Small companies that rely on business-to-business sales often find it difficult to be seen as credible in the eyes of larger companies. If this is true for you, then this assessment might help you determine where you need to focus your attention in order to build your credibility.
Rate each item from 1 to 5. 1 = low/bad. 3 = not good, not bad, just OK. 5 = high/great.

1. Your History. What’s the word on the street about your company? Do you have a reputation of doing good work or one of shoddy quality and service? Are there any scandals that might affect the word on the street? ____

2. The Reputation Of Your Type Of Business. If you work in accounting, your reputation may be tainted by recent scandals even though your own work may meet the highest ethical standards. What’s the word on the street about your industry? ____

3. Knowledge Of Your Type Of Product Or Service. Do your potential customers understand why your product or service is critically important to their business? ____

4. Your Relationship With Existing Customers. Do you have a solid working relationship with your customers? Do they trust you? Do they believe that you have their best interests at heart? ____

5. Your Relationship With Potential Customers. Do they know and trust you? ____

6. The World Through Their Eyes. Put yourself in the shoes of an ideal potential customer. What would be the concerns about doing business with you? List everything you can think of.

Scoring: A score of 1 or 2 on any item could point to a significant reason why it may be difficult to get sales. A score of 3 is simply mediocre, but at least you aren’t trying to dig yourself out of a hole. Your target should be 4 or 5 on all questions.

You’ll note that only two of the questions (1,3) focus on your product or service. That’s important. Many businesses put all their effort in trying to sell their product or service. They create elaborate gee-whiz presentations but often fail to make the sale.

Your relationship with your customer and potential customer (2,4,5) is as important – if not more important – than the idea you are promoting. For example, if the reputation of your industry is questionable, then you need to be in front of people so that they can see that you are different. And this probably will not occur during a sales presentation. It will only occur by finding opportunities to prove you are worthy of their trust.

Question 6 may be difficult to answer, but those responses tell you the reasons why they don’t buy from you. Once again, building a relationship is essential. They’ve got to get to know you. You’ve got to get to know them – their hopes and fears and pressing challenges. Without this information you are left with just the bells and whistles of what you sell,and that won’t be enough to make sales consistently.

Rick is an advisor to organizations on ways to lead Change without Migraines. He is author of many books on change including Why Don’t You Want What I Want? and Beyond the Wall of Resistance. You can access free articles and tools at http://www.beyondresistance.com.

Approximate flying times: From New York: 17 hrs. From Chicago: 22 hrs 30 mins. From LA: 19 hrs 25 mins.

If New York is the city that never sleeps, forget the alarm clock. Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, comes a very close second. The city was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri Dynasty. Today it’s the country’s spiritual, commercial and educational hub, home to approximately ten million people or more than 10% of the Thai population.

City of contrasts and confusion.

Bangkok (or Krung Thep in Thai which means “city of angels”) is an exciting, high energy melting pot of east meets west. A dynamic city that has embraced technology and modern living with its busy expressways, bold skyscrapers and designer-filled shopping malls. Yet underneath it all, it remains a traditional haven of culture, history and time-honored customs, where elders are respected and family always comes first.

As you travel from the airport you’ll see plenty of examples of modern architecture dotting the city scape and amongst them all, standing proud, are glittering Buddhist Wats (temples) such as Wat Phra Kaew and The Grand Palace. Snaking through the concrete jungle, you’ll spy echoes of the “old Bangkok” below you – ancient canals and waterways that are well worth exploring on a boat trip.

Every Thai household and building, even the most modern, has a traditional spirit house built outside for good fortune and to honor the spirit of the land. Each day, small offerings of fruit and water are laid out, often with garlands of orchids. If you’re an early riser, keen to make the most of your vacation time in Bangkok, don’t be surprised when you see Buddhist monks in saffron robes making their morning “alms” rounds accepting food and donations from local people, young and old.

Some like it hot, but not all the time.

