Qualifying For Success

Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like all youngsters they need training. If you do not train your puppy now it will take a serious amount of help from a training school to get him to be obedient later on. Puppies just like babies learn mostly in their early years and unfortunately will also pick up the bad habits also. Early attention will save you heartache later on and give you more quality time.

House Training:

Dogs has to go to the toilet, everybody has experienced a new puppy making a mess on the tiles or carpet, not a pleasant experience but one that allows you begin training. You should allow your dog out on regular intervals; he will learn that this is the time to go to the toilet. If he happens to go in the house let him know that this is wrong by using a familiar word such as “No” and put him in the yard for a few minutes. Do not hit your dog, by doing so you will only break his spirit and make him nervous of you and others. It can by very frustrating at times but words work better long term and hitting. Never ever put the dogs nose into his urine, so many people do this thinking it is a good way for the dog to learn his lesson but in actual fact all you are doing is burning the animals nose, this is equally as bad as hitting.

Furniture and your puppy:

Teething can be a bit of a nightmare but you can eliminate the damage caused by puppies to furniture in a number of different ways. Boredom is a common cause for dogs to get up to mischief. Make yourself available for about 20 minutes playtime per day (excluding walking). Playing ball in the yard is a great exercise for the dog and apart from exercise it bonds you and him together. Toys are ideal in the house and will occupy the dog, if there are no toys such as a chewy bone the dog will find other ways especially if you pop down for some shopping and leave him alone - the furniture will get it. Different types of sprays are available to spray on the furniture and can be very effective. Remember to change the toys around from time to time as the dog will become bored with the same toys month in month out.

Walking:

Starting your puppy on a lead can be comical. It will take some time for them to get used to being on the leash but once they do it will be no problem. A dog will try to pull you along as this is in their nature. Do not run with the dog as this is giving in and they will expect this all the time. Put the dog on a short leash (not to short) and it will discourage them from trying to dictate the pace. After a week or so both you and the dog will be at ease with one another on the walk. Remember to bring the doggy bag with you. Starting off expect the dog to be curious of other dogs and new surroundings. Do not drag him along on the lead as this is his time for enjoyment.

Feeding:

Your dog has a different intestinal setup to you. So many people feed their dogs the same type of food as they eat themselves along with the dog food. Obesity in animals is common place along with humans. Do not feed your dog chocolate or other sweet foods as this will only lead to bowl problems. Dog food is designed to give the dog all the nutrients he will need to live healthily. Dog treats are available; they do not need our junk food. Check with your local vet or seek advice online for the amount of food your dog should consume on a daily basis.

Dog Treats:

Dog treats should be used as an incentive for obedience. Training a dog can be hard work and patients are needed. Basic training such as the command to sit should be rewarded with a dog treat. The dog will begin to understand that this is a good behaviour move and will do it less reluctantly with time.

Remember dogs will obey you more lovingly if treated properly without hitting; simple words will work much better than smacking. Make time for your dog, leaving a dog out the back yard day and night is no life, do not get a dog into the house under pressure from children, it has to be a well thought out decision.

About the Author
Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice on purchasing a variety of
Pet Supplies which includes
Dog Training,
Pet Food,
and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for all of your Pet interests.

With the increasing popularity of payday loans a number of lenders are now offering these loans. While there is increasing competition between lenders to offer the best possible deal, it definitely works to the advantage of a consumer. Today, payday loans are available at flexible terms and the fees that different lenders charge for payday loans also vary. As a result, it becomes imperative for consumers like you to find the best possible deal before you finalize the payday loan. You might be in a hurry to get the cash, but ideally, take out a little time to research before selecting the payday loan that works to your benefit.

Comparing fees

The fees charged for the payday loan are usually a percentage of the loan amount that you borrow. This fee has to be mentioned in the agreement that you have with the lender. And if a lender refuses to disclose the amount that you would need to pay or does not clearly spell out the terms and the conditions, look for another lender. Also, before you finalize the loan, make it a point to find out the fee that you would need to pay in case you require an extension. You can also ask the lender that if you pay back the loan before your payday then would there be a change in the interest rate? There are some lenders who offer a rebate in case you pay back the loan before the due date. After you have the details from a lender, compare the different offers that you have and pick the loan where in the rates are the lowest.

