First Impressions

“Made in the USA”

2012-01-22T20:09:00.000-05:00

By Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

What are you eating these days? Have you looked at the labels on your meats and vegetables lately? Were they produced in America or somewhere else? Where are your frozen fruits and vegetables from?

I went into my local grocery store to buy hamburger meat, and read the label. The label said USA and Mexico. You have to read all the labels to find our American products. I immediately put the meat back and looked through all the hamburger meat to buy USA ground hamburger.

In the same grocery I went to the frozen vegetable department and almost all frozen vegetables are from Mexico. I then went into the fresh fruit department and had to look at every label to find American produce. Even during the summer months vegetables were not from our American farmers. You have to look hard and long to find our American products in our American grocery stores. You must read the labels.

I was getting ready to buy some canned sardines and the label said China. I put it back on the shelf. I was looking to buy Virginia honey and Vermont maple syrup at the local supermarket but found Chinese honey and Canadian maple syrup. I put them back and went to another store to buy Virginia honey and Vermont maple syrup.

I went to the supermarket to buy peppermints and looked on the labels. They were made in China, Mexico, or Canada. I had to continue to another store to find American made mints. We have wonderful resources in this country. Let’s buy American and bring American jobs back to America. Americans pay taxes in the USA. Mexico, China, Canada and other countries do not pay taxes to the USA. They do not support our country we do. “Let’s buy American!

In January 1, 1994, NAFTA, North America Free Trade Agreement became law and it was signed by the governments of Canada, Mexico and the U.S. President Clinton signed it into law. Since its enactment it has destroyed millions of jobs all over the United States. It’s time to put America first by buying American goods made here in America.

What are the six things you can do to support our own wonderful country, the USA, by buying American products?

1.Look at the labels on all your paper goods, plastic goods, soaps, light bulbs ,household cleaners and other goods to make sure it says made in America. If not return it to the shelf.

2.When you are buying your fresh fruits and vegetables look at the labels and buy only American. When you are purchasing frozen vegetables or frozen fruit look at the labels and buy only American.

3.When you are buying canned foods look at the labels and buy American products only. When you are buying honey, maple syrup, peppermints, and other local products, look at the label and buy only American products.

4. When you go to the grocery store look at the labels on the fresh meats, hamburger, steak, chicken, milk, eggs, cheese, butter, and yogurt and buy only American labeled products.

5.When you need to repair something in your house buy only American made materials, for example: American dry wall, American concrete, American heating and air-conditioning units, washers, dryers, sinks, tubs, water heaters, stoves, ovens, microwaves, paint, plumbing equipment, roofing supplies, refrigerators, etc.

6. When you need a new car buy a Ford. It’s the only American Car Company that did not take a bail out to belong to the Unions.

Ask your local stores and grocery managers to purchase American goods to support their country, the United States of America, and you will be proud you did!

Remember let’s support our own country, our own farmers and our own American companies who build businesses and have families here in America and pay taxes in the USA. Put Americans back to work! Foreign companies do not pay taxes in the USA.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget".

Speaking in Honeyed Tones to Inspire Your Employees

2011-12-07T23:17:00.000-05:00

By Dr.Madeline Frank

Have you heard the expression by Benjamin Franklin, "Tart words make no friends; a spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar"? Well it's true! When you want to work with others you need to be diplomatic. It's like the song Mary Poppins sings "A spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down."

In my families Construction and Management Company, I have had the privilege of working with some of the finest contractors for roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning, carpentry, and other construction personnel for over 20 years.

In working with every individual it is best to remain positive, polite and courteous. In other words speak in honeyed tones. In one of the buildings I am responsible for I noticed water leaking down through the downstairs ceiling. I called the plumber, air conditioning specialist and the roofer to look at the problem.

I checked upstairs under the sinks and by the toilet and shower and did not feel or see any leaks. The plumber looked at the problem and even though it was nowhere near the problem he decided to put a new seal on the toilet. I thanked him, paid his bill but knew that did not solve the problem.

I measured from the wall downstairs to where the actual leak was, a measurement of 5 ½ feet and then went upstairs and measured from the wall, where the toilet sits to 5 ½ feet to where the air conditioning unit sits in the back of the closet. The air conditioning specialist verified that the condensation line was backed up and needed a wet/dry vacuum to blow out and clean out the condensation line which runs usually outside the house by the fan of the air conditioning unit outside. After cutting off the air conditioning we attaching the wet/dry vacuum hose to the condensation line and cleaned it out for about an hour and half. Then we ran upstairs to put water through the line to see if everything was moving smoothly through the outside condensation line. In the spring we will run bleach through the line to remove all bacteria from the line.

I thanked the air conditioning specialist and paid the bill. The roofer came and checked the roof and mentioned some shingle repairs and caulking that was needed around the vents on the roof. The roofer agreed with the air conditioning specialist’s findings and promised to repair the roof shingles and calking soon.

What are the three things you can do to have your co-workers, employees, and sub-contractors wanting to work with you?

1) Speak to them in honeyed tones with courtesy and respect and praise excellent work when they do it reminding them that they are problem solvers.

2) Encourage them to become leaders who accept responsibility for their actions and when they are wrong they will immediately correct their mistakes. Always correct someone in a non-condemning manner quietly not in public.

3) Encourage them to be problem solvers who are leaders and take action to find the solutions to their problems.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget".

If you need a speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

http://madelinefrank.com/

Are You A Problem Solver or A Complainer?

2011-09-21T21:41:00.000-04:00

By Dr. Madeline Frank

At work do you solve problems or do you complain and whine about them? Which one are you?

At our Company we have a dream employee, I will call A. When I have a problem I will discuss it with A. We will brain storm the problem for a few minutes and then we will each check out a few more facts on the problem and discuss our findings an hour later. At that time we will make a good decision on solving the problem.

A is an "indispensable member" of our team. A is intelligent, well- organized, is honest, full of integrity, fair- minded, always listens to others carefully, will always do the right thing and can be relied on to help solve problems and take responsibility for his or her actions at our company. In other words A is a leader.

Do you have a team member like A on your team at work? Wouldn’t you like all your team members to be just like our “team member A?”

Remember leaders take responsibility for their actions and when a mistake is made they admit it and correct it immediately. A leader takes a stand for honesty and integrity and accepts responsibility for his or her actions and does not pass the blame on to someone else. President Harry Truman said it best. "The Buck Stops Here!"

What are the five things you can do to solve problems and promote leadership at your company?

1) Be a leader who has the courage of your convictions, the honor, integrity, morality, is fair- minded, well-organized, listens to others, will always do the right thing all the time, has a code of ethics and a clear and decisive passionate belief in the right way to conduct business.

2) Always have a paper and pencil ready, where ever you are, in case you think of a solution to your problem. Think of yourself as a detective like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson and look for your solutions at work or at home.

3) Every day give yourself time to ponder your problems. Be observant and a good listener. Start thinking how to solve your problems today! Have a burning desire to solve your problems and Never, Never Give Up!

4) Continue to increase your knowledge in your chosen field by taking continuing education courses each year to improve your skills in your chosen field and read books by experts in your field each month to improve your expertise in your field. Never stop learning. As Dr. Einstein says, “The most important thing is not to stop questioning.”

5) Surround yourself with experts your "Brain Trust", competent people who know your business and markets are of like mind, and have a strong firm intellectual capacity to help you accomplish your goals. When you have a problem ask your experts what they would suggest by going around the table and listening carefully to your experts. Then make informed decisions.

The next time you decide to whine and complain instead of being a problem solver I want you to ask yourself the following question: “If I take this action will it make me proud?” This is the No. 1 question I ask my children and my students to remember to ask themselves before they make a serious error in judgment.

So, train your team members at your business to be problem solvers and before hiring a new team member for your business ask them how they would solve a particular problem. What steps would they take to solve a difficult problem? Their response will tell you if they are the right person for your company, a problem solver, a leader.

Remember you want to hire problem solvers, leaders, who take responsibility for their actions.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget". If you need a speaker contact Madeline at:
mfrankviola@gmail.com

Difference Between an Asset and a Liability By Madeline Frank

2011-07-22T22:45:00.000-04:00

Do you know the difference between an asset and a liability? My favorite definition is by Robert Kawasaki the author of “Rich Dad Poor Dad” who says “Assets put money in your pocket” and “a liability is something that takes money out of my pocket.”