Thailand has a tropical climate with an annual average temperature of around 75 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack light clothing for your trip. Natural fibers are often more comfortable when you’re walking and touring in hot weather. Practically everywhere you go in Bangkok you’ll find you some relief from the heat, with blasts of icy cold air conditioning in shops and hotels.

From March to May it’s the hottest time, with the highest temperatures and humidity. From June to October is monsoon season, so remember to take an umbrella. November to February is cooler and less humid. Bear in mind that the monsoon season varies throughout the country and can affect the weather you experience.

Bangkok Hotels to match every budget.

You’ll find every type of accommodation – from lavish 5 star international names to smaller hostels, favored by back packers. Book online and see what special rates you can find. Web sites such as http://www.hotel.com.au/bangkok have over 100 hotels in Thailand, ranging from the natural peace and luxury of The Sukhothai on South Sathorn Road, to business hotels in busy downtown Bangkok to the Hard Rock Hotel on Pattaya Beach, Bangkok’s favorite seaside resort.

Getting around is easier.

One of the first words you’ll learn in Bangkok is “Rot tip” or “rot tit” which literally means “cars that stick”, in other words traffic jam. But the everyday snarls and gridlock have been vastly improved by Bangkok’s cosmopolitan transport system.

You can now ride the subway, the Hua Lamphong – Bang Sue line has 18 stations along the 12 mile route. It’s fast, quiet and modern.

Jump on a BTS Sky Train. BTS sky trains ply along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phahonyothin roads. The routes connect Bangkok’s leading hotels and major shopping areas such as Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Of course, you can’t go to Bangkok without a ride in a tuk-tuk. These zippy three-wheeled open-air motorized taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance, it’s part of the fun.

Top 5 must-see highlights.

The Grand Palace: the number one attraction. Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of this grand architecture. Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. The Royal Family actually resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.

Wat Pho: possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand. It combines history, medical science and is a center for meditation and traditional massage training. Have a massage while you’re here, at a very fair price.

Chatuchak Weekend Market: with over 9,000 shops and stalls you’ll be tempted over and over. Close to everything that is for sale in Bangkok is here, including antiques, Buddha amulets, handicrafts, clothes, flowers and furniture. (You’ll notice that some maps spell it “Jatuchak”. Many English words have multiple spellings, so if you’re in doubt, ask the hotel concierge to write it in Thai for the taxi driver.)

Vimanmek Mansion Museum: the world’s largest golden teak building located in the compound of the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road. The three-storey royal mansion has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers containing unique memorabilia.

Jim Thompson’s House: this exquisite Thai house and buildings stand as a museum to the man who revived the Thai silk industry after the Second World War. The company he founded, Jim Thompson Thai Silk, is recognized worldwide for its brilliant fabrics, home accessories and fashion items. The gardens are equally impressive with a lush tropical jungle imitating nature’s haphazard beauty right in the center of the city.

Shopping till you drop!

Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two streets. You’ll find dozens of malls, markets and luxury retail outlets throughout the city. The most popular are located around the Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong area, Sukhumvit Rd and Silom-Surawong-Patpong, including the fantastic Patpong night market where you can pick up your souvenirs, fashion and Thai handicrafts. Don’t be shy to bargain in the market (nicely) as your dollar can go a long way.

Bangkok rocks.

Bangkok has no single area for nightlife – it has several. Bars are spread out all over town in places such as Patpong, Silom Soi 2 and 4, Soi Sarasin and Lang Suan, Royal City Avenue, Banglumpoo, Soi Cowboy and Sukhumvit Soi 33, among others.

One of the hottest new spots is called “Bed” is an extraordinary space-age designer lounge in fashionable Sukhumvit Soi 11. The Bed Supper Club is a “dining in bed” experience. Best described as a unique combination of upscale restaurant, club, art gallery, theater and stage merged into one.

Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

If you need another good reason to visit “The Land of Smiles”, here it is. This year marks the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty. The King has reigned for almost 60 yeas, making him not only the longest reigning Thai monarch, but the longest reigning King in the world today.