Cutting the cost of the loan

Besides carrying out the requisite research to find a lender who offers a low cost payday loan, there are certain other factors that can help in ensuring that you do not pay more than you need to. First and foremost, figure out exactly how much cash you require and only borrow that amount. You might get an approval for a higher amount, but in that case you would also need to pay a higher interest. And if you do not need that much money, then why pay the extra interest?

Consult your payday loan lender regarding the different repayment plans and select the one that suits you the best. Ideally, try paying back the payday loan on the due date. In case you are unable to do so, you would have to pay extra fees. A little careful planning can help you in ensuring that you pay back the loan in time. At the same time, just in case you cannot pay back the loan on the due date, make it a point to inform your lender that you would be unable to do so and that you require an extension.

It turns out to be more economical to pay the interest that arises on an extension than the late fee that you would need to pay in case you do not inform the lender. At the same time, this would make you a defaulter and you might have trouble getting a no fax payday loan the next time.

The author is one of the top experts in the online payday loans industry today. With the increasing demand for bad credit payday loans, he has committed himself and his team to provide a world-class online payday advance service. Visit his website at www.worthington-financial.com, home of Worthington Financial, LLC. a world-class lending organization specifically designed to help people with their emergency cash needs.

If you want to add extra spark to rooms, consider adding chandeliers to the rooms. Chandeliers offer added elegance and charm as well as light. There are many to choose from and these can be custom made as well. A popular choice is the crystal chandelier. This beautiful piece of art is a great piece to add to a home.

If you are in the market for a chandelier, you will want to shop around to find the right one to fit your home, not only in size and shape, but in style and charm as well. There are so many choices, choices like the crystal chandeliers that sparkle and even the candle chandeliers that glow. Finding the right fit for a chandelier in your home is important depending on the function of the room, the size and color of the room, and the style of the home. Finding the right one, therefore, will take some work, but it can be done.

One option when looking for the proper chandelier for your home is to travel to home improvement stores that are so numerous these days. Often times they will have a wide selection available that you can purchase and take home that day. If you do not find what you are looking for there, try specialty stores. Items can often be ordered if not in stock. Some allow the customer to design their own to a point.

Obliviously, these may need to be ordered and will take some time to receive. Yet another option is finding the proper chandelier from home using the Internet. With so many online retailers at your finger tips, you cannot have a better chance to find the right chandler. Many of these places also offer chandelier shades and even chandelier parts just in case. Having as many options as possible will give you a great opportunity to find just the right one for your home.

Take the time to find the best chandelier for your home. Consider where it will be and the rooms purpose. Also consider the your tastes and the style of your home. Of course you will be limited by a budget, perhaps, but taking time to look in all the possible places (online, home improvement store, and specialty stores) will give you many options.

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-lighting-4u.com/

mjy610@hotmail.com

Severe cases of acne can result in ugly scarring, particularly on the face. Before you consider any one of the following cosmetic procedures your face will need to be totally free of active acne. Also keep in mind that acne scar treatment must be looked at on a case by case basis. Each case will be different and as such your dermatologist and/or your cosmetic surgeon will advise on the best treatment for your particular type of acne scarring. Also, a combination of the procedures below may be necessary to produce the best results.

Ridding your face of acne scars is a complex and delicate process and may require a combination of the treatments listed below. It is particularly important to fully research the work of the cosmetic surgeon you are considering before making the final decision to go ahead. For example, how prominent is this person in his/her field? Have you viewed photos of before and after? Are there testimonials from previous patients? All of these questions must be considered and answered in your mind before deciding on going through with the procedure to fix your acne scars.

Tip: Under no circumstances should you consider going overseas to third world countries who advertise cheaper procedures for this type of thing. Many of these clinics use under qualified people and do not provide adequate sanitation. You’ll get what you pay for and then need more surgery when you return to fix the mistakes.