An asset is an investment that keeps growing for you. The idea is to buy assets that keep earning money for you to put into your pocket. My Momma, Romayne Leader Frank, opened a savings account in the name of each of her children when we were very young. She taught us to put our chore money and our future paychecks into our accounts to start saving for the future. By the time I went to college, I had saved a nice nest egg for the future.

My Momma, Romayne Leader Frank, taught me in my high school years to make a budget of my expenses, to keep a ledger of the money going into the bank and the money to be paid out for expenses. She also taught me to put my entire paycheck in the bank, to pay all my bills, and to take out only the necessary amount for food and spending money. The remaining money went into my savings account to earn interest and increase over time with compounded interest. This account was my first asset. As a college student, I always had a job to help me with tuition and my apartment rent in New York City.

You want to buy assets that keep growing to increase your bank account. For example, if you own a rental property that you rent out and your tenant pays enough rent to cover all the taxes, insurance and up keep of the property and you still have money growing in your bank account that is an asset. You always want a positive return on your money. You want your money to increase and make more money for you to save and invest.

Over time I learned from my Grandmother, Mary Chernick Leader, my Momma's Momma, and my Father, Dr. Robert J. Frank, about studying stocks for long term investing. You would want to read everything written about the stock to make sure it is a good investment. A detailed study is necessary to do this. I would only purchase a few shares and then I would do dividend reinvesting and just watch my investment grow. Your money grows over time with compound interest.

A liability has only one function, to take money out of your pocket. A liability is a bill that you pay. Your mortgage on your house or car or any other kind of bill that takes money out of your pocket is a liability.

You want your assets to increase and grow so you have more money in your pocket.

What are the 4 things can you do to build up your wealth, your assets?

1) Put your paycheck in a savings account connected to a checking account and let the interest on your savings account compound over time. Pay your bills on time and save the rest of your earnings and do not spend your money for unnecessary things.

2) Think and carefully check on all the factors of the rental property you wish to purchase. Is the location of the property in a good area of town? What is the condition of the property? Is the property well maintained? What condition are the air conditioner, heater, plumbing, electrical, drywall, roof, windows, doors, appliances, and insulation and how are the grounds surrounding the property maintained? Check on the ownership of the property, to see if there are any liens on the property or any past due taxes. You need to know everything before you can make a decision on buying the property. Remember a rental property should bring in enough money to pay the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance for the property and leave extra money to put in your pocket, your bank account, to increase your assets.

3) If you decide to buy a stock do your homework and know all about that stock. Knowledge is the key to whether it will be a long time investment that will grow your portfolio into a nice nest egg for the future, your asset. Reinvest your stock dividends to help your assets to grow. Start small and think through your investments.

4) Think down the road about your retirement, IRA, Roth, and life insurance. Also decide on having a will or Revocable Trust to protect you and your family. Do your homework so you are knowledgeable about a product and how you can build your wealth, put more money in your pocket and build your portfolio, your assets for your future and your families.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show".

If you need a speaker contact Madeline at mfrankviola@gmail.com

http://madelinefrank.com/

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madeline_Frank

Leaving a Legacy

2011-06-08T09:20:00.001-04:00

My grandfather, Emil Ungerleider was born in 1904 in New York, N.Y. Grandfather's parents were immigrants from Hungary and he and his younger sister were born in New York. Later they moved to Detroit, Michigan where he worked at Ford Motor Company on the assembly line to put himself through the Detroit College of Law. He graduated at the top of his class in 1925 and Americanized his name to Earl D. Leader. He understood about hard work, good character, trustworthiness, and honesty. He established his law practice, Earl D. Leader, Attorney at Law, during the great depression helping small businesses be successful.

My grandfather was also a fine artist, poet, and sculptor and his beautiful works give pleasure to the many people that view his works.

My grandfather, Earl D. Leader was the lawyer who organized Motown Records in Detroit, Michigan by putting in his $1 and doing the paper work for free. He also worked as a lawyer for the composer Hoagie Carmichael. Earl D. Leader also helped many new businesses get started, and ran for local political office in Detroit, Michigan.

My grandfather, Earl D. Leader married my grandmother, Mary Chernick and they had their daughter Romayne,my mother, on May 28, 1929. My grandmother, Mary Chernick Leader worked as a secretary at the Boroughs Corporation, had a women's stock club where she taught other women how to study companies and invest in the stock market with little money to develop a nest egg. She also helped the Braille Society and sang and played the mandolin in a Mandolin Orchestra. She enjoyed reading and doing cross word puzzles and had a remarkable vocabulary which she shared with her daughter,my mother, Romayne.

My grandmother, Mary Chernick Leader was born on the lower east side of New York City to immigrants from Russia. My grandmother Mary's, father was an Iron worker and she had two older brothers born in Russia and a younger brother born in New York City. My great grandparents, the Chernick's from Russia taught their children the value of hard work, honesty, and integrity. They were taught to never give up until the goal was accomplished.

My mother,Romayne's parents, Earl and Mary Leader taught her the value of truth, honesty, hard work, religious faith, and service to others. Her parents discussed local politics and world affairs with her. During my grandfather's successful law practice in Detroit, Michigan he was the lawyer for many businesses and was the lawyer for many cases in the Supreme Court of Michigan helping small businesses. When Earl D. Leader sold his law practice in Detroit, Michigan he was doing the work of five lawyers and his health was in serious jeopardy. He had so many law cases that it was necessary to sell his firm to a group of lawyers. My grandfather, Earl D. Leader was dedicated to serving others.

My mother, Romayne Leader Frank became a lawyer like her father in 1963 and in 1990, my brother; her youngest child became a lawyer. At present the oldest grandson of Romayne Leader Frank, the great grandson of Earl and Mary Leader will be graduating law school next year.

My grandparent, Earl D. Leader and Mary Chernick Leader's, legacy is four generations of lawyers who have character, honor, integrity,, truthfulness, and a true desire to help others. Through these generations of leaders the goal was always the same to help others have a better life. I am also a legacy of my grandparents and parents teachings as I have shared the gifts they have taught me with the next generation. I am a teacher, businesswomen, author, and musician. The legacy that my grandparents, Mary Chernick Leader and Earl D. Leader started will continue with their great grandchildren. Their lives were dedicated to helping others and teaching their excellent example to their child, Romayne Leader Frank and by all the people they helped during their lives. Their legacy will continue on through generations to come.

What are three secrets my Grandparents, Earl D. Leader and Mary Chernick Leader taught about developing a legacy for the future?

1) Be willing to work hard, be trustworthy, honest, and be of good character and remember your name is priceless and protect it and your reputation.

2) Never stop learning and always continue to develop your mind by studying and reading to gain new knowledge every day.

3) Be compassionate and dedicated to serving others.

How to Keep Your Mind Sharp, Clear, and Vibrant On A Shoestring Budget

2011-05-25T22:49:00.000-04:00

By Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

What do you enjoy doing for fun? What do you feel passionately about? What makes you smile?

When I was a music student studying in New York City at the Juilliard School I played for the 92nd Y Orchestra to help cover my expenses for school and met Herman Silver, a 75 year old amateur musician who felt passionately about making music. He introduced himself to me the very first day I came to play with the orchestra. He had more energy and enthusiasm than most of the other younger players in the orchestra. He always had such a zest for life too!

On Saturday nights he had chamber music parties where the best musicians in town amateur and professional, ages 20- 80, would come and play the most famous musical pieces in groups of quintets, septets, and octets. We played works by Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Mozart, Brahms, and Beethoven. One of the big attractions to go with the joy of making music was the wonderful food cooked up and placed on a long table during our intermissions. We all had such a good time together.

Herman loved to play music and it kept his mind fresh and vibrant through his mid- 80s. He enjoyed sharing his passion for music with others and Mentoring other musicians to continue his legacy.

My Dad, Dr. Robert J. Frank was a retired medical doctor, land developer and builder. He exercised every day through his mid- 80’s. He would say that he was going to the exercise parlor and that he did not like going but it kept him flexible and moving. He also enjoyed reading detective stories, thrived on solving problems, and enjoyed planting a garden every year.

Dad felt it was important to eat right, watch your weight, and to exercise regularly at least 3 days a week at the minimum.