A once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

In true Thai style, the Bangkok celebrations promise to be a spectacular tribute to the Royal Family, full of color, pomp and ceremony. One of the main highlights is The Royal Barge Procession on June 12-13 2006. It will be an international event with twenty-eight monarchs from around the world in attendance. This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for visitors, as the Procession is only held to mark significant historical events such as His Majesty’s ascension to the throne.

A river of splendor.

Bangkok’s main river, the Chao Phraya will become the place to be. Imagine a royal armada stretching as far as your eyes can see. A flotilla of superbly carved royal barges slowly sail into view, manned by the Royal Thai Navy dressed in ancient ceremonial uniforms. Each sailor rowing in perfect unison, honed through months of intense practice. If you plan to be in Bangkok in June, do leave the bargains for a few hours and be part of the adoring crowd – and bring your camera.

Incidentally, two major dress rehearsals are planned for the June 6 and 9, so if you can’t attend the real event, this is as close as you may get.

Thailand has a well deserved reputation as the “The Land of Smiles”. You’ll receive a warm welcome and feel the genuine friendliness of the locals. One thing’s for sure, the memories of a vacation here will stay with you for a lifetime.

So many people use air terminals for their travel that it is virtually impossible to avoid finding gum throughout the terminal. Adding to the problem of gum removal in air terminals is the fact that even in the terminals’ shops and stores, chewing gum is sold. Chewing gum machines allow people to buy gum easily, without having to set foot in one of the stores. Children chew it throughout the terminal, and they are more prone to leaving these little “gifts” than adults are (and they are quite prone to it as well). The only solution is gum removal in air terminals.

The challenges to gum removal in air terminals:

Gum removal in air terminals can be time consuming and expensive, tying up cleaning crews and cleaning contractors. Chewing gum pollution sticks to everything and leaves stained carpets, making it necessary to got through the immense trouble of removing gum from carpet. This is also time consuming and can be expensive. Additionally, chewing gum soiling can leave stains and dark, ugly spots, even after the gum has been removed. This requires even more supplies of cleaning products to deal with the stain removal.

Another challenge to gum removal in air terminals has to do with the never-ending supply of deposited gum wads. After all, it is nearly impossible to stop people using chewing gum. They chew it to help their ears adjust to pressure changes associated with increased elevation while flying. Gum is chewed to freshen the breath. Parents give it to children to keep them occupied and quiet while they wait for their flights. Every time the gum is cleaned up, it appears again, in a different place, waiting to cause aesthetic problems and health problems. Even causing bigger annoyances, such as stained clothing.

The solution is to find a product that is successful at removing gum, but that will not break the bank as so many commercial cleaners do. Gum removal in air terminals is the job of the cleaning crew, and with the proper cleaning products, they can save time and complete their jobs more efficiently. Traditional gum removal remedies are not the answer. Have you ever tried to remove gum from carpet after using one of those freezing agents? It still takes time and a great deal of effort. On the other hand, Gum-Out, which has been on the market for 20 years, and is a major contribution to cleaning technology, offers a solution that can help remove gum, even from carpets, much more easily.

Gum-Out release agent is applied by a special plastic injector, and breaks the bond between the gum wad and the surface into which it is stuck. And it is fairly low-cost. Gum-Out can be ordered at www.chewing-gum-removal.com and provides a neat and easy way to keep air terminals free of chewing gum pollution. Each bottle of Gum-Out if used as directed will remove up to 125 lumps of chewing gum.

J O’Neal guides you through the chewing gum removal process. Learn the facts before you decide which gum removal product to buy.Discover more about cost effective chewing gum removal techniques at: gum removal

Are you short of ideas in deciding a gift for your friend or relatives? Selecting a gift can be a very boring process especially when you do not find a gift as per your choice. If you intend gifting your friend with a unique gift then why not try unique candle gift.