Okay, here are a list of procedures that are available to treat acne scars:

1. Dermabrasion - Is useful to treat shallow imperfections. Cost $1,500 per treatment and be prepared for repeat treatments.
2. Laser Resurfacing - Again, is useful for shallow imperfections. Cost $3,000 per treatment and repeat treatments are sometimes necessary.
3. Chemical Peels - Good for very mild scarring. $750 per treatment and you will need several applications.
4. Punch Techniques - For “ice pick” scars (deep scarring). Approximately $50 per punch.
5. Subcision - Useful for most scarring. Consult your dermatologist for more information.
6. Augmentation - For deeper scars. Cost is around $300-$700 per cubic centimeter for collagen. See your medical specialist for more information.

myacne–solutions.blogspot.com

Greg Culver is the web owner of http://www.acnetreatmenthome.com a site dedicated to providing information, resources and artiles offering real solutions to acne sufferers.

So you have decided to tie the knot for a second time. Take a deep breath and let the wedding plans begin! Planning a second wedding can oftentimes be more difficult than planning for the first. There are several factors that must be taken into consideration as you make the most important wedding planning decisions of all…What is the wedding budget, when to have the wedding, where to host the wedding, and who will be invited?

What is your wedding budget? Since this will be your second wedding, it is likely that you will be absorbing the entire expense. You are a little older and wiser this time around. So determine the type of wedding you would like, then determine the type of wedding you can afford. Do you want a traditional wedding, a non-traditional wedding, an extravagant formal wedding, a formal/semi-formal wedding with only family and your closest friends present, or a romantic wedding retreat to a chapel? There are many different options available to you that vary in expense. Whichever option you choose, plan your wedding in a manner that expresses your unique style and celebrates your love.

If you have yet to set your wedding date, it is best to allow a minimum of six to eight months to plan your wedding. If you intend to have a large formal wedding and reception, you may wish to begin your planning a year in advance. This will allow you time to save money, reserve the ceremony and reception locations, minister, DJ or band, order dresses and complete any alterations, get the men fitted for tuxedos, and the list goes on. Keep in mind that many vendors are booked up to a year in advance. So you will need to reserve your date as soon as possible.

For many couples, choosing a wedding ceremony location is the easiest decision of all. Those that are members of a local church often opt to have a traditional church wedding. Others choose all-inclusive wedding chapels. If you prefer a different ceremony setting, you might consider hosting your wedding at a local hotel banquet room. Hotel banquet rooms vary in size and may accommodate thirty to three hundred guests. Most rooms are large enough to host your wedding ceremony on one side of the room while providing an elegant setting for your reception on the other side of the room. A flat rate is usually charged to rent the room, then you can add appetizers, lunch or dinner service to create an all-inclusive package. Most banquet rooms can provide a dance floor and accommodate a DJ. Be sure to call several different local hotels to check pricing, availability and menu options. You may be surprised at how much the prices vary. A more scenic option is to host an outdoor wedding at a local bed and breakfast. Search the yellow pages and the internet to find them and call for information. Some properties feature flower gardens or gazebos and a bed and breakfast offers you the option of a low to moderate-cost honeymoon right on the premises.

Who should you invite to your wedding? To answer this question, you must first decide where you will host your wedding. If you will be escaping to a romantic getaway to get married in a wedding chapel, you might want to invite only your closest family members to attend your vacation wedding, or you may want to reserve the special day for just the two of you. For medium to larger weddings, it is appropriate to include your close family members, extended family and closest friends. If your budget allows it, expand your guest list to co-workers and other friends. If you are on a tighter budget, make a list all of the people you wish to invite, then trim the list down leaving names of those with whom you maintain a close relationship(immediate family, best friends). If you have children from a previous marriage, consider the role, if any, that you would have them take in your wedding. While romantic getaways are tempting, if you have children, it is important to include them in your wedding plans. Give them a special role in your wedding, such as a bridesmaid, best man, or flower girl. Your new marriage can be a difficult and transitional time for your children. Even for those who welcome your fiance’ with open arms. Having your children share in your wedding day will send a message that they will always be special and play a leading role in your life, regardless of the changes that may come.

While most of your loved ones will offer you support and encouragement, some friends or family members may urge you to tone down your wedding because this is your second marriage. Ultimately it is up to you and your fiance’ to decide what is best for your situation. Just remember that while this may be your second marriage, you have been through alot to get to this point in life. Both of you have every reason to celebrate your love, and your love has no lesser value simply because you found one another the second time around. Thank goodness for second chances!

M. Dawn is a content writer for SouthernCraftworks.com. Shop at http://www.southerncraftworks.com for personalized wedding keepsakes, wedding accessories, favors, jewelry, custom unity and gift candles and personalized gifts for all occasions.

