Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Top 10 Stress Busters


Bottling things up is one of the worst things we can do, as it creates a volatile build-up of emotions that may explode anytime. Make a conscious effort to release stress regularly.
Prioritise
Determine which areas in your life are really important.
Simplify
Do not complicate your life. Simplify wherever possible.
Share
It is great to share responsibility and ask for help.
Communicate
Talking through problems is a great stress buster.
Slow down
Don't be hard on yourself. Do things that are meaningful.
Rest
Sleep and rest are rejuvenating.
Eat sensibly
A balanced diet makes you feel good and provides you with energy.
Exercise regularly
Any physical activity, be it yoga, breathing techniques, stretching exercises, running or martial arts - can help release stress. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are hormones that produce a sense of well-being and reduce stress.
Accentuate the positive
Positive thinking and an optimistic outlook is demonstrating your skills to their best advantage while you stay calm and focused. A fundamental prerequisite for viewing the world positively is to feel good about yourself.
Use positive affirmations
  • I can do this.
  • I am calm, centred and strong.
  • As I master this experience, I am getting stronger.
  • I am doing my best, and my best is very good.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

How to get top 1000 rank in IIT-JEE and AIEEE?


Tips for cracking IIT-JEE and AIEEE


This year the IIT-JEE is scheduled to be held on April 10 and AIEEE on May 1, 2011. Approximately five lakh students are expected to appear for IIT-JEE 2011 and the number appearing for AIEEE is expected to touch 12 lakh, making it the biggest entrance exam in our country.
A serious aspirant has separate strategies for Boards, IIT-JEE and AIEEE, however, what's common is the Board exam syllabus. Hence, it is advisable to make sure that when preparing for engineering entrance exams all chapters relevant to Board exams are definitely covered first.
My advice to students is to avoid selective study in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. This is because with the number of questions being more in objective type papers and with intermingling of their underlying concepts, all topics may be covered.
The syllabus is almost completely based on Class 11 and Class 12. View the exhaustive syllabus with all chapters and their topics by logging on to the IIT-JEE website.
IIT-JEE 2011
This exam includes conceptual and tricky questions. Students have to be very conscious while marking the correct answers and understand concepts across all topics, very clearly. With just 12 weeks left for the exam, a serious aspirant ideally must have completed the syllabus by now.
Exam pattern
  • There are question papers of three-hour duration, each. Both question papers comprise three separate sections on Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. They will be of objective type, designed to test comprehension, reasoning and analytical ability of candidates.
  • All questions will be Multiple Choice Type (MCQ).
  • Negative marking will be followed in the checking of examinations.
  • You can opt for a question paper in English or Hindi.
  • Cracking the exam
  • Students must focus on three things while preparing:
  • Building the concepts
  • Proper applications of concepts
  • Practising of JEE-level problems
i. Time to be devoted to each subject (Physics, Chemistry, Maths)
All three are important and you must devote equal time for all subjects. Focus on topics of Class 12 Board exam, then revise Class 11 topics.
ii. Time to be devoted to regular classes at school
Majority of the topics of IIT-JEE are also covered in the Board exams, hence it is recommended that you prepare for both exams, simultaneously. Practise all NCERT problems while brushing up JEE chapters.
iii. When to start taking part/ full-length tests and how to go about analysing the results
Once you complete the syllabus of Class 12, you can start taking mock IIT-JEE tests. These tests can be taken as Part Syllabi or Full Syllabi. The part tests cover topics of Class 11 and Class 12, separately, whereas full syllabi tests are based on the complete Class 11 and 12 syllabi.
For better preparation one can join a test series programme. These tests not only check the level of preparation of an individual for IIT-JEE but also makes him or her aware about their command over the subject, speed in writing the exam, topics and strong and weak areas.
