February 28, 2009
The gay bar scene or high risk promiscuous sex… Is it so happy-go-lucky? Something so sweet and wonderful we’d “wish you were here?” Or is it actually something you wouldn’t wish upon your worst enemy? Is it simply a matter of being well-adjusted? Or resigned? What’s so gay about it all anyway? Who ever dreamed up that label? What about truth in advertising? Some want their money back. Were they sold a line? Is homosexuality a victimless crime? What about their minds? Aren’t they victimized? When they refuse to even “think straight” – aren’t they denying themselves the opportunity to change? After all, isn’t the brain the biggest sex organ?
God has provided for proper sexual satisfaction in marriage; but there’s always that allure of the unknown, the forbidden zone. It arouses our curiosity, attempts to lower our resistance, and seduces our weakened will. In such a state, intoxicated with lust, we could engage in a deadly liaison and only discover later what a fatal attraction it really was (Prov. 5:11). “You play, you pay” (Prov. 6:27). Don’t let a one-night stand be your fall. But isn’t that the main purpose for going out to the bars? And if there’s any such thing as gay community centers, they’d have to be THE BARS! They’re the familiar haunts, pick-up joints, and popular retreats; everything from your local dive to those pulsating places that are practically cities under a roof – something for everyone.
The bars – hallowed be their names – are a place to go when you’re bored, a welcoming-wagon for the new kids on the meat block, and somewhere to let your hair down and unwind, enjoying the company of your substitute family. The gay lifestyle definitely revolves around these dark dens of iniquity. Such a polluted environment naturally encourages drug and alcohol abuse (“communion”), sexual abuse in a casual way with careless partners (“confirmation”), and verbal abuse (Prov. 4:24) in an overflow of raunchy talk (“fellowship”) and gossip – jes’ dishin’ the dirt….
“Out” On the Town
Your first experience “out” on the town (with the boys) could be exhilarating – or bizarre! You might see wonderful men dressed to kill, or hunks in tank tops and T shirts; enter a wet jock-strap contest or watch gyrating male strippers, or view the make-believe world of make-up queens trying to steal the show, a different person on stage…. Then there’s the games people play, the vicious backbiting and hair-pulling of the young and breastless, or the S & M (stand & modeling) crowd who love themselves and lots of mirrors. Quite a carnival atmosphere.
But it kind of puts a damper on your evening’s fun when you go into bars and find yourself greeted by pornographic posters (trying to get across the point about “safe-sex”), or see a fishbowl or platter filled with assorted colors of “life-savers” (condoms); or to order yourself a strong drink and notice AIDS donation jars staring you down: L’Chaim suddenly becomes more personal. And then there’s the endless ads in all the gay mags about HIV testing, “understanding doctors” who’ll screen you in private, surgically remove your hemorrhoids, laser your anal warts, counsel you about your problems, ad nauseum. Makes you eager to jump in bed, eh? Or run scared! But welcome to the real world – the good, the bad, and the ugly. But jump from bed to bed until we all drop dead? Is that what life’s all about?
Isn’t it stupid to keep playing this deadly game (of Russian roulette) until someone doesn’t shoot blanks? DEATHBED takes on a whole new meaning. The next time you want to get “laid” – hope that it’s not in a grave! So what if you can trick with every Tom, Dick, and Harry if you become just another name on the AIDS quilt (a “grave-blanket”). Don’t sell yourself short (John 8:36; Heb. 12:16).
Eventually, the wear and tear, the abuse of your mind and body, is going to take its expensive toll. All of the cheap, mechanical, meaningless, sexploitation has got to affect you. How could you not become desensitized? If you deviate from the strait and narrow, how can you not get lost? If you forget or pervert the original purpose of sex, how can you escape confusion? You’ll condemn yourself to wander in your sexual bewilderment, experimenting with everything since “anything goes.”
Look around you the next time you go out (if you haven’t had enough of that tired crowd and empty scene). From drag-queens to muscle men, welfare alcoholics to executives on cocaine; the homosexual world is as diverse and perverse as the “straight” world. Some men acting like women, some women acting like men; worlds in collision, an identity crisis, suicidal tendencies – but have another drink, what are friends for?
Are “gay” people really so happy? Or just putting on a front? Beneath the smiling faces, love and laughter, you’ll too often find broken hearts and lost dreams. And although the clubs are usually full, there are too many empty individuals who are lonely and aching inside; but the show must go on, drinking and dancing, until another burnt-out dawn….