I recently gave a Lecture /Workshop at the Veterans Hospital for the hospital doctors, nurses, and staff members. This was a Music therapy workshop to assist patient’s recovery. We went to see several patients. A gentleman in his late 60s to early 70’s was in the fourth stage of Alzheimer’s. He was talking in gibberish when we walked in. I asked him to nod if he wanted me to play a Classical piece or to nod for me to play him a jazz piece. He nodded for me to play a Classical piece. I played the Meditation from the Opera Thais by Jules Massenet.

He began to move his arms to the music and then after a few seconds started talking in clear coherent sentences. He told me that he used to play the piano. He was so animated and happy. The Classical piece I played helped him remember. The music gave him a sense of self.

I explained to the medical staff how the patients would benefit from hearing the music they loved best to help them remember and jog their memories. I suggested listening to music for 30 to 45 minutes a day.

What are 7 things you can do to keep your mind sharp, vibrant, and clear?

1) Take a class at the local College, University, or Community Center at a reduced or free price for seniors. They offer courses in many different fields.

2) Learn how to play a musical instrument that you have always wanted to play by taking lessons.

3) Join a club for reading, writing, sewing, knitting, crocheting, dancing or speaking and meet a wonderful group of people who share your interests to stretch and sharpen your mind.

4) Share your expertise on a subject you feel passionately about by becoming a mentor or tutor.

5) Join a Health Club or Gym and exercise at least 3 times a week.

6) Do you enjoy listening to music? Play your favorite music every day for 30- 40 minutes to make you smile, improve your mood, and help you think more clearly.

7) Write a legacy article for you and your family to enjoy.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show".

If you need a speaker contact Madeline at mfrankviola@gmail.com.

Count Your Blessings

2011-04-19T21:52:00.000-04:00

By Madeline Frank

How many of us ever remember to count our blessings? Do you give thanks for your blessings? How do you remember the people who have helped you, believed in you, and loved you over the years? Do you start the day with a positive attitude remembering the blessings you were given?

Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I am thankful for a wonderful caring mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and Aunt –in-law. Do you give thanks for your blessings? Every year we have special days to remind us to give thanks. We should give thanks every day for our blessings.

My Momma, Romayne Leader Frank arranged her law classes so she would be home when my older brother and I got home from elementary school. She'd have milk and cookies on the dining room table for my brother and I and she would join us with her coffee. We would all study together every day after school. Momma had her law books to study and my brother and I had our homework from elementary school to study. If you had a question Momma would say very softly, "How about opening your book and looking for the answer?"

As a child of 8, I remember thinking that it didn't feel quite so lonely and awful anymore to sit and do our homework because Momma was right there with us doing her homework too. We worked together for three years until Momma finished law school at the top of her class. Momma, Romayne Leader Frank taught us to look for the answers to our problems. She taught us to think for ourselves.

Mary Chernick Leader ,my Grandmother, my Momma's mother,worked as a secretary at the Boroughs Corporation, had a women's stock club where she taught other women how to study companies and invest in the stock market with little money to develop a nest egg. She also helped the Braille Society and sang and played the mandolin in a Mandolin Orchestra. She raised a wonderful daughter my Momma, Romayne Leader Frank, who learned from her patience, kindness, dedication to her family and caring about others.My Grandma Leader enjoyed reading and doing cross word puzzles and had a remarkable vocabulary which she shared with her daughter, my Momma.

When I was a child of 7, I remember Grandma Leader sitting patiently with me encouraging me to read. She had a Hershey’s Chocolate bar and a bottle of Coca-Cola on the table nearby and every page of the book I read to her I would receive the prize of a bite of chocolate and a sip of Coca-Cola. This was a big treat as both Momma and Grandma did not ordinarily let any of us eat candy or soda pop.

My Mother-in-Law, Pearl Neustein Berger was the 6th child out of 8 children born to Regina and Herman Neustein. My Mother-in- law, Pearl raised her two children, ages 5 and 13,when her husband Samuel Berger died of Cancer. She worked hard to provide for her children giving them good moral values ,taught them to study and work hard, and to care about helping others. She had them go to religious services every week. She worked hard to make sure both her children went to college and graduate school.

For many years she worked at B. Altman’s in New York City, a wonderful department store. I remember, shortly after my husband Allan and I were married, my husband had to register for his next semester of graduate school and he could not get off work to go to Barnard Baruch to register. I was working that day too. His Mom, Pearl Berger, had that day off from work and she said she would get him registered at the school. She was always willing to help her children and others. She was one of the most caring and honorable people I have had the pleasure to know. She was five feet one inches tall and to me she was one of the tallest and strongest women I have known because of her caring and commitment to her family, friends and helping others.

Pearl Berger’s sister, my Aunt- in- Law, Helen Neustein was the 7th child of the family. Helen also worked at B.Altman’s Department store in the shoe department. She was a wonderful person with a very big heart raised with the values of honor and respect just like her sister Pearl. My husband, Allan, remembers her playing baseball with him as a child. She was always patient and kind. Helen was also about 5 foot one inch tall but she seemed 6 feet tall because of her caring and commitment to her family, friends, and clients.

What are 3 things you can do to remember the blessings you have been given?

1) Start your day by remembering and writing down your blessings. Think of one person who has made a positive impact on your life and do something nice for them.

2) Honor a special person in your life on a weekly basis by acts of kindness to others.

3)Think of the people who have made a difference in your life and honor them in some way by sharing those blessings with others by acts of kindness.

Remember to start your day by counting your blessings!

What have I learned from my Momma, Romayne Leader Frank, my Grandma Mary Chernick Leader, my Mother-in-Law, Pearl Neustein Berger, and my Aunt-in-Law, Helen Neustein?

1)Be patient and persistent no matter how difficult the problem and keep working to find your solution.

2) Never be overwhelmed by adversity and stick to your course of action to solve the problem.

3) Remember that if we help others we will be helping ourselves at the same time.

"Stress Relief Through Time Management" by Madeline Frank

2011-03-13T21:20:00.000-04:00

How do you deal with stress at work? Have you ever thought of organizing, prioritizing and managing your time?

It’s Monday morning at my job and work has just started to pile up on my desk. I’m beginning to feel the stress. I immediately start to make a list of my priorities. If I have any meetings or appointments I enter them on the list with the time of the meeting or the appointment and leave space to write or type in
my work projects. My most important work priority is listed first on my list after placing my meetings and appointments, with the due dates of the work and how long it will take for each project. I always allow a little extra time for difficult jobs. This is my “mapping out phase”. Then I set to work doing the work, meetings, and appointments that are due that day.

I begin to work on my first project and I am so involved in the work that my stress has been forgotten. From time to time I check my watch to stay on time with my schedule. When I finish that job I cross it off my list and start on the next one. At this point usually an hour or two has passed and I stand up stretch and reach for my bottle of water and take a sip. Then I reach for a celery stick, a carrot, or a granola bar. Then I continue working on the next item on my list.

When someone comes in and asks me to do something for them, I quickly decide if I can help them in 30 seconds or less or whether it will have to be put on tomorrows list. My priorities have already been established by my organized list, my map for the day. I have learned when it is necessary to say “no” or put them off until tomorrow.

If someone suddenly comes in and demands money for a job I have never heard of. I ask them to let me copy their original invoices or bills so I can investigate their claims within the next 48 hours. I will also ask for a phone number to reach them. I quickly make a copy and return their original to them. I look directly at them, when I speak to them, and reply calmly despite the nastily made demand for money. After the person leaves, I will write down what time the person came to my office and how they behaved. On Tuesday, I will verify if the work was done, how well it was done and if the bill is correct. I will also ask for before and after pictures of the job.

I recently joined a local Toastmasters club which gave me the skills and confidence to speak quickly and clearly in response to almost anyone’s tirade. At Toastmasters this impromptu speaking is called Table Topics. During our Toastmasters meeting a different question is asked to each Toastmaster member by the Table Topics Master. Each member speaks for a minute or two on the specific question asked. We do not know what the question will be so we have to think of an answer to the question within a few seconds. This is a wonderful way to learn to speak quickly on your feet. My Toastmasters club also teaches you how to prepare a speech and how to deliver the speech with confidence. Our members critique our speeches to tell us how to make each speech better. My Toastmasters club has helped me improve my oral and written communications skills and has made me a better leader.