Correct methodology: The correct approach for those appearing for the first time or second (last) time is to stick to one source and not to refer to multitude of books/ study material available in the market.
For example it is sufficient to go through study-packages, IIT-JEE archives, review-packages, work-books, Grand Masters Package/Equivalent, AITS/AIITS series etc, if you have enrolled at a training institute. To reap the benefits, the students, should remain focused throughout the preparation period, with a positive attitude to study with utmost concentration.
v. Do toppers prepare differently?
The key to right preparation is proper, timely planning. Toppers learn from their weak areas and practise well in time to correct them by all possible means. Correct attitude and acute focus is the key to be a topper. They divide their preparation time accordingly. They stick to a single system of preparation and have faith in themselves. Thus, they gradually build up their confidence level and are geared up to crack any difficult question. They ensure solving all previous IIT-JEE questions, keeping their concepts crystal clear.
vi. Important topics in Physics/ Chemistry/Mathematics
The syllabus of Class 11 & 12 contributes about 45 per cent and 55 per cent of IIT-JEE question papers respectively. When you are preparing all chapters of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, stress may be given on the following topics.
Mathematics: Quadratic Equations & Expressions, Complex Numbers, Probability, Vectors, Matrices in Algebra; Circle, Parabola, Hyperbola in Coordinate Geometry; Functions, Limits, Continuity and Differentiability, Application of Derivatives, Definite Integral in Calculus.
Expert tip: Try to do as many number of quality problems as possible to develop a sound confidence level.
Physics: Mechanics, Fluids, Heat & Thermodynamics, Waves and Sound, Capacitors & Electrostatics, Magnetics, Electromagnetic Induction, Optics and Modern Physics.
Expert tip: Practising quality problems is the key to success in this subject. If concepts are clear then this subject becomes all the more interesting.
Chemistry: Qualitative Analysis, Coordination Chemistry & Chemical Bonding in Inorganic Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Chemical Equilibrium in Physical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, complete as a topic.
Expert tip: Just put your efforts on practice in case of Inorganic Chemistry. In case of Organic part, first build up your all basic reactions, then start do lots of practice. And for Physical Part, same thing you have to do as in case of Organic Part.
Recommendation: Students are advised to avoid selective study in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The reason being, the number of questions are more in the objective papers where there is intermingling of concepts from various topics.
Synchronising preparation for IIT-JEE, AIEEE and Board exams
For IIT-JEE, practice as much as you can. For AIEEE, many students tend to think that if they prepare for IIT-JEE, this enough for AIEEE. This is not correct as while preparing for AIEEE, as they have to prepare for CBSE exam, if they are freshers.
Otherwise, those who have ped also have to prepare for CBSE. Only then he can think of getting a rank less than 20,000 in AIEEE.
  • Always start from BASICS.
  • Build up on the right and appropriate CONCEPT.
  • Don't refer to solutions before doing a SELF-ATTEMPT at least five times till you get the right answer.
  • Avoid leaving the question in between because one must learn to understand till what level his/ her concepts are clear. One may also fail to see how close they were to the answer.
  • Always try a question with a CONCEPTUAL APPROACH and not just read the question then start doing without getting the point that what question is saying.
  • Your study schedule should be such that you will even easily get time for a little enjoyment daily.
  • The most important thing is that you should have a time schedule as well as be REGULAR in study.
  • Also, you will have to take appropriate sleep or rest of at least six hours a day if you are preparing for IIT-JEE. Otherwise your mindset for next day will not be in place.
  • Never cram. Try to UNDERSTAND the problem or theory.
  • Never lose your self-confidence.
  • Keep in touch with intelligent students in your class or coaching centre to get that extra edge.
  • Make it a point to appear in competitive Exams like OLYMPIADS, KVPY, SAT, Advanced Placements, etc, to brush up on your aptitude and analytical ability.