One-Night Stands
And what are one-night stands, really? Other than quick sex with “no strings attached,” it’s a cheap counterfeit of what we’re actually looking for: true love, undivided attention, special affection, and sincere compliments. We’re starved for love and yet dying from “fast-food.” What we’re really hungry for is some “good ol’ home-cookin’!” But once you’ve lost your looks (if you ever had any), you won’t have to worry about any more “strangers in the night” – unless you’re able and willing to pay them for their time and trouble.
The bar-scene brazenly worships at the altar of youth, and devotes itself to the beauty that’s only skin-deep. Everyone else is thrown on the human heap, scrapped and abandoned. Of course, there’s some “hope” for these discarded lives: they can join the lonely hearts club of dashed hopes and lowered standards. The only requirement is to be desperate and dateless. If I’ve overstated this case, it’s only to emphasize the point that sex sells – and without your youth and/or looks you’re flat broke. It’s twisted values, but reflective of our troubled times.
Happy and in Love?
Many gays will protest that God is a “God of love,” and they think that as long as we’re happy and in love – how could something so right be so wrong? They feel God couldn’t condemn such relationships and wonder how anyone could think He would. But mortal thoughts and opinions aside (Prov. 14:12; Isa. 55:8), if there is a Creator God, and if the Bible is His Instruction Manual for mankind, we’d better base our beliefs solely on what’s revealed within its pages. Faith must have a foundation (Rom. 10:17).
If the homosexual argument that “as long as we’re happy and in love” is valid, couldn’t the same defense be made to sanction incestuous relationships? Or premarital experiences or adulterous affairs? Do we always know what’s best for us? Couldn’t we be like grown-up teenagers who think they know everything, when in reality they don’t?
Hasn’t it been said, and true at times, that “love is blind?” Is it just a matter of feeling happy? Can’t feelings fool us sometimes? Isn’t that why family and friends have cautioned us to “keep your head above your heart?” Is all love proper? Are all affections good and healthy? What about being “lovesick?” Shouldn’t there be some form of standards to judge by or criteria for character? Isn’t there any game plan? Hasn’t love too often been confused with lust (2 Sam. 13:15)?
Satan is “love!”
If we look into the Bible (not Freud, the latest sexual survey, or some kinky report), we’ll find that it does condemn: the love of vanity (Ps. 4:2), of simplicity (Prov. 1:22), of excessive sleep (Prov. 20:13), of religious lies (2 Thes. 2:10), illicit sex, improper lovers, and “foreign affairs” (Ezek. 23:11, 17, 22; 16:37), of evil (Micah 3:2), drunkenness (Hos. 3:1), self-righteousness (Mat. 6:5; 23:6), of money (1 Tim. 6:10), this present world system and its ways (1 John 2:15), spiritual darkness (John 3:19), the kick-back of wrongdoing (2 Pet. 2:15), of ourselves in an unhealthy way and of cheap thrills (2 Tim.3:2,4), violence (Ps. 11:5), strife (Prov. 17:19), and even having a greater love for family or friends than for God (Mat. 10:37).
Therefore, the Bible clearly reveals that various forms of love and feelings are wrong, that certain human relationships are forbidden and condemned (Lev. 18), and that true love must be consistent with God’s character and commandments (1 John 5:3). Any other “love” isn’t from God, but from Satan who is (such) “love!” He’s the clever counterfeit; the snake who confuses the issues and twists the truth. It’s precisely because God is Love (1 John 4:8) that He wants to protect us from those Canaanite customs, perverted practices, and harmful ways that would ultimately undermine our land and lives (Lev. 18:30).
Still, some would angrily question how anyone could allow some old-fashioned Book to dictate their lives; after all, it’s thousands of years old! But who would argue that the time-honored commandments against murder, or prohibition that protects private property or safeguards marriage and minds, or upholds honesty and virtue and being content are outdated? They’re tried, tested, and true. Naturally, it’s easier to accept something as long as it doesn’t hit home or step on our toes. It’s still typical, “A man (or woman) convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” Don’t waste your time confusing them with the facts (Mat. 7:6; 15:14).
This booklet’s intention is to make the plain truth about homosexuality known and available. It’s to assist those who really want to consider what the Good Book has to say. Obviously, this is a very sensitive subject. If someone does become convinced or converted to the truth – great!
More power to them. But if others choose to continue in their contrary lifestyles, dying for sex rather than living for God and His Kingdom – that’s their choice. God gives us all the prerogative to do as we please, but He strongly recommends and encourages us to “choose life” (Deut. 30:10); an even more appropriate message considering the high risk of AIDS. It’s so difficult to TRANSCEND HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS – but we must, if and whenever it’s necessary (Mark 10:28-30).