So, what are the 3 ways you can relieve your stress through time management?

1) “Map out” all your work by scheduling and organizing your work on a sheet of paper or on your computer. Remember to “prioritize” your work. Think about which job is most important and when it is due. Also decide how long it will take you to do the work and add in a little extra time in case you run into difficulties. Place your most important job that is due that day as “number 1” on your list and continue filling out your schedule. If you have any meetings or appointments put them on the list with the time of the meeting or the appointment and move around the prioritized work to fit in your schedule. All work, meetings and appointments must be listed on your schedule, your map. When someone comes in and asks you to do something extra for them, quickly decide if you can help them in 30 seconds or less or whether you should tell them “no” or that you will put their request on tomorrows list. Remember your priorities have already been established on your organized list, your map for the day.

2) When someone comes in demanding money or anything else, copy all documents, look them in the eye, remain calm, and tell them you will investigate the matter within 48 hours. Ask for their phone number. After they leave, write down their name, what time they came in, and how they behaved. On Tuesday’s list verify if the work was done, how well it was done and if the bill is correct. Also ask for before and after pictures of the job.

3) Visit a Toastmasters club near you to see how you can learn to think faster on your feet and be more comfortable dealing with difficult people. Toastmasters clubs also teach their members to prepare speeches, to give speeches improving both written and oral presentations.

You too can manage your stress by using the principals of time management to organize and map out your work and your time.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful.

For more information about booking Dr. Madeline Frank for your next event email her at mfrankviola@gmail.com or visit http://madelinefrank.com/.

Good Tenants Are Hard to Find! by Madeline Frank

2011-02-08T20:35:00.000-05:00

In looking for a new tenant to rent your property what is the first thing you think about when you see a prospective tenant? What is your first impression of your prospective tenant?

My husband and I just received a thank you note from our tenants of 7 years. They said they “had a wonderful experience” at our property. They also wrote and thanked us “for always responding so quickly to their needs” when something broke down.

When we met them over 7 years ago they dressed neatly and cleanly to view our property. They arrived on time. Their cars were in good shape. Their cars were older models well maintained and in good condition. After viewing our property they looked us in the eye and told us they liked our property very much and would treat our property with respect if we chose them as our new tenants. They also said they had a history of paying their rent and bills on time and would be happy for us to do a credit and criminal check on them. We asked them to fill out a credit application and for the fee to cover a credit and criminal check. They filled out the application and gave us the fee. We submitted the application and fee and they came out in excellent shape.
What are the 3 questions you should ask yourself when you interview a prospective tenant or tenants for your property?

1) What was your first impression of your prospective tenant? Did he, she, or they arrive on time to view your property? Did they dress neatly and cleanly looking well groomed? If their children were with them were they dressed cleanly and neatly and did the children speak to their parents politely and with respect?

2) What kind of condition were their cars in? Did the car or cars have dings, dents, broken windows, broken mirrors, or any other problems like billowing smoke coming out of the hood of the car?

3) Did they look you in eye and tell you they paid their rent and bills on time? Were they willing to prove it by paying for a credit and criminal check?

If your prospective tenants do the following: Arrive at the time agreed on, dress neatly and cleanly, have their children also dressed neatly and cleanly, take care of their cars and have paid their past rent and bills. It’s a positive sign that they will treat your property with respect too!

First impressions are the most important impressions you can make.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful.

For more information about booking Dr. Madeline Frank for your next event email her at mfrankviola@gmail.com or

Visit http://madelinefrank.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madeline_Frank

Eye Ball to Eye Ball by Madeline Frank

2011-01-10T20:27:00.000-05:00

Do you like to look people in the eye, eye ball to eye ball, to judge their honesty, integrity and commitment? Could looking eye ball to eye ball keep you alive? I have always felt that the eyes are "the windows of the soul!'

When I was living in New York City and attending the Juilliard School I went home one day at around 4pm in the afternoon. It was a beautiful day. I arrived at my 74th street walk up apartment building with my viola on my shoulder in its case, my purse slung over my right shoulder, and my apricot cookies hanging out of the back pocket of my jeans.

I opened the 1st door to the small apartment building into a tiny alcove about the size of 1 person and started to take my key out to open the next locked door when suddenly a nice looking well dressed man over 6 feet tall in designer jeans, shirt, and boots came up behind me.

At first I thought he lived in the building, but the next second he pulled out a machete and held it to my neck. It was a very tight squeeze in this space.

I was thinking to myself as I continued to look him in the eyes. Am I strong enough to get the knife away from him without cutting myself?

I decided he looked stronger then I was and if I cut my hands I would not be able to play ever again.

He said, "Give me the keys to your building?"

I said "No" and continued to look him in the eyes and said, "are you hungry?
Would you like an apricot cookie? I have them with me."

He continued to hold the knife to my neck and I continued to look him in the eye. He said "No" and then said "give me your wallet!"

I said, "Can you leave me some of the money in my wallet?" I had around twenty dollars in bills in the wallet.

He continued to hold the knife at my neck and said "Don't move. I'm going to leave in a minute and do not turn around." He grabbed my wallet and left the tiny alcove dropping my wallet to the ground. I pulled out my keys, grabbed the wallet on the floor, opened the door, shut it and ran up the stair case to the fourth floor.

I unlocked the door to my apartment and my roommate was standing there. I said "Do we have any wine or beer?"

She said, "You are under age and cannot drink!"

I said, "I've just been mugged and I need a drink! "

She said "we have cooking sherry and you need to call the police."
She poured the cooking sherry and we called the police.

The next day I went to the Police Station and went through thousands of mug shots and identified my well dressed mugger, but each address listed was false.

A few months later I moved to a building that had a smiling doorman and a well lit inviting lobby. I was always happy to come home from school into the cheerful lobby and smiling door man.

After this experience I became more alert to my surroundings. If I came home after playing a concert and it was late at night and I could not get a taxi I would walk home singing opera music. If anyone approached I would sing a little louder as most people do not want to mug a crazy person who sings Opera. They think you might be unstable!

When I look in the eyes of my co-workers, family members and friends I always look to see if they will continue to look me in the eye when they speak to me. I am always searching for the truth! When the person will not continue to look you in the eyes and suddenly looks away "I know something is up and they are hiding something."

In looking at my mugger Eye Ball to Eye Ball I know I saved my own life.
My motto is look at the person you are speaking to Eye ball to Eye Ball!

When I want to know if my children are telling me the truth I look them in the eye "Eyeball to Eye Ball" to judge their honesty and integrity about a given situation.

What are the three things you can do to keep from getting mugged while walking or going into a building?

1) Project confidence as you walk. Do not listen to your Ipod or talk on the phone when walking as you will be unaware of your surroundings. You need to observe and be aware of your surroundings. Always walk in well lit areas and do not wear expensive jewelry that a mugger can rip off of you such as a necklace, bracelet, watch or ring. Do not flaunt your wealth.

2) Guys put your wallet in your inside pocket. Gals make sure your purse strap is short and close to you or else a mugger can cut your purse strap and run with it. They can also cut the bottom of the purse and remove the contents that way. I have had this happen to me.

3) If someone gets in front of your face look them straight in the eye. Do not back down. Most people will not be willing to look you in the eye and hold the contact.

The next time you want to know if something is true or false about a given situation look the person in the eye "Eye Ball to Eye Ball" and find out if they are telling the truth or not.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is a speaker, bestselling author, business owner, and award winning teacher. She is an expert on helping businesses and organizations create a world class culture of customer service, leadership and motivation. Many companies and organizations have discovered the magic of Madeline's "Tuning Up Your Business" programs. Many companies and organizations have discovered better communication, reduction of workplace stress, and enhanced customer loyalty as a result of her programs.

To contact Madeline to speak to your organization go to mfrankviola@gmail.com
Madeline's web site: http://www.madelinefrank.com

EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madeline_Frank

What Leadership Legacy Will You Leave to the Next Generation?

2010-12-19T22:06:00.000-05:00

Women's Leadership Lessons

2010-11-03T20:57:00.000-04:00

By Madeline Frank

If you were the new Leader of your country and your country was on the brink of disaster with virtual bankruptcy, rising unemployment, rising inflation, and crippling labor strikes what actions would you take to save your country and what leadership principals would guide you to success? If you starting your new construction and management company on a shoe string budget 40 years ago what leadership principles guided your company to success?

