Best Tips for Networking in Chamber of Commerce

Relationship marketing should be the foundation of every business. It is because in order to be great, a company has to set itself apart. Looking at how tough the competition is nowadays in any industry, only few factors are left that a company could bank on for separation form the competition. One very important factor is trust building. Very few can argue with the effectiveness trust could bring between competitors. For example, let’s suppose there are three coffee shops, and all does not stand more than four blocks away from each other. They can only tweak the taste of their coffees’ by so little, which also leaves very few differentiations on which shop would reign supreme.

In cases like this, the company that is able to garner the most trust from consumers and other businesses around it often shows up on top.

So how do we construct a trustworthy company?

Well, the first thing you have to know about it is that there’s no shortcut in building it. You’ll have to brush up on your people skills, browse networking channels (whether offline or online), and get back to networking. When it comes to networking channels, you cannot miss being a part of your local chamber of commerce. A chamber of commerce happens when local business owners decides to form a community amongst themselves to push each of their business interests.

In this post, we’ll arm you with tips on how to get the most trust from your local chamber of commerce.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm

When a chamber of commerce gathers into a conference, registrants are made aware of attendees and speakers well in advance. With quick thinking, you should realize that the best time to start networking is as soon as you get the list of people that you’re interested to meet. Look them up in Twitter, find out their email address on their website, and see if you can hook up a meeting even before the actual event. This way, you won’t have to claw your way during the networking haze of the event itself.

Value Your Time

Remember that it might take quite a while before the same networking opportunity presents itself. Therefore, you have to do your homework and have a list of people you want to talk to. You can’t just settle with the first person you meet. You have to be bold and have a priority list based on their value on your business.

Don’t Run Out Of Business Cards

This one is so basic that forgetting about it before the chamber of commerce conference is considered a mortal sin. Keep in mind that almost everyone in that event is there because of the same reason – for business networking’s sake. If you don’t have a business card to giveaway to someone you’ve met, he or she will forget your name right after and there will be no chance of him or her getting back at you.

Be A Conversationalist, Not A Chatterbox

Great discussions are always a two way street. Practice and find mentors who can teach you a thing or two about keeping a conversation interesting. You’ll be able to build trust much faster. Another important thing is that everyone hates to stand in front of a talker; so don’t be one.

Consider Returning To Work As A Manager

In Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs the top most thing that a person will aspire for in his life is self-actualization. This is what everyone strives for and for most people who are already in their 50's, it is expected that they are near this point already. At age 50 most persons have already reached most of the typical milestones in their lives. They have sent all their children to schools, their children now have their own lives and it is now time for them to sit back and relax.

For some persons however, this is not the case. Over the recent years many baby boomers have been forced to go back to the workforce simply because they need to finance themselves, to support their day-to-day needs and to keep up with the cost of their lifestyles. Some 50-somethings also go back to work simply because they want to remain connected, stay engaged, and keep their minds sharp. Some simply want to go to work just because they are bored and would want to do something productive with their time. If you are currently in your 50's and for any of the reasons mentioned above, you would want to return to the work force to have gainful employment you will need to think hard and deep if you really have what it takes to go back out there.

Use Your Network

By now you probably have built a huge network of friends, former colleagues, children of friends and peers who you have met and worked with during the time that you were still employed. Do not hesitate to ask help from them because they can definitely put in a recommendation for you. Reach out and let them know that you are currently looking for new opportunities. 

Do Your Research

With the internet just within easy reach use the dearth of information right at your fingertips to look for job opportunities. Just recently the AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 published their list of awardees. Head on to their website to check out the winners and try to see if your skills and qualifications match any of the job openings in those industries. The list varies from different industry sectors such as financial services, construction, the healthcare industry, educational institutions, and government offices. In the construction industry you can even go back to work as an engineering manager. This is highly possible especially if you already have many years of experience to back you up. 

Learn New Skills and be Flexible

It is an extremely competitive world out there. Remember that you are going to be competing with fresh graduates and young professionals so you have to start by learning new skills. There are a lot of online courses that you could take and you can enroll in vocational courses too. Stay flexible and learn how to adapt to changes because that will be the only way for you to earn good money even if you return to work at the age of 50 and above. 

Seize Opportunities

Considering your age, you actually have more experience and more knowledge compared to your younger counterparts. Do not hesitate to go for higher positions. You can even consider going back to work as a manager in your previous company or in the industry that you worked for. Remember that by this time you have already established a name for yourself so your previous employers will see you as somebody who is way more experienced than the younger employees who are also vying for a position in the management team.

Being in a managerial position has a lot of advantages. Now that you are 50 your company will be paying you a higher premium because of your past working experiences. You can earn good money, which will help finance you throughout your retirement years. There will be a lot that is expected of you which is why you have to be up for the challenge.