Living Responsible Lives
Is the first “gay” decade of 2,000 fulfilling prophecy? The “last days” are supposed to be reminiscent of earlier times, “as it was in the days of Noah,” and “as it was in the days of Lot.” How was it in days of yore? Just like today. Apparently, ignoring the dire need to make drastic changes in their lives, they conducted “business as usual” and fiddled about or got carried away with less important things (Deut. 32:47; Mark 4:19). It’s recorded that they ate and drank, got married, and went to work everyday – until they were consumed by their burning desires and swept away by their sins (Luke 17:26-30).
What’s wrong with eating and drinking or working? We might very well wonder. Didn’t God create us with an appetite and a thirst, as well as a need for physical exertion? Yes, but certain tastes, desires and relationships should be nipped in the bud; not allowed to grow or develop or take root (Jas. 1:14-15)! Many things are good of and by themselves, and not wrong, but God’s imposed conditions, restraints and guidelines for us to live by.
We’re meant to enjoy those foods that God has blessed and offered us (Lev. 20:25; 1 Tim. 4:5), and even have an occasional drink, if we want. The Bible condemns gluttony, not eating; drunkenness, not drinking; greed, not need. It’s what we do with what we’re given. And we are instructed to work and be productive, but we’re also commanded to remember the Sabbath (seventh day) to keep it holy. It’s counterproductive to become too busy earning a living, that we neglect learning how to live (2 Pet. 3:18).
Although we’re at liberty to do almost anything, within reason (Gen. 2:16-17), we’re to remember that we’re held responsible for how we handle ourselves and manage our new-found freedoms (Ga. 5:13). We’re not to abuse our privileges (1 Cor. 8:9), but be careful not to get caught up in things that could too easily get out of control (2 Pet. 2:20). A night of good, clean fun can quickly degenerate into an atmosphere of “just like the old times.” We’re entitled to time-out with the boys (or girls), just don’t let your diversion become an obsession (1 Cor. 6:12) – as my mother once warned me!
Keep Your Head Above Your Heart!
Is it – as some would charge – being cold and cruel, even inhuman, to be in control of your mind and emotions? Isn’t it rather mature to exercise proper self-control, sick and tired of giving in to compulsion? Isn’t it judicious to carefully cross-examine every thought, thereby destroying the defense of our death sentence, commuting it in Christ (2 Cor. 1:9; 10:4-5; 1 Cor. 11:31)?
Doing what just comes natural or seems normal might excite Nietzsche; but it’s not good enough for God. God wants us – mere mortals made out of matter – to come to resemble, think and act like Him. “Like Father, like Son.” Why? Is God on some big ego-trip and wants a bunch of clones to come along for the joy-ride? No, but because it’s the only way that’ll work. He ought to know the secret for living happily ever after.
Mankind, after all, was created in the image of the Godkind, and shares the awesome potential to become composed of God’s Spirit – after we’ve developed His characteristics (1 Cor. 15:53). God’s eager to award us all the Diploma of Divinity after we’ve finished the course of conversion (2 Cor. 3:18). Therefore, instead of just doing what comes natural – we’re to do the supernatural! As Christian individuals, we’re to turn the other cheek instead of busting their jaw; forgive rather than fume; pray for our enemies rather than swear revenge. We’re continually called to be different – in contrast, not conformity, to this world (Rom. 8:29).
Tough-Love
There is a time and a place for “tough-love.” We’re not to show the “mercy of fools” for welfare frauds or lazy bums (2 Thes. 3:10), or have compassion on cold-blooded murderers or hardened criminals, despite their many appeals (1 Sam. 15:32-33; Rom. 13:4).
We shouldn’t refuse to use corporal punishment (Prov. 13:24). It might hurt for awhile, but hopefully the lesson (that actions have consequences) will last a lifetime (Prov. 19:18; 23:13; 29:15). It could keep them out of worse trouble later (Ecc.8:11).
We’re also not to allow our emotions for loved ones to lead us to hell (Deut. 7:3-4; 13:6-9), or wrong relationships to get in our way. Despite the grief of saying goodbye, and the pain of tearful separation (2 Sam. 3:14-16; Ezra 10:3), you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. Why make it any more difficult? Don’t procrastinate and prolong your misery. Get it over with and get on with your life! We don’t have time to waste in no-win situations (Ephes. 5:16).
We shouldn’t try and be more understanding and tolerant than God, but refuse to even associate with a Church member who’s living in sin without any apology or shame (1 Cor. 5:1-2, 9-13). And we should NEVER entertain any notions about ordaining such people!