In 1979 Great Britain's economy was bankrupt and the newly elected Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher immediately set to work privatizing all nationalized industries such as aerospace firms, telephone firms, utilities, the National Freight Company and public housing which was sold to its tenants. She sold all these industries at favorable terms to promote private enterprise. Her aim was to reduce government power and promote the rights of individuals who would be property owners and pay a mortgage on their new properties.

Labor unions were crippling Great Britain with their intimidation and strikes. Prime Minister Thatcher stood firm against the unions bringing the coal industries and the steel industries under control. Employers and their workforce had achieved the proper balance. It was no longer necessary for men to join the unions.
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher believed in putting her "faith in freedom, free markets, limited government and a strong national defense."

Early Family life and education of Margaret Roberts

Margaret Hilda Roberts was born in Grantham, England to Alfred and Beatrice Roberts on Oct.13, 1925. As a child, Margaret Roberts learned about the business of balancing budgets in her parent's, the Roberts grocery store in Grantham. Her family lived above the store and she and her older sister were raised to be truthful, to attend church, to help others and do charitable work in their close community. Margaret's father, Alfred Roberts talked daily about Conservative politics in their home. In Grantham he was a councilor in local politics.

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister for 3 terms, 11 and a half years. When she became Prime Minister her country was on the brink of financial disaster and with problems of law and order. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said at the time "Unless we change our ways and our direction, our greatness as a nation will soon be a footnote in the history books, a distant memory of an offshore island, lost in the mist of time like Camelot, remembered kindly for its noble past."

When she left office in 1990 her legacy was a sound economy with a society that was confident about its future.

Leadership Principals: As a leader she believed in working with experts who shared her vision, her plan of action with a shared goal of repairing Great Britain's economy. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was nicknamed the "Iron Lady" by the Soviets " for the tough line she took against them". As a leader she had strength, determination, honesty, integrity, and the courage of her convictions with a passionate belief in the right way to get her country back on track once again.

Romayne Leader Frank, my mother, began her successful construction and management business from the ground up over 40 years ago on a shoe string budget. She began her Construction and Real Estate Management Company with her husband, my father Robert J Frank, M.D.

Leadership Principals: Romayne Leader Frank began the new company by surrounding herself with experts who knew the building business and real estate markets. She listened to her experts and had a vision, a plan of action for their new company. My mother had a gift for looking at land and seeing its potential. She had the courage of her convictions, honor, integrity, and morality that included a code of ethics and a clear and decisive passionate belief in the right way to conduct her business.

My mother, Romayne Leader Frank, said "In the building business you want to use a licensed building contractor, who is experienced with references, insured, has workmen's compensation, and is also bonded for time and money." This means the job is to be completed for an established amount of money and to be completed by a certain date. In building you want a turnkey job, all inclusive from a knowledgeable and
licensed contractor.

Their legacy: My mother and father, Romayne Leader Frank and Robert J. Frank, M.D. constructed dozens of buildings from Oyster Point to J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, in Newport News, Virginia and in Hampton, Virginia, James City County, in Williamsburg, Virginia, and the Isle of Wight, VA. Bringing new businesses to the Cities where they constructed new buildings. They also brought many new jobs and more taxes into these Cities.

Family life and education of Romayne Leader Frank

Romayne Leader was born in Detroit, Michigan to Earl David Leader and Mary Chernick Leader on May 28, 1929. Romayne's father, Earl D. Leader worked at the Ford Automobile Company assembling automobiles to put himself through law school. Once he had finishes law school he represented many businesses and ran for local political office. Romayne's mother, Mary Chernick Leader worked as a secretary at the Boroughs Corporation, had a women's stock club where she taught other women how to study companies and invest in the stock market with little money to develop a nest egg, and helped the Braille Society. Romayne's parents taught her the value of truth, honesty, hard work, religious faith and service to others. Her parents discussed the local politics with her and taught her about business and finance.

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Business women, Romayne Leader Frank were chartering new territory in male dominated areas of government and business. Both went to law school after being married at a time when women did not go to law school or work outside the home when they had young children. Both understood the value of a law education in society to help serve others. They had the courage of their convictions as leaders to never give up regardless of the obstacles. With character, honor, integrity, and hard work they accomplished their goals to serve others. As women leaders they left a legacy for their countries and their children and grandchildren of economic growth and prosperity and the right and honorable way to conduct business.

What are the five things you can do to be a world class leader like Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and business woman, Romayne Leader Frank?

1) Be a leader who has the courage of their convictions, the honor, integrity, and morality that includes a code of ethics and a clear and decisive passionate belief in the right way to conduct business or run your country.

2) As the leader of your country, organization or business surrounds yourself with a "Brain Trust", competent people who know your business and markets, are of like mind, and have a strong firm intellectual capacity to help you accomplish your goals.

3) Go around the table and listen to your experts carefully. Then make informed decisions.

4) Once the Leader of the country, business, or organization CEO knows all the problems to be faced and has studied them from every angle, the Leader needs to have a vision, a plan of action with the goal to be accomplished. Leaders need to have a strong belief in service to others.

5) In the building business you want to use a building contractor, who is experienced with references, licensed, insured, has workmen's compensation, and is also bonded for time and money. This means the job is to be completed for an established amount of money and to be completed by a certain date. In building you want a turnkey job, all inclusive from a knowledgeable contractor. Remember the idea is to keep costs down with excellent workmanship from a licensed, insured contractor with a turnkey job and no change orders permitted.

By Dr. Madeline Frank

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. business owner, teacher, researcher, speaker and concert artist. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show".

If you need a speaker contact Madeline at mfrankviola@gmail.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madeline_Frank

How to Keep That Happy Feeling All the Time

2010-08-27T19:13:00.000-04:00

By Madeline Frank

Do you remember how happy you were on your very first day of vacation? Do you remember the excitement of your first day of your new job? Do you remember the day you graduated high school or college and how happy you were? How do you keep that positive happy feeling inside of you when everything is going wrong? How do you keep the stress at bay?

My most favorite vacation was going to Hatteras, North Carolina with my parents,brothers, sister, sister-in-law and my husband. We stayed at a lovely 5 bedroom house with 5 bathrooms, large living room, dining room. den, with a huge kitchen over looking the ocean with a barbecue unit out back. The house was well maintained with decks all over the back of the house to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery to relax and unwind by.

To me it was a small slice of paradise. We enjoyed being together, swimming, fishing, watching movies on our video and cooking a few meals in the house together. Near the house were several family owned sea food restaurants where we enjoyed the fresh fish of the day. Also near by were several gift shops to buy clothes and gifts.
We watched beautiful sunsets together and walked along the beach feeling the sand under our feet, the cool breeze in our hair, looking at the beautiful water and seeing the living sea weed, corral, and fiddler crabs all around us.

It was a wonderful four days with my family that I will treasure forever.

What 3 things can you do to keep your happy feeling all the time?

1) Write down your list of favorite memories on a piece of paper and place it where you can see it every day.

2) Take a few minutes to visualize one of your favorite memories when everything is going wrong.

3) Remember to breathe so you can calm yourself down and think clearly once again.

Thinking about treasured happy memories brings us back to thinking clearly. Happiness always brings about clear focused thinking.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. business owner, teacher, researcher, speaker and concert artist. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show".

If you need a speaker contact Madeline at mfrankviola@gmail.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madeline_Frank

Is Simple Courtesy Dead?

2010-07-08T22:57:00.000-04:00

By Madeline Frank

When do you say thank you? Have you ever given a gift to a relative, friend, teacher, or business associate and not received a thank you for it? How do you know the gift has been received?

Your parents gave you the gift of life and the gift of an education. Have you thanked them for their efforts? How have you thanked a favorite teacher who changed your life for the better by helping you find your future career? How have you rewarded them for their gift to you? Did you ever have an interview and send the prospective employer a note thanking them for the interview?

As a young child my mother, Romayne Leader Frank, always had each of us, her 4 children, write thank you notes for the gifts we received. It did not matter if we liked the gift or not, it was important for us to acknowledge receiving the gift. Throughout my life I have always written thank you notes, called to thank the gift giver for their gift and in many cases given a gift in return.

