Ten Steps to Organizing Your Office By BASOLA A. VICTOR

Ten Steps to Organizing Your Office By BASOLA A. VICTOR

When you walk into your office, is it neat and clean? Can you easily find anything at a moment's notice? Can you hire a new employee and within two days have him/her know how your office operates and how to wok within the boundaries of your company philosophy?

Here is an organizational system that is very simple and easy to implement. It is a logically organized process guaranteed to make your life and career run better and easier. Ten steps will get your office organized.

1. List five benefits to you for becoming organized.

This helps you go through the pain of throwing away and it helps you get back on track when you slip- and we all do. If you do not know the benefits, don't even start- it will not work.

2. Schedule the date and time for your office organization.

It can take up to eight hours just to organized your desk, in-box and one file drawer. (It would only take me four hours because I am not emotionally attached to your stuff!) If you have lots of files and file cabinets, make a decision on how much you want to get done in the initial session. Once you begin, it is important that you don't stop until you've completed what you set out to accomplish.

3. Have your supplies ready.

You'll need plenty of trash bags, and a box for all the things you'll be donating to your favorite charity or shelter. You'll also need office supplies--basic army green hanging folders, labels, adhesive dots, colored hanging folders with file folders to match, and plastic sleeves for a three-ring binder.

4. Sit at your desk and totally empty it out. Pile everything up on top of the desk. Wipe out the drawers.

5. Move into your new desk by designing the following drawers:

Mechanical drawer--for pens, pencils, scissors, paper clips, glue sticks, etc. Paper drawer-- for post-em’s, note cards, envelopes, letterhead. The 1-31 drawer-- place 31 red hanging folders in this drawer with one dated folder for each day of the month in each hanging folder. Hot Project drawer-- for the projects you are currently working on. Personal drawer-- if you do not maintain an office at home, create a drawer for gum, mints, aspirin, comb, etc.

6. Arrange the 1-31 Drawer.

These files represent each day of the month. You will file your work under the day you plan on taking action for that item. Go through your piles of papers, one piece at a time. With each item, decide whether to throw it away, delegate it to someone else, file it, or put in you 1-31 files.

7. Create an information book. This book will contain all the information an assistant (even if you don't have one yet) would need to operate your office. Our information book includes data such as how to use the daily activity log, how to assemble press kits, what supplies we purchase and from whom. Think of this book as an operating manual for your office. Using it, a new assistant can be up to speed within days.

8. Take the time to put everything back in its place, or hire someone else to do it.

In my office, I don't file anything, I have one spot where I put materials I've worked with that day, then my assistant will file them in their appropriate place.

9. Reorganize your office often. Every three months the first year, and every six months thereafter for as long as you plan to run a successful business.

10. End each day with your office clean and organized. It only takes a few minutes, and the results are worth it.

It is possible to be successful in business and be totally disorganized! It's just more difficult. If you have read to this point, you are probably not satisfied with your current organizational habits, your business progress, or your stress level!

All three of these will improve drastically when you take the above ten steps. I've personally worked with clients who report doubling and even tripling their incomes as a result of this system. They redirect the time and the energy they formerly wasted digging through piles of paper. Now they focus on success. You will too. Much success to you-you deserve it!

5 Secrets of the Authentic Entrepreneur

5 Secrets of the Authentic Entrepreneur BY BASOLA A. VICTOR

In the past, words like "rebel," "driven," "controlling", "risk taker", and "Lone Ranger" were routinely used to describe entrepreneurs. These rare people who ventured out on the their own were viewed as ruthless business owners completely caught up in amassing wealth, much to the detriment of a personal life. Clearly, the image was shrouded in mystique and misperception.

Today there`s a new model of entrepreneur - an "Authentic Entrepreneur." This new breed of entrepreneur is successful because they realize that the dream of having security is simply that - a dream. They`ve discovered that real security is not financial, it is when they tap into their inner power to live purposely and to create a meaningful lifestyle, not just a business. These people are "Authentic Entrepreneurs."

Are You An authentic Entrepreneur?

Anyone can become an Authentic Entrepreneur. It`s all a matter of perspective. Here are the top five traits Authentic Entrepreneurs have in common.