Of course, we shouldn’t cop a self-righteous attitude (Ga. 6:1), but realize the prayerful purpose is to help restore everyone to their senses (knowing that ongoing sin results in an eternal separation). If and whenever such a person “comes to” (Luke 15:17, 20), he’s to be welcomed back with wide-open arms (2 Cor. 2:6-8). A little love can go a long way (as Mama Evans used to say), and encourage us to do even better – rather than give up. But sometimes the situation calls for “shock-treatment” (tough-love), as well as private counseling. “Different strokes for different folks,” so to speak (Luke 12:47-48). The moral of this story? Don’t get blinded by the light: the glitter of “love,” the hot-flash of emotion, and the gleam of relationships (2 Cor. 11:14). The going price for fool’s gold is too high to pay. Walk away. It’s not worth it.
David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe’s Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out the Beyond Babylon blog.
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February 27, 2009
If salespeople expect to be in control of their financial destiny, they have little choice but to make prospect calls. Few salespeople I’ve met actually enjoy making cold calls, but since they are a necessity for any true professional salesperson, every salesperson should suck it up and begin developing their cold-calling skills. Here are several steps that I believe will make the cold calls less unpleasant.
1. Do your homework. Try to never make a cold call until you have done enough research on a particular prospect to know a few facts about him and his company. Some personal information will help tremendously. This step alone will set you apart from the great majority of your competitors.
2. Be prepared to open the conversation with a prospect with a sincere compliment…with emphasis on sincere. Everyone enjoys receiving a compliment, so either from the homework you have done or from observations you’ve made in the field, do your best to find something positive to comment on. This is a great way to make a good first impression.
3. When I introduce myself to a prospect, I like to introduce the prospect to an idea that is unique to me. I do everything in my power to avoid duplicating an introduction that the prospect has heard dozens of times before such as: “Hello, my name is Bill, how are you today?” Just about all salespeople open conversation this way. Instead, try something like this: “This weekend I was working with Prestige Homes over in Spalding Farms and I couldn’t help but notice the split level you’re building next door. I know how busy you are, but I have a great idea for that house that I’d like to share with you. Is now a good time?”
4. If you have been given the prospect’s name from, say, a current customer whom is a friend of the prospect, you might open conversation with something like, “Yesterday, I was visiting with one of my good customers, and also a good friend of yours, Liz Sheffield. She asked for me to give you a call and I promised that I would. Do you have a couple of minutes to spend with me now or would it be better if I called back at a more convenient time?”
5. Depending on the prospect’s reaction to your innovative idea (see #3 above), ask permission to stop by for a visit. Explain that you would like to gain a better understanding of the service levels that are most critical to him and see if you can find an opportunity to improve on the service he’s receiving from his current vendor.
6. Resist asking for an order on the first call unless the prospect makes the offer. Remember that the purpose of the initial call is to make a strong enough impression to get permission to come back.
7. Before you leave, always express a sincere thank you for the time the prospect has spent with you.
8. Before the day is over, also drop a thank you not in the mail. This is the final mark of a true professional.
Bill Lee is author of 30 Ways Managers Shoot Themselves in the Foot ($21.95)and Gross Margin: 26 Factors Affecting Your Bottom Line ($29.95). $6 S&H for first book and $1 for each additional book.
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February 27, 2009
People ask me, “What should I charge?”
I say, “Ask your clients.”
If they are respectable professionals you want as clients, they will be honest with you and give you a fair price based on their experience, their need, and their ability to pay. They will not try to undercut you.
And if you are a true professional, you will charge them a fair price and not try to overcharge them. You will not undercut yourself, either. You will base your price on two things: your value to their business, and the client’s value to your own company. Your fee should always be based on the criterion of a good relationship. If it threatens the relationship, is it worth it?
You cannot base your price on your company policy or an annual raise, or what you’re worth to your most lucrative corporate clients. You must base your price on the relationship with this one specific client and all your clients.
Shortly after I opened my business, I received a call from a chartered bank. They were experiencing difficulties with a team who managed world trading, and they needed someone to teach them a thing or two about communications. I was very excited about this opportunity. I shook their hands vigorously and we retired into a little room, where we discussed their needs and they told me the kind of written proposal they were looking for.
I listened carefully as these two women talked. I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into it. I proceeded to tell them how I would approach the project and thenpoor nave little meI lowered my voice and almost whispered:
“I should tell you, though, that I’m not cheap. I charge $325 a day.”
The two of them looked at each other and giggled.
“Did I say something funny?”
“When you submit your proposal, you had better charge us twice that, or the Manager won’t look at it.”
I stared at them, cleared my throat, and replied, “Certainly.”
I “certainly” learned a lesson from that encounter. You don’t charge a chartered bank the same fee you charge a non-profit organization. I also, unwittingly, had been given an opportunity to grow my business. When you meet a new client you have nothing to lose. Use it to take risks with your fees. Let them teach you what the going rate is, what they expect to pay. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Let clients raise your rates for you
If you provide superior service and maintain rich relationships with your clients, and help them succeed, a magical thing will happen. Your clients will raise your fees for you. You won’t have to do a thing.
