Dear Megan,
I have worked for myself for years and have done a variety of business/administrative projects. I find that with most of them, I perform the contract and we go our separate ways. Many times I am not called when they have the next project. What can I do to gain this repeat business?
Thanks,
-K
Dear K.,
You are right that repeat business is extremely important. It is far better to maintain a relationship than to continually form new ones. There are several things that you can do to be the first person that a business thinks of when they have a project.
1- Create a database. This does not need to be expensive or extensive. It can be an excel spreadsheet that contains the name, address, email address and phone number, plus any other information that you might find important, like anniversary, b-days, kids, etc. This is just an electronic info sheet for you to organize all the information you need about your clients.
2- Subscribe to a service like A-Weber that allows you to send out newsletters, emails, and other marketing materials. It takes a few minutes to design something is in accord with other parts of your business, but can be automated and sent at a later date. The beauty of this is that you can design a few pieces when you are having a slow day and set it up to where you do not need to think about it later.
3- Use direct response marketing. This means that every piece of marketing material you send off has an incentive to contact you. It could be a free item, a free consultation, or some other item of interest. Give them a reason to contact you.
4- Send Thank You notes- set a goal of say 5 per week that you send out in your own handwriting just because. Maybe the postman went out of his way to help you, or someone at your kids' school. It does not matter what they are for, but be sure to send them out to a client after a project. Let them know you appreciate your business.
5- Be sure to invoice for the free things you do for them. Many professionals I have talked to are frustrated because they do so many things for their clients and then the client goes to another person the next time they need work. "Don't they know what all I do for them" I am asked. Unless you invoiced for it- NO! They don't. It is easy to include free items on any invoice and write down- no charge, included, or any other term you feel fits you best. If you never tell them, then they never know.
6- Re-do your business cards. Write information on the back of them that you do anyway. For example, if you maintain all client records and they can look at them in the future with an appointment, then put it on the back of your business card. If you offer a referral bonus, write it down. Then make it a great color so that it is easily seen in the wallet, as well as include it in all the correspondences you have with your clients.
7- Finally, use your database (from #1) to keep records of contact. Open the file and jot it down when you send a card, make a call, or send an email. Then make a note- highlight or add comments- on the types that got a response. Did they call you back? Did they even open or read the email (services like A-Weber keep notes on the response of anything sent through them)? This way you can tell what the most effective marketing methods are overall, and for each client. This will help you streamline your marketing efforts and maintain the contact that is needed to grow your business.
Submit your questions to Ask Megan and receive a free resume review or small business consulting appointment. Email your HR questions to AskMegan@ConsultingProsperity.com
Turning Unemployment into an Opportunity
Dear Megan,
With the end of the fiscal year, I was laid off yesterday. Although I am looking for work, so many people were laid off and I am worried about the time it will take to find another position. What are some things I can do to continue to bring in money during this time?
Thank you,
-C.
Dear C.,
Unfortunately, several companies have practices of laying off workers at the end of the fiscal year, so they can start off at a lower rate of expenses. Take these steps to be affected the least as you are looking for a new job.
1- Apply for unemployment. Do it immediately. It is designed to help people that are not at fault for losing their job by giving them a percentage of what they would have made and encouraging them to do what they would anyway- look for a new job. You won't get what you would have before being laid off, but you will have less to make up for and this will keep your family from getting in a really bad situation.
2- Do a skills inventory and create several resumes. Of course, your inclination will be to look for something in your profession, but when you have been laid off, you are probably willing to take almost anything for a while. You have also probably done several different things in your work life and are skilled in several areas. For example, I can do bookkeeping and do perform these services this time of year. I am also skilled in Marketing, Human Resources, and E-Commerce, among other things. However, if I was laid off, I could also perform data entry, typing, scanning, graphic design and other activities. Create several different resumes that encompass different avenues of these skills- maybe a office management, Human Resources, and Marketing Resume that covers the main points and has everything nicely polished for the least amount of work applying for positions.
3- Increase your job search- Of course, look for the job you want, but also look for contract work. You can find this type of job in the gigs section of your local craigslist. These are short term positions where they need a specific activity done for a short period of time. This gets you cash quickly but is not a long term position. These positions are great for increasing your skill set and adding to your income until you find a job.