Authentic Entrepreneurs are...

1. Visionary - The old entrepreneurial model was usually a rebel. These people wanted their freedom, wanted to do "it" their way, and believed they could do "it" better than anyone else. By that definition the Authentic Entrepreneur certainly is a rebel to some degree. However, Authentic Entrepreneurs are more visionary. They see the big picture, are prophetic, and have a broad view of the life and business they`re creating.

2. Creator of Destiny - Traditional entrepreneurs are creating businesses, which is a great motivator. But once the business is created, where do you go? What`s next? The Authentic Entrepreneur is moving toward a destiny. They`re inspired by something more expansive than they could possibly create on their own. They tap into their inner power and step confidently forward. They are able to keep going in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The right people, places and opportunities appear out of nowhere to help the Authentic Entrepreneur achieve their destiny.

3. Attractor - All entrepreneurs have a dream. Some have the desire to reach a clearly defined goal, while others simply want to be an entrepreneur first and foremost. They`re forcing the growth of their idea or business, orchestrating every event and creating more action steps than humanly possible to accomplish. They`re driven. On the other hand, Authentic Entrepreneurs are Attractors. They are magnetized by their strong focus toward their destiny. The right people, places and opportunities appear out of nowhere to help. When they take action, it`s inspired and efficient.

4. Fulfilled - Many traditional entrepreneurs aggressively achieve their dreams and grow very successful businesses, yet they never feel complete. Why? Because they haven`t taken the time to truly know what`s important to them and as a result, they`ve sacrificed their health, relationships, or personal needs to grow their business. The Authentic Entrepreneur creates their business from the inside out as self-aware individuals. They understand the importance of aligning core values with their beliefs and dreams to fulfill their destiny and themselves.

5. Inspirational - Many entrepreneurs choose not to have employees or associates on their payroll, working as Lone Rangers instead. Those who do usually aren`t good supervisors. They`d rather control every event and micromanage or not manage at all. The Authentic Entrepreneur knows the importance of team spirit and how to inspire people to blossom into their most creative and meaningful life expression. If the Authentic Entrepreneur isn`t adept at managing people, they know when to let go of that area of responsibility and bring in someone who has outstanding people skills. They understand that fulfilled people are more accommodating to clients and prospects, and happier in general. As a result, business blossoms.

Whether you currently are an entrepreneur or dream of becoming one, embracing the Authentic Entrepreneur traits has many advantages. You remove the traditional entrepreneurial stigmas and allow yourself more room for growth. So if you`re ready to step forward and declare that you desire to live a meaningful and wealthy life, then it`s time to make your move. Shift your perspective and become an Authentic Entrepreneur today.

What is Your Business Image?