  • Prepare as per prescribed syllabi of the exam. Don't over-stress yourself by going beyond the syllabus.
  • Whenever you complete a chapter or topic, go through that topic from NCERT as this would prepare you for the Board exams.
  • Problem-solving must be qualitative than quantitative. Keep in mind that you have done problems covering all concepts within a given chapter. So, be confident.
  • If one has the right 'attitude' required towards preparation for the Exam then even an average students can think of clearing it.
IT-JEE last-minute tips
Stay focussed and maintain a positive attitude
Develop speed. Refer to reputed mock-test series to build a winning exam temperament. Solve the past year's IIT-JEE papers. Focus on your weak areas and improve upon your concepts.
Practise of JEE level questions is necessary as it improves your reasoning and analytical ability.
Remember it is quality of time spent and not the quantity alone. Hence give short breaks of 5 to ten minutes after every one or two hours of serious study. Completely relax when you take a break. Practice meditation to develop inner calm, poise, confidence and power of concentration. These matter a lot on the day of examination.
Don't overstress yourself. Five to six hours of sleep every night is a must, especially three-four days before IIT-JEE to keep you physically and mentally fit. While short naps may help to regain freshness, avoid over-sleeping during the day.
Finally, don't be nervous if you find the paper tough since it is the relative performance that counts. Put your best analytical mind to work, and believe in your preparation.
AIEEE 2011
The All India Engineering Entrance Exam is recommended and considered to be a highly competitive exam for those aspiring to get admission to NITs and other top colleges. Therefore students start preparing for it much before the actual entrance examination. AIEEE is conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Therefore the syllabus of AIEEE is from CBSE Class 11 and 12 syllabus.
Exam pattern
BE/ B.Tech: The exam is of three-hour duration with objective questions in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with equal importance given to each subject. Each question will have four options. There is a negative marking of 1/4th marks also for incorrect answers.
B.Arch/B.Planning: The exam is of three-hour duration comprising three parts: Mathematics, Aptitude test and Drawing test. While Mathematics and Aptitude test will have objective questions and the drawing test will have questions to check the drawing aptitude.
Engineering/ Architecture Entrance Examinations (AIEEE) is amongst the most prominent exams for admission in engineering/architecture Bachelor's courses throughout most of the leading engineering/architecture institutes across the country. Hence, AIEEE is the most popular engineering Entrance examination for BE/ B.Tech aspiring students. Every year a huge number of students participate in this exam to get admission in the various reputed NITs and State-level institutes. You must practise a good number of problems in each subject, develop a very good speed in problem solving and be accurate in calculations and marking OMR.
For AIEEE, one will have to learn some tricks to solve all questions in the stipulated time frame.
AIEEE Last-minute tips
There are certain strategies you must follow to maximise your score:
  • The examination may have different marking for different questions. One of the earlier versions of AIEEE had questions of this nature. Read the instructions carefully and understand the relative difficulty levels.
  • In case all the questions carry equal marks, then the strategy should be based on time management i.e. identify those must do questions initially which you can easily do.
  • Make sure that you identify those must do questions from each of the subjects - Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics irrespective of the question paper order.
  • Study and analyse the IIT-JEE 2011 paper as accurately as possible so that you are able to answer similar questions if asked in your AIEEE paper.
  • While solving the AIEEE paper, you have to be quick. Don't waste more than half- an- hour to 45 minutes in Chemistry. While solving the paper, most of the questions would be theoretical which requires less solving. Don't waste more than one hour in Physics and utilise the time in Mathematics.
  • One last thing one should remember before taking this exam is don't get nervous while solving the paper. Even if you have attempted 70 per cent of the paper, it's enough to get a rank in Top 1000.

