Update!

We are cranking here at Magnetic Consulting! Starting the year off with a bang! Props to Chris, Graham and Tyler on their promotions to Lead Account Management, well deserved guys. And shout out to the whole team for finishing the month of January strong. Posting some of our best metrics to date in the company, awesome job! Our client is impressed and thats how you start of the year with incredible momentum.

Be sure to follow us on twitter: https://twitter.com/MagConsultGroup
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MagneticConsulting

To stay up to date on all news and upcoming events! We have a charity "cornhole" tournament scheduled for this weekend benefiting Operation Smile. As well as Keys to Success slated for Feb 21-24 and our quarterly conference in San Jose slated for March 24th.

The Engineer Who Saved Facebook

Very interesting article from business insider about Facebook's mobile app and the engineer behind it's revamping. Check it out below!

This Engineer Saved Facebook

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In October 2011, a Facebook engineer named Cory Ondrejka stood in front of Mark Zuckerberg, his CEO.

Using a white board to illustrate his points, Ondrejka told Zuckerberg that Facebook was broken in a big, scary way and that he, a relatively new engineer at the company, had the solution.

 

Facebook's problem, according to Ondejka, was its mobile app.

Yes, it was the most popular app on Android and iOS.

 

But, built in 2006 using HTML5, instead of native iOS or Android code, it was, by October 2011, slow and awful to use.

 

It was so slow and awful, that it opened the possibility that users would defect Facebook for faster, better mobile social media apps.

 

Ondejka told Zuckerberg that he could re-build Facebook's app using native code and make it much, much faster.

 

According to the Wall Street Journal's Evelyn Rusli, who reported on this meeting in an excellent story on Facebook's mobile efforts, Zuckerberg responded to Ondejka with doubt.

 

He didn't believe, right away, that Ondrejka could "rapidly improve" the apps' performance with his re-write.

 

Rusli says, "Ondrejka assured him he finally had the technical resources and engineering expertise to get it done."

 

Ondrejka was right.

 

In August 2012, Facebook released a new version of its app, and the tech press and users rewarded it with near-universal praise for its speed and usability.

 

Meanwhile, Facebook continues to survive the consumer world's transition from desktop to mobile.

In this chart, you can actually see an acceleration in mobile-only users since Ondrejka's version of the app launched in August:

Business Insider

So, who is this engineer who put his career on the line and saved his company?

 

He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1992 with a badass sounding degree: "Computer Science and Weapons and Systems Engineering."

 

Ondrejka joined Facebook in November 2010 when it acquired the assets of a company he had founded, called Walletin. Before Walletin, Ondrejka worked briefly at record label EMI.

 

Before EMI, Ondrejka was CTO at Linden Labs, where he launched Second Life – the "virtual world." For about a half decade, Second Life was a pretty big deal, and it brought a lot of exposure to Ondrejka.

 

On his infrequently updated personal blog, you can find links to presentations he's given at conferences. One, titled "Angry dinosaurs: accelerating change institutional incompetence," sounds particularly intriguing.

 

You can get a sense of Ondrejka's personality and priorities reading one of the last posts on his personal blog – predictions he made for 2010. They were:

• A major telecommunications company will recognize the competitive threat posed by Google Voice and begin offering “voice is free” as a method to gain customers and transition into more profitable data services.

 

• At least one of the ineffective, post-9/11 airport security theater provisions is rolled back.

 

• The current crop of social games will go the way of the original wave of Zombies and Vampires as players tire of the repetitive gameplay and friends start a backlash — again, exactly as we saw with Zombies and Vampires. The winning social game companies will be those which pivot dramatically.

• Apple releases a tablet and moves computing onto a 4th screen, adding a new form factor to their existing complement of full screen (desktop/laptop), handheld (iPhone), and living room (Mac Mini/MacTV). It will be incredibly fun to use for the range of activities currently least served by current screens — movies, reading, browsing/social media on the run, and video/text chat. It will bring at least one new UX tech to the party to help make it the “ZOMG, WANT!!” product of 2010 — for example, front facing 3D camera for gestural control without touching the screen.