It takes time, but consistency and reliability are rare and valuable. If you continue to rise to the occasion when your clients need you, they will “tip” you the way diners tip servers after they have become sufficiently sloshed to feel very generous. “Here! Take another three thousand dollars, just for being so nice!” Well, not exactly that way. Here’s what I mean. They will find ways to extend your contract. They will start asking why you charge less than the others, or why the others charge so much. They will refer you to other clients. They will give you different types of projects where you can be more creative about your fees.
This has happened to me a half-dozen times at least. People who enjoy working with you, and who cherish your service and your commitment, will do you important favours. I was discussing this phenomenon recently with a friend who provides production services for TV and film across North America, often for large movie-makers and other production companies. Richard has been charging such low prices compared to the competition that a client warned him, “If you don’t raise your rates, my VP won’t even look at you.” When the invoices come in and the VP sees one company charging $185 per hour and Richard’s company charging $45 per hour, the VP will get nervous about the gap and see Richard’s company as far below standard. The client continued, “Richard, you’ve got to make it look like you’re in the same game.”
When a client tells you something like this, I have one word for you.
OBEY.
A consultant for almost 13 years, Laurie Soper has helped dozens of companies clarify their sales messages to enhance customer service, increase productivity, cut costs, and win big deals.
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February 27, 2009
My daughter,
I want you to know how proud I am of you. You’ve been reborn and the Lord is your savior. Beware of the unclean spirit that came out of you, he Will return.
The bible says: When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, “I will return to the house, from which I came” (your body is the house it’s referring to) when he returns though, he finds the house empty, swept and put in order. (This is because you have been made clean through the blood of Jesus) He then decides to go, get seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they come back to the empty house, enter and dwell there. The state of that man is worse that the first.
How do you combat these evil spirits?
It’s simple, while the unclean spirit is away:
Open your bible.
Ask God to give you wisdom and understanding.
Start feeding your mind the word of God, by reading the scriptures. (I’ll help you with that if you need it).
A good place to start would be the book of John (some say it’s the book of love) or another New Testament Book like Romans.
The words written in red ink are extremely important; they are the words of Jesus (pay special attention to all of them- His words are alive).
The bible says while you’re reading the scriptures, The Lord will write His words on your heart.
What happens with me, is- when I have a sinful thought, the Lord sends His Holy Spirit to remind me of His words. (Tip: The Holy Spirit can only remind you of God’s words if the words are already on your heart).
This is extremely important, because God’s word will defeat the evil one every time. You’ll need His words securely planted in your heart, for when evil tries to tempt you.
The Holy Spirit will also come to comfort you when you need to be comforted.
Take heart if you find yourself giving in to temptation. The Holy Spirit will also convict you of your sin (i.e. bring your sin to your attention) He does this so you can repent and ask for forgiveness. God loves you as a child and He knows you’re not perfect. All children stumble, this is inevitable, it’s just part of being human.
My dear, you may also want to get a bible concordance. This book lists every word in the bible. For example: If you want to learn about angels, just open the concordance, look up the word ” angels” and it will show you the scripture location for each occurrence of the word “angels”. This should make it easier for you to learn about a specific topic.
While you’re doing this, always remember to read a few paragraphs before and after the actual word to get a good understanding of the context the word is being used.
Let me know if there’s anything more you need, and I’ll be happy to help. God bless you, may you grow in wisdom and knowledge.
Love,
Mom
Renae Patterson is a wife and mother of three girls (One of which has already gone to be with the Lord) and one son. When she is not taking care of the little ones, she’s busy editing for the online magazine Christian Woman Daily.Com located at http://www.christianwomandaily.com
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February 25, 2009
Often in sales a prospect may say they are not interested in your product or service at this time, as it is new on the market or your company is new to the area or region. And without a track record, well let’s just say they do not want to buy the first two-hundredth of anything built or be the first Guinea Pig to become a test case and end up falling on their face with egg splatter marks on it. Luckily in sales this is not a “NO” or a “No Way” but rather a wait and see approach.
Now then if you are too pushy with the prospect you can turn the “wait and see” to a “get the hell out of here; NO!” and so you need to handle these objections with white gloves. Many sales books will tell you that you need to bring the buyer back into the buying cycle.
This of course requires establishing a relationship, dialogue and getting to any “Real” objections. They may indeed feel that the “too new” objection is indeed a valid one, yet you probably as a sales person do not feel it is, because you believe in your product. That is a good thing and you darn well better believe in whatever you are selling.
