Best Craft Shows in Your Neighborhood

Ethics in Speaking

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:39:21 -0700

Often managers have to deliver presentations with unpleasantcontent. The vice president has to announce that there is ahiring freeze or a downsizing. The human resource directorspeaks to the employees about a benefits package with fewerbenefits. Because executives are often speaking in difficultsituations, the more credibility they can develop, the more thecontent will be considered and accepted. Speakers will havelittle or no impact on audiences if audience members don'trespect them and what they have to say. What makes us trust aspeaker or believe that he or she is a reliable source? Whom canwe trust to have our best interests at heart? Let's look at somepractical ways a speaker can maintain and enhance credibility.Act in ways consistent with the message of the presentation.This can be as simple as showing concern in tone of voice andfacial expression when talking about an issue that is facing thecompany. Acting disinterested or unconcerned when presenting badnews ca...

"Getting Back to Basics

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 07:48:47 -0700

'Getting Back to Basics: A Customer Service Tale' By: JoyFisher-SykesOne hot summer day my daughter and I ventured to our local craftstore with one mission in mind ' purchase velvet coveredcoloring panels called fuzzy boards. Little did we know thissimple trip would turn into such an adventure. The store advertised the boards on sale and offered a discount coupon. My daughter excitedly selected two boardshowever I noticed different manufacturers produced them, so Iasked her to select an extra board just in case both were not onsale. She did, and we proceeded to the cashier. With a half houruntil closing, we eagerly approached the only open register,behind which stood two young women. This is when the adventurebegan, and things took a turn for the worse. We saw two store clerks at the check out. Seated on the floorwas one associate who faced the cashier line and the other, thecashier, did not which made it impossible for her to be aware ofapproaching customers. When...

Caring For Kids in Crisis

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:03:31 -0700

Parents want to protect their children when surprising circumstances arise. Whether utility service has been interrupted or you've been unexpectedly stranded, there are ways to be prepared.PREPARED NOT TO PANICThe temptation to panic is dangerous when in an emergency reference: RULE OF 'S TO SURVIVE. Little children are sensitive to your mood and will become overwrought if you are upset. Your efforts to be prepared will give you the confidence you need to reassure your children.RELEVANCE OF ROUTINEFind opportunities to institute some semblance of a routine in your children's day. This will give them a sense of stability and show that you are still able to function as parent and protector.ENTERTAINMENTWhen you find yourself isolated, the ability to amuse oneself is a necessity. Batteries and generators won't likely be available for games. Keep craft supplies on hand: crayons, markers, paper, play dough, scissors, tape, etc. Take the time to introduce your children to board g...

"Boost Your Sales by At Least 80% with a 'Call to Action'

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:19:33 -0700

One of the most important elements of your web site is the "callto action." Your site may have a compelling headline that grabsyour visitors' attention. It may have well-written salescopy,great graphics, awesome navigation, fantastic testimonials, andan unbelievable opt-in offer. But all these things aren't going to mean squat if you don'tinclude a clear call to action! Take a moment to consider the purpose of your web site. What isit you want people to do when they visit your site? Find outabout the benefits of your product? Sign up to receive your freenewsletter? Make a purchase, perhaps? Now ask yourself: Does your site tell your visitors exactly howto do these things? Your visitors need to know what you want them TO DO. If youdon't tell them to purchase your product or subscribe to yourfree newsletter, how can you be sure they're going to take thataction? Be explicit about the actions you want your visitors to take.Your straightforwardness will have a direct impac...

How to Find a Certified Dog Trainer

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:10:40 -0700

Are you in the market for a dog trainer? Do you want your dog tolearn from a top notch certified dog trainer? You may havedreams of seeing your dog in professional dog competitions andshows. Therefore, you need to have your dog trained by acertified dog trainer to ensure the best results. Why should youhire a certified dog trainer instead of a basic dog trainer? Acertified dog trainer is one that takes their dog trainingcareer seriously enough to become certified. You can feelcomfortable in the fact that they have met high dog trainingstandards and passed certification exams and tests. You don'twant a fly-by-night dog trainer, but a certified dog trainerthat is in it for the long haul. How do you find a certified dogtrainer? There are numerous dog trainers available in the marketplace today. Dog trainers range in age, skill level, andexperience. Your neighbor might tell you that they are a dogtrainer because they have read a few books on the subject andtaught their dog ...