4- Think about Day Labor. If you are going to be in a potentially difficult situation, then there are plenty of places that offer same day work. You probably have to be there at like 6am, but you are able to go out at 8am and get done around 5pm. Most places pay around $50-$75 per day, and that turns into $1000 per month in a crunch. Sometimes, these positions can turn into a more long term (and higher paying) position if you really work hard for the company.
5- Get a business license and market yourself. A business license is around $20 and can offer so many benefits. It allows you to take off the cost of a home business and other expenses from your taxes, which can significantly increase your tax return. It also lets you market your services through means like craigslist. You can create several ads for different services and even work on more than one job at a time. This can help you a lot when trying to make ends meet.
6- Look for work from home jobs. Craigslist has a telecommute section and other sites like www.ratracerebellion.com and www.wahm.com have work from home job openings. They have been screened to eliminate scams and are good sources for country wide opportunities. You apply like every other job and some even offer sign on bonuses. Finding something that you can work on at any time also gives you a job that can turn into a part time opportunity once you are hired.
Good luck with your job hunt and please let me know when you find another job,
Megan
Submit your questions to Ask Megan and receive a free resume review or small business consulting appointment. Email your HR questions to AskMegan@ConsultingProsperity.com
With the end of the fiscal year, I was laid off yesterday. Although I am looking for work, so many people were laid off and I am worried about the time it will take to find another position. What are some things I can do to continue to bring in money during this time?
Thank you,
-C.
Dear C.,
Unfortunately, several companies have practices of laying off workers at the end of the fiscal year, so they can start off at a lower rate of expenses. Take these steps to be affected the least as you are looking for a new job.
1- Apply for unemployment. Do it immediately. It is designed to help people that are not at fault for losing their job by giving them a percentage of what they would have made and encouraging them to do what they would anyway- look for a new job. You won't get what you would have before being laid off, but you will have less to make up for and this will keep your family from getting in a really bad situation.
2- Do a skills inventory and create several resumes. Of course, your inclination will be to look for something in your profession, but when you have been laid off, you are probably willing to take almost anything for a while. You have also probably done several different things in your work life and are skilled in several areas. For example, I can do bookkeeping and do perform these services this time of year. I am also skilled in Marketing, Human Resources, and E-Commerce, among other things. However, if I was laid off, I could also perform data entry, typing, scanning, graphic design and other activities. Create several different resumes that encompass different avenues of these skills- maybe a office management, Human Resources, and Marketing Resume that covers the main points and has everything nicely polished for the least amount of work applying for positions.
3- Increase your job search- Of course, look for the job you want, but also look for contract work. You can find this type of job in the gigs section of your local craigslist. These are short term positions where they need a specific activity done for a short period of time. This gets you cash quickly but is not a long term position. These positions are great for increasing your skill set and adding to your income until you find a job.
4- Think about Day Labor. If you are going to be in a potentially difficult situation, then there are plenty of places that offer same day work. You probably have to be there at like 6am, but you are able to go out at 8am and get done around 5pm. Most places pay around $50-$75 per day, and that turns into $1000 per month in a crunch. Sometimes, these positions can turn into a more long term (and higher paying) position if you really work hard for the company.
5- Get a business license and market yourself. A business license is around $20 and can offer so many benefits. It allows you to take off the cost of a home business and other expenses from your taxes, which can significantly increase your tax return. It also lets you market your services through means like craigslist. You can create several ads for different services and even work on more than one job at a time. This can help you a lot when trying to make ends meet.
6- Look for work from home jobs. Craigslist has a telecommute section and other sites like www.ratracerebellion.com and www.wahm.com have work from home job openings. They have been screened to eliminate scams and are good sources for country wide opportunities. You apply like every other job and some even offer sign on bonuses. Finding something that you can work on at any time also gives you a job that can turn into a part time opportunity once you are hired.
Good luck with your job hunt and please let me know when you find another job,
Megan
Submit your questions to Ask Megan and receive a free resume review or small business consulting appointment. Email your HR questions to AskMegan@ConsultingProsperity.com
What the Current Job Market Means To You
Dear Megan,
I hear conflicting stories about the current economy- some are saying that thousands of jobs are being created, but then you hear that up to 1/3 of all teachers are being fired across the country. What does this information mean to job seekers right now?
Thanks,
J.