• The 2010 midterm elections will see a degree of negative campaigning and hate mongering the likes of which the United States has never seen. It will be so bad that political and media leaders from both parties will finally remember that the point of politics is not to win but to effectively govern.

• Amazon responds to the gaggle of competing copycat ebook readers by turning Kindle into a full fledged book platform: author choice on DRM, p2p sharing, and loaning; community elements for book recommendations, annotations, and ranking; and, user-generated book metadata for series and sequels, to allow author and series subscription for automatic delivery of new books.

• Backlash against the world’s biggest banks and their windfall profits will contribute to the emergence of new regional, community, and online banking options.

• The threat of Three Strike’s coming to the United States via ACTA will generate a grassroots debate about the merits of Obama administration’s IP maximalist strategy.

• Heath care reform makes it through the committee reconciliation process and passes despite complaints from all sides.

• I will be back at work full-time on something seriously cool.

 

Boy did he nail that last one.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/meet-the-engineer-who-saved-facebook-2013-1#ixzz2JVXZfxub

You've Got To Pay The Toll

Growing up in the Hampton Roads area as a youngster, I have seen my share of toll roads.

In fact, I remember along one particular expressway you couldn’t even get off an exit without paying.

As I grew up and began to travel I have been taken by surprise by unexpected toll booths. I would dare say, some of you reading this have been caught behind me as I fumbled in my car for change and enraging travelers stuck behind me.

I have heard it said, “The difference between good and great is often the sacrifice one is willing to make to achieve it.”

When we look at this in the perspective of the life we live compared to the life we really want, we see where it disconnects.

In one word, it’s SACRIFICE.

I have never met someone who didn’t want more, but the issue seems to be their ability to see this principle.

If you’ve ever sat frustrated with your lot in life, you know exactly what I am speaking of.

Deep down inside you know full well it is never about what others have done, or not done for you. It’s what you would not do for yourself.

I want to share three simple tips that will help you identify where you are in the process and what is truly required of you:

• It all starts with your attitude: Attitude is key! In fact, you can have all the intelligence in the world but if your attitude is one of negativity and strife; you will never attract the right life. I’ve seen people with all the potential in the world, but one blind spot in their attitude ruined any chance for them to step into greatness. We must address our internal expectations before we can expect to excel.
• Next, establish the right circle of accountability: To some, this is a dirty word. Some see accountability as a fence or barrier to progress. But if you adjust your thinking to see accountability as the structure that holds the bridge of ‘greatness’ up, you learn to embrace it. Imagine how nervous you would be to cross a bridge with no guard rails. Chances are you would turn around and seek out another route. Many are wandering now because they lack authentic accountability.
• Last, you have to take action: A good attitude without the proper action is like a brand new Ferrari without an engine. It’s going nowhere fast. Sure you look great standing next to it or even sitting behind the wheel. But it’s all a show. Action is the one part of the puzzle you cannot ignore. Life boils down to those who take action and those who do not. How many ideas have you filed away as ‘unattainable’ because you lingered too long? Action could have made you a millionaire five times over by now.

 

Greatness is not easily accessed.

If greatness was easily accessed, every person on earth would be realizing their power every single day.

But the sad reality is, it is not. Greatness costs. Often it costs more than most are willing to pay. We have to learn to sacrifice what we like to do now so we can live the way we desire in the future. Look at it as sowing seeds this year for the harvest coming next year.

See you at the TOP!
Early Jackson

Insight

Top 3 Interview Questions for Hiring Salespeople

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In tough economic times, the pipeline for a sales job is often glutted with hundreds of applicants. With numerous seemingly qualified applicants to choose from, the interviewing and selection process can become long and drawn-out--and a waste of your valuable time.

Hiring on gut instinct may feel right, but it can lead to big mistakes. A skillful interviewer will instead ask questions that reveal how serious a candidate is about the job and how likely he or she is to succeed in the position.

Here are three knockout questions that can form the centerpiece of an effective interview. When asked together, they should give you a deep profile of the interviewee. If a candidate can’t answer these questions satisfactorily, quickly move on to the next applicant.

