Corporate Logo - Deep Thoughts

Flying at the Holidays? Google Might Be Paying for Your Wi-Fi

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:03:58 PDT

If the industry grind is letting up enough over the holidays to let you travel – but you think you still might need to take a laptop and get online – the good news is that Google is giving you a gift: free Wi-Fi (if you’re traveling through one of its 47 participating airports).Users wanting to capitalize on the free Internet will simply have to ...

The 'Secret' of Customer Service Motivation

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:07:29 PDT

Over my 17 years of providing customer service training and presentations for clients, I've noticed a bizarre phenomenon when it comes to motivation. When employees are tired or stressed, they don't feel like giving great customer service, so they sub-consciously give themselves permission to back-off. Unfortunately, when employees smile less and become less helpful, customers pick-up on the negatives and they in turn become less ...

Are You a Bridge Builder?

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:10:15 PDT

“Biography” is one of my favorite TV shows because it pays tribute to the accomplishments of well-known, successful men and women. I gain insight and inspiration from their stories of achievement and personal triumph over adversity. I find it interesting to note that successful people clearly understand the value of a role model and the power of a mentor's guidance. Each of these high-achievers are ...

Too Many White Lies – Are You An Offender?

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:53:12 PDT

I read an interesting article today about white lies – particularly how damaging they can really be. Considered innocent or sometimes even “necessary” untruths, people tell a lot more white lies than they realize. But before you justify your most recent falsehoods, consider the damage you could be doing to your business reputation.First, the facts: on average, most people tell a “substantive” lie 1.5 times ...

Employee Incentive Programs – Helpful or Hurtful?

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:45:33 PDT

Employee incentive programs can range from weekly contests for moving the most product to commission. Many businesses use these programs to motivate, boost morale, inject a little healthy competition in the office and to say “great job!” But depending on how you’re using these programs, it can have a very different effect than you were aiming for. Here are several myths about what employee incentive ...

Kaeser Convention Draws Rave Reviews

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:50:00 PDT

The 18th annual Kaeser Convention and private trade show (which attendees unofficially refer to as the “Kaeser Family Reunion”) concluded earlier this month with great reviews and eager expectations for next year’s event. “Attendance this year was up nicely from 2008,” says Bob Lewellen, coordinator and planner of the event. “We had almost 600 people on the show floor this year.”Authorized Kaeser & Blair dealers from ...

If You Were Replaced Tomorrow, What Would Change?

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:38:23 PDT

As the boss, your job description is what you make it. But are you trying to do too much and in the process effectively holding your employees back instead of helping them out?Here’s a cool exercise from NYT’s “You’re the Boss” blogger Jennifer Walzer: Imagine that you are being replaced as president, CEO, owner, office manager (whatever) of your company tomorrow. What would this person ...