Last Minute Tips for cracking AIEEE


AIEEE 2011
The All India Engineering Entrance Exam is recommended and considered to be a highly competitive exam for those aspiring to get admission to NITs and other top colleges. Therefore students start preparing for it much before the actual entrance examination. AIEEE is conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Therefore the syllabus of AIEEE is from CBSE Class 11 and 12 syllabus.
Exam pattern
BE/ B.Tech: The exam is of three-hour duration with objective questions in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with equal importance given to each subject. Each question will have four options. There is a negative marking of 1/4th marks also for incorrect answers.
B.Arch/B.Planning: The exam is of three-hour duration comprising three parts: Mathematics, Aptitude test and Drawing test. While Mathematics and Aptitude test will have objective questions and the drawing test will have questions to check the drawing aptitude.
Engineering/ Architecture Entrance Examinations (AIEEE) is amongst the most prominent exams for admission in engineering/architecture Bachelor's courses throughout most of the leading engineering/architecture institutes across the country. Hence, AIEEE is the most popular engineering Entrance examination for BE/ B.Tech aspiring students. Every year a huge number of students participate in this exam to get admission in the various reputed NITs and State-level institutes. You must practise a good number of problems in each subject, develop a very good speed in problem solving and be accurate in calculations and marking OMR.
For AIEEE, one will have to learn some tricks to solve all questions in the stipulated time frame.
AIEEE Last-minute tips
There are certain strategies you must follow to maximise your score:
  • The examination may have different marking for different questions. One of the earlier versions of AIEEE had questions of this nature. Read the instructions carefully and understand the relative difficulty levels.
  • In case all the questions carry equal marks, then the strategy should be based on time management i.e. identify those must do questions initially which you can easily do.
  • Make sure that you identify those must do questions from each of the subjects - Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics irrespective of the question paper order.
  • Study and analyse the IIT-JEE 2011 paper as accurately as possible so that you are able to answer similar questions if asked in your AIEEE paper.
  • While solving the AIEEE paper, you have to be quick. Don't waste more than half- an- hour to 45 minutes in Chemistry. While solving the paper, most of the questions would be theoretical which requires less solving. Don't waste more than one hour in Physics and utilise the time in Mathematics.
  • One last thing one should remember before taking this exam is don't get nervous while solving the paper. Even if you have attempted 70 per cent of the paper, it's enough to get a rank in Top 1000.