There seems to be some confusion between patriotism and common sense lately. This is what most nationalistic movements bank on. No one should speak up with the voice of reason; if you do, you will be shouted down, called a coward, and publicly shamed.

There have been more harsh treatments for men and women of reason. Just look at how many firing squads were active in the 20th century in countries that did not allow freedom of speech.

Therefore, let’s review where we were, where we are, and where we should be. Yes, we were shamelessly attacked on 911. Approximately 2752 innocent people were murdered on that day. We should never forget that.

Al-Quaida, Osama Bin Laden, and his associates reluctantly claimed responsibility. We invaded Afghanistan to pursue them and their allies. We did capture and kill some of them. So far, this seems like a reasonable response from the U.S. government and its “allies.”

After a while, Saddam raised his head and most of us believed he had weapons of mass destruction. Intelligence agencies, from more than one country, also believed this. Some of the countries that disagreed with the invasion of Iraq were concerned that the technology we might find were components they exported to Iraq.

On top of that, it was not a good time to “rattle the saber,” against, or to antagonize, the United States government, so Iraq was invaded. Some people still believe, to this day, that those weapons are in Syria or Iran now. Some people also believe this invasion was unfinished business from Desert Storm.

We may never know the real story, or it may be told long after our life times are over, but Saddam has been captured, displaced, and is now on trial for crimes against the Iraqi people. Iraqis have elected their own government, and it is time for us to move on. Let’s leave with the British and wish the Iraqis the best of luck with their new government.

Democracy is not an easy road to travel - just ask anyone from the former Soviet Block countries. There are “growth pains” and a “learning curve” to deal with. The United States had a full-scale civil war before resolving its regional differences. It is arguable that we still have those regional differences to this day. Look at the way the United States votes during a Presidential election.

© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Baldness and Hair Loss

Most of us would privately agree that hair loss affects our
psyche and self esteem intensely. The hair we have on our scalp
- our crowning glory - is one of the most important features of
our appearance and affects our overall ‘attractiveness
quotient’. It is absolutely devastating to our ego and
self-worth when hair loss results in thinning or partial or even
total baldness.

Hair loss can become an obsession with anyone who suffers from
the condition. These patterns have been identified on the The
“Norwood scale” which classifies different types of hair loss. A
research study recently found that most people showed extreme
loss of self-esteem, ranging from vulnerability to jealousy.

A number of factors could lead to hair loss.

Diet: Eat right. A healthy diet can only improve your overall
health. Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and
small amounts of lean protein. A paramount cause of hair loss
for women is hypochlorhydria. So, ask your doctor to test you
for inadequate protein digestion brought on by low stomach acid.

Lack of Vitamins: Excessive hair loss can also be caused by
deficiencies in folic acid and vitamin B12.

Iron Deficiency: Another common, but generally unrecognized,
cause of hair loss is an iron deficiency, especially in pre-
menopausal women. Dr. Wright, who publishes an excellent ezine,
stresses that you can increase iron intake by adding dried
fruits, fish, legumes, meat, molasses, potatoes, dark green
leafy vegetables, wheat germ, and whole-grain products to your
diet. (Unfortunately, iron does not help with male pattern
baldness.)

DHEA: Many women past 50 find that when they raise their levels
of DHEA back up to the range for a normal 30- or 40- year-old
woman, it not only slows or stops hair loss, but it can actually
help re-grow new hair. Noticeable diffuse thinning in women
usually starts after menopause, when the production of the
female hormone, estrogen, slows down dramatically or stops
altogether.

Sunlight: Get out of the house! Sunlight provides you with
vitamin D which the body greatly needs. So spend some time
outdoors and reap the benefits of fresh air and sunshine. Your
beautiful hair will soon mirror your health.

Dandruff: Among the more common factors concerning hairloss,
there is the dreaded subject of dandruff. If you have an oily
scalp, which is the real culprit behind most dandruff (not a dry
scalp), a daily shampoo will help prevent dandruff. It should be
a gentle, preferably herbal, shampoo. No strong chemicals.

Stress: Stress aggravates dandruff. It can either trigger it or
exacerbate an already bad condition. A 5 minute daily meditation
will do wonders for your overall health and hair.

