March 7th, 2011
Welcome back to another piece in our series on the Psychology of Sales. Today we tackle an all-important skill to master: acing the phone. Whether you are a professional telemarketer, a cold caller, or even if you receive warm leads to contact, odds are you have to do some phone work before you can close a sale (even if it’s just to book an in-person appointment!) Here are the best tips for nailing that time spent on the phone.
Step 1: Focus Fully and Completely
Multitasking is simply not an option when you’re on the phone – you’ve got to give phone time your undivided attention. That means you’re not doodling, you’re not on Facebook, and you’re not watching your cubicle neighbor do his impression of a crazy monkey. You’re alert, attentive and fully focused on the person on the other end of that line.
 Step 2: Smile While You Speak
Yes, it may well be the oldest tip in the phone sales book (so to speak) but there’s good reason for it – it works! Consider that you’d never greet a friend or pop in on a business in person without a smile on your face, so why would you skip the smile via phone? Do it, it works.
Step 3: Pay Attention
Active listening is the key to successful phone work. Pay attention to the person’s voice (what does it tell you about their mood, how they feel about their job at the moment, their reaction to you and what you’re saying), their name (who were you speaking with? Can you effectively use their name when speaking to them?) and their message (is the person you’re attempting to contact unavailable because he or she is on vacation, or just at lunch right now? Is it best to leave a message or call back later? Can you reach that person now on their cell phone?). Many people overlook this step, and because of that, they can’t get far past a gatekeeper.
Step 4: Take Notes if You Must
If you have a short-term memory that’s lacking, take notes if you must. But keep your notes orderly or organize them (or enter into your contact management database) at the end of each call or block of calling time so you can make sense of them later.
Step 5: Skip the Autodialer (if Possible)
While it’s true that autodialers can make life easier, and that they’ve come a long way since their inception, they still have a long way to go and it’s easy to slip up or keep someone waiting (Hello? Hello? Can you hear me now?) if you’re not completely familiar with the workings of your autodialer, so it’s best to skip it entirely.
Step 6: Don’t Take a Quick “No”
Don’t take a quick “no” over the phone – practice overcoming objections so that you can execute each call smoothly and effectively. Whether you are calling to schedule a sales appointment, returning a call, or performing inside sales, this is an essential skill.
Step 7: Reciprocate
Remember to use these same tips whenever you answer your phone – not just when you’re making outbound calls. That will ensure that you ace every call back you receive.
When you do get the in-person sale, make sure to reserve a rental projector from Projector123.com to present a top-notch, professional sales presentation. Click here to rent a projector now.
March 4th, 2011
Lately it seems the hot topic in the business realm is “social media marketing,” but how can you tell if you actually need this for your business, and whether it will work for you? This simple guide should answer your most burning questions.
What Is Social Media?
Social media, or social networking, refers to the widespread use and popularity of sites like Facebook and Twitter. These free sites allow people across the world to connect and share information (such as photos, notes or blog posts, links and URLs, or simply “status updates” that allow people to know what’s on your mind at any given moment) and more and more people are joining social networking sites all the time.
What Does Social Networking Have to Do with Business?
As it is with any good medium or current trend, savvy marketers are quickly learning how to take advantage of ways to market on these popular venues. It’s been said that “money flows where eyeballs go” and social networking sites are certainly getting a ton of eyeballs following them these days. Some sites like Facebook have pay-per-click, pay-per-impression, or banner advertising opportunities for marketers, while others can only be used for marketing by embedding marketing messages in your posts and participation as a member of the site. But beware – excessive marketing can get you labeled a spammer, which can result in getting banned from the site.
Do I Need Social Marketing for My Business?
The short answer is, it depends. Consider whether or not your business is strictly local, vs. national or international. Do you tend to get new customers and clients from referrals and word of mouth? Can you create special offers and sales to entice new and existing clients to buy again (preferably today)? Are you willing to put some time into posting useful, informative information in addition to simply propagating marketing materials? These are all factors that can impact the efficacy of your social networking campaign.
/>While most any business can benefit from social marketing if executed properly, it takes some practice and some skill with each platform in order to devise the most optimal strategy. More and more consulting services and firms are cropping up who can assist you in creating your perfect social networking marketing strategy.
If you prefer to market the old-school way, be sure to contact Projector123.com for all your projector rental needs. From sales presentations to corporate events and employee training (and social networking “meetups,” a rental projector from Projector123.com is the ultimate choice among business owners and professionals. Click here for more info or to make your reservation today.
