Posted ByDave SynderIn 1981, after a misguided expansion into the restaurant business dragged her successful T-shirt company under, Arleen Kahn went looking for a job. She landed a post as an Administrative Assistant at the New York showroom of Edward Fields custom carpet maker. At that time, Edward Fields had 35 salespeople traveling to clients throughout its 11 showrooms across the United States. What it didn’t have was someone to make sure it was getting the best prices for office supplies, rental cars, equipment leases and much more.
Blogs cater to all three of these metrics. Bottom line: As you consistently add relevant content to your blog and, hence, your website, it will climb up the search-engine rankings. That means more people searching for information about your products, services or industry will find your website, blog and company.
“Each office and individual salesperson was using a different company for various services”, Ms. Kahn recalls. “We had no corporate accounts.” With her fresh, outsider’s perspective, Ms. Kahn was able to get hefty corporate discounts from Edward Fields’ various suppliers. The research and negotiating skills Ms. Kahn honed at Edward Fields became the foundation of her cost management consulting firm service, AMK Associates.
Now that I’ve started taking action, what’s next? Goal setting of course! Stay tuned for my upcoming series on “Seven Steps Essential Steps to Reach Your Goals”.
While in college, she studied English and psychology, but the acting bug had bitten her. She spent much of her spare time acting in small theatrical companies.
Re-engage your contact network. Acting like an ostrich with your head in the sand is not in your best interest. If you have neglected your professional and personal contacts, now is the time to re-engage them. Renew your involvement in professional or technical forums, clubs, or blogs. Share ideas and articles that may enhance their jobs and interests. Be able to identify your key accomplishments, skills and abilities and your areas of expertise. Ask them how you might be off assistance to them . You might need their assistance in gaining information, leads and contacts if your situation changes. People are willing to help those who have helped them; it is human nature.
The most influential person in Gil’s life was Joe, “because he made it clear that horsemanship was an art and one you never stopped studying.” Joe looked at the whole picture including the importance of the rider being fit. He encouraged Gil to do isometric exercises and helped him to understand the benefits of training like a dancer. “It’s the blending of body, mind and spirit that nourishes your riding,” remarked Gil.
What are you waiting for? It’s a new year, new allocations, lots more money… and, there’s probably a check with your name on it just waiting to be cashed!