Going back to work at this age can be very beneficial for you in order to keep your mind sharp and your body actively engaged. While most of your peers are slowing down you are once again the workhorse that you once was. You just might surprise yourself knowing that you still have what it takes to become a great manager and to be a mentor to your younger colleagues. Now that's called self-actualization.

Author Bio
Joshua Turner is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to business. In this article, he explains the process of returning to work as a manager and aims to encourage further study with a OU Engineering Management Masters. 

Protecting Against Identity Theft

Here are some figures to ponder over -- In the US alone, 2012 saw over 12.6 million people fall victim to identity theft. This translates to roughly a victim every three seconds. From the finance point, almost $21 billion was lost as a result of such theft. Close to 1 in every 4 customers had their identities hacked into because they responded to a fraudulent data breach letter.

With every passing day, cyber criminals are getting smarter in the way they go about their work, and they are able to scale most safety protocols put in place. Individuals 50 and older may be use to simpler times, but with a large number of senior citizens now turning to the Net for their banking and finance requirements, it is important for them to understand how to protect themselves.

Here are a few simple ways for individuals older than 50, and anyone else, to avoid being scammed and hacked and to keep their identity details safe from cyber criminals.

The core of your identity is your social security number, and it is the simplest piece of information with which a cybercriminal can create a whole new identity for themselves. Never carry your number on your person or in your wallet. Ideally, have it memorized and use it only when absolutely required in public places.

Pins are an essential part of every banking instrument. You have one for your credit card, debit card, any banking related privilege cards and more. Many people who are prone to forgetting their PINs tend to write them down on a piece of paper and keep it in their wallet or save it on their mobile phone. Losing both of these can mean that your PINs are out for all to see. When keying in your PINs, always place a palm over the keypad.

One way identity theft occurs is when people actually take the trouble of going through your garbage or stealing your mail. Having a secure place for disposal and ensuring that any document with your account number or other private details is thoroughly shredded before being thrown away is important.

Make it a habit to scrutinize all bills and statements, especially those related to online transactions, to make sure private information is not left for prying eyes.

By default, no authorized bank or official representative will ask for your password or secret personal details. Any phishing mails received soliciting the same should be reported as spam.

Keep personal details safe by storing them in secure places. Never leave important documentation around and always make sure to completely shred and dispose of anything with such information that you no longer need.

Hacking sites is a common affair these days. Hackers are able to recreate, quite closely, bank sites and have found means of directing traffic there. Always make sure that you have a secure Internet connection before you log on to websites. Securing your Wi-Fi network will ensure no one can access it and see your history. All URLs or website addresses should be accurate; this means that they will have to start with http:///www.bankname.com

Many times, people receive strange looking mails from folks who may be familiar to them asking for monetary help from distant countries. These are phishing mails, and they mean that your friends' IDs have been hacked and used for such dubious messaging.

It is important to invest in a quality malware and anti-virus system for your computer. These are constantly updated to deal with newer threats in the cyber world and are a must on every system.

Choose passwords that will sound convoluted to others but make perfect sense to you. At the end of the financial year, have your credit rating evaluated and check for any finance loopholes. These are some of the ways in which consumers of all ages can protect themselves from identity theft.

Author BioJoshua Turner is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to business. In this article, he offers advice against identity theft and aims to encourage further study through a Norwich Online Masters in Information Assurance. 

Managing Your Family's Finances

Money management is a skill that is best learned when a person is young. This does not mean it is too late to begin applying these skills. Even if you are over 50, the finance system you begin today can make a difference.

Finance Your Family's Security With Life Insurance 

While every adult should have life insurance, it is essential when you are older. If you do not have a suitable life insurance policy, now is the time to make a purchase. 

There are a number of policies from which to choose. While term insurance will benefit your family in the event of your death, a whole life policy offers additional benefits. If you find yourself short of cash in an emergency, or wish to contribute to a family member's college fund, whole life policies build up a cash reserve. You can borrow against the policy if it becomes necessary; yet not lose your coverage. 

Finance Your Security With A Savings Account 

When you are still working and have a steady income, open a savings account. Choose an account that offers a high rate of interest. Higher interest means more money accumulating in your account. 

If a savings account is to be useful, deposits must be made regularly. One method is to decide how much of each paycheck you plan to devote to savings. Each time you are paid, deposit that amount in your savings account before spending any other part of your check. 

A second method is to have savings automatically transferred into your account. You can finance your account without any effort if you choose this method. 

Choose the method you are comfortable with, and your savings will grow. 

Your Income Should Finance Your Retirement 

There are numerous options for funding your retirement. A sensible approach is to discuss your preferences with your spouse and your banker, and choose the option that works best for you. 

One popular option is a CD. There are various forms of CDs. A certificate of deposit requires a minimum principal. If you do not cash your CD before it matures, you will have the accrued interest in addition to the principal.

The interest rate for certificates of deposit are based on nine month, twelve month, or eighteen month terms. When you choose a longer term CD, the interest rate will be higher. It is an excellent way to finance your retirement. 