1. “What do you know about this company and our industry?”
The applicant's answer to this question should show solid research into your company and the industry. If he or she knows little about what your organization does, you likely have someone who’s just job shopping. That’s not what you’re looking for--you want people who are passionate about building a career with your company and in your industry. These are the people who tend to be successful long-term employees. Candidates in this group will have done research on the company and industry and will be able to enthusiastically articulate why they want to join your team.

2. “What do you want to accomplish at this company?”
When you ask this question, listen for ambitious but realistic answers. I once interviewed an applicant who in all seriousness told me he expected to be the company’s president in three years. Given this person’s background, there was absolutely no way that was happening--he wasn’t in touch with reality, and he wasn’t hired. But you should also be wary of those who have low expectations of themselves--these probably aren’t the high performers you’re looking for.

3. “What have you done to prepare for the job?”
The applicant’s answer to this question should show you that he or she is committed to securing the job. I once interviewed someone for a sales position at a medical device company, and when I asked what she had done to prepare for this job, her answer was: “I’ve studied your catalougue and website, and my best friend is one of your sales reps--I’ve traveled with her while she made customer calls for the last two weeks. I really want this job and am ready to start today.” Actions like this show commitment, and people who are dedicated have a much higher degree of success.

The Non-negotiable Traits of a True Entrepreneur

Read this article and thought it would be great to share. I believe these to be true no matter what endeavor you are undertaking this year! Enjoy.

 

 

Successful founders are as different from each other as they are from everyone else. Except they all, without fail, share these four indispensable traits.

 

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You say you want to start a company, but do you really think you have what it takes? You may be a detail-oriented geek or a visionary, a hyper-active multi-tasker or an obsessive, and have an equal chance of success. But there are certain character quirks that entrepreneurship simply demands. After building startups myself and investing in many others over the past 20 years, I hold these four traits to be non-negotiable.

1. You must be up for an adventure.
Starting a company or investing or joining a startup is like embarking on a four-week backpacking journey with enough food for one week. You don’t know where you or your company will be a year out; you don’t know how many people will be with you. You have to be comfortable with uncertainty. You should a clear vision on the end point, but the journey is very unknown.

Look back at the times in your career when the future has been uncertain. Were those the times that you thrived? Were you the irrationally positive person in the room? Were you the one firing up the team when everying seemed bleak? If you were not, let me say this: You at least have to be smart (and honest!) about your shortcomings, then hire someone who can do that for you.

As an investor, I prefer to see an entrepreneur who can do a little bit of everything without stressing when things fall outside his or her comfort zone. But I also recognize that a crack team of founders can be just as effective (if not more effective) than a one-man show.

2. You have to be patient.
Success will not happen overnight. This may be hard to believe if you’re constantly reading tech blogs, in which it seems to be gospel that billion-dollar valuations come to everyone who shows up. But the fact is, the companies that have endured took years to build. Starbucks opened in 1971, and eight years later they still had only operated a handful of stores. Spotify has been around since 2008. Amazon took 9 years to turn a profit.

You need to understand that the problems truly worth solving, the big industry problems, will not be wrapped up neatly in a year or two. It may take decades, and you will almost definitely have to make many adjustments to your initial vision. You’ll have to persevere through unfavorable conditions. But if you don't easily discourage, you will always have a better chance of succeeding.

3. You can’t be a perfectionist.
This is not a business where you will be able to spend all of your time and energy fixing one problem.

Good entrepreneurs can find a way to jump into the fray and start implementing ideas and solutions, even if they don’t have all the answers. You have to be comfortable covering a wide territory, with knowing a little bit about a lot of things, rather than a great deal about one thing. Compromise is essential for survival.

If you can easily check off all the risk factors when looking at a problem, it’s probably not a problem worth solving. So embrace the messiness. You’re going to learn more about what your battle plan should look like, and what challenges you need to expect, as you go along.

4. You have to be your company’s best sales person
Finally, it’s essential to remember that you must be, at your core, a great salesperson. You need to be able to sell your vision to potential partners, investors, and customers. If you can’t successfully do this, you’ll have a tough time getting very far. You’re going to be the first person to introduce the world to your product, and first impressions are important. Everyone wants to hear about your passion from you.