Unique Candle Gift can be one of the best gifts that you can present to your friends on any special occasion. Giving and getting candle gift is a wonderful gift and experience that one can have. Unique candle gift offers you many categories in candles which makes your gift a unique one. Some of the categories of candles you can choose from are

• Angel Candles
• Animal Candles
• Christmas Candles
• Fish Candles
• Wedding Candles
• Sports Candles
• Holiday Candles
• Valentine Candles
• Flower Candles
• Fantasy Candles and many more

Candles are the sign of love, faith and peace. Even though candle gifts are uniquely designed and have attractive quality it is available at a very reasonable price. Today most web sites offer candles you can buy at any store.

Unique candles gifts are available in scented as well as unscented forms. Thus a unique candle gift basket is a perfect gift not just to spread light but also spread out charming and delicate fragrance.

Candle gift can be a unique gift for moth for mother’s day, father’s day, wedding, anniversary or Valentines Day. Candle gifts are available for different occasions like Wedding candle gift, Christmas candle gift, Valentine candle gift and so on. These candles are not only useful to gift someone but can also make a beautiful decorative item for your home or office. Candles that are offered are eco-friendly and made up of pure wax and contain no harmful chemicals.

Unique Candle Gifts are popular because its candles last for 14-15 hours and also available in various scented fragrance. The candles that are prepared are not shaped in an ordinary mold but is shaped in excellent and sophisticatedly designed molds that further adds to its beauty.

With the help of Unique Candle Gift you can enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and lightning in your surrounding. So it is the best time to present a warm gift to someone special.

Isabella Rodrigues writes for candlegiftbasket.info,
offering the latest information on gift baskets, visit them today for more best
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Remember back when selling online was a new experience? Dealers tried everything to sell their vehicles online. Today’s market has expanded to include several hot online marketplaces. The largest online marketplace is Ebay. Ebay has evolved into an online solution for everything from whole towns to your favorite paperback book. Big or small it doesn’t matter, Ebay has everything for the savvy consumer.

Vehicles are plentiful on Ebay. Ebay sells a vehicle every minute for the savvy seller willing to invest his time and money in listing his vehicle online. Just how effective is selling on Ebay? Actually, less than 10% of the vehicles listed on Ebay actually sell. A selected few dealers sell at 80 to 100% of their online car sales.

Who are the auto dealers that are selling effectively on Ebay? Is there a secret to their success? Consider that a vehicle, digital camera and some basic design skills are all you need to sell on Ebay. Which vehicle and how much will it sell for? How to type up the description so that the internet savvy consumer will want to purchase your vehicle?

All of these questions are asked each and every day by savvy individuals and auto dealers all across the United States. A company has come along that can help with your selling situation and take the work out of listing for a car dealer on Ebay Motors. That is right! No work for you! They take the pictures and handle your vehicle sale from start to finish, while handling emails in a professional manner to produce a proven sales results.

A Consulting company called www.AutomobileClearingHouse.com has proven that they can sell cars on Ebay with a sell through factor much higher than the average auto dealer on Ebay. Take the work out of selling your vehicle on the world’s largest marketplace. Check out their website and see how easy selling a car online can be.

“Committed to selling online, put our extensive experience to work for you.” At www.AutomobileClearingHouse.com, their moto says it all!

About The Author
Cherie Szilvagyi

www.AutomobileClearingHouse.com © AutomobilleClearingHouse 2004

cherie@automobileclearinghouse.com

The other major factors that will determine your patio design are your budget and the amount of space available. Would you like to have your patio connected to your home? If so the building and design process will most likely be much tougher. Building a patio away from your home requires more room but you don’t have to work about working around the home. You’ll also need to analyze what you are currently working with. Are you starting from scratch? Or is there a patio or concrete slab already in the intended building location? This will play a major role in your design as well.

Your design possibilities are truly endless. You can make your wildest dreams become reality. You’ll want to look into patio furniture if you intend to use your patio as a place of relaxation. This plays into your patio design as well. Your design must allow enough room to play chairs, benches, and tables. If you plan on barbequing on your patio you’ll need to design your patio to leave enough room for your grill. Always add these items to your design. The more detailed your design is the better. Building your patio around your pool is a good idea too. It gives you room to sit and relax while others swim.