We have all been helped on our journey in life by our parents, our teachers, our families, our friends and our business associates.

Remember the following three things when you are given a gift:

1) If someone sends you a gift by mail, hands you a gift, or gives you the gift of helping you in some way be polite and let them know immediately that you received their gift by sending a thank you note. It only takes a few minutes and means so much to the sender of the gift. The cost for shipping is very expensive and the gift giver has gone to a lot of effort to send you this gift.

2) If you cannot take a few minutes to write a thank you note at least call them and tell them you received their gift, text them a note back, fax them or e-mail them a note of thanks for giving you the gift.

3) Remember sending a thank you note might be a secret test of whether you receive the job or not. It is always good to do the right thing and send a thank you note. It might be the last thing the gift giver remembers.

Over the years I have been grateful to the teachers who have believed in my abilities, encouraged me and guided me to success. I always like to repay my debts back whether its my mortgage on my house or the debt I owe my parents, relatives, teacher, friends, or business associates. I enjoy giving them gifts and as my father, Dr. Robert J. Frank, always said, "It is better to give gifts than receive them".

Remember "Courtesy is Not Dead" send a thank you note!

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker,
business owner, teacher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. For more information about booking Dr. Madeline Frank for your next event email her at mfrankviola@gmail.com or

Visit http://madelinefrank.com/.

Madeline Frank - EzineArticles.com Expert Author

Customer Service at Its Very Worst

2010-06-21T19:39:00.000-04:00

By Madeline Frank

We have exactly one hour to eat lunch at our Company. How long does it take for a restaurant to make a sandwich?

We went to a restaurant for lunch at 12:35pm this week. The restaurant was almost empty of patrons. We were led to a table and the waiter took our order for drinks, a cup of soup and sandwiches. The drinks were brought a few minutes later with a cup of soup for my husband. We were still waiting for the sandwiches at 1:15pm. I found a waiter and told him we needed to leave in a few minutes to go back to work. I asked him to bring our order and wrap it up to go. Nothing happened!

After 5 minutes we went to the manager and said we needed the food and the bill as we had to leave to get back to work. Still nothing happened! A third time we told them we must leave now!

At that point we left to go back to work. We agreed to never, never go back to that restaurant.

What are the three secrets your employees need to know to develop "Excellent Customer Service" in your restaurant or business?

1) Your employees should always smile, be polite and helpful to their customers. A customer should feel like an honored guest in your restaurant or business.

2) Waiters, waitresses, and sales personnel should serve their customers in a reliable and timely manner.

3) Employees, waiters or waitresses should be attentive and bring customers orders promptly.

What should your employees not do in your business?

1) Your employees should never ignore their customers.

2) Your employees should never disappear and force your customers to search for them to ask for their orders.

3) Employees in restaurants or stores should not forget to deliver customers orders.

Your customers are your best advertisers and if you do not do right by them, they will tell everyone they know about the disastrous experience they had at your restaurant or store. All customers wish to be treated fairly, honestly, and in a timely polite manner. If our customers do not like our service they will not want to do business with us ever again.

Remember we are there to serve our customers.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful.

For more information on booking Dr. Madeline Frank to speak at your next event email her at mfrankviola@gmail.com

or visit http://madelinefrank.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madeline_Frank

Treat Your Customer Right

2010-05-27T23:21:00.000-04:00

By Madeline Frank

My parents planned a family vacation at the beach 6 months in advance. The day had finally arrived. My younger brother and sister traveled with our parents, my older brother and his wife traveled together and my new husband and I followed in the next car. We drove caravan style from our homes to the hotel in four and half hours. We all checked into our rooms and several of us ran to sit by the beach but several of us stayed in our rooms.

We had been in our hotel rooms for an hour when the toilets backed up. Plungers did not work this was a major problem.We went over to the managers office and told them what happened. They sent someone to look over the problem and after trying to fix it they said it was major plumbing problem.

The head manager made a few calls to find us another place to stay for our entire family. When no other hotels were available he put our family in a house they owned by the ocean. The house was a dream come true where our whole family could unwind and enjoy themselves. The house was right on the ocean with five bedrooms, a large kitchen, several full bathrooms, a living room, dining room, and a large den beautifully furnished.

Several wonderful restaurants and shops were available 20 minutes by car. We felt as if we were on our own island on the beach. We had a wonderful week together at the beach.

This is how a hotel, complex, or apartment should be managed. If something brakes down at your hotel, complex, apartment building, office building, or restaurant have the problem fixed immediately. Do not wait till tomorrow!

What are the 3 secrets of treating your customers right?

1) When your customers enter your business your employees need to smile, be respectful, be polite, be helpful, be knowledgeable, be well groomed, dress appropriately and make a good first impression so your customers want to continue being your customers.

2) Your employees should speak to customers and their family members in a reliable and timely manner.

3) When the toilet, plumbing or something else brakes down in your business have it repaired immediately.

Remember leaking pipes only get worse and can destroy your reputation, your business, and your building! Remember we are there to serve our customers. Get it right the first time!

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. For more information about booking Dr. Madeline Frank for your next event email her at mfrankviola@gmail.com or visit http://madelinefrank.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madeline_Frank

“Do the Right Thing to Keep Your Customers”

2010-05-06T22:57:00.000-04:00

by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

Should you listen to your customers? As a business aren’t we there to serve our customers?

My husband and I recently went to a new restaurant that just opened up near our home. When we entered the new restaurant there were no smiles on the owners or waitresses faces. We were seated and ordered off the menu. No bread was served. My husband ordered the fresh fish of the day. When the food finally arrived, after 30 minutes of waiting for it to cook, the waitress brought someone else’s order of pork chops. My husband looked at it and called the waitress back to find out what happened to his fresh fish dinner.

She said she was sorry, but the other table had already eaten his fresh fish of the day. That was the first and last time we went into that restaurant.

What are the three secrets you need to know to develop "Excellent Customer Service" in your business?

1) Your employees should always smile , be polite and helpful to their customers. A customer should feel like an honored guest in your restaurant or store.

2) Your employees should write down the customer’s orders and repeat it back to them to make sure it is written down correctly.

3) If your employee makes a mistake they should apologize on making the mistake and correct it immediately. The waitress should not try to pass off the wrong meal to a customer.

All customers wish to be treated fairly and honestly in a friendly polite manner. Remember we are there to serve our customers.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful.

For more information about booking Dr. Madeline Frank for your next event email her at mfrankviola@gmail.com or visit http://madelinefrank.com/.

Where's the Customer Service?

2010-04-10T22:01:00.000-04:00

By Madeline Frank

If you went into a business and the sales person was rude to you, did not know the sales price, and threw your canned goods in a bag would you continue purchasing in that store? What does excellent customer service mean to you?

There is a local chain grocery store near my house. The store is well lit and has a good display of products at a fair price. I located all the products I wanted to purchase and stood in line to wait for my turn to pay for my groceries. The unsmiling Cashier was not having a good day. When it was my turn to purchase my groceries
the Cashier rang up my purchases at the higher non- sale price. I reminded her about the sale price. She corrected it and I paid for my groceries. The Clerk then roughly threw my cans in a bag. I looked in the bag and my once beautifully shaped cans were mangled.

I went to the Manager of the store, I was so unhappy about my cans being ruined. The manager brought me new cans to substitute for the dented ones. The Manager did not apologize for his employee’s behavior and the Manager did not smile either.
Here are the keys to having your Business run smoothly:

1) Your cashiers or employees should always smile and be polite and helpful to their customers. A customer is an honored guest in their store.

2) Your cashiers or employees should know the sales items and if they do not they should apologize on making a mistake and correct it.

3) When the sale is completed your employees should carefully place the items purchased in the bag. It does not matter if it is a $2 can or a $500 glass lamp, your customers purchases should be treated carefully with respect.

All customers wish to be treated with courtesy and respect in a friendly polite manner. If we do not get it we will find another store where the customer is treated like an honored guest. Remember First Impressions can never be repeated!

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful.

For more information about booking Dr. Madeline Frank for your next event email her atmfrankviola@gmail.com or visit http://madelinefrank.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madeline_Frank

Keys to Survival During Times of Financial Stress

2010-03-21T11:21:00.000-04:00

If your spouse passed away would you be able to pay your bills? If you were divorced would you be able to pay your bills and take care of your family? If your parents passed away would you be able to pay your bills?