Learn the most common questions and reservations that people will have. They’ll want to know why what you’re doing is valuable. Cut out the jargon and speak to the heart of the matter. Start at the core, and then fill in the details. You have to hook them with the big picture before they can appreciate the nuances.

You wouldn't be reading this if you didn't have great faith and excitement in your idea. But you don't have a real business until you can enkindle that faith and excitement in others.

-Inc magazine

2013 is upon us!

Are Your Goals Realistic?

Take the Test
Ask any successful person, and they'll agree. In order to succeed, you must have goals. They are what turns your dreams and visions into reality.

Seems simple, right? You just write down what you want, and you're on your way to prosperity. Well, not exactly. In order for goals to work, they have to be realistic. Stating that you want to have more sales than Apple in 2013 won't make it happen.

So how do you know if your goals for next year are attainable and not just some pie-in-the-sky dream? Take this test to find out. If you answer no to any of the following statements, it's time to re-evaluate.

Are your goals in writing?
It's awesome to dream, and you should never stop thinking about what can be. But to actually achieve milestones, you have to get your goals down on paper. It will help you stay on track and reach them.

Are your goals specific and measurable?
For goals to work, you need to zero in on exactly what you want to accomplish. For example, saying that you want to make a profit won't cut it. Instead, how about, "I would like to make $500,000 in revenue this year"? It's specific and includes an exact (measurable) dollar amount. Once you have your targets, create a plan with deadlines. Then break it all the way down to daily activities. While preparing your strategy, it will soon become clear whether or not your goals are obtainable.

Are your goals shared?
Once you've written down your goals, it's time to get your team on board. Share your goals with your staff—called "casting your vision"—early and often, and watch them get fired up too. With everyone passionate about obtaining your dream, what may have seemed unrealistic this year could be totally obtainable in 2013.

Are your goals your own?
One of the easiest ways to fail while trying to reach your goals is if they are not your own. If your Aunt Edna wants you to be the most successful podiatrist in the tri-state area, it won't happen unless that's your dream too–even if you live in a place with some really bad feet. Why? Because as we all know, business is not for the weak of heart. It's tough. And you won't have the courage to fight through if you aren't working toward your own goals.

As Dave and thousands of business owners across the country have proven, turning your dreams into reality can come true. And it all begins by setting realistic goals. So before the new year, take time to write down your goals. You'll be amazed with the outcome

Corp! Magazine

Check out the below article on Corp! Magazine's site. The article outlines the nomination process and how the winners were chosen for the National Best & Brightest Companies to Work For 2012! We are excited to have been nominated and to have won the award! Thanks to all the amazing people we have the pleasure of working with who made this incredible distinction possible!

http://www.corpmagazine.com/features/cover-stories/itemid/10085/2012s-national-best-and-brightest-winners-praise-their-most-valuable-asset-%E2%80%93-employees

Worth a laugh! Happy Friday Everyone!

Magnetic Consulting Group goes to the game!

It's not all work at Magnetic Consulting Group, the owner recently took several high performers to the Sacramento Kings Blackout game.

The Sacramento Kings played a season opener against the Warriors.  Fans who wore black had a chance to receive special gifts, as the team tried to fill the arena with fans in their colors.

The Kings came close to losing, but managed to pull off a narrow win against the Warriors, 94 to 92.  They had a 16 point lead in the second half, but that lead disappeared in the fourth quarter and it was only the Kings defense that kept the Warriors at bay.

But everyone at Magnetic Consulting had a blast at the game, and went home talking about just how close it really was.

Check out some pictures of Magnetic Consulting Group from the game. 

Smile for the camera!

Check out all of those fans!  It really was a Blackout!

Magnetic Consulting Group has been named one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” in the Country.

Magnetic Consulting Group has great news! We were recently named one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” in the Country for 2012, due in large part to our commitment to our people and to our team.