Several years ago I developed a philosophy in renovating houses which resulted in a finished product that I call a “Dream House” or “Doll House.”

How many houses on the market today look very ordinary and less than perfect? How many look “Plain Jane?” What is the difference between these “average” houses and the house on the block that is strikingly different at even the distance of a windshield view?

The pronounced difference in the outstanding property offered for sale might be brilliant new lawn grass. Maybe the freshness and color combination of the house paint might stand out. Maybe some feature on the porch or in the yard catches everyone’s attention. You know a property has captured this difference when everyone driving down the street is compelled to catch a glimpse at its uniqueness.

The exterior and interior of every house can be dressed up in some way to make it look spectacular!

I try to finish off my refurbished houses with a spit-shine look so they stand out in the crowd. When the exterior of a property draws attention to passersby, prospects are attracted to see its interior.

It’s not always easy to create the best-looking house on the block. But the pay-off in short time on the market is dramatic.

Phil Speer, Ph.D., started his real estate investing career 25 years ago. Without the availability of credit and using only a $10 bill, he purchased $1 million in properties in his first year, and had accumulated $10 million in properties by his fourth year. http://www.CashinHouses.com/

He was featured in a Wall St.Journal editorial as most successful investor in the Nothing Down Real Estate Movement, and was honored with a Caribbean cruise as top investor of the year. In his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, he has been a businessman and Human Resources Consultant for 30 years. He is an author, speaker and seminar director. To learn how to profit in real estate investing, even without cash or credit, read his report at http://www.General-RealEstate.com/business/flipping.html/ Subscription is free to his Fix-up Ezine. He and other contributing authors provide free articles and resources on real estate investing at his online “Academy of Advanced Real Estate Investing Techniques” at http://www.AAREIT.com/

Without the development of the printing press in 1445 the Renaissance may never have happened, and Johann Gutenberg the inventor certainly did not know he was sowing the seeds of the business card entrepreneur’s bonanza we have today. What civilisation gained from Gutenberg’s invention is incalculable.

Visting Cards

Visiting cards (also known as calling cards) first appeared in China in the 15th century, and the earliest European form of visiting cards appeared in France in the 17th century during the reign of Louis XIV – “Le Roi Soleil”. They were normal playing cards on which visitors wrote their signatures, promissory notes and other messages. The cards were just a little smaller than the size of a man’s hand. As time went by, these visiting cards further developed into greeting and other cards.

The business card evolved from the Visiting card over time, but through it’s evolution it’s purpose remains the same.

Trade Cards

Trade cards, another early form of the Business card, existed in England around the same time. Trade cards were used as a form of advertising and sometimes contained a map directing potential customers to merchant stores, as there was no form of street numbering system at the time.

Other printing materials, such as newspapers, has not yet caught on as a vehicle for business marketing, so the earliest Trade cards were printed and issued using a letterpress method. However, copperplate engraving became the most popular method of producing the cards by the 18th century, and up to the 19th century, Trade cards were printed using a single colour (monotone). But as businesses thrived throughout the Industrial Revolution, so did the production and distribution of Trade cards.

Lithography

Around 1830, lithography using several colours became an established method in Europe and was the primary method for printing cards. As printing techniques became increasingly advanced, Trade cards became more elaborate, with pictures and full colour designs. Since colour images were not widely available, these cards became collector’s items, and as the hobby elevated, many tobacco companies put the sporting celebrities on one side and photos with text about their products on the reverse. This was the start of the modern day trading cards. Meanwhile, Visiting Cards arrived in Europe around the middle of the 1800’s.