Last Minute Tips for cracking IIT-JEE


  • Stay focussed and maintain a positive attitude
  • Develop speed. Refer to reputed mock-test series to build a winning exam temperament. Solve the past year's IIT-JEE papers. Focus on your weak areas and improve upon your concepts.
  • Practise of JEE level questions is necessary as it improves your reasoning and analytical ability.
  • Remember it is quality of time spent and not the quantity alone. Hence give short breaks of 5 to ten minutes after every one or two hours of serious study. Completely relax when you take a break. Practice meditation to develop inner calm, poise, confidence and power of concentration. These matter a lot on the day of examination.
  • Don't overstress yourself. Five to six hours of sleep every night is a must, especially three-four days before IIT-JEE to keep you physically and mentally fit. While short naps may help to regain freshness, avoid over-sleeping during the day.
  • Finally, don't be nervous if you find the paper tough since it is the relative performance that counts. Put your best analytical mind to work, and believe in your preparation.

Tips for cracking IIT-JEE and AIEEE


This year the IIT-JEE is scheduled to be held on April 10 and AIEEE on May 1, 2011. Approximately five lakh students are expected to appear for IIT-JEE 2011 and the number appearing for AIEEE is expected to touch 12 lakh, making it the biggest entrance exam in our country.
A serious aspirant has separate strategies for Boards, IIT-JEE and AIEEE, however, what's common is the Board exam syllabus. Hence, it is advisable to make sure that when preparing for engineering entrance exams all chapters relevant to Board exams are definitely covered first.
My advice to students is to avoid selective study in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. This is because with the number of questions being more in objective type papers and with intermingling of their underlying concepts, all topics may be covered.
The syllabus is almost completely based on Class 11 and Class 12. View the exhaustive syllabus with all chapters and their topics by logging on to the IIT-JEE website.
IIT-JEE 2011
This exam includes conceptual and tricky questions. Students have to be very conscious while marking the correct answers and understand concepts across all topics, very clearly. With just 12 weeks left for the exam, a serious aspirant ideally must have completed the syllabus by now.
Exam pattern
  • There are question papers of three-hour duration, each. Both question papers comprise three separate sections on Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. They will be of objective type, designed to test comprehension, reasoning and analytical ability of candidates.
  • All questions will be Multiple Choice Type (MCQ).
  • Negative marking will be followed in the checking of examinations.
  • You can opt for a question paper in English or Hindi.
  • Cracking the exam
  • Students must focus on three things while preparing:
  • Building the concepts
  • Proper applications of concepts
  • Practising of JEE-level problems
i. Time to be devoted to each subject (Physics, Chemistry, Maths)
All three are important and you must devote equal time for all subjects. Focus on topics of Class 12 Board exam, then revise Class 11 topics.
ii. Time to be devoted to regular classes at school
Majority of the topics of IIT-JEE are also covered in the Board exams, hence it is recommended that you prepare for both exams, simultaneously. Practise all NCERT problems while brushing up JEE chapters.
iii. When to start taking part/ full-length tests and how to go about analysing the results
Once you complete the syllabus of Class 12, you can start taking mock IIT-JEE tests. These tests can be taken as Part Syllabi or Full Syllabi. The part tests cover topics of Class 11 and Class 12, separately, whereas full syllabi tests are based on the complete Class 11 and 12 syllabi.
For better preparation one can join a test series programme. These tests not only check the level of preparation of an individual for IIT-JEE but also makes him or her aware about their command over the subject, speed in writing the exam, topics and strong and weak areas.
Correct methodology: The correct approach for those appearing for the first time or second (last) time is to stick to one source and not to refer to multitude of books/ study material available in the market.
For example it is sufficient to go through study-packages, IIT-JEE archives, review-packages, work-books, Grand Masters Package/Equivalent, AITS/AIITS series etc, if you have enrolled at a training institute. To reap the benefits, the students, should remain focused throughout the preparation period, with a positive attitude to study with utmost concentration.
v. Do toppers prepare differently?
The key to right preparation is proper, timely planning. Toppers learn from their weak areas and practise well in time to correct them by all possible means. Correct attitude and acute focus is the key to be a topper. They divide their preparation time accordingly. They stick to a single system of preparation and have faith in themselves. Thus, they gradually build up their confidence level and are geared up to crack any difficult question. They ensure solving all previous IIT-JEE questions, keeping their concepts crystal clear.
vi. Important topics in Physics/ Chemistry/Mathematics
The syllabus of Class 11 & 12 contributes about 45 per cent and 55 per cent of IIT-JEE question papers respectively. When you are preparing all chapters of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, stress may be given on the following topics.
Mathematics: Quadratic Equations & Expressions, Complex Numbers, Probability, Vectors, Matrices in Algebra; Circle, Parabola, Hyperbola in Coordinate Geometry; Functions, Limits, Continuity and Differentiability, Application of Derivatives, Definite Integral in Calculus.
Expert tip: Try to do as many number of quality problems as possible to develop a sound confidence level.
Physics: Mechanics, Fluids, Heat & Thermodynamics, Waves and Sound, Capacitors & Electrostatics, Magnetics, Electromagnetic Induction, Optics and Modern Physics.
Expert tip: Practising quality problems is the key to success in this subject. If concepts are clear then this subject becomes all the more interesting.
Chemistry: Qualitative Analysis, Coordination Chemistry & Chemical Bonding in Inorganic Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Chemical Equilibrium in Physical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, complete as a topic.