The competition reviewed the hundreds of companies that participated and judged them based on whether or not they met key human resources initiatives.  The National Association for Business Resources (NABR), which was in charge of the contest, reviewed Magnetic Consulting Group on measures like work-life balance, benefits, community initiatives, compensation, and engagement and retention.

It was an honor to even be nominated, and Magnetic Consulting Group has always been sure to put its people first.  We believe that the reason we routinely beat out the competition is because of our people and their commitment to integrity and professionalism.  And because the quality of life of our employees is important to the quality of work that they provide we are active in making our office the best possible environment for our team.

Magnetic Consulting Group will receive additional recognition at a Best and Brightest Companies to Work For™ awards symposium and gala and will be recognized in the December 13^th online edition of Corp! Magazine.

Check out the full list of National winners here:

http://www.101bestandbrightest.com/winners/2012/national

And follow us on Facebook for more information about Magnetic Consulting Group

Pinching Pennies During Travel

Gone are the good ‘ol days when travelling on a business trip meant travelling first class all the way—at least for smaller businesses.  With the economic pressure on, now more than ever it’s important to get the most out of your money when away from home.

So how can you minimize the amount of money you spend while on a business trip? Here are a few tips to get you started:

1.     Drive instead of flying—Look into what the time and price difference would be for driving to your destination rather than flying. If it’s less than five hours away, it might be worth it to conserve money.

2.     Check nearby airports—It might be possible to fly into a nearby airport for much cheaper and then take a shuttle to your destination.

3.     Don’t check your baggage—If you’re only going away for a few days, why spend the extra money on baggage fees? Pack as lightly as possible to fit your belongings in a carry-on sized bag.

4.     Use loyalty points for hotel stays—Depending on how often you travel, you might be able to earn free stays here and there by using a loyalty card at the major hotel you normally stay in. If you’ve got multiple employees travelling, points will build up even faster.

5.     Find a good continental breakfast—Many hotels, especially large hotels, will offer a free continental breakfast. Try to stay in one of these hotels—that way you won’t have to go out for breakfast. If you can’t find one, try bringing along some portable food like cereal, granola, or yogurt.

6.     Spend less on food—Skip the expensive parts of town and eat food from cheaper venues. Or, if you’ve got the option, try cooking your own food. This may not be as tasty as the first-class meal you could get at a fancy restaurant, but it will save you a bundle.

7.     Don’t rent a car—Try to stay in a hotel within walking or biking distance to wherever you’ll need to be. That way, you can walk, bike, or use public transportation to get there.

8.     Peruse Groupon—Check out discount websites like Groupon.com to see if there are any good deals going on before you travel.

Break Away From the Herd

As we start moving into the holidays, this is where the BEST get separated from the rest.

While others ease up using handy excuses like the weather or the approaching holidays to go into cruise mode, winners jump on the pedal and kick into a higher gear.
NOW is when winners break from the herd.
THIS is when the race is won, market share is captured, competition is overrun and massive goals are attained.
It’s time to KICK.

One of the greatest winners in human history was Vince Lombardi.
Vince Lombardi never had a losing season as a head football coach.
He had a remarkable 74% winning percentage through his entire career. And when it really counted (postseason) his winning percentage was an unbelievable 90%.

He won three straight championships in the 1960s and five in seven years. In fact, the greatest prize in the National Football League is to win the Super Bowl and earn the Vince Lombardi trophy.
To get you jacked up about knuckling down and really pushing yourself to finish 2012 strong, I’m going to hand the platform over to Vince.

Below is the transcript from one of his most famous speeches.
Read every word.
Study it.
Own it.
Then go out and DO IT.

“Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while; you don’t do things right once in a while; you do them right all of the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.

“There is no room for second place. There is only one place in my game, and that’s first place. I have finished second twice in my time at Green Bay, and I don’t ever want to finish second again. There is a second place bowl game, but it is a game for losers played by losers. It is and always has been an American zeal to be first in anything we do, and to win, and to Win, and to WIN!

“Every time a football player goes to ply his trade he’s got to play from the ground up—from the soles of his feet right up to his head. Every inch of him has to play. Some guys play with their heads. That’s okay. You’ve got to be smart to be number one in any business. But more importantly, you’ve got to play with your heart, with every fiber of your body. If you’re lucky enough to find a guy with a lot of head and a lot of heart, he’s never going to come off the field second.