If they say the product is too new, boomerang it and let them know, you realize that and you want them to be the first in the area to have one. Additionally ask them what they are worried might go wrong. Those parts maybe under warranty. If they say you are too new in the region and you are service business, offer them a trial service, one month only. “If you like us, keep us, if not no hard feelings okay?” Consider all this in 2006.
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February 25, 2009
The more you expose someone to a particular concept or idea, the more that concept or idea will become favorable to them. Things do grow on us. Have you ever heard a song on the radio that you didn’t like until it started to grow on you? This is also true with people. You may not like some people at first, but after awhile you grow to like them, and sometimes you even become their friend. Ever wonder why politicians want signs and posters with their names and faces all over everyone’s yards, street corners, bumpers, and windows? The use of repetition can be very effective. It is often said that repetition is the mother of all learning, but it is also the mother of effective persuasion. Repetition increases awareness, understanding, and retention.
You have to be careful to use repetition wisely, however. My motto is, “Repackage; Don’t Repeat.” This means you can use the power of repetition, but you don’t always have to say the words exactly the same way. You can make the same point with a story, a fact, a statistic, an analogy, or a testimony and never have to repeat yourself. You know how you feel when you hear the exact same joke for the second or even third time–it doesn’t carry the same punch as it did the first time, so you usually tune out.
Even when repackaging, keep it to no more than three times. If you present your message less than three times, it will not have a very strong effect. If you present your message more than three times, it becomes “worn out” and loses its potency. For example, in a study where children were shown the same ice cream commercial over and over while watching a cartoon, the children who saw the commercial three times actually wanted the ice cream more than those who had seen the commercial five times. .
For additional information on Branding and Exposure, go to Magnetic Persuasion and kick start your success!
Conclusion
Persuasion is the missing puzzle piece that will crack the code to dramatically increase your income, improve your relationships, and help you get what you want, when you want, and win friends for life. Ask yourself how much money and income you have lost because of your inability to persuade and influence. Think about it. Sure you’ve seen some success, but think of the times you couldn’t get it done. Has there ever been a time when you did not get your point across? Were you unable to convince someone to do something? Have you reached your full potential? Are you able to motivate yourself and others to achieve more and accomplish their goals? What about your relationships? Imagine being able to overcome objections before they happen, know what your prospect is thinking and feeling, feel more confident in your ability to persuade.
Kurt Mortensen’s trademark is Magnetic Persuasion; rather than convincing others, he teaches that you should attract them, just like a magnet attracts metal filings. He teaches that sales have changed and the consumer has become exponentially more skeptical and cynical within the last five years. Most persuaders are using only 2 or 3 persuasion techniques when there are actually 120 available!
Kurt Mortensen teaches over a hundred techniques to give you the ability to effectively work with every customer that walks in your door. Professional success, personal happiness, leadership potential, and income depend on the ability to persuade, influence, and motivate others. Learning how to persuade and influence will make the difference between hoping for a better income and having a better income.
If you are ready to claim your success and learn what only the ultra-prosperous know, begin by going to http://www.PreWealth.com and getting my free report “10 Mistakes That Continue Costing You Thousands.” After reading my free report, go to http://www.PreWealth.com/IQ and take the free Persuasion IQ analysis to determine where you rank and what area of the sales cycle you need to improve in order to close every sale!
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February 21, 2009
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So it is also important to consider the area where you will place your LCD TV. Much like the conventional approach to driving a car and our understanding of how the Internal Combustion Engine works (or not depending on your point of view) very few people understand entirely what happens behind the screen of a TV or do they? The word television is derived from a mixed usage of Greek and Latin roots meaning in literary terms “far sight” and being derived from the Greek term “tele” meaning “far” and the Latin “vision” meaning “sight” or “to view in the first person”, so see more on Envision 26 Inch Samsung Lcd Tv. The LCD crystals are unable to produce light therefore they are backed up by external light source which causes them to become visible to viewer. The silver frame surrounding the series can even be changed to one of five choices of designer frames (white blue black red or brown). See more about Samsung LN46A530. LCD TV battle thanks to their PC inputs and memory sticks that allow you to use the LCD TV screen as a computer monitor.
LCD TVs use less power than Plasma TV’s or CRT TV’s and in some cases less than half the power! They are not currently available in the larger sizes greater than 40in. Read on about Envision 26 Inch Samsung Lcd Tv, more about Samsung LN46A530. With a 1280 x 720 resolution this television has a bright screen with good color.
