Holidays University: marketing applied to holiday planning
In this preholiday article we are going to try a real experiment and turn your next holiday into a good occasion to revise – or learn – some management tools.
Sales performance analysis: let’s start “from the bottom”!
Much of our work as consultants consists in developing the commercial activity of our corporate customers. We examine and verify their business performances and assess their results not only in terms of revenue.
Manual for Ethical Leaders – Chapter 2: Meetings
Unproductive meetings are a massive waste of time and – as we know – in business wasted time also means wasted money. Therefore it's essential that the cost/benefit ratio is well balanced when organizing a meeting! Here is a list of questions ethical leaders should bear in mind when organizing a meeting.
How to chase unpaid invoices
Chasing unpaid invoices, especially by phone, feels “rude” to most of the people I meet in my classes. For some reason we feel uncomfortable when we have to ask for payment although really that is how the wheels of commerce work: providing a certain service or goods in return for a stipulated payment.
Live Chat Customer Service
Live chats represent one of the cheapest and most powerful instruments to make direct contact with customers, and for this reason companies whose main focus is on customer service have introduced them among their channels. But are we sufficiently prepared to deal with this kind of tool?
“I sell”, a form of the verb “to listen”
A good salesperson is primarily an excellent listener, someone who knows how to stay quiet, leaving his customer the space to express his/her wishes and only speaking after fully comprehending the needs and desires of his interlocutor.
Tips for a successful job interview
When I interview potential employees I like to ask lots of questions. Here is a list of my favourite ones, and some tips on how to answer. They are very common job interview questions so I suggest you consider how to answer beforehand.
Masters of our own time: finding a balance to best manage our lives
We don’t really think about this too much, but nowadays one of the main skills for managers and professionals is time management, for both personal and team productivity. What is the secret to successful time management?
The vindication of the (true) outsiders
Who are the (real) outsiders? We are wary of imitations and learn to recognize them through their ability to lead others, to give, to generate culture and paying close attention to gestures and words.
The most beautiful gift you have ever received
What exactly is this emotional bond that we establish with some objects and what characteristics do they have that produces it? Try to remember the presents you have received which have, in some way, left a mark in your life. When you are thinking of finding the right gift, do it with the desire to choose something that can potentially change the person who will receive it.