Scott D Jones - Staffing Consultant - Toledo, Ohio

This week I have decided to focus on leads.  Now that we have noticed some movement in clients purchasing habits what do we do?  So many companies have been stagnant for so long I am seeing to many opportunities missed.  How can we use this recession to our advantage and grow our business?

First thing to do is give some of your old clients a call.  Every company has reorganized in some way or another (Hired, Fired, Laid Off, etc) take that as your opportunity to speak with someone new.  If you had a employee (gatekeeper) that has been difficult in the past maybe they have moved on?  Their predecessor may not be as bad and they may be open to hearing what you have to say.  Some companies have even went as far as laying off the gatekeeper to help reduce cost.  This gives you the opportunity to reach out to old clients or potential clients that you may not have had contact with before.

Second do your homework!  Many companies in different sectors are receiving grants and government assistance which opens spending on products or services that they may be in dire need of.  Focus on how you can provide exactly what they need and how you will make it the best expereince possible for them. 

Customer service is extremely important!  Not only has the client cut their staff but most likely so has your competitor.  This means that your potential client may not be getting the attention they need right now.  Provide that attention and a great product and there will be no reason for them not to switch.  Utilize new Social Media practices in your customer service approach.  Post blogs that show how you had solved a clients problem quickly and that they were very satisfied with the result.  This is key because that potential client wants the warm fuzzies that your current client received.  

Do you have a way to show that you can save a client money?  Your client would like to be able to show their boss how they saved money in this tough time make sure you point this out!
 
Overall many people are saying that we are starting to emerge from this recession.  This is your time to build your clientele and take whatever marketshare you can from the competition before this recession is nothing but a memory. 

-Creator of Destinies

I am very intrigued by the interest that all other generations have taken in Gen Y.  Are we so different than all the generations past?  Or is it just a fact that we have changed processes that have been in place for decades?  Look at the way we communicate and for some of us that are older in the Gen Y the way that we bring that into business.  For example Facebook, Twitter, and many other Social Media sites have been created by our generation for our generation.  Maybe that is why we have all the other generations a little worried about how to handle, manage, and motivate us.  Regardless our processes are a product of their upbringings.  It makes you wonder a little bit what will the next generation, generation Z hold?

_Social Media Architect

This week I continue to focus on Social Marketing and Personal Branding.  I read an article put out by the Ohio SBDC speaking on what does "YOUR" brand say?  I think this is a very valid question that everyone should take a minute to answer.  As we are entering in to the Social Media Era in which everyone develops there own brand by blogging or having a membership to at least one Social Media site (Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter).  As business minded individuals we should be asking ourselves what image are we portraying?  If my brand name was branded like a shoe would I be considered a NIKE, ADDIDAS, REEBOK, or an ASIC?  Especially to you entrepreneurs out there that want to grow your business you have to live for your business to make it thrive and have a positive atmosphere.

In the article I have linked up above they have a website that I encourage everyone to look at.  It is called being cheryl Cheryl Harrison states on her website that she is a Social Media aficianado.  She speaks on the importance of Social Media and Personal Branding in business today.  Her blog is a must read if you are interested in learning more about Branding or any type of Social Media.

Continue to learn and grow professionally by staying involved in Social Networking.

I just found another article at Under30CEO I found interesting about Social Media check it out Are You Addicted to Social Media?

-Creator of Destinies

Here is my latest pick for YouTube video of the week.  It has a new site for all you job seekers and employers.  The name is Visual CV it is a site to post a three dimensional resume.  Allowing you to post different portfolios and presentations right on to your online resume.  I highly encourage you to check it out and be sure to watch the Self Branding video above.

Recently my article on Self Branding was featured in another blog on Career Fire by Ethan Oblonsky .  Ethan is a personal friend of mine who works for Insight as an Account Representative developing relationships with emerging businesses to help them in their everyday operations.  In his spare time he also writes about employment and the latest business practices on his site.  His blog posts on Career Fire focus on career and professional development.  I highly encourage you to follow the articles his team post as they all have great insight for the current job market and trends. 

My favorite article is titled Difference Between Marketing and Advertising 

I have decided to start a new segment on my blog.  This segment I will basically post my favorite video from youtube of the week.  Very simple right?  If you would please comment on how you think this segment is important to business and how you or your company has benefited from social media.

-Creator of Destinies

If you are a big football fan like myself you should check out my friends website www.jupmode.com he has many collegiate licenses and is the creator of the OSU sweater vest t-shirt.  His name is John and we played on the same indoor soccer team together over the past couple of years.  He has innovative ideas and he is always coming up with new t-shirt designs.

As part of the millennial generation I am sometimes embarrassed by the way other millenials are dressing or even acting for that matter, Especially in the business world.  To many individuals of my generation have I interviewed in my position that do not possess the knowledge of proper business dress code.  There are two that I come across more and more as it becomes a larger fashion trend.  The first is women wearing flip flops as business casual work environment.  Flip flops are fine if you are relaxing by the beach and some employers allow their employees to partake in wearing them in a business casual environment because they are getting fancier.  I must say though that as a first impression no matter how nice you may think they match your outfit it is completely a horrible first impression to make on a potential employer.  The second trend is men not wearing a suit or only wearing part of a suit and considering it business like.  If you have a nice pair of jeans that is great but do not wear them to an interview.  Instead wear a nice pair of slacks and at least a tie if not a tie and a suit jacket if you own one.  I know it is difficult starting out but break down and purchase at least a hundred dollar suit from JCPenny's it will be a very good investment for your future.  If you have any questions about going on your first interview or any other questions about how to start off please feel free to contact me or comment on this blog entry.