how to ace your first job:

Arriving on time

Companies deal with people who have disciplinary problems. If you don’t come on time, they will assume you are not going to perform well. Arriving on time leaves a good impression. It shows your professional side. It then leaves an impression that you are capable of handling your work.

Patience

Patience is the key to success. Everyone joins, thinking that they will achieve a lot and change everything very quickly. Giving up on the job because of you are not doing what you meant to isn’t the way. Remember, your bosses took a lot of time to reach where they are.

Never Miss a Deadline

If you really desire to get the job you want, then never miss a deadline. If you finish your work on time, you are making space for yourself. Giving work on time shows your professional side. To the bosses, it presents as if you are reliable. Soon, you will be getting the work you desire.

Asking Questions

To bond with your manager, you need to start asking questions. It helps build a relationship with them. It will also help you to know what typ of person you are dealing with. Asking professional questions to them becomes very important. But, refrain yourself from asking pointless questions.

Pitch your Ideas

It doesn’t matter if your ideas seem “not well enough” in your head. You should present your ideas in front of your seniors. Even if, they don’t appreciate your ideas, you will know what they don’t want. Also, if you present your ideas, it will show your enthusiasm. An enthusiastic employee seems a good investment for the bosses.

Try to be confident

Entering a new job might make a lot of people nervous. But, you need to at least present yourself confidently. If your bosses find you in a nervous state, they might think you will mess things up. Being confident is your key to success. Even if you don’t know something, ask in confidence. It will present you as a person who is willing to learn and not afraid of new things.

Don’t spend too much on Personal than Professional

While at work, try and avoid personal calls, until it is an emergency. Even if you have to pick up personal calls, make it short. Your seniors need to see that you are serious about your work. No one will stop you after you have finished your work. Let others know that your work is your priority.

Don’t overwork

Proving yourself is your priority at work but, don’t overload yourself. If you have received a deadline of five days, then trying to finish it overnight is not a good idea. It hampers your quality at work and effects your health as well. Presenting your work before time is good, but giving unrealistic deadlines is not a good option.

It may seem very difficult in the beginning. But, with just a little time, you can achieve where you want to be in your professional life.

March 1, is celebrated as Employee Appreciation Day. On this day, every employer wants to reward their team for their achievements. Research shows, feeling appreciated increases work progress and engagement. But, it is not essential to spend a lot of time or money on appreciating someone. Here are few ways to reward your employees, in a low-cost:

Thanking

A sincere thank you, now and then, goes a long way. In this way, the employee feels appreciated for the work. It can be done either through word or posting a note on their office door. Or else, you can write about them in the company-wide e-mail. Or putting a thank you note on the company board.

Giving Breaks

Giving them long breaks, and time offs shows your appreciation. They will feel refreshed and will be willing to work longer hours. It will help them cope with their stress and the reward will make them happy.

Honouring them

At the start of every company meeting, honoring someone will boost their productivity. They will feel happy and recognized for the work they have done. You can also honor them in the company e-mail. Also, you can throw a pizza party in their honor.

Arranging Gifts

You can send flowers, or books to them as a token of appreciation. You can also, present them with gift cards or movie tickets. Sending them a gift basket in the name of their spouse is also another way of showing appreciation. Inviting them to a one-on-one lunch is also another option of a gift. It can be arranged at a reputed restaurant.

Team Efforts

The team can arrange a signed framed photo or certificate of appreciation. Another way, you can buy a dozen of cookies or biscuits and announce to the staff that they are in the honourees office. And, all should stop by their office and thank him and take a cookie. Also, the team can arrange a party for their honor. Or else, place a funny or unusual object on their desk as a token of appreciation. You can also arrange the staff to give a standing ovation at the next staff meeting.

Offers

You can provide them with different work offers. One of which, could be the way you give them an offer to swap tasks for a day or a week. Or, a week where they can dress casually. You can also offer them for a paid office lunch for their family or spouse. Or a feature in the next company newsletter.

A happy employee is always a productive employee. To keep an employee happy, they need to be shown appreciation. If appreciated, they would feel competent. An appreciated employee is a happy employee.

For many, it is a very difficult task to become an effective leader. In a team of employees, the leader is presented with an un-called task. The task is to become someone, who is looked up to and yet able to achieve the goals. It is always difficult to manage, and yet be productive. The task at hand becomes to have an image, where the employees will respect and follow.
If you are facing such situations and you are looking for some tips, then below are tips to becoming an effective leader:

Assign Wisely

First and foremost, the key to a successful leader is to learn to assign responsibilities wisely. Looking at minutes tasks of each employee is not a wise decision. When you assign duties to your employees or members of the team, you can multiply the amount of work to be achieved. Presenting the employees with specific tasks, help them build their confidence, work and leadership skills.

Setting Goals

It is important to give your employees goals. They give direction to the employees and ensure towards the overall progress of the company. Setting specific and regular goals, help them to concentrate. After you have provided them with a goal, then monitor them regularly towards the progress.

Communication

Many bosses don’t communicate with their teams at all. It’s difficult for many executives to keep their employees up-to-date on the latest news. Regardless of time, it’s your duty to get every information the employee needs.

Making time for them

Besides all, leadership is a people job. If someone needs to talk to you, regardless the topic then, it is your job to set aside time for them. Prioritizing and empathizing with their concern helps become an effective leader. Set aside time for your employees keeping your work aside.