March 2nd, 2011
Welcome to March, which as they say, “comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” But many folks find themselves looking to lose some weight in March, either before spring break or summer vacation. If you’re in that boat now, here are some great tips you may not have considered for shedding a few extra pounds.
 Whether you own a Wii or another kind of gaming device, you may have already invested in some fitness equipment to go with it. These are excellent methods for getting into shape, as you can exercise any time you like, from the comfort of your own living room or bedroom. No need to wake up at 5AM to beat the rush at the gym, and likewise, there’s no need to worry about the weather outdoors. Your gaming device with fitness accessories provides everything you need for at-home exercise. Plus, this kind of exercise is cost effective, since you’ve already invested in your gaming system, and you won’t have to worry about monthly gym memberships or weight loss programs.
One of the best things about gaming fitness is the fun factor. Playing a game is far more entertaining and exciting as compared to walking or running on the treadmill. The time can simply fly by, as you’re burning calories and toning your body. What’s more, with games like tennis and racquetball, you won’t even need a partner to play with – you can play against the computer and get just as rigorous of a workout.
But how can you kick up the fun factor even more? With a rental projector from Projector123.com ! Weekend rentals start at just $129 including round-trip shipping, and just imagine what fun you’ll have playing your favorite fitness games with images projected larger than life on your living room wall. Invite some friends over and have a Wii fitness party, or create a tournament setting if you like. Fitness has never been this much fun until now.
Renting a projector is easy as 1-2-3. Just click here now to visit Projector123.com and learn more about how you can get a fast, professional grade, affordable LCD projector rental this weekend – or any weekend you like.
February 28th, 2011
We recently came across this article and felt it was valuable enough to share — just in case you might want to avoid a costly small business mistake!
The full article is posted here.
The 3 Most Common Small Business Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
By Bill Charles
Let’s face it, most small businesses are doomed to failure. No matter what you do, there will always be a risk of a business failure or less-than-expected financial return. Many entrepreneurs are so eager to get started that they neglect business planning and jump in headfirst with little more than a dream and an idea. Business consultants claim that 90% of new businesses will fail. There are many different paths to business success but all business failures share common causes. No one starts out thinking that it will happen to them, but inevitably it does. There are some common pitfalls that can lead to business failure and we are going to discuss the main three culprits. If you address the common reasons for failure up front, you’ll be much less likely to fall victim to them yourself. Let’s discuss each of these in more detail and offer some solid solutions.
Failure 1 – Lack of Knowledge and Planning (Expertise) – It sounds simple, but the number one reason why businesses fail is because the business owner did not take the time to learn his business. Some 71% of firms fail because of poor planning and a lack of specialized knowledge. Keep in mind though, that just because an entrepreneur does not have the knowledge, does not mean the knowledge does not exist. It simply means that entrepreneur failed to take the steps to find it. The first key to survival is to make sure you know what you’re doing when it comes to the business you choose.
Solution 1 – Get the best training you can find and write a solid business plan. The upfront investment in training will be well worth the money you will spend.
Failure 2 – Poor Management (Management) – The second biggest reason small business fail is poor or inexperienced management. Management comes down to two things: competence and experience. New business owners frequently lack relevant business and management expertise in areas such as finance, purchasing, selling, production, and hiring and managing employees.
Solution 2 – First, work with an experienced mentor or coach to learn specifically how to manage the business you are getting into. Second, don’t start a business that immediately requires employees; learn to manage yourself first.
Failure 3 – Capital Deficiency (Money) – Everyone wants to be a big shot when they first start out, but before you can swing multi-million dollar credit lines, recognize the fact that your first and foremost goal should be business survival. And business survival means adequate startup cash and ongoing cash flow. Many new business owners severely underestimate what it will take to start up and continue to run their new business – huge mistake! When business owners underestimate how much money is needed and they are forced to close before they even have had a fair chance to succeed.
Solution 3 – Choose a business that has very low startup costs and minimal on ging costs. That way, it is not only easier to make the business profitable and successful. Also, if it doesn’t work out you haven’t hurt yourself too badly and you can move on to the next venture with good lessons learned.
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Here’s an idea that is neither a mistake nor costly — for your next sales presentation, business meeting or corporate gathering, be sure to rent a projector from Projector123.com. We are the nation’s leader in rental projectors, providing professional grade rentals at competitive pricing. Click here to check us out.