Calling Cards arrived

Visiting Cards, or “Calling Cards” as they became known, were essential to the 19th century middle classes.
The initial letters on personal Visiting “Calling Cards” denote French words:

p. f. – congratulations (pour feliciter)
p. r. – expressing one’s thanks (pour remercier) – even if one is presented with flowers

p. c. – mourning expression (pour condolence)
p. f. N. A – Happy New Year (pour feliciter Nouvel An)
p. p. c. – meaning to take leave (pour prendre conge)
p. p. – if you want to be introduced to anybody, send your visiting card (pour presenter)

Soon, the Business card evolved from a fusion of traditional trade cards and visiting cards. A distinction between “business” and “visiting” cards quickly developed with the ornate Visiting card serving social obligations only, whilst Business cards on the other hand, were used solely for promoting business. It was considered to be in very poor taste to use a Business card when making a social call.

These days, the modern business card is used primarily for the purpose of promoting a business, but it also serves as a calling card.

First Salesman’s Business card

Whilst Visiting Cards were at first the domain of the upper classes, and trade cards were made to advertise and promote particular firms, the salesman who did the footwork calling on prospective clients needed a means to exchange information in a simple, concise manner. To fill this void the Business card was introduced with address or telephone contact information in fancy printing and graphics.

Today, the salesman’s Business card takes on many forms, including custom die cut shapes and sizes, with glossy coatings and top quality photo graphics.

Business Card Printers Turn to Plastic

Known for their durability, plastic business cards were manufactured using a variety of plastic substrates, including but not limited to: Polystyrene, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polycarbonate, Polyester and synthetic Papers.

20th century advances in printing technologies and synthetic materials made it possible to print liquid inks onto plastics. In addition to the wide range of commercial applications of this technology.

Today in the 21st century the more adventurous entrepreneur Business card printer has developed an array of sophisticated products. These include Silk art board, single and double sided Business cards, quality labels, complimentary slips, letterheads for all industries in superior quality papers, and laminated single and double sided Postcards for all occasions. All of which can be designed on line and uploaded to your personal computer. A boon to the busy firm requiring special needs.

For the rest of the world, the exchange of business cards has become common even for social introductions. Even today, some people still carry “personal” Business cards which contain only personal contact information and have no relation to their employer or business.

Written for Goodprint Ltd, providors of instant online business cards and matching stationery via their website http://www.goodprint.co.uk.

The nuisance of going to a meat space betting hall makes it recommendable to drop the idea unless you can’t avoid it. Traffic accidents, the nuisance, and tasks at hand can’t really justify the distress for that chance to place your bets at meat space betting hall, but if you are the sort of guy who pines for gaming houses then going online should be the evident solution.

For this, you do not have to leave your desk to go for online casino games since you’ll do everything from your domestic environment if you own a fully functional computer including a functional Internet connection. All the same, don’t forget that there are several pointers that you must grasp concerning online casino games, particularly so if you are still lacking experience. OK, calm down that enthusiasm of yours and chew on what follows. Here’s our condensed summary that guides you what to take into consideration if you’re locating an honest and trust-worthy online casino games site.

The first thing that a quick web risker like you is certain to suss out is an online casino games establishment of the category that is prepared to guarantee top winning odds. Check out that the online casino games establishment has partnered up with an honest and trust-worthy accounting company in order to assay their actual casino games’ payout percentage in a monthly manner. This can be extremely helpful to make sure the jack you are willing to lay as a part of your expected orgy will actually warrant it.

Always make sure the virtual blackjack establishment holds a legal license, for instance by searching out the ministerial approval onsite. If you are unable to track down any ministerial approval on that particular virtual blackjack establishment, don’t remotely think of laying on that site.

Going further, another eminent piece of advice would obviously be to play initially in slight amounts instead of doling out big amounts of money off the cuff. Check first the integrity and status of this particular virtual blackjack framework before chancing any severe hazard, particularly so in regards to money… The final suggestion concerning virtual gambling casino. It is this: to never neglect that virtual casinos should be merely about amusing yourself and much less about making money. Betting in an online casino is certainly no trade, on the contrary – it’s a diversion that is supposed to help you feel happy and your overall life satisfying. Live free online casino tournaments online at this top site!