A Salesperson’s One-Page Business Plan
Do your salespeople see themselves as mini-entrepreneurs? They should. Being a salesperson is like running a “business within a business.” You can guide them to that mindset by having them write their own personal one-page business plan. It will help them understand how their efforts contribute directly to the bottom line, see more clearly how Read More …
By: Cathy Atkins
one responseTaking the Helm of CBT: Brian McNeill
Now that the new version of the Columbia Business Times has been available publicly for a few days, and we’ve just completed the 20 Under 40 Awards presented by Moresource, I’d like to introduce you to another architect of this massive change, and tell him “Great Job!” The new editor of Columbia Business Times Read More …
By: Joe Schmitter
A New Era for Columbia Business Times
Today marks a significant moment in the history of Columbia Business Times. For the first time since its inception some 16 years ago, it is undergoing a major change in format, size, and shelf-life. We are sending it off to the printer, so everything is finally official! As many of you have already learned, starting Read More …
By: Joe Schmitter
2 responsesStop showing up unprepared.
Cheering for my favorite football team on a Sunday afternoon is, for me, one of the hallmarks of Fall. Sometimes, however, I find myself yelling at the team more than I do cheering. It’s often because the team that I love didn’t show up for the game that day. In my amateur opinion, they looked Read More …
By: Cathy Atkins
one responseGratitude and Appreciation
Ever notice how from time to time a theme tends to pop up in multiple places? Lately I’ve struggled with remaining positive. With all the political bickering, which I freely admit I participate in all too often, and the constant drone of negative nonsense in the media, both news and entertainment, it’s became overwhelming. I Read More …
By: Joe Schmitter
COMFORT FOR JOPLIN
I just read a story about a man who went to Joplin to help his brother who lived there. The magnitude of this tragedy hit home when he kept referring to the afflicted area as “the kill zone.” Anything in that area is utterly destroyed and volunteers aren’t needed because there is nothing to salvage. Read More …
By: Joe Schmitter
4 responses$3 and a bar of soap – Joplin Tornado relief effort
This is a repost of an email/blog entry I received from my friend, Tim Miles, also known as @thedailyblur on Twitter. He’s helping his friends from D’Rowes Restaurant. Please find $3 and a bar of soap to contribute if you can. My friends David and Meghan Rowe are staging a relief effort this Saturday at their Read More …
By: Joe Schmitter
Are you a master of the fundamentals?
I want to share with you what my daughter has written on the inside of her softball visor: Play tough. Do your BEST. Believe in yourself. No Fear. Have Fun! She’s 13 years old. The idea to pull out a Sharpie and write on the inside of her visor came from the assistant coach Read More …
By: Cathy Atkins
You Want Fries With That?
My wife and I were recently able to leave our two daughters with their grandparents and sneak off to enjoy a quiet meal together. If you have kids, you understand how delightful it can be to have a few minutes of peace and not worry about flying meatballs or who gets the Minnie Mouse plate. Read More …
By: Joe Schmitter
Letting Go of Comfort Zones
In the book Jesus, Inc. by Laurie Beth Jones, the question of, “what treasure are you guarding,” is raised. Too often, we tend to hold on to or protect things that aren’t necessarily good for us because we are comfortable with them. As a business owner or professional, what are you holding on to that Read More …
By: Joe Schmitter
one responseGoing Fishin’ for New Business
Once a quarter, we go fishing. Fishing for business, that is. Each quarter, the members of my sales training classes (President’s Club) dedicate a morning to applying all the prospecting tools they’ve been learning. It’s called “Fishbowl Day.” They show up for class, prospect list in hand. Armed with money and prizes, they dive into Read More …
By: Cathy Atkins
Burning Heart
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson You cannot inspire someone else until you are inspired. Where does inspiration come from? From many places: God, faith, love, a vision, a passionate leader, duty…to name a few. So take a look deep-down Read More …
By: Joe Schmitter
Inducing Participation
One of the smartest and most interesting people I follow on Twitter is @nametagscott. He posted a thought today that resonated greatly with me and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. “If your brand doesn’t induce participation, your bank account will endure devaluation.” So what are you doing to induce participation? I bet Read More …
By: Joe Schmitter
The Root of the Problem
I saw the first yellow crocus blooming in the yard not long ago. It’s an encouraging sign of Spring. Pretty soon, my kids and I were walking around the yard excitedly pointing out the hyacinths and tulips poking through the ground. Didn’t take long, however, in my excitement about the “fun” flowers to spot the Read More …
By: Cathy Atkins
Columbia home values increased in 2010
Home prices inched up in Columbia last year, appreciating 1.19 percent in 2010, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Home Price Index released today. That’s a healthy improvement from 2009, when home-sale prices here fell .55 percent. But even back then, Columbia held up relatively well compared to most of the country. That .55-percent Read More …
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