Dear J.,
It is easy to get confused by the current reports of the media. Unfortunately, the media is notorious to warp the truth to meet their needs. Right now there are about 5 unemployed job seekers for every job available. This has huge ramifications for those in the job market right now.
1- Employers can be really choosy. They can discriminate. And it is legal in most cases. Things that were no big deal in the past means that you won't even get an interview. You really have to be on the top of your game to even get your foot in the door.
2- Employers can offer lower wages. With so many people available, the most qualified are willing to accept far less than they ever would have in the past.
3- Employers don't have to offer benefits. People are desperate and employers do not have to offer the employment packages that they once would offer.
4- Employers may offer contracts or independent contractor positions, or temporary, or probationary positions.
5- Some jobs that you are offered may be eliminated. This has happened to me twice during the last 2 years. I went through the entire process, had the interview, was offered the job, and the company decided to wait.
The current job market is the definition of supply and demand. The supply of employees is much greater than the demand. Free market economics dictates that we have to do the best we can until the demand goes up. However, if you are trying to feed your family this does not matter.
So to make it through the current economy, you have to make changes.
1- If you have a job, keep it until you have a better offer. Find a new job first, or you could experience an extended period of unemployment.
2- Do a thorough skills assessment so you have the information ready to apply for a large selection of different jobs.
3- Re-work your resume and have several different versions available to be able to apply for different jobs.
4- If there is a career change you are thinking about, this is a great time to change your direction. Keep applying to new positions in the field, take internships, or part time jobs in your new field. You may have to start at the ground floor, but since most people's income decreased by over 33%, then you are probably already suffering a decline from your previous earnings. Starting over right now will probably mean less of a change than before the recession.
5- Take your time and be ready in case your position is eliminated, or you face a lay off, but also to be ready if someone leaves your firm or a new position is unveiled. You must be professionally ready and able to get started immediately. Being ready is the difference from being promoted and eliminated.
Good luck in the current economy, especially with the potential changes to come,
Megan
Submit your questions to Ask Megan and receive a free resume review or small business consulting appointment. Email your HR questions to AskMegan@ConsultingProsperity.com
I hear conflicting stories about the current economy- some are saying that thousands of jobs are being created, but then you hear that up to 1/3 of all teachers are being fired across the country. What does this information mean to job seekers right now?
Thanks,
J.
Dear J.,
It is easy to get confused by the current reports of the media. Unfortunately, the media is notorious to warp the truth to meet their needs. Right now there are about 5 unemployed job seekers for every job available. This has huge ramifications for those in the job market right now.
1- Employers can be really choosy. They can discriminate. And it is legal in most cases. Things that were no big deal in the past means that you won't even get an interview. You really have to be on the top of your game to even get your foot in the door.
2- Employers can offer lower wages. With so many people available, the most qualified are willing to accept far less than they ever would have in the past.
3- Employers don't have to offer benefits. People are desperate and employers do not have to offer the employment packages that they once would offer.
4- Employers may offer contracts or independent contractor positions, or temporary, or probationary positions.
5- Some jobs that you are offered may be eliminated. This has happened to me twice during the last 2 years. I went through the entire process, had the interview, was offered the job, and the company decided to wait.
The current job market is the definition of supply and demand. The supply of employees is much greater than the demand. Free market economics dictates that we have to do the best we can until the demand goes up. However, if you are trying to feed your family this does not matter.
So to make it through the current economy, you have to make changes.
1- If you have a job, keep it until you have a better offer. Find a new job first, or you could experience an extended period of unemployment.
2- Do a thorough skills assessment so you have the information ready to apply for a large selection of different jobs.
3- Re-work your resume and have several different versions available to be able to apply for different jobs.
4- If there is a career change you are thinking about, this is a great time to change your direction. Keep applying to new positions in the field, take internships, or part time jobs in your new field. You may have to start at the ground floor, but since most people's income decreased by over 33%, then you are probably already suffering a decline from your previous earnings. Starting over right now will probably mean less of a change than before the recession.
5- Take your time and be ready in case your position is eliminated, or you face a lay off, but also to be ready if someone leaves your firm or a new position is unveiled. You must be professionally ready and able to get started immediately. Being ready is the difference from being promoted and eliminated.