Asian Formula for beautiful hair: Here is a routine used by many
Indian women for glossy healthy hair. Mix 25% castor oil with
75% almond oil and gently massage for 10 minutes into your scalp
weekly. It should first be warmed (place the container in hot
water for 5 minutes), so that it is readily absorbed into the
scalp. Leave on your scalp for 15 minutes to 30 minutes before
shampooing out with a gentle natural shampoo. Follow with a
final rinse with a vinegar and warm water solution (5% vinegar,
95% water), and then seal the hair, and remove the vinegar
odour, with a cold rinse. Towel dry. Look in the mirror. You
will love your beautiful shiny manageable hair.

Remember, natural remedies are always better than harsh
chemicals, especially for your hair!

Visit http://www.youngagainforever.com/hairloss.html for
information on natural remedies for hair loss, with different
formulae for men and women.

You’re selling your home as a FSBO (for sale by owner) and you get annoyed when real estate brokers call you, right? That’s a reasonable response when you’re doing all the work to market your property to save thousands of dollars in broker commissions. However, when a “buyer broker” calls, you might want to listen.

Why Listen

To understand why I say that, we need to understand the functions of “listing brokers” and “buyer brokers.” Real estate brokers can and do serve both functions, though some specialize.

Some brokers who call you are interested in listing your home. They want to market your home for you. The amount of commission charged for this service varies, but where I live, most brokers list homes for a commission of 6 percent of the sales price. When the home sells, if another brokerage firm has brought the buyer to the deal, the listing broker pays the selling broker half or 3 percent.

When you’re successfully operating as a FSBO, you’re getting folks to come and look at your house, or condo, or whatever, and you don’t need a listing agent. However, what if you’ve been doing this for a while and none of the lookers has been converted to a buyer? What then?

Well, if a broker calls you and says he or she is working with buyers and they’d like to be able to show your home, maybe you should consider it. They probably only expect about half the typical listing commission. That still allows you to save serious money. Perhaps you can even negotiate down a bit from half. This is especially true if your home is appropriately priced above the average price for a home in your area. In my area where 3 percent to a selling broker is frequently acceptable, I’ve seen brokers accept 2.5 or even 2 percent. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

As a bonus in that situation, you get someone who is knowledgeable about the process with an interest in getting the deal to settlement. True, they don’t represent you. They represent the buyer, but the buyer wants your home and the broker wants a payday. In short, the buyer broker has incentive to put an oar in when problems arise.

Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not for one second suggesting that you pay more than is necessary to sell your home. At first, take names and phone numbers of “buyer brokers” who call you. Then, if you find you need to, call back the ones who impressed you.

There is a middle ground between going it alone and listing with a broker. If you find you need to, this middle ground can be worth exploring through buyer brokers.

Raynor James is with www.fsboamerica.org - providing homes for sale by owner, “FSBO”, properties. Are you thinking, “Should I sell my home?” Visit www.fsboamerica.org/seller.cfm to sell your home sale for free for one month.

How many times have you encountered a salesperson that wanted to know about YOU before presenting the benefits and features of their product or service? How many times?

As an upper level manager in the senior housing industry I was constantly challenged by helping the sales and marketing staff understand the difference between asking and telling. Just this one challenge was costing the company millions of dollars in lost business on an annual basis. Here’s an example:

Let’s assume you’re responsible for helping your parents move from their existing residence to a senior housing environment, know as a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community)-or ALF (Assisted Living Facility). Depending on the health and finances of your parents, coupled with the emotion and lack of experience or knowledge in the area of senior housing, this could be a daunting and confusing task. Because your parents would want to remain in the immediate area you find a local CCRC and place the call. Below are 2 scenarios, one with an unskilled salesperson the other a skilled salesperson.

Unskilled Salesperson

(This scenario is based on the assumption you have limited knowledge in the senior housing industry and you are not prepared to ask the appropriate questions.)
You phone a local CCRC to get information. Upon calling you’re transferred to a sales or marketing counselor. You ask to receive information about senior housing. The sales or marketing person may ask a few questions about your situation but most likely will not; instead, you will be barraged with all of the benefits and features this community has to offer. The call would go something like this:

CCRC: “Hello, Mary speaking how may I help you?”

PROSPECT: “I’m calling to get some information on your residence.”

