Business Builder

Being a former manager of a FedEx Office center, I can tell you that the team members working behind the counters really know small businesses. And not just because our company once was a small business (did you know the first Kinko’s was just one copy machine located on the sidewalk next to a taco stand in California?). No, it’s because small businesses are in our centers each and every day, working with team members to find the solutions that help them build business. And for the last three years we’ve done a nationwide survey of entrepreneurs just like them to see how they’re feeling about things – their business, their customers, the economy and more. 

This year, the results told us that things are looking up for small businesses…that they feel poised to help drive the U.S. economy out of its rut. I thought that was great news, and definitely worth spreading the word about! ...read more

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Remember the old days when transparencies, flip charts and 35mm slides ruled meetings? These days, presenters have countless new options for helping an audience understand and engage. With all the technology and tools available, I’ve found several favorite ways to stand out and make a great impression – and some have even been inspired by the overhead projector era! 

Some things to think about include:

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• Always keep in mind that the materials or slides you feature in a presentation are visual aids – rely on your own, more detailed notes rather than reading your presentation materials to the audience
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• Use props that catch the audience’s attention and make a statement
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• Leverage the power of multimedia like photos and videos – or create drawings on the spot that illustrate the points being made<?xml:namespace prefix = o />
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• Incorporate presentation boards to drive home core points that underpin the discussion

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You might remember a post from fellow Out of Office blogger Adam a little while back, where he mentioned that his mom used to run a daycare center out of her home. When she wanted to bring more business in to the center, she would ramp up her marketing efforts with brochures or postcards. Like many small business owners, Adam’s mom understood the importance of having her marketing materials professionally printed so they would create a good first impression with current and prospective customers. She also knew how important it was to keep her style consistent across everything she made, building her brand with each flyer she distributed or business card she handed out. 

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Guest blogger Stephanie over at Ketchum was recently telling us about how she moved to a new office space and was shocked by the amount of stuff she had accumulated in her six years in the old cubicle. Boxes and boxes of annual reports, press kits, news clippings, files from folks who had long since left the team on projects that had long since ended. In short, she was a veritable archive of PR program paraphernalia. 

 

Was all of this stuff necessary to keep? No. Did she? Yes. So why did she keep it all? In my mind, it always comes down to “what if.”  What if I need it in the future?  What if someone else (gasp, the boss!?) needs it in the future?  What if, what if, what if.  Well, she was drowning in the stuff those “what if’s” created, and I bet a lot of other office workers are too!

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One of my favorite local cafés here in Dallas keeps me coming back for more with frightening regularity. It might be that the food and coffee is awesome when I’m in need of a quick pick-me-up, but I’m sure it also has something to do with the “buy five coffees, get one free” loyalty card they stamp for me every time I visit. And while there are certainly plenty of other eateries in the area I could visit, that one free meal sure is a good incentive to keep coming back to this one. And with that one simple punch card – and some great food – this café has built a seriously devoted, repeat customer.

 

So why aren’t more businesses doing it? Good question, I thought. And while I really don’t have the answer to it, I do know that these cards are just as easy to make as business cards. In fact, for most businesses I’ve seen use them, the cards double as both. 

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Is it just me or are you tired of looking at the same old stuff on your cube (or office) walls??? The only thing I’ve changed in my work space in the past six months is my wall calendar. And while I love the picture of my sweet dog Oreo, it has to be at least five years old. Sad, I know. So, I think it’s time to give my cube a makeover. I found the following resources on how to jazz up your cube. Check them out and let me know what you think.

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• In Small Spaces shares ideas for giving cubes some personality.<?xml:namespace prefix = o />
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• There are many photo databases out on the Web and the best part is many can be printed for your personal, non-commercial use. Add in a few inexpensive frames and your cube is well on its way to a total make-over! Try searching for images on your favorite search engine. Just be sure to read the terms of use.

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Reports about the economy seem to be taking a bit of a turn for the better lately, and it appears that companies are even beginning to hire again in some sectors. Many Out of Office readers may be on the job hunt now, or kick-starting time with a new organization or position. No doubt, starting a new job can often feel exciting and a little nerve-wracking too, because it takes time to learn the ropes with your team and organization. I can definitely relate to this having just started my current role with FedEx Office a few months ago. Being the new kid on the block, I wanted to share some tips and advice I’ve come across online that could be helpful for those of you starting a new job soon.

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• Learn how your team communicates – Workplace columnist Anita Bruzzese, points out in her blog 45 Things, that some teams may prefer face-to-face communication over receiving numerous e-mails, or vice versa. Figure out what’s working on your team and make it work for you.

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My team at work is a little food obsessed. Okay, truthfully, we’re a LOT food obsessed. We start talking about lunch around 9:30 in the morning. So when it comes to team builders, we find there is nothing better than a potluck. A little time with colleagues with good food and good conversation can really build team unity.

There is not much to planning the perfect potluck but there are some key things you can do to make them effortless.

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2. Plan at least a couple of weeks ahead so you can make sure everyone is available.
   
3. Always use a sign-up sheet so people can volunteer to bring a particular item versus being assigned a dish. Check out the one I use in the Templates & Tools section.

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• This is important so you can be sure to get a good mix of sides, main dishes, and desserts. And you don’t end up with three dishes of green bean casserole!

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Very few people actually enjoy interviews. I’ve been on both sides -- as the interviewee and the interviewer – and I know it’s difficult. So, I decided to share some helpful interview tips I’ve picked up over the years, and a few places I’ve found online that may help you get ready for your next interview.

First – be confident. Remind yourself that there’s a reason you’re going to this interview, and it’s because you are the right person for the job (whatever that job may be!). Confidence always shines through and can sometimes be a make or break factor when it comes time to make a selection. If you don’t believe in the product you’re selling – yourself – why will the company? Here are a few other helpful hints from some of the experts online: 

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Some years ago, my mom ran a home daycare out of her house. She really enjoyed working with kids and opening her home to them. She was not, however, great at marketing her business. She did everything by word of mouth. Though, occasionally she would try out some brochures and postcards to help drive business. Since I worked for FedEx Office (Kinko’s at the time), she was always asking for my help to make them look “nicer.” 

Don’t get me wrong I can do just about anything in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, but I have never fancied myself all that creative. Technically savvy? Yes, that’s me! But creative??? Umm…not so much. I recall I would spend a great deal of time just trying to decide what font to use. And I’m sure there are many budding entrepreneurs and small businesses that have or have had this same challenge at some point. ...read more

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