February 25th, 2011
If you’ve been following our recommendations for clearing the clutter thus far, congratulations are definitely in order. You are accomplishing what most people only dream about getting around to “someday.” In this final installment of our three-part series, we’ll wrap up the process and take a look at some special situations.
 Step 6: Take Time to Admire Your Progress
This step may sound unnecessary to you, or even downright silly. But the truth of the matter is, human beings can easily become motivated when we see progress from our own efforts. Haven’t you ever noticed that when a person is trying to lose weight, they become even more motivated once they have evidence of their progress? Roomier clothes, a smaller number on the scale, and compliments from others are all motivating factors in continuing a diet and exercise plan, and de-cluttering your home is no different. Celebrate when you complete each room, consider taking a before and after picture of the next room, or just take time to sit down and relax in this newly organized, uncluttered room. Taking the time to admire all that you’ve accomplished will spur you on to continue working even more diligently.
Step 7: Finish the Job
Unfortunately, it’s also human nature not to finish things that we start. So you may feel a strong tendency to want to quit before the entire job is complete. But just think, if you quit before your whole home or office is decluttered, you won’t actually achieve that vision you created of living in a comfortable, organized, clutter-free home! Persevere until the whole job is complete and the rewards will far exceed your expectations.
If you can press onward until you’ve decluttered every room in your house, just think how much easier it will be to maintain that clutter-free organization from day to day. Imagine how much time you’ll save when you’re not constantly looking for things that are misplaced somewhere in the house. It’s definitely worth it to finish what you started – even if you have to take a break for a few days. You can do it.
Step 8: Special Areas
Certain areas or parts of your home require special attention. Here are some generally accepted guidelines.
Closets and clothing (including shoes and accessories): get rid of anything you haven’t worn in 2 years. If you just can’t part with it, move it to the front of your closet so it will be seen (and therefore get worn). Most people keep far more clothing than they could possibly use.
Family heirlooms: ask yourself WHY you are keeping each item. Time to part with anything you’re keeping out of guilt or obligation. Keep only what has sentimental value, what appreciates over time, and what you intend to bequeath to your children. If your children are adults, ask yourself if you can realistically pass it on now, instead of waiting. Consider taking a keepsake photograph of special objects that possess sentimental value if you no longer want or need to keep them.
Files and Paperwork: here is an excellent website that details how long you should keep certain types of documents for tax purposes.
Congratulations to you! You’ve persevered in clearing the clutter from your home or office, and you must feel positively jazzed about all you’ve accomplished. Now you can relax in an environment that is comfortable, organized and free from clutter. What will you accomplish next?
Before tackling your next big project, why not take some time off to enjoy a well-deserved mental break? Now is the perfect time to rent a projector from Projector123.com and enjoy a movie weekend with the family or close friends. Renting a projector from Projector123.com is as easy as 1-2-3. Just click here to find out more now.
February 23rd, 2011
Welcome back to part two of our three-part series on clearing the clutter. If you’ve completed steps one through three, then you are certainly feeling as though you are prepared and ready to get to work. That’s great because we’re about to dive in right now.
Step 4: Prepare to De-Clutter
 The de-cluttering process requires a bit of physical preparation in order to make the most effective use of your time. Some of the supplies you may need include: a box of contractor grade trash bags, boxes, or a large outdoor-style garbage can, a fat permanent marker, file boxes or banker’s boxes (if you have paperwork to sort through), and a timer (you’ll understand why you need a timer when we get to the next step).
Take just a few minutes to set up boxes, bins or containers designated for trash, donations and/or garage sale items, and keepers. Set criteria for each category in your mind – for example, what determines a “keeper”? Donations can include anything that is in good working order, or can be easily repaired, but that you no longer want or need. We strongly recommend that you NOT keep anything that is broken, unless you intend to have it repaired and begin using it again (or sell it) immediately. You can use a service like http://pickupplease.com to schedule a time for convenient pickup of your items for donation – you won’t even have to be home when they pick up. Once your boxes, bags or bins are set up, you are ready to start going through your stuff and de-cluttering your space.
Hot Tip: It is essential that you begin and complete an entire room or space before moving on to another space. If you work to clear clutter a bit here, and a bit there, you won’t see any progress, and you won’t keep new clutter from accumulating in these spaces. This is a key mistake that many people make. Choose one room or workspace and do not move on until that entire space is completely organized and free from clutter.
