14 November 2006
Put Some Stuffing in the Staff Suggestion Box | Human resources | Sappiens.com
Here's how to get your staff suggestion box overflowing with fabulous new ideas. First, move the program on-line with digital instructions, submissions and replies. Next, create a quick and easy contest every month. Set short timelines for submission of i
Find & Do Your Own Thing | Innovation Management | Sappiens.com
In quality manufacturing, speed requires standardization. No wonder Six Sigma, Zero Defects and ISO Certification receive so much time and attention. But in quality service, doing something unusual or eccentric can create a powerful impact. In service, it
12 November 2006
You're as Good as Your Weakest Link | Marketing | Sappiens.com
When a customer assesses your business, you are only as good as your weakest link.
You're as Good as Your Weakest Link
When a customer assesses your business, you are only as good as your weakest link.
You're as Good as Your Weakest Link | Marketing | Sappiens.com
I flew to Fiji from Singapore via Australia, requesting vegetarian meals throughout. But not a single vegetarian dish was provided.
09 November 2006
Turning Provocation Into Pleasure
I appreciate it when people disagree with me. It shows they are thinking hard and often opens the door to new insights and learning on both sides. Sometimes, though, the other person puts a sting into his message - a touch of caustic comment to perturb, provoke and discomfort. I used to hit back at such remarks, using my own wit in defense, with a touch of offense for good measure. I've since found a better approach. Maybe you can use it, too.
Positive, proactive communication
Every insurance company in the world is concerned about "persistency", keeping policies in force by making sure clients pay their premiums year after year. A small increase in persistency can yield a very large boost in company profits. I have policies with several insurance companies. Every year I am stunned by the incredibly impersonal notices I receive stating: "Premium Due".
08 November 2006
To Be Distinctive, Be Different
There are many ways for a business to 'stand out from the crowd'. One approach is to give your customers more of what they ask for. If others are fast, you go faster. If others are clean, you be cleaner. If others are cheap, you can discount deeper. If your competitors offer a lot, you offer even more.
What seems to be the trend for low income investors?
Many moons ago people believed a dollar saved was a dollar earned. People were encouraged to put away 10% of their income for future considerations. After a period of time they would have saved enough to invest in what they regarded as good investments for their futures.
What Purchasing Agents Are Learning These Days
I confess. Before I set out to write this article, I was guilty of buying in to the same stereotype that many sales and marketing people have of purchasing agents: they are heartless, evil people, placed on this world to make the lives of sellers an absolute hell.
Introducing E-PR - The New Marketing Hybrid
Traditional advertising is still the gasoline of the American economic engine - and the dependency is not going to end any time soon. But new technology and the need for economic alternatives have combined to create a powerful new marketing hybrid. We call it e-PR. That's short for search engine optimized public relations. And it is where the majority of Delia Associates branding dollars are going on behalf of our clients in 2006.
07 November 2006
Celebrity Style: Forget the Bling, Bring Back Old Hollywood Glamour with Pearls
Call me old fashioned, but I'll take glamorous stars like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor over spoiled pseudo-celebs like Paris Hilton, Ashlee Simpson, Nicole Ritchie and their ilk any day of the week.