Recognizing their Achievements

Everyone wants to do a good job. But, when they do, they are not recognized. Recognizing their achievements is important. It helps them boost their productivity. A recognition helps the employees to work harder for their next task. Many recognitions can be achieved with little or no money.

Lasting solutions

Many times, it is seen that in the situation of crisis, we jump to quick solutions. Even though quick solutions solve the problem at hand, it is seen that it comes back again. The cause of the problem is important to look at. It is important to find lasting solutions. They help in future problems. Also, lasting solutions help deter the root cause of the problem.

Make it fun and play

Even though, running a company is a very serious task. Despite that, effective leaders must make work fun. If you are constantly burdening your employees with work, then they take sick leave or come late or go early. In a fun working environment, the employees feel energized and happy to work.Remember, having fun is as important as working.

In a business module, talking to a customer and keeping them happy becomes a top priority. The phrase, “the customer is always right”, becomes important. But, the customer is not always easy to handle. Sometimes, it raises into a conflict. If you have ever faced this situation, then below are few tips on how to handle a difficult customer:

Listen

First, listening to the person is very important. It doesn’t matter if the person is mistaken or not have all the information. Interrupting the customer builds a bad image, even if you know what they will say next. Listening also helps in building a rapport.

Empathise and Rapport Formation

It is easier to talk back to someone, rather than listening to them. Try to understand where the person is coming from and how they are feeling. The person will calm down once you show empathy to them. Also, during listening, it is important to build a good rapport. Once the person knows you are able to understand how they are feeling, they will calm down.

Low Voice

A lot of times, the customer starts shouting. In that case, always lower and calm your voice. A low and calm voice helps the other to relax. Your voice and behavior will then help them to settle down and lower the anger.

Giving In

It’s always good to know when to give in. If the person seems stubborn, then remember that it’s an exceptional case. Find a common line to compromise. If necessary, the compromise can be a bit towards their favor. There is no need to lose your temper because of one customer.

Not to lose your temper

The customer can sometimes be very abusive or become very personal. Remember that you are dealing with a human. The person doesn’t know you, so it’s better to ignore the comments. Keep them reminding that you are there to help them. Usually, it calms the other person down.

Summarize

At the end, tell the person on what to expect. It’s easier for them to know where it is headed. Clarifying on the end of what will be delivered is always good. It provides the customer with a hope. Then you can document the call and then be prepared for the next follow up.

Call Back

If at the end you have promised a call back within a certain amount of time, then call back. Even if the problem is not resolved. Calling back the person will assure them that you are really working on their issue. Customer will have reassurance. Thus, for the next interaction, they will be calmer.

Handling a difficult customer is always tiring. It takes a lot of energy. But once you could relate to their issue, they will calm down. A compromise or a good assurance goes a long way and gives a happy customer.

After a hard day at work, the mind and body both become very tired. It becomes very hard to relax after that. The pressure at work becomes huge and it becomes very difficult to relax. Due to which, a lot of sleep is lost. According to a survey, 70% of employees feel stressed after work. If you find yourself in this group, then below are few tips on how to relax after work.

Taking time off and Disconnect

Setting aside 5 minutes per day in your schedule is very important. In this time, one should try and do nothing. If you are constantly thinking about tomorrow’s presentation or pending work then you are still connected. It becomes difficult to relax. Avoid bringing work at home. Work at home breaks the boundary between home and work. Your brain then isn’t able to distinguish and hence you can’t relax.

Take a Hot bath or Shower

A hot shower helps your mind and body relax. Through a hot shower, the body tension is washed away. It relaxes your muscles and eases you up. On the other hand, a cold bath energizes the cells. Hence, the use of a hot shower.

Exercise

A great way to relax after work is to exercise. Exercise helps in working off the stress. Also, it helps in removing the work anxiety. As the stress is released, it helps in relaxing the mind. Gym’s and sports are also a good way to socialize.

Go out

Sitting inside the whole day becomes stressful. When the weather is nice, go for walks with your friends or partner. Breathing in the fresh air becomes refreshing. A change of scenery helps the mind to relax.

Talking

A lot of times, talking about your day and work becomes relaxing. Talking about your day to your loved ones relaxes the mind. Secondly, it helps in relieving your stress. Talking becomes a way to express your state. Sharing a moment with your loved one, helps you forget about work. It distracts your mind and helps in relaxation.

Listen to Music

Music is a way to express one’s emotions. The kind of music you listen to determines your mood. The soother the music, the easier it becomes to unwind after work. Slower music helps your mind relax. Avoid any loud or heavy music. Choose a playlist where you can close your eyes and breath for easy.

Meditation

Another way to ease your mind and body is to meditate. Sitting in a peaceful place and just closing your eyes is one way to meditate. You don’t have to sit and chant “om”. You can just choose a quiet place and try and clear your mind. Also, it helps you to reflect and makes you happier.

Having a Good Sleep

For many, after a stressful day, sleep becomes very difficult. Having a good sleep helps your body energize for the next day. It eases up your tension and stress. Remember, the bedroom should not be used for anything else. If you keep your bedroom for relaxation and sleep, then it becomes easier to fall asleep. Avoid checking your phone, and switch off your electronics half an hour before. It will help you fall asleep.