Archive for the ‘Business Development’ Category
A Salesperson’s One-Page Business Plan
Posted by Cathy Atkins on Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 Categories:
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 [Click Here]
Taking the Helm of CBT: Brian McNeill
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011 Categories:
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 [Click Here]
Stop showing up unprepared.
Posted by Cathy Atkins on Tuesday, September 27th, 2011 Categories:
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 [Click Here]
Gratitude and Appreciation
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Friday, August 19th, 2011 Categories:
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 [Click Here]
Are you a master of the fundamentals?
Posted by Cathy Atkins on Tuesday, May 17th, 2011 Categories:
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 [Click Here]
You Want Fries With That?
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 Categories:
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. [Click Here]
Letting Go of Comfort Zones
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Wednesday, April 27th, 2011 Categories:
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 [Click Here]
Going Fishin’ for New Business
Posted by Cathy Atkins on Monday, April 18th, 2011 Categories:
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 [Click Here]
Burning Heart
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Friday, April 15th, 2011 Categories:
“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 [Click Here]
Inducing Participation
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Thursday, April 14th, 2011 Categories:
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 [Click Here]
The Root of the Problem
Posted by Cathy Atkins on Thursday, March 24th, 2011 Categories:
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 [Click Here]
Elton John? Seriously?
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Monday, February 7th, 2011 Categories:
Like 17 bazillion other bloggers, I couldn’t resist discussing the annual parade of Super Bowl ads. My marketing junky personality demands an outlet, so here goes. My initial impression is the traditions of excellent Super Bowl ads may have ran its course. For the second year in a row I am extremely disappointed with the creativeness and the overall [Click Here]
11 Questions for Every Business Owner/Manager/Leader
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Thursday, January 27th, 2011 Categories:
What does your business stand for? Besides making a profit, why does your business exist? Why should anyone else care? What differentiates you from your competition? (If your answer is “because we care more” or “because we’re better” you need to try again.) Do your employees/team/staff know what your vision is? If I call them [Click Here]
Two local banks took money from Fed
Posted by admin on Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 Categories:
Data released by the Federal Reserve Wednesday show that two Columbia banks took advantage of one of the programs established by the central bank to pump liquidity into the ailing financial system. First National Bank & Trust Company, which reorganized as Landmark Bank early last year, and Shelter Financial Bank both took advantage of short-term [Click Here]
Don’t Sanitize the Mess
Posted by Cathy Atkins on Wednesday, December 1st, 2010 Categories:
‘When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love’ (Marcus Aurelius) Joy. Peace. Noel. Words that come easily to mind this time of year. We may even have these words gracing the fireplace mantel as we decorate for [Click Here]
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