Step 5: Set Small Targets
This is a little-known trick that works absolute miracles (it’s also the reason we recommended having a kitchen timer handy in your de-cluttering supplies). There is an old adage that asks: How does an ant eat an elephant? One bite at a time. You can clear your clutter in the same way: by working in small, manageable chunks of time.
Choose a period of time that doesn’t feel overwhelming. It might be 30 minutes, or it might be an hour. Definitely keep it to one hour or less. Whatever time duration you choose, commit that for that time frame, you will do nothing else – you will only clear clutter and organize a space. Set a timer to keep you on track, and during that time, do not answer the phone or allow any other distraction to deter you from the task at hand. You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish in a short period of time when you are fully focused. When the timer goes off, you can walk away. You may choose to reset the timer for additional time, but don’t feel you have to if you’ve kept your commitment and completed the initial time. It will surprise you how few of these timed sessions it will take to clear out an entire room (and soon, your entire house) of clutter.
Be sure to come back next time for our final installment on clearing the clutter. In the meantime, what will you do with all the cash you raise as you begin to sell items you no longer need? One idea would be to treat yourself and your family to a home movie weekend. Rent a projector from Projector123.com, pick up a couple of movies and pop some popcorn as you hunker down for a relaxing movie fest at home. With weekend rental prices starting at just $129 including round-trip shipping, you can afford to relax and recharge your batteries in style. Click here to get started now.
February 21st, 2011
If you’re like most Americans, you’ve probably set a New Year’s resolution to get organized this year and to clear clutter from your home, car or office. But how will you do it, exactly? This step-by-step guide will take you from “oh dear” to “in the clear” quicker (and more painlessly) than you can imagine.
Step 1: Breathe
That’s right – as simple as it sounds, the first step is simply to breathe. Clearing the clutter from your home can seem like an insurmountable task, and you may feel a bit overwhelmed at first. The key is to relax and remember that this is a project that will be completed over time. If you can just breathe and take one step at a time, you will see massive progress before you know it. Preparing yourself for the magnitude of this project is an excellent way to put yourself in the right mindset before you begin.
Step 2: Imagine It Done
This step may also seem mind-numbingly simple, but it is an essential component nonetheless. Does an artist begin painting without having a clear vision of the end masterpiece in mind? Never. Stephen Covey, author of the bestselling business book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” famously wrote “Begin with the end in mind,” and he wasn’t just talking about high-profile business projects. When we can imagine the end result of any major project, it helps us to stay on task and to ultimately create the outcome that we truly desire. Additionally, if you can imagine your home (or other environment) free of clutter, well-organized and comforting, that image can sustain you and keep you going when you are feeling particularly challenged by the process of de-cluttering.
Step 3: Make a Plan
Before you tackle a single room (or box), it is wise to make a plan. Consider these key questions: what will you do with the items you plan to donate? To sell? To keep? What’s involved in making the donation? Will you have to transport the items, or will an organization come to your home to pick them up? Will you need to borrow a truck? For the items you can sell, do you plan to use an online service like eBay or Craigslist, or will you simply have a garage sale? When you take a few minutes to fashion a plan before you get started clearing, it will make it easier to decide what to do with items that will be leaving your home. Additionally, you can create containers for these items (a box for donations, a box for things to give away to family or friends, boxes for items you plan to keep or store, etc.) You will get far more accomplished in much less time if you have a plan in place before you begin.
As you make progress through your home, garage, basement or office, why not reward yourself and the family with a rental projector for the weekend? Relax in style as you watch new releases or your favorite classic DVDs in movie theater style right in the comfort of your own living room. Click here to reserve a rental projector now from Projector123.com.
February 18th, 2011
“And the Oscar goes to…”
If you’re a big fan of the Academy Awards, you may find yourself hanging on the edge of your seat during the last several minutes of the Oscars each year, wondering who will walk away with the big awards. This year’s awards will be held on February 27th, co-hosted by James Franco and Anne Hathaway. Why not put some razzle-dazzle in your Oscar party with a rental projector from Projector123.com? Here are some fun ideas for making your Oscar party a night to remember.
 Create Some Props
Many online sites (http://partycity.com and http://orientaltrading.com are just two examples) sell props, decorations and supplies for Oscar night parties, or (if you’re the crafty type) you can easily make your own. All you really need is some bling (think sparkly gold glitter and shiny aluminum foil), a red carpet (or reasonable facsimile) and an Oscar statue, and you’re good to go.
Theme: a Little or a Lot?