“Running a football team is no different than running any other kind of organization—an army, a political party or a business. The principles are the same. The object is to win—to beat the other guy. Maybe that sounds hard or cruel. I don’t think it is.

“It is a reality of life that men are competitive and the most competitive games draw the most competitive men. That’s why they are there—to compete. The object is to win fairly, squarely, by the rules—but to win.

“And in truth, I’ve never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart, didn’t appreciate the grind, the discipline. There is something in good men that really yearns for discipline and the harsh reality of head-to-head combat.

“I don’t say these things because I believe in the ‘brute’ nature of men or that men must be brutalized to be combative. I believe in God and I believe in human decency. But I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour—his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear—is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle—victorious.”

Inspiring, right?
 
Come on, doesn’t that make you want to go out and crush it in the marketplace?
It does me! Let’s go do it. Let’s go work our heart out for our good cause and together we will lie on the field of battle come December 31—victorious!

How to Avoid Getting Stressed

We live in fast, ever changing times. Everyone gets stressed at one point or another. But while some seem to manage just fine, others may become completely incapacitated and overloaded. The difference? Knowing how to avoid letting stress build up and eventually overwhelm you.

Strategies for avoiding stress buildup can be as simple as changing your physical environment and habits.

What’s great about it is that it’s probably the same advice you’ve been hearing for years.

Let’s start with diet and exercise habits. How much junk food, caffeine, and alcohol you consume can have a huge effect on stress levels. Though it may seem like it saves you time and stress to make a run to your local fast-food joint for dinner then go home and watch TV for three hours before bed, it doesn’t necessarily do so.

Taking the time to prepare (or purchase) healthy meals, skipping out on your eighth cup of coffee, getting more rest, choosing not to over-consume alcohol or cigarettes, and exercising regularly all help your body stay healthy and happy. Translation: less stress on your body equals less stress on your mind.

One thing that always increases stress levels is feeling unprepared and therefore overwhelmed by obligations. The best solution for this is to find a way to manage your time better. Your day should be a balance between work and play, and should always include time for you to relax in whatever way is best for you.

It is absolutely ok to say no sometimes. Don’t take on more obligations if you know you are nearing your limit. Learn to recognize what stress feels like, when it starts to build up, and how to avoid it. Only then can you take control of your environment and your sanity along with it.

What happens if you do get overwhelmed? Simple. Establish some coping methods, such as a personal journal, a support system, or even physical therapies (such as massage, aromatherapy, or yoga). Don’t be afraid to come to terms with your stress, but don’t forget to look at the big picture either.

What makes a good leader in business?

Here at Magnetic Consulting Group, we often ask, what sets some business leaders above others? It’s all about the attitude. Having a successful business is one thing, but being a successful leader of a business is an entirely different entity.

And surprise, it’s all about the power of positivity. Well, mostly. Primarily, you have to exude confidence and passion for what you’re doing. Place value in the company and stand behind it. Believe in your success and in the company’s success.

Set an example for both your employees and your clients by being open, honest, and working hard. This will help to cultivate a trusting relationship and will encourage a positive and productive work atmosphere.

Your core values should be obvious and unwavering, but remember that everything else needs to remain somewhat flexible. There will be times when employees are unhappy, or when you make mistakes. Learn to listen to criticism and admit your mistakes, and you will gain respect as a leader. Failure is not something to be afraid of; rather it is an opportunity for future improvement.

No matter how successful you get, remember not to let your head get too big to hold up. There will always be new things that you can learn, and it’s important to remember that great ideas can come from anywhere. You’ve got to stay grounded enough to take those ideas in.

Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone at times, either. The biggest success stories always involve thinking outside the box. If you want to be truly innovative, you won’t always be comfortable. But remember: sometimes the greatest rewards involve the greatest risks.

How to achieve sales success?

With society’s generally negative view of salespeople, how can you be successful? If they shut the door on you or hang up thirty seconds into your pitch, there was never a chance, was there? Actually, yes, there was.