Good luck in the current economy, especially with the potential changes to come,
Megan
Submit your questions to Ask Megan and receive a free resume review or small business consulting appointment. Email your HR questions to AskMegan@ConsultingProsperity.com
LemonadeDay.org
So again, I am going to diverge from the traditional format for something I feel is important. Yesterday, my mom and I took the kids to the Houston Children's Museum. It is a great place and the kids were really able to go crazy and try out all the exhibits. When we went outside there was a booth with yellow backpacks. Of course, the kids wanted one and there was a line so I went back later. What I found out was one of the most awesome things I have ever seen.
The workers were giving away backpacks for a day called Lemonade Day. Inside was everything a kid needed to open their own lemonade stand. Imperial Sugar had information on how to make lemonade, and there was information for parents, as well as info for the kids on how to finance the operation. In Houston, May 1 is Lemonade Day and parents are encouraged to get their kids involved. The goal is to have lemonade stands all over Houston and teach kids the value of owning their own business.
I am so inspired about this project, that I am going to work with my own kids in Austin. I have learned so many things from owning my own business- from economics, to customer service, to human resources and finance. Some of these concepts I was introduced to in a game called Lemonade Stand on an Apple computer in 2nd Grade. It is awesome that this has been taken to the next level and that kids are being encouraged to open a real lemonade stand. I love this idea and encourage everyone to go to www.LemonadeDay.org to find out more about this great project and how it can aide both your kids and your community.
Please send me any questions or comments and let me know of all your successes on May 1, 2011.
Megan
Submit your questions to Ask Megan and receive a free resume review or small business consulting appointment. Email your HR questions to AskMegan@ConsultingProsperity.com
The workers were giving away backpacks for a day called Lemonade Day. Inside was everything a kid needed to open their own lemonade stand. Imperial Sugar had information on how to make lemonade, and there was information for parents, as well as info for the kids on how to finance the operation. In Houston, May 1 is Lemonade Day and parents are encouraged to get their kids involved. The goal is to have lemonade stands all over Houston and teach kids the value of owning their own business.
I am so inspired about this project, that I am going to work with my own kids in Austin. I have learned so many things from owning my own business- from economics, to customer service, to human resources and finance. Some of these concepts I was introduced to in a game called Lemonade Stand on an Apple computer in 2nd Grade. It is awesome that this has been taken to the next level and that kids are being encouraged to open a real lemonade stand. I love this idea and encourage everyone to go to www.LemonadeDay.org to find out more about this great project and how it can aide both your kids and your community.
Please send me any questions or comments and let me know of all your successes on May 1, 2011.
Megan
Submit your questions to Ask Megan and receive a free resume review or small business consulting appointment. Email your HR questions to AskMegan@ConsultingProsperity.com
Work/Life Balance
Dear Megan,
I have worked from home for a while now, and I find that the more I work, the less time I have for my family. If there are familial obligations, then my work suffers. How do you find a balance between supporting your family and taking care of them (since that is the reason I started working from home in the first place)?
Thank you,
-M.
Dear M.,
This is a subject that I have struggled with for years. I started working from home when we had our first child and have done so throughout all of their lives. It has been challenging throughout the years, however it has also been very rewarding. I have been able to be a room mother at our children's school every year and am able to attend every event, but there is usually an internal conflict because I feel like I am not doing "good enough" in certain areas. Consider these things to make the most of your work from home time.
1- What are your priorities. Many of us will say our family without any hesitation, but there are other factors at play when you make a conscience decision to work from home. Are you working from home to be more active in your children's education, or to be able to play with them, or to be able to manage your home, etc. Be very specific. Then put the priorities in order. Your list will not match anyone else's, but will allow you an easy way to make decisions based on what is important to you when you have more than one option for your time.
2- Structure activities in a way that makes sense for your life. I would never take a job or other project where I had to make a lot of phone calls. I have three kids and the house is never quiet. It would not be professional. If I do have to make a phone call, I do it at certain times where I can create quiet for a while. Look at your life and decide what type of activities are easily fit into it and structure your time to be the most effective.