What is Your Business Image? BY BASOLA A. VICTOR

What is your Business Image?
"Confident handshake, proper introductions, powerful speeches, effective meetings, aced interviews, high impact communication skills, stellar presentations, dining with finesse and impeccable dress" "Perception can be your worst enemy or your most valuable asset."
The french word "etiquette" is defined as LABEL. It is interesting that your social behavior can be your "label" or how people see you. "Incompetence can impact bottom-line profits of businesses and can hurt your chances for a promotion or being hired", says the author of Business Etiquette Mastery: The Power Of Executive Leadership. "Etiquette is not a "fluffy" practice, but a business building concept of putting human values back into the workplace.
Dale Carnegie stated that "85% of our success comes from possessing people skills". We cannot begin to gain authority to sell ourselves, our products or services until we establish rapport. It is this fundamental compatibility which influences the subconscious decision process of others.
Rapport is gained by combining three strategic components: Professional Appearance, Communication Skills plus a Demeanor that exudes sensibility and confidence. Businesses are expressing a desire to have their men and women executives of diverse backgrounds and age differences possess skills that set a unifying standard of excellence with every personal interaction.
Business Etiquette also bridges cultural differences to foreign executives now working in the United States. This higher level of competence in a staff drives sales, increases employee morale and boosts customer relationships that ultimately influence their bottom line.
Dress: First impressions are made in the first 10 seconds. Being passed over for interviews, promotion or not taken seriously in your company? Do employees take liberties with the dress codes that your customers might find disturbing? Surveys have proven that various levels of dress command different levels of respect, even if you are working in a business casual atmosphere. Shirts are tucked in, clothes are clean and pressed. For sales, a suit on either a man or women commands more respect than a sport coat/pant outfit or pant outfit for women. Business casual is not to be interpreted as "leisure wear" and uniforms should be clean at the beginning of the day with extras for emergencies.
Communication Skills: Effective communication includes both Verbal and Non-Verbal cues. Emphasizing Good Posture, Eye Contact, Listening, Vocal Variety and Conversational Style during networking and sales presentations. Pleasant, helpful voice over the phone, a quick 2 ring pick-up with a short waiting period for assistance.
Business Etiquette Mastery: The Power Of Executive Leadership. There is no gender in Business Etiquette. Women stand when shaking hands, open doors for men clients and pick up the restaurant bills, just like their male counterparts.
Business Etiquette also includes: Electronic Etiquette, Networking, Effective Listening, Office Meetings, Traveling and Dining with clients. Simple courtesies as: being on time for appointments, start and stop meetings/speeches when promised, use agendas to keep meetings on track, effective listening and quick E- Mail communication respects your time and that of others. Showing respect for others builds good office morale and sends a powerful message to those that you serve.
Mastery comes when you learn the skills, teach them by example and demonstrate (daily) your social prowess of confidence and competence so essential to today’s executive". Whether an entrepreneur, small business owner or corporate executive, YOU are a reflection of the company and must see yourself in this important light! There are tremendous benefits for being a "Polished Professional" by the way we dress, communicate and handle ourselves.
Business Etiquette seems like "common sense" yet, is not in common practice. Knowing the "social skills" of business could be the vital factor in landing that important business contract or getting that promotion. What Is Your Business Image?

STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Starting Your Own Business

BY

BASOLA A. VICTOR

How many times in your life have you seen something in the media that stirs that "Dream" inside you about having your own business? Or, maybe you were at a party talking with someone who had their own business. "...you know - I`ve been thinking about getting into my own business. Every once in a while I get the urge to do it".
This time - it clicks - and you`re at the point where it seems like there is nothing to stop you. Now you can have your Dream - your own business and all you have to do is to take the chance...that next step towards fulfilling your Dream!

Once you decide to take the plunge there are a whole host of questions that need to be answered so that you can just Get Started. Having the Dream of owning your own business is essential because at times it is the only thing that will make you keep going. Also, your Dream can give you the will & drive needed for the bad times.

One thing is certain - you will have to learn how to "work" the business. Learning how to "work" a business is the real test of being a good business person. A business plan is a good starting tool but you have to remember that "business is not a straight path". In other words, what you think today will most likely not take place, tomorrow, in the same way that you had planned. It won`t happen exactly the way you planned or on fact not at all.

As you "work" your business you will probably find that you will have to significantly revise it. The business plan is a good start but does not give you the "feel" of actually working the business. It is only a tool used to project where you think you are going. Where you wind up will almost definitely be in a different place.

Then how do you learn to "work" a business? That`s a good question. First of all you have to have the inner ingredients like adaptability, thinking on your feet, willingness to work with everybody, knowledge of a product or service, contacts, advertising, distribution methods etc. Then you need a whole host of intangibles that will have to be learned along the way.

These intangibles are not taught in school. You must learn them in the path you both take and are taken on. If you could simply take a class on how to be a good business person then there would be a lot more people in business for themselves. But, that`s not how it works. You have to learn how to "work" a business by working it.

Business is not just selling. You need to be more than a good sales person. You also have to deliver. Further, you have to be a good buyer, negotiator, bookkeeper, cash flow manager, advertiser, budgeting guru, analyst, chief cook and, you guessed it, bottle washer. You have to do everything from accepting the accolades to taking out the trash. Whatever you can`t do - you will have to pay for.

Basically your success will come from within. You are a unique person on this planet with a host of skills. As you develop you will realize & actualize your talents. You will develop a business sense that is your own - no one else`s. Be careful that the cost of your education in learning the business is not too expensive. Then you will be out of business.
Make money first. Don`t spend it until you make it.