CCRC: “Ok, can I get your name?”

PROSPECT: “Teri.”

CCRC: “Hi Teri, is this for you or someone else?”

PROSPECT: “My parents.”

CCRC: “Ok, what are their names?”

PROSPECT: “Their names are Bertha and Ben.”

CCRC: “How old are Bertha and Ben?”

PROSPECT: “78 and 81.”

CCRC: “Ok Teri, let me tell you about our residence. We have a beautiful community located on a lot of land overlooking a beautiful lake with swans and fish. We also have a lot of people just like your parents so there are a lot of things to do. We serve 3 meals per day and snacks and we have an activity director that will get your parents involved in all kinds of fun stuff. We also have a nurse on staff and laundry facilities as well.”

PROSPECT: “That’s great Mary. Can you tell me how much it costs?”

*It’s no wonder the primary question moved so quickly to cost. There wasn’t much warmth, empathy, compassion, or understanding of my parents or their needs. What would it matter how many things you have, such as lakes, swans, etc., if those things aren’t important to me or my parents. Why would I need to visit if you haven’t given me a reason? The purpose of the initial phone contact is to get, not give, information and schedule an appointment.

Skilled Salesperson

You place the call and ask for information about senior housing. This time you’re connected to a skilled version of Mary:

CCRC: “Senior housing, Mary speaking how may I help you?”

PROSPECT: “I’m looking for information on your community.”

CCRC: “I can help you with that. “Your name please.”

PROSPECT: “Teri.”

CCRC: “Hi Teri, thanks for calling senior housing. Have you visited our residence before?”

PROSPECT: “No.”

CCRC: “Can you tell me what type of information you’re looking for?”

PROSPECT: “Yes, just general.”

CCRC: “Ok, so that I’m better prepared to understand your specific needs I have a few questions I’d like to ask.”

PROSPECT: “Ok.”

CCRC: “Are you gathering information for yourself or someone else?”

PROSPECT: “My parents.”

CCRC: Ok, do your parents live close by?”

PROSPECT: “Yes.”

CCRC: “That’s great, have they been in the community a long time?”

PROSPECT: “Yes, 32 years.”

CCRC: “Ok, can I get their names Teri?”

PROSPECT: “Yes, Bertha and Ben.”

CCRC: “How old are Bertha and Ben?”

PROSPECT: “Bertha is 78 and Ben is 81.”

CCRC: “Could you tell me a little about their current housing arrangements?”

PROSPECT: “They live in their own home.”

CCRC: “How about their health?”

PROSPECT: “Bertha is doing fine but Ben is having some issues.”

CCRC: “What type of issues?”

PROSPECT: “He’s in the beginning stage of Alzheimer’s.”

CCRC: “Has that been diagnosed by a physician?”

PROSPECT: “Yes, it has.”

CCRC: “Ok, has the doctor made any recommendations?”

PROSPECT: “Yes, he indicated that it would be best if we started looking at senior housing options.”

CCRC: “Have you discussed this with your parents?”

PROSPECT: “My mom only.”

CCRC: “How receptive is she.”

PROSPECT: “Very.”

CCRC: “Is there a reason why you have not included your dad in this conversation?”

PROSPECT: “Yes, he would be upset.”

CCRC: “When you say upset what do you mean by that?”

PROSPECT: “Well, he’s determined to stay in their house until he dies.”

CCRC: “I understand - that’s not uncommon. This must be difficult for both you and your mom.”

PROSPECT: “Yes it is.”

CCRC: “Let’s talk about time frames. There are a number of decisions involved in this process, have you or your mom thought about when a move would occur?”

PROSPECT: “No, not really.”

CCRC: “Just a few more questions Teri, then I’ll make some suggestions. Aside from your parents and yourself will anyone else be assisting in the decision making process?”

PROSPECT: “No.”

CCRC: “Ok, do you live close by?”

PROSPECT: “Yes, within 10 miles.”

CCRC: “Ok, my suggestion would be to schedule a time for you and possibly mom to visit with us as the first step in the process to help both of you determine if this might be the right choice. Do you work during the week?”

PROSPECT: “Yes.”

CCRC: “Are you off on weekends?”

PROSPECT: “Yes.”

CCRC: “Would this Saturday work for you?”

PROSPECT: “Yes.”