3- Look at your schedule. This is something that my husband has been talking about for a while. When the kids were smaller, and needed a lot of my undivided attention throughout the day, I got in the habit of working at night. I do not know how many times I would be at the computer with a sleeping child on my shoulder while I worked. Now, our youngest is almost 3 and I have still been in the habit of staying up (sometimes until 5 am and when I was helping move my grandparents into an assisted living community there were nights that I stayed up and did not sleep) to work and meet all my obligations. This made me exhausted, and it structured how clean my house was, if I saw our son before he went to school (and affected if he got his vitamins before school and was ready to go), etc. In short, this schedule was not working. It also ended up creating the feeling that I was not doing a good job at everything. It is taking some adjustment for me to get used to getting up early and doing my work earlier in the day, but my house is cleaner, it is easier to write this column, and I get to go to bed a lot earlier. Look at your schedule to see if it is working for you. If it is not, then try out another schedule. It is amazing what you can accomplish, and what it can do for your sanity, to get up earlier and have a few minutes alone.
4- Look at your other commitments. Then see where they really fit in with your priorities and how they help you. I volunteered to write the PTA newsletter, and am a room mother for our son, am writing a book, trying to expand my teaching certifications, etc. All of these things are very important to me, and to the life we are planning in the future, but I do not work on all of them all the time. If you are having problems balancing, you may need to back off of some of the other commitments. And if some of them are not the most positive situation, or are causing undue stress, then you should look at cutting those first.
Good luck with achieving your work/life balance and focusing on what matters most to you,
Megan
Submit your questions to Ask Megan and receive a free resume review or small business consulting appointment. Email your HR questions to AskMegan@ConsultingProsperity.com
I have worked from home for a while now, and I find that the more I work, the less time I have for my family. If there are familial obligations, then my work suffers. How do you find a balance between supporting your family and taking care of them (since that is the reason I started working from home in the first place)?
Thank you,
-M.
Dear M.,
This is a subject that I have struggled with for years. I started working from home when we had our first child and have done so throughout all of their lives. It has been challenging throughout the years, however it has also been very rewarding. I have been able to be a room mother at our children's school every year and am able to attend every event, but there is usually an internal conflict because I feel like I am not doing "good enough" in certain areas. Consider these things to make the most of your work from home time.
1- What are your priorities. Many of us will say our family without any hesitation, but there are other factors at play when you make a conscience decision to work from home. Are you working from home to be more active in your children's education, or to be able to play with them, or to be able to manage your home, etc. Be very specific. Then put the priorities in order. Your list will not match anyone else's, but will allow you an easy way to make decisions based on what is important to you when you have more than one option for your time.
2- Structure activities in a way that makes sense for your life. I would never take a job or other project where I had to make a lot of phone calls. I have three kids and the house is never quiet. It would not be professional. If I do have to make a phone call, I do it at certain times where I can create quiet for a while. Look at your life and decide what type of activities are easily fit into it and structure your time to be the most effective.
3- Look at your schedule. This is something that my husband has been talking about for a while. When the kids were smaller, and needed a lot of my undivided attention throughout the day, I got in the habit of working at night. I do not know how many times I would be at the computer with a sleeping child on my shoulder while I worked. Now, our youngest is almost 3 and I have still been in the habit of staying up (sometimes until 5 am and when I was helping move my grandparents into an assisted living community there were nights that I stayed up and did not sleep) to work and meet all my obligations. This made me exhausted, and it structured how clean my house was, if I saw our son before he went to school (and affected if he got his vitamins before school and was ready to go), etc. In short, this schedule was not working. It also ended up creating the feeling that I was not doing a good job at everything. It is taking some adjustment for me to get used to getting up early and doing my work earlier in the day, but my house is cleaner, it is easier to write this column, and I get to go to bed a lot earlier. Look at your schedule to see if it is working for you. If it is not, then try out another schedule. It is amazing what you can accomplish, and what it can do for your sanity, to get up earlier and have a few minutes alone.
4- Look at your other commitments. Then see where they really fit in with your priorities and how they help you. I volunteered to write the PTA newsletter, and am a room mother for our son, am writing a book, trying to expand my teaching certifications, etc. All of these things are very important to me, and to the life we are planning in the future, but I do not work on all of them all the time. If you are having problems balancing, you may need to back off of some of the other commitments. And if some of them are not the most positive situation, or are causing undue stress, then you should look at cutting those first.
Good luck with achieving your work/life balance and focusing on what matters most to you,
Megan
Submit your questions to Ask Megan and receive a free resume review or small business consulting appointment. Email your HR questions to AskMegan@ConsultingProsperity.com