Keep in mind that people work with people. So - your customers will want to work with you. To them you are almost irreplaceable . If the customer doesn`t like you he/she won`t work with you. People will want to buy from you because you are you. You have those special ingredients that he/she wants. There is plenty of competition out there but the customer has selected you to deal with.

Remember one very important factor - if the trust in the relationship is gone - the relationship is over. If you and your customer can`t see eye to eye then it`s time to part ways. This is an irrevocable fact in business.
You have to be willing to work until the job is done - as many hours as it takes. You are IT. If you don`t do it - it won`t get done. You are not an employee getting a paycheck for doing a particular job. You are a person who makes money by doing whatever it takes to get the job done. You are the essential ingredient in your business.

Those first few dollars that you make will probably be the sweetest. It won`t be the money that you make but the fact that you now realize that you CAN DO IT! You will work long and hard hours to keep your business going. If you find that the business keeps calling you back over and over...and you respond willingly - then you know it`s the business for you.

One word of caution - be careful not to create your own monster. If the business loses its fun & you lose the drive for the business - go back to the drawing board and rethink your position. When the spirit of what you doing is lost it is time for a change.

Keep in mind that good business people are more than the dollars they make. Dollars are for paying bills, keeping score & building wealth (considering the staggering odds). Beyond the dollars that you make is that something that keeps you pushing on in business even when times are not so good. That something is actually bigger than you because there is no limit to the actualization of your Dream.

You have to ask yourself...how am I making a difference? What is that something I have that no one else does? When will I fully understand it? Where is my baby taking me? Who will I be when I get there?
These questions will eventually be answered as you proceed down the path. At each stage of revelation you will realize that you are fulfilling YOUR DREAM.

THE AMAZING SECRETS OF NETWORKING BY BASOLA A. VICTOR

THE AMAZING SECRETS OF NETWORKING
BY
BASOLA A. VICTOR

…..Your Networth is determined by your Network

Are you listed among "Who’s Who" of your valued clients, respected peers, and mentors? Or, does your potential client, preferred role model, or desired friend say, "Who’s that?"
Everyone on the "Who’s Who" list knows that networking is vital to their savvy and success. We all need to create for ourselves a plan to influence others! Often at conferences and meetings, I demonstrate for participants how to introduce themselves, how to identify what their networking goals are, and have them play the “Networking Game” to get the meeting rolling. I often work with senior executives who do not know how to mingle. Here`s a peek at what I teach them!
IT`S NORMAL TO FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE What causes people to fear mingling? 92% of us claim to be shy at times. I know I am and I teach this stuff! When you find yourself hesitating, avoiding a networking event, or skipping the mixer, smile and say I`m going to Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway (title of great book by Susan Jeffers.) When we "do it anyway" despite our misgivings, we expand our comfort zone. Knowing the "how to`s of mingling” helps us to easily break down our own barriers. The following are the steps to harnessing the power of networking
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT:
Take the time to challenge yourself to come up with a list of experiences, opportunities, and things you want. Having a vision of what you want will more likely help you to get there. My friend Edmund Oshioke wanted to fund a Community Development Summit in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Being clear about the goal and having it in writing caused him to begin networking to make it happen. If you do not have a list of at least 15 things you want to do, you are in a rut! Knowing what we want to create next in our lives keeps us active, motivated, and interesting to others.