Are you getting married soon? Several of my former students have just gotten married and next month another former student will be marrying his sweetheart. Whether you are single, married, divorced, or your spouse has passed away you need a plan in place for your financial future to protect you and your family.

When I was engaged to be married, my Momma, Romayne Leader Frank, a lawyer specializing in Family Law and Real Estate, was getting ready to give a speech to the local Women's Club on "Financial Success". Mamma had clients who were widowers, widowed, divorced, and single who suddenly had no money or credit in their own name. The credit card and bank accounts were in their deceased spouses name, their divorced spouses name or in their parents name which meant they did not have any money or credit in their own name and were unable to pay their bills and take care of themselves and their families.

My Momma asked me to listen to her speech to see what I thought of it! Momma spoke of the need for women to have credit in their own name, not in their spouse’s name, their former spouse’s name or their parents name but in their own name.

On that particular day Momma was talking to the Women’s Club. When she spoke to other organizations she said “Everyone, meaning both men and women, should always have their own separate checking, savings and credit card accounts in their own name so they would never find themselves without a way to support themselves and their loved ones.

I have over the years called our families’ accounts yours, mine and ours. The same name as the Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda Movie "Yours, Mine and Ours." In the movie the title referred to children though not to money. Over the years, I have shared my Momma's wisdom with many others. Her speech was well received by me and the Women’s Club and has stood the test of time.

What are the secrets my Momma, Romayne Leader Frank taught for women and men to be financially independent?

1) Open a bank account in your name at a secure bank that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and start immediately to put your money in it for your nest egg.

2) Open a checking account in your own name and put your money in it.

3) Get an American Express and or Visa Card at a very low interest rate in your own name and begin to use it immediately and pay your bill as soon as the statement comes in to establish your credit.

4) If you buy a house make sure your name is on the title and before purchasing your house have a professional title search done to make sure there are no liens or prior owners of the house.

5) If you are paying a mortgage on your house pay the bill on time. If the interest is too high, talk to the holder of your mortgage and get it moved down. Always get a fixed mortgage rate.

6) If you buy a car make sure the title is in your name. If you are paying the car off each month pay the monthly charge on time. If the mortgage on the car is too high, talk to the mortgage company into lowering the rate. Make sure you have a locked in fixed rate.

By Dr. Madeline Frank

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations discover ways to “Tune Up Your Business”. Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful.

For more information about booking Dr. Madeline Frank at your next event email her at mfrankviola@gmail.com ,call 757-599-3575 or visit http://madelinefrank.com/

Secrets of Growing Your Business Through Customer and Employee Retention

2010-03-03T21:36:00.000-05:00

The bottom line in this shrinking business market is to keep your customers happy. That means the "First Impression" you and your employees make can never be repeated. It takes only a few seconds for a customer to decide if they want to do business with you.

We want our clients to come to us for the solutions to their problems and we want our clients to recommend their friends to be our new clients.

What are the five secrets you need to know to develop "Excellent Customer Service" in your business?

1) In business to retain customers during this shrinking jobs and services market, we need to train sales people to do the following: Smile, be polite, be helpful,be knowledgeable, be clean, well groomed, dress appropriately and make a good first impression so our customers want to continue being our customers.

2) Sales personnel should speak to customers and their family members in a reliable and timely manner.

Examples of what not to do:

Employees should not be talking to their friends on the phone and ignoring their customers.

If your sales personnel are responsible for apartments,rental homes, offices, buildings, or hotel rooms and the toilet is broken it must be repaired immediately. Not tomorrow! Remember leaking pipes only get worse, can destroy buildings, and be costly to repair!

3) If your employees know your customers name call them by name. The customer will feel that you care about their business and they will want to continue doing business with you.

4) If you are answering the phone at a business, answer the phone as quickly as possible. Do not wait for it to ring 4 to 5 times. The customer may be ordering a large shipment of goods or booking a reservation for 40 people. If you wait to answer the phone you will lose the sale!

5) Remember to smile into the phone, be polite (say please and thank you) and be committed to giving excellent service today. Your employee might say "but they cannot see me!" That is true, but they can tell by the inflection in your voice that you are smiling and want to be helpful. If you do not know the answer to their question, tell them you will find out immediately what the answer is and will call them back in 2 minutes. Remember to call back as soon as possible! Your customer will want to do business with you because they can rely on you to keep your word and solve their problem.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. business owner, teacher, researcher, speaker and concert artist. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show".

If you need a speaker contact Madeline at mfrankviola@gmail.com

Have You Ever Given Up When it Became Too Difficult For You to Solve Your Problem?

2010-01-26T20:28:00.000-05:00

If you were the leader of your country and two other countries wanted to take over your country would you fight for a while and give up or would you fight "no matter what the difficulties" and embrace the motto - Never, Never Give Up? If you were a surgeon, a Medical Doctor, and the Pathologist at the hospital said there was no hope for your patient would you give up or embrace the motto- Never, Never Give Up?

During the darkest days of WW11 Prime Minister Winston Churchill stayed strong for his country! In 1941, Prime Minister Winston Churchill visited the Harrow School where he heard the traditional songs he had sung as a youth and spoke to the students on changing world events in the last year. Germany and Japan were expanding their control. In his closing remarks, Churchill said, "But for everyone, surely, what we have gone through in this period--I am addressing myself to the School--surely from this period of ten months, this is the lesson: Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never--in nothing, great or small, large or petty--never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."

Prime Minister Winston Churchill also said, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

My father, Dr. Robert J. Frank was my hero. He was a healer of patients. Every day he saved the lives of his patients. When the Pathologist at the hospital said there was no hope for a patient because of the numerous tumors, my father, Dr. Frank said, "Just show me where all the tumors are and I will remove every one of them." He never gave up on saving the lives of his patients. My Father, Dr. Robert J Frank improved and saved the lives of thousands of patients for over 45 years.

No matter how difficult the problem was Prime Minister Winston Churchill and my Father, Dr. Robert J. Frank would Never, Never Give Up! Winston Churchill kept his country safe and strong and Dr. Robert J. Frank saved the lives of his patients. They would Never, Never Give Up! The next time it becomes too difficult for you to solve your problems I want you to do the following three things:

1) Always have a paper and pencil ready, where ever you are, in case you think of a solution to your problem. Think of yourself as a detective like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson and look for your solutions at work or at home.

2) Give yourself time each day to ponder your problems. Be observant and a good listener. Start thinking how to solve your problems today!

3) Have a burning desire to solve your problems and Never, Never Give Up!

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. business owner, teacher, researcher, speaker and concert artist. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show".

If you need a speaker contact Madeline at mfrankviola@gmail.com

Have You Ever Left an Interview Wishing You Could Make a New First Impression?

2010-01-23T11:33:00.000-05:00

How I learned the importance of first impressions while playing at Carnegie Hall with Natalie Cole and Lou Rawls. For your first interview on a possible new job, learn the six secrets to make your first impressions memorable to Ace that job.

When I played at Carnegie Hall with Natalie Cole and Lou Rawls I learned the secrets of making a good First Impression and commanding attention. Lou Rawls and Natalie Cole took turns each singing a musical set. Natalie Cole walked on to the stage looking fit, trim and quite regal wearing a different absolutely, magnificent dress for each musical set. One dress was more dazzling than the other. She made eye contact with her audience making each person feel as if they were her friend. The audience was riveted to the stage. They could not take their eyes off her.

Lou Rawls walked on stage looking fit, trim and quite kingly wearing a magnificent tailored tux. He made eye contact with his audience making them feel they were an important part of his concert.

Lou Rawls and Natalie Cole both sang beautifully with clear diction. Every word was clear and understandable. The concert ended with a standing ovation.

What are the secrets I learned from Natalie Cole and Lou Rawls?

1) Dress for success. Dress neatly and cleanly with your hair combed and your shoes polished. Wear clothes that are appropriate to the job you are interviewing for. Your appearance will tell your prospective boss that you do neat clean work, that you care how you look, and will be a good worker and representative for their company or firm. Stand tall and be proud of your appearance.

2) Everyone is attracted to fit people. Start exercising and stop eating junk food.