CCRC: “Morning or afternoons?”

PROSPECT: “Afternoons.”

CCRC: “Would 3:00 work?”

PROSPECT: “Yes.”

CCRC: “Ok, would your mother be coming with?”

PROSPECT: “No.”

CCRC: “What is the best number to reach you at?”

PROSPECT: “555-555-5555.”

CCRC: “Ok, Teri I look forward to meeting with you on Saturday at 3:00.”

This one Skill

“Asking - not - Telling” will change your bottom line results SIGNIFICANTLY!

What do you have to lose? MORE SALES?

CEO - United Sales Training (http://www.unitedsalestraining.com), 20 years as a Professional Sales and Marketing Troubleshooter, Trainer, Recruiter, Upper Level Manager, and Consulting Professional. Dedicated to the “keep it simple” approach.

To receive 1 free response to a sales question or situation via email: tsamuels@unitedsalestraining.com

For Call Center managers, it is not a pipe dream to improve employee moral while increasing productivity. It may even come easy to some to find fresh, new ways to reduce performance problems. Sound like an advertisement for something unattainable? Perhaps try to engage, involve, and connect employees to their work by the power of ASK.

Of course Call Center managers encounter unique problems and situations each day for which they are required and expected to resolve regardless of other demands. To find solutions, managers must analyze statistics, review current processes, and identify needs within the team. However, the most important element of research sometimes lies with the Call Center’s most valuable resources - the employees. So, you ask. Not surprisingly, this approach seldom comes to mind first when managers are faced with team difficulties. However, this seemingly simple concept could lead you to answers and have many other indirect, positive ramifications.

The traditional managerial role within the Call Center may point to the reason behind this lack of asking employees for their feedback. Typically, it is the manager’s responsibility to answer questions. Employees ask the manager how to handle a customer, where to locate information, and the interpretation of policy. For the manager who is used to providing the answers, asking questions of others is a seldom-used skill.

The simple task of asking questions and engaging employees can make the world of difference in your work environment. Employees appreciate and become excited when presented with the opportunity to contribute in a new way. They often put their best foot forward and come up with amazing resolutions and excellent ideas. This involvement provides the opportunity for recognition and accolades and often leads to higher employee commitment when they see their suggestions carried out.

“Employees do not perform nearly as well when they are consistently denied any input in their jobs and are expected to follow unquestionably the decisions of their leaders.”
Dennis Kinlaw

Kinlaw’s book, Coaching for Commitment: Managerial Strategies for Obtaining Superior Performance, he discusses the four elements that support building commitment in employees: These elements include clarity about goals and values, competence to succeed, influence over work, and appreciation for contributions. Involving employees and asking their opinions on the business can raise commitment by validating each of these areas. Let’s explore each with more detail.

CLARITY (about goals and values)

• Communicating goals that employees are expected to meet

• Then ASK for ways to meet these new goals

• This ensures a connection to the big picture

COMPETENCE TO SUCCEED

• Train employees on their varied tasks

• Then offering specific opportunities for them to provide feedback on the training

• This encourages involvement in ongoing improvements

INFLUENCE (over their work)

• Engaging employees in regular conversation regarding their daily tasks

• Share their input with the team where it can help lead to success

• This illustrates their influence over the work environment

APPRICIATION (for their contributions)

• Inviting dialog and inquiry - if done properly - will create a safe environment for feedback

• This will also make employees feel appreciated for their contributions

The key to obtaining honest answers from employees is creating a safe environment for feedback. Make it clear that people will be heard if they are offering constructive solutions. Approach employees in an appreciative manner and thank them for their input. Their responses not only help manager stay in tune with their team’s needs and daily situations, but also can provide answers that the manager did not even think of.

There are opportunities every day to involve employees in workplace decisions. Some issues are best concurred with collaborative efforts. Pursuing input and feedback will increase commitment to the task at hand and result in more satisfied, engaged employees. When you are presented with difficulties and questions, remember you have valuable resources just waiting to be ASKED.

About the Author

Jenny Kerwin is a contributing writer for Interactive Quality Solutions. She experience in training and leadership development positions. If you are interested in reading more of Jenny’s articles visit: http://www.callcentercafe.com and http://www.righttolead.com For details on involving your employees visit: http://www.prideteams.righttolead.com/