Much like the conventional approach to driving a car and our understanding of how the Internal Combustion Engine works (or not depending on your point of view) very few people understand entirely what happens behind the screen of a TV or do they? The word television is derived from a mixed usage of Greek and Latin roots meaning in literary terms “far sight” and being derived from the Greek term “tele” meaning “far” and the Latin “vision” meaning “sight” or “to view in the first person”. Put in a different way one will have a greater variety of plasma TVs to choose from when he/she is looking at the big models, so get more info on Envision 26 Inch Samsung Lcd Tv. Quality must not be sacrificed for quantity. See more details on Envision 26 Inch Samsung Lcd Tv below. The versatility of an LCD TV is perhaps what makes it most attractive to many buyers. See more about Samsung LN46A530 from the link above!
For one the display quality and type are different and the result may not be as stunning as you may thing. The demand for cheap LCD TV has been increasing rapidly. Hope you got all details on Envision 26 Inch Samsung Lcd Tv.
Posted by Administrator under Better Commerce, Consumer World, Great Technology Tips | Comments Off
February 19, 2009
Fortunately one of the most common reasons cited for the high failure rate of CRM systems – poor data quality – is also one of the easiest to avoid. Your CRM software is only as good as the information it contains. As the old programmers motto goes ‘garbage in, garbage out’.
So how can you avoid incomplete, incorrect, irrelevant or out-of-date and generally unfit-for-use data from permeating your CRM software?
You need to gather your key CRM users together and thrash out a DATA CAPTURE PROCEDURE document, defining the rules of use.
Spell out:
* Who has what rights to the system; who can Create, Insert, Modify or Delete records, assuming your software supports all these functions? Forward this information to your system administrator to action.
* Decide on a procedure to check for any duplicates before creating a record. Depending on what ‘de-duping’ or ‘data scrubbing’ features your system has, this might require some simple searches before starting a new record.
* Do you allow abbreviations or acronyms? For example: IBM, or I.B.M, or International Business Machines Inc. or Incorporated and so on. A policy on ensuring consistency of input will help to avoid duplications in future.
* Are records going to be created in Upper and Lower case and when are CAPS acceptable?
* By when do you expect records, notes and so on to be created or updated? Same day, on return to the office?
* Check to see whether your Postal Services have specific requirements. Ensure your data meets these criteria.
* Is the primary address of clients to be created as a postal or a physical address?
* Make sure everyone checks spellings if they are unsure and do not trust spellchecker! When in doubt, ask the client – they’ll respect that. Is it Clark with an ‘e’; Shawn, Sean or Shaun? One certain way to get your mail binned is to spell someone’s name incorrectly.
* Also confirm the kind of corporation e.g. LLC, Inc, PTY Ltd. and so on.
* Make rules for creating new profiles or User Definable Fields (UDF) (or whatever your specific CRM software calls them.) Place a lot of emphasis on this. Every time a new UDF is needed, it should first be approved. Otherwise duplicates will permeate your database e.g. Lead Source: Yellow Pages, YP, yelo pages.
* Ensure that email addresses are put in correctly. Basic but common mistake!
* Set up procedures, if not supported by your software, of how to create records from inbound emails.
* If applicable, are you going to use Mandatory/Forced fields?
You might as well address the issue of Backups while you are about it.
* Who is the responsible person for backing up your databases/s? Who covers for them when they are absent or unavailable?
* How frequently are backups to be done? Diarise!
* How are backups done e.g. by the Grandfather, Father, Son method.
* Ensure backups are made on good quality CD’s or whatever format you are using. It’s no good doing a backup, then finding on attempting a Restore that it doesn’t work! It is also a good idea to copy backups onto more than one data format.
* Where are the backups to be stored?
* Are the backups secure? This is important for both security and practical reasons.
As a reactive solution to the potential theft of your database, management might want to insert some dummy records into the mix. Conspire with some friends to insert records with similar (but not identical) names and addresses to them. The lie in wait to see if anyone comes a-prospecting!
Once your Data Capture Procedure Document is finished, get everyone to sign it off as READ! As standard practice, ensure that document is handed to all new employees at your company. Refer back to this document for possible revision every three months or so.
Try this: select a couple of records – both good and bad – every week, to put on the overhead at staff meetings. Make sure you don’t unduly embarrass anybody but watch this become the light-relief highlight of your meetings! People learn best when having fun!
What if your database is in one unholy mess?
Has the rot set in so deeply that your database needs a complete overhaul? Turn this seemingly insurmountable task into an opportunity to you. This is an excellent excuse to re-establish contact with your clients and let them know you care. You can always put lapses down to data crashes but tell them you have fixed the problem!
Importantly, help your staff understand what you need from the data to facilitate more accurate marketing and reporting and hence the success of your business and their careers.
By creating a sense of pride and ownership in the company database, you are nurturing the essential process of buy-in, necessary for the success of your CRM initiative. Don’t compromise this critical tool by allowing your CRM software to be infected by inferior data.