Here at Magnetic Consulting Group, we specialize in overcoming objections.  And we know that  in sales, the first few minutes are the most crucial. Too many people make the mistake of automatically going into their pitch and overwhelming the customer (who may, or may not need the service offered). But the most successful sales representatives do things a little differently.

Don’t overwhelm the customer at the get-go. Take time to introduce yourself and use questions to find out more about them—what they like, want, or need. Offer the opportunity to learn more about your product only after you’ve determined they might be interested.

It shouldn’t be about the sale. It should be about the customer and their needs. Talk to them like an acquaintance or friend—not like a salesperson. Read their body language. Are they in a hurry? Would it be better to talk another time? It’s your job to find out.

While rambling on and on might keep them in your company for longer, it definitely won’t convince them to purchase your product. It’s best to choose a few key points and stick to them. The goal is not to talk the whole time about you and your product—it’s to talk about the customer and their needs.

Lastly, assess the barriers to moving forward. Ask the customer about anything that might be standing in the way of them continuing to the next logical step. It’s important that you bridge this gap, because only after you’ve done so can you take the final step—inviting them to take action.

Essential Parts of a Business Plan

Suggestions on running a business from Magnetic Consulting Group

Business success often relies on having a strong business plan. This plan outlines up to five years ahead of time and helps ensure that your business will stay on track to reach revenue goals.

Of course, creating a good plan takes some time and dedication. Since a business plan outlines the intended track a company will follow for the next several years, it will need to be as detailed as possible. Below is a list of categories to cover when writing a business plan:

1.     Executive Summary—explains the basic goals and profile of your company

2.     Market Analysis—includes research conducted on your business industry and the current market

3.     Company Description—what you do, what makes you different from others, and what markets you serve

4.     Structure—lays out the best organization and management for your company

5.     Marketing & Sales—shows how you will successfully market your business and what sales strategies you will employ

6.     Services & Products—outlines what you offer to the prospective customer and how it potentially benefits them

7.     Funding—determines how you will fund your business, including investors or alternative sources

8.     Projected Finances—backs up funding requests made by providing relevant details on your expected financial situation

9.     Appendix—stores important information and documents not included elsewhere in your business plan, such as permits, license, resumes, leases, etc.

Taking the time to perfect your business plan can majorly impact your business; it could be the difference between success and failure, between owning a business and just working for one.

Tips to spot a lie.

Do you ever wonder if someone is lying to you?  That perhaps their product is just a little too good, or that their experience seems a little too perfect for the job?  It turns out that there are ways to tell if someone is lying to you, according to Janine Driver, author of Can’t Lie to Me.  She explained some of her techniques in a recent article with Inc.com, and they’re well worth looking into.

One particular thing that Driver brings up is the fact that when you’re asking a yes or no question the answer that the person gives should always include the word yes or no.  If you ask someone if they have ever stolen from you and they answer something along the lines of, “I would never do that,” it could be a clue that they aren’t telling you the truth. 

She also mentions that liars tend to overcompensate, especially if the pressure is on.  If you ask someone why you should believe them and then follow up with a “that didn’t really answer my question, why should I believe you?” you’re putting them under a great deal of strain.  If they are lying the answer will likely be quite long rather than the, “because I’m telling the truth” most people would say upon a second time answering that question.  A liar will potentially break under this stress, getting angry and accusing you of something, or making a long diatribe about how you should call all of their previous employers if you don’t believe them. 

One of the most important things she discusses, however, is a simple matter of observation.  She suggest you should take some time watching them, about three minutes, to understand how they act generally.  Then, as the conversation unfolds, observe and watch them for deviations from that baseline.  Do their eyebrows suddenly jump?  Do they start using a lot of “uhms” and “ahs”?  Does their voice break or their talking speed suddenly ramp up?  Do they suddenly seem superior? You might have caught them in a lie.   

The entire article is well worth the read, however, and offers a great many more tips on how to spot lies and the liars who tell them. Check out the full article at http://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/how-to-spot-a-lie-5-tips.html?nav=pop