ASK YOURSELF, "WHO DO I WANT TO KNOW?"
Look at each item on your list. Next to each, identify whom you need to know to help you get what you want. How could you meet this person? With what associations, groups, or organizations would he or she affiliate? A recent client of mine wanted to learn how to get funds to Publish a book. When I asked him who it would be helpful to know, he was able to identify three possible types of people who could help him to raise the needed Cash or at least Give him some amount of services for free.
INTRODUCE YOURSELF I am frequently surprised how many people do not know how to introduce themselves and others. My parents did not teach me how to introduce myself as a business professional, nor did I learn it in school. I too had to learn how to correctly conduct introductions once I joined the professional world. Now, in seminars, I teach folks how to shake hands and practice introductions. The mechanics of a good handshake include: - have eye contact, - extend your hand with the thumb up, - link hands firmly, web to web, - pump 3 - 4 times.
What often goes wrong in the handshake? No eye contact, waiting for the other person to initiate, dead fish or too firm a grip, continuing to pump too long. Practice with a friend. You may have developed one of these bad habits and not be aware of it.
What you say during the introduction is of equal importance. If you are introducing yourself to someone, say, "Hello I am First and Last Name" as you extend your hand. They should extend their hand and say something like, “Nice to meet you, Name I am First and Last Name." This occurs during the handshake.
If you are introducing two people to each other, say the name of the person you are honoring first. If all else is equal, say the name of an older person before the name of the younger. Let’s say that James Okoro is my client and Osazee Thompson is my friend or colleague. I start by saying, "James Okoro, I`d like you to meet Osazee Thompson." I pause for about 3 seconds. (No ping-pong. Don`t say James this is Thompson, Thompson, this is James.) Then I add something about James that would be of interest to Thompson: "James and I have worked together at BASH Concepts International for the past Three years." Finish with something interesting about the person you are honoring, such as, "Thompson, you would be interested to know that James is one of the best team player on our Staff list" Now they each know something about the other that they can use to begin a conversation.
ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT
After you have met the person or group who you think could help you get what you want, you have to ask! Relationships are built on reciprocal interchanges. What could you give, do, or offer your new networking contact? People, like you, like to be helpful - it feels really good! They are usually open to extending their help when asked. Give others the opportunity to aid you in reaching your goals.
GIVE THEM SOMETHING IN RETURN
Sometime in 2007 One of My mentors, Uju Onyechere based in Lagos, Nigeria wanted to organize a seminar tagged 8 Streams of Multiple Income in the Oil City of Warri and he needed a marketing expert to help him do the targeted marketing and Publicity and I was contacted by my Friend Timothy Ogene to help. I immediately sprung into action without asking for any motivation; I knew this was the opportunity for investing into my mentor and opening the door for Him to help me whenever I want. I tried my best to market the seminar and by God’ grace, it was successful.
Later that same Year, BASH Concepts International wanted to organize It’s Monthly, Starting Your Own Business Seminar in Abraka, Delta State and I contacted Uju Onyechere as One of our speakers. Under normal circumstances, I was supposed to pay close to 60,000 Naira for Him to leave his numerous speaking engagement and attend to me, but because of My Investment early that Year, He said “ BASH, if you can afford to pay my transport to and fro, no problem; any other thing you have I will collect from you”
I was amazed and that helped me to save some cash though for some technical and academic reasons the seminar was postponed.
Till today whenever I call on Him, he is ever ready to answer me and also refer me to people on his network who he fells can help me get there. I have not only known him, I have also known everybody that he knows, how amazing, I have known everyone on His network.
Till we meet again, YOUR NETWORK IS DETERMINED BY YOUR NETWORK.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Basola A. Victor is a Best Selling Author, Marketing Expert and Business Consultant. He is presently the CEO of Bash Concepts International, a Marketing Expertise and Business solutions firm dedicated to become a one stop source for overall business development. He is quick to express His passionate belief in the Human Resource Potentials that Nigeria possesses and He has expressed this at various local, national and regional fora through his speaking opportunities with over 400 audiences over the years.
He is a dynamic, entertaining and highly sought-after speaker, his dynamic influence in the area of Leadership, Business Start- Up, Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Youth Empowerment is Unrivaled.
He has authored four (soon to be published) books including “60 Business Ideas You Can Do With Little Or No Money”, and “How To Sack Your Dad”.
He is the Founder and Project Manager of Rural Development Initiative Nigeria (RDIN), a body committed to the financial empowerment and moral revolution of community youths, women and children through the organization of financial empowerment seminars and workshops, HIV AIDS awareness campaigns and implementation of Rural and Micro-Credit Schemes.

TO CONTACT HIM WRITE:

BASH Concepts International
Suite 001, Elshaddai House Off Umono Rd. Abraka
Delta State, Nigeria
(+234) 07035121346, 08078957783