Finance Your Future With Sensible Money Management 

You do not want to enter your golden years with debt. One way to avoid debt is to use credit wisely and sparingly. You should not use credit to finance goods and services that you cannot otherwise afford. 

If you must make purchases on credit, always pay the bills in full, and on time. You should also take this approach to bills that do not involve credit. From utility bills to car payments, pay everything on time. This will eliminate late fees and other unnecessary problems. 

Help Your Family Members Manage Their Finances, Too 

Many older people often find themselves in the position of being asked for financial help from family members. While it is fine to assist your children or grandchildren when they have a special need, everyone can benefit if you help them learn how to be responsible with money. 

Whether you make cash a gift or a loan to younger family members, let them know you are not a bank. You cannot take away your own financial security for individuals who are irresponsible. Instead, you can encourage them to learn effective money management skills. Both your future and theirs can be financially secure.

Author Bio
Joshua Turner is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to business. In this article, he offer family finances tips and aims to encourage further study with a GARD Master’s Project Management Online.

Do You Have a Learning Management System(LMS) for your Business

Finding business training solutions for your employees can be difficult to do. Do you provide the content in house or you go for cloud based services. There are pros and cons to both solutions. If you have in house programs you need to provide staff, infrastructure, maintenance, and connectivity. It can be a major expense. An alternative would be to put all this into the cloud and let an expert service provide the service.

If managing your learning management system has become to much hassle and expensive, maybe it's is time to look for a cloud based solution where all the managing and problems are handled for you. In the cloud you will only have to provide the content.

A good eLearning solution has to be able to help you reach your goals. These goals may include continuing education, eLearning availability, synchronous or asynchronous learning, mobile learning, certification programs, or even eCommerce.

One such solution is TOPYX social LMS, it is a learning solution for companies, academic departments, associations, municipalities and eCommerce needs of any size, anywhere in the world.

Features

TOPYX social LMS gives you a tool that will provide all your eLearning needs. It's easy to setup and brand with your companies logos and designs. Set-up and LMS features can be created with only a few clicks.

• Easy to use and manage
• Award winning social learning
• Customer service team ready to help
• Single sign on,API and more
• Online learning paths and certifications
• Mobile learning
• Language localizations

What Makes TOPYX so popular with business?

TOPYX social LMS is SCORM certified and it can handle all your document, audio, and video needs. Integral in this platform are the social aspects. They make the platform easy for users. Included are blogs, chat, profiles, events, calendaring and more. Multi language accessibility, performance monitoring, permissions are easily assigned.

Try it First

I know moving into any new service can be daunting. You worry if you are spending your dollars responsibly. With the TOPYX social LMS you can try a learning management demo. You can try it on for size and see if it is the right fit for your company. When you and your staff see how the system works, you will be able to decide.

Simple Tips to Make Your Money Stretch Further

There’s maybe nothing worse than the horrible realisation that there is no money left in the bank and no way to pay the mortgage or rent on time as usual. Sadly, many people are struggling to cope financially nowadays. If you are finding money stress is causing your hair to drop out in chunks it’s time to take a new approach. It’s a skill to make money go further but here are some of the excellent tips from the financial experts to help you ensure every penny is well spent.

Click here to find out if you’re entitled to more money

You Must Budget

Do you have a budget for all the money that comes in and out of your house? Do you check where you have spent your last wages, reconcile your bank account and check your receipts? If not it’s about time you did. A budget is a valuable tool that should be used so you are fully aware of your current financial position in any given month. It’s boring but when you budget you will be able to see where money has been wasted, where you can make cuts and where you need to deal with urgent problems.

Loyalty Cards are Worth it

How many times have you found yourself being served at a till and the cashier asks you if you have a loyalty card? The next time it happens ask if you can have a form to apply for one. All those trips to various supermarkets can help you raise useful sums of money and earn coupons that will save you cash. Collect all of the cards for all the shops you go to and keep them in your wallet. A free fiver off here and there will add up.

Make Packed Lunches

Packed lunches are much cheaper than buying food on the go. It takes just a few extra minutes in the morning or before bed to make them up so it’s not like you don’t have time to do it. Make your own lunch and stop popping to the canteen or bakery for lunch. It’s not only a lot cheaper it’s often a great way of stopping yourself eating sugary snacks and fatty foods.

Shop for Bargains

Bargain Hunt isn’t only a great antiques programme on television; it’s also a savvy way to shop. When you’re in the shops you need to look for products that have been marked down. When you shop online head straight for the sales and clearances too, it’s amazing what bargains are out there ready to be snapped up. You also need to hunt around for the cheapest petrol prices, special offers and change your suppliers for cheaper tariffs.

See if You Can Earn More Money

If you’re really struggling, the only option is to try and bring more money into the home. Look for a second job or try and raise some funds through your hobby. If you are on a low income you may also be entitled to some extra help, click here for some useful phone numbers to learn about benefits that you might be entitled to.