Expert tip: Just put your efforts on practice in case of Inorganic Chemistry. In case of Organic part, first build up your all basic reactions, then start do lots of practice. And for Physical Part, same thing you have to do as in case of Organic Part.
Recommendation: Students are advised to avoid selective study in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The reason being, the number of questions are more in the objective papers where there is intermingling of concepts from various topics.
Synchronising preparation for IIT-JEE, AIEEE and Board exams
For IIT-JEE, practice as much as you can. For AIEEE, many students tend to think that if they prepare for IIT-JEE, this enough for AIEEE. This is not correct as while preparing for AIEEE, as they have to prepare for CBSE exam, if they are freshers.
Otherwise, those who have ped also have to prepare for CBSE. Only then he can think of getting a rank less than 20,000 in AIEEE.
  • Always start from BASICS.
  • Build up on the right and appropriate CONCEPT.
  • Don't refer to solutions before doing a SELF-ATTEMPT at least five times till you get the right answer.
  • Avoid leaving the question in between because one must learn to understand till what level his/ her concepts are clear. One may also fail to see how close they were to the answer.
  • Always try a question with a CONCEPTUAL APPROACH and not just read the question then start doing without getting the point that what question is saying.
  • Your study schedule should be such that you will even easily get time for a little enjoyment daily.
  • The most important thing is that you should have a time schedule as well as be REGULAR in study.
  • Also, you will have to take appropriate sleep or rest of at least six hours a day if you are preparing for IIT-JEE. Otherwise your mindset for next day will not be in place.
  • Never cram. Try to UNDERSTAND the problem or theory.
  • Never lose your self-confidence.
  • Keep in touch with intelligent students in your class or coaching centre to get that extra edge.
  • Make it a point to appear in competitive Exams like OLYMPIADS, KVPY, SAT, Advanced Placements, etc, to brush up on your aptitude and analytical ability.
  • Prepare as per prescribed syllabi of the exam. Don't over-stress yourself by going beyond the syllabus.
  • Whenever you complete a chapter or topic, go through that topic from NCERT as this would prepare you for the Board exams.
  • Problem-solving must be qualitative than quantitative. Keep in mind that you have done problems covering all concepts within a given chapter. So, be confident.
  • If one has the right 'attitude' required towards preparation for the Exam then even an average students can think of clearing it.
IT-JEE last-minute tips
Stay focussed and maintain a positive attitude
Develop speed. Refer to reputed mock-test series to build a winning exam temperament. Solve the past year's IIT-JEE papers. Focus on your weak areas and improve upon your concepts.
Practise of JEE level questions is necessary as it improves your reasoning and analytical ability.
Remember it is quality of time spent and not the quantity alone. Hence give short breaks of 5 to ten minutes after every one or two hours of serious study. Completely relax when you take a break. Practice meditation to develop inner calm, poise, confidence and power of concentration. These matter a lot on the day of examination.
Don't overstress yourself. Five to six hours of sleep every night is a must, especially three-four days before IIT-JEE to keep you physically and mentally fit. While short naps may help to regain freshness, avoid over-sleeping during the day.
Finally, don't be nervous if you find the paper tough since it is the relative performance that counts. Put your best analytical mind to work, and believe in your preparation.
AIEEE 2011
The All India Engineering Entrance Exam is recommended and considered to be a highly competitive exam for those aspiring to get admission to NITs and other top colleges. Therefore students start preparing for it much before the actual entrance examination. AIEEE is conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Therefore the syllabus of AIEEE is from CBSE Class 11 and 12 syllabus.
Exam pattern
BE/ B.Tech: The exam is of three-hour duration with objective questions in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with equal importance given to each subject. Each question will have four options. There is a negative marking of 1/4th marks also for incorrect answers.
B.Arch/B.Planning: The exam is of three-hour duration comprising three parts: Mathematics, Aptitude test and Drawing test. While Mathematics and Aptitude test will have objective questions and the drawing test will have questions to check the drawing aptitude.
Engineering/ Architecture Entrance Examinations (AIEEE) is amongst the most prominent exams for admission in engineering/architecture Bachelor's courses throughout most of the leading engineering/architecture institutes across the country. Hence, AIEEE is the most popular engineering Entrance examination for BE/ B.Tech aspiring students. Every year a huge number of students participate in this exam to get admission in the various reputed NITs and State-level institutes. You must practise a good number of problems in each subject, develop a very good speed in problem solving and be accurate in calculations and marking OMR.
For AIEEE, one will have to learn some tricks to solve all questions in the stipulated time frame.
AIEEE Last-minute tips
There are certain strategies you must follow to maximise your score:
  • The examination may have different marking for different questions. One of the earlier versions of AIEEE had questions of this nature. Read the instructions carefully and understand the relative difficulty levels.
  • In case all the questions carry equal marks, then the strategy should be based on time management i.e. identify those must do questions initially which you can easily do.
  • Make sure that you identify those must do questions from each of the subjects - Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics irrespective of the question paper order.
  • Study and analyse the IIT-JEE 2011 paper as accurately as possible so that you are able to answer similar questions if asked in your AIEEE paper.
  • While solving the AIEEE paper, you have to be quick. Don't waste more than half- an- hour to 45 minutes in Chemistry. While solving the paper, most of the questions would be theoretical which requires less solving. Don't waste more than one hour in Physics and utilise the time in Mathematics.
  • One last thing one should remember before taking this exam is don't get nervous while solving the paper. Even if you have attempted 70 per cent of the paper, it's enough to get a rank in Top 1000.




