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Stop Wasting Time: Qualify that Lead to Make that Sale!

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Originally published in the Piedmont Business Journal, April 2012 Is your prospect the proverbial “tire-kicker” or a credible buyer? Both can take up a huge amount of your time. As business owners, we’ve all been there: the prospect sounds perfect, a great match for your product or service and the opportunity seems promising. But, before you reschedule…

Optimize Your Sales: Build Better Relationships

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Originally published in the Piedmont Business Journal, Summer 2011 We’ve all heard the phrase “work smarter, not harder.” In today’s economy we should also add, “and spend less.” But, you’ve already assessed your expenditures, cut back on the extras, focused your marketing, and only spend money on the essentials. What more can be done? Optimize your…

5 Tips for Small Business Owners

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Originally published in the Piedmont Business Journal, Spring 2011 Starting and running your own business can be a dream come true. It can also be a huge source of stress, especially in a challenging economy. Follow these five essentials to ensure the road to success: Be the expert in your field. Build credibility by being really…

Keep that Job! Hone Your Emotional Intelligence

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In today’s job market, everyone needs an edge. Workers are expected to do more with fewer resources and in some cases, for less pay. Self-motivated workers with strengths in teamwork, adaptability, empathy, and the ability to effectively manage their emotions are shown to tremendously outpace their peers. These qualities, among others, are key components of…

Keep the Momentum – What to Do When You’re Desperate

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Originally published in The Fauquier Times Democrat, September 2009 So you’ve created your best personal brand, developed a compelling resume package, shopped it around and still no luck. What to do? * Build up your skills. * Take online classes to bolster your education and training. * Look for part-time work in the field you desire.…

The Art of Interviewing

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Originally published in The Fauquier Times Democrat, May 2009 The job interview is the most important step of your future career. It usually starts with a phone interview. If you’re lucky, an appointment for an in-person interview follows. A request for references may ensue. A decision may be made at this point, or a second interview…