Posted by Administrator under Sales Management | Comments Off
February 19, 2009
Relax Your Customer
One of the most important skills a doctor can posses, is that of a bed side manner. In the same sense, it is important that sales people posses the same type of skill, to be able to put their customer at ease.
Relaxing your customer is important to any type of sales situation you may find yourself in. Remember, think of the customer as a guest in your house, you are the host, so you want to make them as comfortable as possible in your house. The more comfortable they are in your house, the easier it will be for them to talk to you.
In sales, trying to persuade someone we have never met before to buy our product can be very challenging.
It can be challenging for a number of reasons, mainly the fear that consumers associate with sales people.
The fear that we are all alike, comparing us to the unfair stereotype of the used car salesman. They are afraid of being convinced to buy something they don’t need at a price they can’t afford.
You need to find a common denominator with your customer, something you can both relate to, something non-business.
A non-business conversation is a great way to break the ice with your customer. We all want to make a sale, but since when is it a crime to get to know your customer?
This is easier than you may think, people love to talk, especially about them selves.
So ask questions. Ask about their pets, their families, their work, and their hobbies.
When I was in banking, I managed a branch inside of a supermarket. Our daily goals consisted of going out into the aisles, approaching customers, and trying to convince them to bank with us.
We applied certain techniques to this type of sales that worked rather well.
For instance, the pet food aisle was a good place to talk to people, because people loved to talk about their pets. A simple question such as; “What kind of dog do you have?” would get them talking with the greatest of ease.
The junk food aisle was also a good place to talk to people. For some reason the presence of candy and junk food put people in a good mood, and they were more prone to talk with a stranger.
One place we stayed away from, was the frozen food section, because people didn’t want to talk where it was cold. Understandable.
My point is, people love to talk as long as they can relate to the subject manner, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, and get to know your customer beyond that of the products they need.
The more relaxed you can make your customer in your setting, the better off the two of you will be, and the more sales you will walk away with.
This article may be reproduced by anyone at any time, as long as the authors name and reference links are kept in tact and active.
Jay Conners has more than fifteen years of experience in the banking and Mortgage Industry, He is the owner of www.jconners.com, a mortgage resource site, he is also the owner of www.callprospect.com, a mortgage lead company.
Posted by Administrator under Sales Management | Comments Off
February 18, 2009
With rising auto insurance costs, people everywhere are looking for ways to get lower car insurance quotes. And why not? If it can put cash in your pocket then go for it, right? Well, there are many ways to get deductions on automobile insurance. Try to check if you or your car is eligible for the following price reductions but remember that these are general deductions, you have to inquire with your car insurer if they offer them.
Individual-Associated Discounts
Person-related deductions are ones that depend on the driver’s own personal situation, status and driving history.
Attending Traffic School If by any chance you have been recently ticketed, you may attend traffic school either online or through a traditional setting to have your ticket expunged from your driving record. Indirectly, this will have an effect of lowering your auto insurance rates
Good Student price reductions. Insurance agents know that students with higher GPAs are at lower risk of being involved in an accident. Therefore, they will usually offer discounts on your automobile insurance.
deductions for Your Profession. There are many professions that can make you eligible for automobile insurance discounts. Registered nurses, engineers, government employees, to name a few, all may be entitled to receive price reductions on their car insurance.
Senior Citizen Discount. If youre a mature driver, aged 55 or over and have completed a Defensive Driving course being offered by the DMV in your state, then you may qualify for a discount.
Loyalty Credits. If you’ve been a loyal, solid, long-standing customer of your insurance firm, they may reward your patronage with deductions too.
Keep a Clean Driving Record. If you’ve not been involved in any car accidents or have had any tickets for traffic violations, you should be able to get your automobile insurance costs reduced.
Multi-line automobile insurance Discount. If you have more than one type of insurance policy with the same insurance firm, many times you’ll also be able to get cheaper insurance rates from them.
Car Based Insurance Discounts
It doesn’t come as a surprise that when getting a automobile insurance policy, the insurance firm takes a look at your car. Some of these automobile insurance deductions are given because you’ve made your car safe and insurance-friendly.
- Car Air Bags. There are various types of airbags: front, rear, side-curtain, etc. The more you’re protected, the cheaper your auto insurance could be.
- Anti-Lock Brakes System (ABS). Many cars on the road today are equipped with ABS. Many insurance firms offer discounts if your car is outfitted with these types of brakes and many states even require the insurer to do so.
Installing Anti-Theft Devices. Any type of add-on to discourage some individual from breaking into or stealing your automobile can also provide you with better insurance rates.
Posted by Administrator under Automobiles, Finance Matters, Insurance Center | Comments Off