How far you want to take the theme of your Oscar party is entirely up to you. We recommend considering your guest list. Are your attendees the outrageous, outgoing, flamboyant type, or are they more conservative and reserved? Outgoing friends may relish the chance to come dressed as their favorite nominated actor or actress (or their vote for Best Picture), whereas others would prefer to enjoy the evening in a low-key fashion. If you’re hosting more cerebral friends, you may consider creating ballots, to allow people to vote before the show begins, and you may offer a prize to the person who got the most correct at the end of the evening.
 However elaborate you intend to make your Oscar night party, be sure to rent a projector from Projector123.com, the number one projector rental company in the country. We ship only professional-grade LCD rental projectors, and at competitive prices. Since weekend rentals start at just $129 including round-trip shipping, you could host your party on Sunday (Oscar night) but enjoy your rental projector on Friday and Saturday to watch the best picture nominees in larger-than-life scale. Now isn’t that a positively Hollywood idea? Click here to reserve your rental projector now from Projector123.com.
February 16th, 2011
Whether you need to create a presentation from scratch, or you simply want to jazz up your current speech or talk with some eye-catching audiovisuals, here are some tips to help you get started without appearing amateurish or sophomoric.
 Keep It Simple
Perhaps the number one rule in using audiovisuals is to keep things simple. There’s no need to add an audiovisual for every point you make, or even for every slide. When putting text on your slides, you especially want to keep it simple because you want the slide to enhance and reinforce what you’re saying – not to replace your spoken presentation. Either include a few bullet points with 2-3 words each, or a single, powerful summary sentence. Otherwise, your audience is busy reading your slide or taking notes, instead of listening to what you are saying.
Use Restraint
Coco Chanel once advised budding fashionistas (long before that term existed, in fact) to look in the mirror before leaving their house and remove at least one accessory. In fact, when she died, there were just nine items hanging in her closet in Paris – this comprised her entire wardrobe. Consider that the same principal applies when adding audiovisual support to a presentation. Each image, audio sample, sound bite, or video clip should merely support your point or illustrate a key topic. You don’t need an audiovisual for every slide, or for every point you make. Certainly, you don’t need sound effects for your slides, and keep your visual transitions (from slide to slide) simple for any professional presentation. PowerPoint includes many bells and whistles, most of which are totally unnecessary and have no place in a professional’s presentation.
Make It Timely
Audiovisuals should only be displayed or apparent at the time that they are needed – in other words, when their presence serves to support or illustrate the speaker’s main or current point. Therefore, if you are explaining a slide that contains a detailed graph, that graph should only be visible to your audience while the graph is being discussed. When you change the topic, or move on, or field questions about some subject other than the graph, you should activate your screen saver or switch to a blank screen. This is essential in order to maintain the whole purpose of your audiovisuals – to support (not to upstage) your spoken presentation.
Let It Pop!
When you do use audiovisuals, don’t be afraid to incorporate color, bold and clear fonts, and impactful images. This, combined with the proper use of audiovisual support, is how you can truly stand out, while still looking professional and polished.
Incorporate these tips into your next presentation and your audiovisuals will be effective, without being overbearing.
Certainly, you’ll need a method for displaying your audiovisuals, and that’s where Projector123.com comes in – click here to learn more or to reserve a rental projector for your next power presentation today.
February 14th, 2011
If you still haven’t picked up a romantic gift for your sweetie, here’s a list of things you should avoid. Remember, it’s not too late to return it if you did!
 What NOT to Give Her for Valentine’s Day
1. A box of chocolates, clumsily rearranged in an attempt to hide the fact you ate all the caramel ones.
2. Any food item with the words “diet,” “light,” or “high fiber” on the label.
3. Any video starring Sylvester Stallone or Jim Carrey.
4. Flowers from a hospital’s gift shop–or worse, a mortuary’s.
5. Any household appliance, power tool or other item from the harder side of Sears.
6. A gift certificate.
7. Cash.
8. Anything you could have bought at the gas station mini-mart on the way over, even if you didn’t.
9. An apologetic look and the words “That was today?”
Discovered at: http://www.basicjokes.com/djoke.php?id=5100
Of course, if you’re really stuck (and quickly running out of time), why not sit down at your computer and print off a little gift certificate of your own? Here’s an idea: make it a coupon for one romantic weekend at home, and then you can rent a projector from Projector123.com. She’s sure to love you for it (especially if you let her pick some of the movies you’ll watch together!)
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