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Greetings!
Year end reviews are great for business... when they
help you take stock of what is working for you and
what you want to change. Our articles direct your last
2003 contemplations to your use of financial services,
your staff, and ways to improve your sales in the New
Year.
We also extend our invitation to you to give to others.
The year's final article again links to a charitable after-
school program that serves disadvantaged children, and
that site lets you donate on-line by credit card. You
can do that today and receive tax benefits for 2003 to
the fullest extent allowed by law. But, whether you
give to Tenderloin kids or to another favorite cause, we
encourage you to give for the joy of it!
Happy 2004!
| Performance Reviews Look Forward |
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Have you stopped providing your employees
performance reviews because you don't want to deal
with the logical follow-on question of raises? Or, are
you still searching for the perfect phrases that fit your
staff and haven't become trite with over use?
Executive coach Joan Lloyd's tips respond to these and
other common issues which people use as an excuse to
postpone employee reviews.
Looking over the strengths, weaknesses, and goals of
each staff member isn't just an annual ritual. A
professional, positive discussion of each of these items
improves employee understanding of their critical role in
your business. Evaluations let you guide, coach, and,
most importantly, listen. They ready you and your
team for the coming challenges.
Your business needs you to take the time to evaluate
the performance and future growth plans of each of
your employees. Regardless if you're reviewing a large
staff or just sitting down with yourself, your business
will be helped by doing those personnel assessments
now.
Forward Through the Looking Glass... »
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| Use Strategy to Sell in 2004 |
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If you don't have a strategy, your sales pitch will end
with the prospect asking the energy sucking
question, "How much does it cost?"
Don't go into a sales presentation like a robot on a
mechanical mission, writes Jeffrey Gitomer. Instead,
assess the big picture of what it takes the customer to
buy.
"Having a strategy means you understand the selling
process from the buyer's perspective," Jeff says. Figure
out how you can help the prospect best, and you will
earn his business.
Jeff arms you with strong bullet points for your sales
arsenal. Click on the link below and start designing
your new year's strategy.
8.5 Steps to a Buying Decision »
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| Gone in 60 Seconds! |
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"When selling, you have one minute to pique your
prospect's interest," says Tony Parinello. After that,
their attention has moved on.
Tony gives you simple strategies you can use
immediately to get your foot inside the buyer's mental
doorway.
For example, ask open-ended prompting questions that
cannot be answered with a "yes" or "no". Begin your
interactions with words like "what", "how", and "why",
he says.
Learn how to make the most of your 60 seconds. Get
your potential customers involved before they wander
away.
Learn How to Use Your Minute... »
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| Help 24 Kids Get After-School Care |
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Too many young children in San Francisco's Tenderloin
have no place to go after school. Their parents must
work to keep the family off the street. They stretch
for food and shelter. There is no money for childcare.
The kids are at physical, emotional, and academic risk.
The Up On Top After-School program provides a free,
state-licensed, care center for 24 of these public-
school students every day. This program survives by
private grants and donations.
The holidays are a terrific time to donate to Up On
Top -- or to your own favorite charity. Charitable
giving is a great antidote to commercialism, cynicism,
and frenetic gloom.
Your gifts may help with your taxes. Sterck Enfield
O'Neill can assist you with the tax planning for your
donation. But, the most important benefit is the good
that your generosity will do in the world.
Give to an After-School Oasis for Tenderloin Children »
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| Why You Need An Accountant |
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"One aspect of running a small business that few
people give a lot of thought to is the way they deal
with professional vendors such as bankers, lawyers,
accountants and so on," writes Keith Lowe in
Entrepreneur.com.
We blow our own New Year's horn in this article and
share Keith's wisdom on what your business should
expect from its professional accounting services. Click
on the link below to ensure that you are using the
expertise of your accountant to the fullest.
Whether it's setting up your in-house financial systems,
reviewing lease vs. buy options, or helping you use
your fiscal statements, Keith explains what your CPA
can do for you. Read his comments, and contact
Sterck Enfield O'Neill for your specific business needs!
Patricia A. O'Neill
Partner
How to Use Your CPA...
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