3) Speak clearly and at a moderate speed in a pleasing voice. Use words that show proper grammar and vocabulary. Do not use slang.

4) When you are introduced to your interviewer, remember their name and use it occasionally.

5) Be a good listener and use eye contact. Make your interviewer feel important by listening carefully, using eye contact, and asking questions on what they are discussing with you. Ask the interviewer how he or she likes their job with the company? Everyone likes to talk about themselves.

6) Use a handshake if the culture permits it. Your handshake should be given with a firm, but not a crushing grip, with a clean and dry hand. Extend your hand when you feel it is appropriate.

by Dr. Madeline Frank

If you need a speaker contact Madeline at mfrankviola@gmaol.com

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. business owner, teacher, researcher, speaker and concert artist. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show".

http://www.madelinefrankviola.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madeline_Frank

Did You Ever Fail Out of School?

2010-01-10T13:53:00.000-05:00

Albert Einstein as a child was a very poor student in school. His teachers said "he was to stupid to learn." How did he become one of the smartest men of the Twentieth Century?

As an 8 year old child, I was failing out of school. I was unable to read.
How did I go from failing out of school to Carnegie Hall and a Ph.D. ?

Albert Einstein as a child was an extremely poor student in school. Albert's Mother, Pauline Einstein never never gave up on him. She was a pianist and she bought Albert a violin. As he learned to play the violin his mother would accompany him on the piano. His mother introduced him to his favorite composer Mozart.

Albert studied the violin and became quite good at it. He found his inspiration to do his school work and to later solve his scientific investigations by playing on his violin.

Dr. Einstein said, "Life without playing music is inconceivable for me. I live my daydreams in music, I see my life in terms of music."

As an 8 year old child, I was failing out of school. I was unable to read. My Momma, Romayne Leader Frank, Never, Never gave up on me. She tried every type of reading class available, and still, I was unable to read.

One my passions at 8 years of age, was climbing trees. I was your typical tomboy and I was fearless. For me no tree was too high. The only problem was I'd wind up being rushed to the hospital several times a week for stitches.

The final time I was rushed to the hospital, after my reading class during summer camp, I had climbed a tall tree with nails and a board sticking out of the top of its trunk. As I came down the tree, I was scooped up by a camp counselor and rushed to the hospital. At the time I did not realize it, but blood was dripping down my leg.

One of the camp counselors called my Momma. She drove for over 3 hours to the hospital and by the time she arrived she had decided it was time to "get me out of those trees, on the ground and finally reading." By the time Momma arrived at the hospital she had decided that she would arrange for violin lessons for me if I would agree to give up climbing trees.

Momma knew I had wanted to study the violin for several years and at the hospital "I promised her" I would give up climbing all trees if she would arrange for violin lessons.

As soon as I began to study the violin, I learned to hold the violin,to hold the bow, to read the notes on the page, and to play music. I also learned how to take care of my violin and bow and to clean it after playing it.
That summer the light went on and I became a very good reader.

Albert Einstein's Mother, Pauline Einstein and my Momma, Romayne Leader Frank believed in two things, unconditional love for their families and education.

Our Mothers never gave up on anything and neither should you!

What are the 3 secrets Albert Einstein and I learned while studying the violin?

1) How to concentrate, be disciplined, be cooperative, and stay motivated.

2) How to take care of our violin which taught us self esteem and self-worth.

3) How to read musical notes on the page taught us to read the words in a book.

These are the same character building traits American children need to be successful students in school.

How to Become One of Your Own Heroes

2009-12-17T17:42:00.000-05:00

All of us know that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.What is your definition of a hero? The dictionary definition of a hero is a person of “distinguished courage or ability, admired for brave deeds and noble qualities.” If one of your medical students asked you a question “about the need to evaluate new born babies” would you immediately “jot down five points and rushed off to the Obstetrics department to try them out”?

In Aesop's Fable "The Lion and the Mouse" the hero is the tiny mouse who frees the large lion when he is caught in the ropes by the hunter. The mouse chews through the ropes freeing the lion. The mouse proved all though he was small he could be a friend to the mighty lion.

Virginia Apgar began to learn the violin and cello at 6 years of age and played concerts with her older brother on piano and with her Dad, scientist and inventor, Charles Apgar on piano. In 1933 Virginia Apgar became "one of Columbia University's first female M.D.'s" she specialized in the male-dominated area of medicine surgery. She became tired of the chauvinism she was experiencing during her internship and decided to switch her focus the new field of anesthesiology. In 1949 she became the first full professor of anesthesiology at Columbia.

One day a medical student of Dr. Apgar asked her "about the need to evaluate newborn babies." Dr. Apgar said, "That's easy, you'd do it like this." She grabbed the nearest piece of paper, jotted down the 5 points of her Apgar Score and then rushed off to O.B Obstetrics & Gynecology to try it out."

What are Dr. Virginia Apgar's 5 point Score for new born babies?

1) Appearance, skin color

2) Pulse, heart rate

3) Grimace, reflex irritability

4) Activity, muscle tone

5) Respiration, breathing

Dr. Apgar's name is the Pneumonic. As a physician she assisted in over 17,000 births. She was a lifelong musician always carrying her viola or cello with her to play chamber music with other amateur musicians in the Cities she was lecturing in. She also crafted musical instruments a violin, viola and cello.

Dr. Virginia Apgar knew from her research that birth is most dangerous time of life. Her Apgar Score quickly assessed the overall health of new borne babies saving the lives of millions of new born babies each year. When Dr. Apgar was alerted to a problem she immediately thought of how to solve it.

What are the 3 secrets to becoming your own hero?

1) Be a good listener and be observant. Be both interested and curious about solving a problem.

2) Always have a paper and pencil ready, where ever you are, in case you think of a solution to your problem. Think of yourself as a detective like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson and look for your solution at work or at home.

3) Have a burning desire to help others and you will be giving yourself the best gift of all, caring about others.

by Dr. Madeline Frank

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. business owner, teacher, researcher, speaker and concert artist.She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show".
If you need a speaker contact Madeline at mfrankviola@gmail.com

Negotiating for my life on top of the world!

2009-12-16T16:34:00.000-05:00

It might not be the highest point of the world but it seemed like it while the roofer was holding me up for more money.

Have you ever had to deal with a person who was toxic and difficult on one of your jobs?

I have had the pleasure of working with the best conductors and musicians around the world as you have read in my last article. In my families Construction and Management company I have had the privilege of working with some of the finest roofers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, brick layers, and other construction personnel for over 20 years. All roofs are supposed to keep us dry in our houses and offices.

I arrived at our job site to inspect and video the progress of the new flat roofs on the buildings we own and manage. The ladder was set up and I climbed up to the first roof with my video camera to record the progress of the first roof.

I should mention that I am a woman, 5 foot 11 inches tall, and weigh 140 pounds. After arriving on the roof, I started to video the progress of the new flat roof when I realized there were bubbles and gaps in the roof. Meanwhile the roofer, a lean linebacker type, was coming my way. I knew he was stronger than me and could easily throw me off the roof in anger.

He said, “I need $3,000 right this minute”! He tried to threaten me by moving me to the edge of the roof. He was so angry! I remained calm, looked him in the eye and reminded him he had received his payment three days ago and that he needed to fix the gapes and bubbles in the membrane so he could receive more money.

I explained I did not carry that amount of money with me as there was no ATM on the roof. I continued to remain calm and looking him in the eye and did not turn my back to him. Eventually he moved away and I moved to another section of the roof and decided to photograph the progress of the other roofs this roofer was not working on at that moment. The roofer knew who I was and had decided he would try to frighten me.

Every few days I would return to check the progress of the roofs and video them. When the roofs were finally completed we breathed a sigh of relief.

What are the 3 secrets I learned about dealing with toxic people in a difficult situation?

1) Look the person in the eye. Always remain calm. Let the difficult person vent. Listen carefully to them without interrupting and do not argue with them - simply listen. When they have finished speaking do not judge or accuse them.

2) Remember, you are not anyone’s personal door mat to be personally bullied. Suggest solutions and the steps for solving the problem. Remember to follow through on the solutions you have agreed on.

3) Realize you cannot solve every problem.

by Dr. Madeline Frank

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. business owner, teacher, researcher, speaker and concert artist. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". If you need a speaker contact Madeline at mfrankviola@gmail.com