Tuesday, March 1, 2011

The 5 highly effective customer service tips


Good customer service is the bread and butter of your business.
For instance, I paint outdoor signs and create various types of indoor/outdoor promotionals for people in our small town. I’ve been at this business now for over 20 years. I rarely advertise, yet I enjoy about 80 percent of our town’s sign and display business. How do I do it?
I have several business success secrets that helped me get to where I am today, and all of them relate to good customer service. These customer service secrets can equally apply to service contractors doing business with other businesses, as in my case, or to retailers doing business with the general consumer.
Customer Service Secret Number One - Build Business to Customer Loyalty. This is my number one customer service secret, and is by far the most important one. I was taught about Business to Customer Loyalty many, many years ago, before I started my own business, when I still worked as a hotel detective in a ritzy down town Calgary hotel. The hotel insisted that every one of us who had contact with their customers know the customer by his full name and, when possible, other personal or business information about him.
“Good evening, Mr. Smith. Welcome to our hotel.” Then, after a bit of miscellaneous chit-chat, “By the way, Mr. Smith, did you manage to unload at a profit those hundred shares of Doodlebug Appliances you thought were a bit risky?” or, “Was your daughter accepted at Harvard? Last time you were a guest with us you expressed concern that Emily was having difficulty with her math, and wasn’t sure if she had enough points to qualify for admission.”
Now, here’s a customer who KNOWS that he’s welcome at your hotel, and whenever he’s back in town, you can count on him staying in your establishment!
Is this spying on customers? Not at all! It’s simply remembering a few concerns that your customer shared with you the last time he stayed in your hotel.
When you can show concern about what matters to your customer, that’s Business to Customer Loyalty, and you can bet on it, you’ve just acquired a customer for life.
Continue on to the next page to read more secrets of good customer service.
Customer Service Secret Number Two - provide true customer service. In today’s market environment, service has become a clichĂ© and it seems like “everyone’s doing it.” So, if everyone is doing it, why not jump ahead of the wolf pack by providing even more creative, personalized service to your customers than your competitors can?
One size shoe does not fit all feet. Nor is one type of customer service suitable for all your customers. Let’s say your advertised featured customer service is Home Delivery. The first customer may welcome this Home Delivery because it’s difficult for him to get out and shop in person.
But your second customer may enjoy “window shopping” and carrying his purchases around with him as he goes from shop to shop. He is not the least interested in your home delivery service. So, with what you save by not needing home delivery for this customer, why not offer him an equivalent discount on a second cash purchase, or give him an in-store percentage-off coupon that he can use the next time he’s in your store?
I repeat, be creative. Get to personally know your customers and recognize their individual needs. Above all, make certain that what you are offering really is something that your customer can value; that's the key to good customer service.
Customer Service Secret Number Three - “The Customer Is always Right.” If a customer comes to you about a complaint, be very serious about how you handle it. Is the customer upset and angry? First, calm him with words and action and show that you are serious about doing something to correct the problem. Even if it is obvious that he’s wrong, sometimes it’s better for repeat business to take the loss and compensate the customer.
Then, when your customer is satisfied that his complaint has been properly addressed, thank him for bringing the problem to your attention. Remember, no amount of advertising can repair the damage done by failing to properly address a customer’s concern. Even more damaging to a small business is the “silent complainer.” That’s the customer who simply walks out of your shop without saying a word, and you never see him again. These silent complainers have friends. And their friends have friends.
Customer Service Secret Number Four - be honest with your customers. If your customer even suspects that you are trying to pull something over on him, you can kiss that customer goodbye - permanently! Were you fortunate enough to purchase an item from a wholesaler at a discount price? Instead of being tempted to richly improve your bottom line, pass that saving on to your customer. This will ingrain confidence in your customer so that, in the future, your customers will know where to come for REAL savings.
Did you manage to pick up some out of date or reject item? Don’t be tempted to pawn it off on your customers at a regular price without at least informing your customer that it’s a reject or of inferior workmanship.
If your customer asks you for advice on a product, don’t try to sell him the item that best enhances your bottom line. Sell him the item that’s best for your customer. In the long run, your bottom line will thank you for having made this choice.
Customer Service Secret Number Five - educate your staff to be equally as concerned about your customers as you are. Some years ago I went into a hardware store and asked the young summer student clerk for some rubber cement.
“You mean, a tire patching kit?”
“No,” I repeated. “I want a bottle of rubber cement.”
The kid obviously didn’t have a clue what I was talking about. However, rather than finding out what rubber cement is, he gave me a strange look, then turned his back and went on to serve another customer. Needless to say, after that incident I took ALL my hardware business elsewhere.
A final bit of advice about customer service; “If you aren’t taking care of your customers, your competition will.” Print that advice out in large, bold letters and past it above your cash register.

Simple Tips for Self Motivation


Feeling less than motivated all too often? I do. Well, perhaps not too often. But sometimes I just feel really lazy and unmotivated.
Want some practical solutions to that universal motivation-problem? Here are 25 of them. Try a handful.
Let me know which ones work well for you.
I’m sure you’ll find at least one or two that do just that among these suggestions.
1. Make a deal with yourself. Good for overcoming procrastination and getting things done. You can make the deal small or large. You simple tell yourself something like: When I’m done with this chapter/these reports I can take a walk in the park and enjoy an ice-cream.
2. Act like it. If you don’t feel motivated or enthusiastic then act like it. The strange thing is that within a few minutes you actually start to feel motivated or enthusiastic for real.
3. Ask uplifting questions in the morning. Here’s what you do; every morning ask yourself five empowering three-part questions this way:
What am I ______ about in my life right now?
What about it makes me _______?
 
How does it make me feel?
Put in your own value in the blank space. For instance, a couple of my questions are:
What am I happy about in my life right now?
What am I excited about in my life right now?
It’s important that you really feel how it makes you feel. When I think about the last part about what makes me happy right now I really feel it. These morning questions are great because the way they are set up makes you recognize things you take for granted and then they really get you to feel those positive feelings.
4. Move the goalposts. Set a large and specific goal. This will motivate you much more than small goals. A big goal has a big effect and can create a lot of motivation.
5. Do something small and create a flow. Just clean your desk. Or pay your bills. Or wash the dishes. You just need to get started. When you have finished that small task you’ll feel more alert and ready to go do the next thing. You just to get started to get motivated. So if you really don’t feel like doing anything, start with something small and work your way out up.
6. Do the toughest task first. This will ease a lot of your day-to-day worries and boost your self-confidence for the rest of the day. Read more about doing the hardest task bright and early right here.
7. Start slow. Instead of jumping into something at full speed start slow. When you do that your mind will not visualize the task as something hard that you have to do fast, fast, fast. If your mind sees such things guess what often happens? Yep, you don’t get started. Actually getting started, even if it’s at a slow pace, is a whole lot better than not getting started at all.
8. Compare yourself with yourself. Not with others. Comparing what you have and your results to what other people have and have accomplished can really kill your motivation. There are always people ahead of you. Most likely quite a bit of people. And a few of them are miles ahead. So focus on you. On your results. And how you can and have improved them.
Reviewing your results is important so you see where you have gone wrong in the past to avoid similar missteps further on. But it’s also important because it’s a great motivator to see how much you have improved and how far you have come. Often you can be pleasantly surprised when you do such a review.
9. Remember your successes. And let them flow through your mind instead of your failures. Write down your successes. Consider using a journal of some kind since it’s easy to forget your successes.
10. Act like your heroes. Read about them, watch them, listen to them. Discover what they did that was special and what made them tick. But remember that they are people just like us. So let them inspire you instead of looking up at them admiringly.
11. Remember to have fun. Or create fun in a task. Then you’ll stay motivated to do and finish it.
12. Get out of your comfort zone. Face your challenges to get a real boost of motivation. If you are holding yourself back have a look at 5 Life-Changing Keys to Overcoming Your Fear and the methods in this article. They can help you get started and take that first scary step outside your comfort zone.
13. Don’t fear failure. Instead redefine it as feedback and as a natural part of a successful life. As Michael Jordan said:
I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Also, try to find the valuable lesson(s) in each of your failures. Ask yourself: What can I learn from this?
14. Do some research on what you are about to do. Then your expectations will be more grounded in reality and you can also get good hints on what difficulties that you might run into along the way. Managing your expectations can lower the often almost explosive initial enthusiasm. But it can also lessen the lack of motivation that usually follows when most of that enthusiasm has dissipated.
When you know what has happened to others in similar situations – what path they have walked – you can adapt and try their solutions (and personal variations of those) and your own. This makes the worries and challenges easier to handle. Both emotionally – since you know at least some of the things that will happen and that others have lived through it before – and practically.
15. Figure out why youĂ‚´re doing something. If you don’t know or don’t have good enough reason to do something then it will be hard to get it done. Do things that you have really strong reasons to do. If you want to do something then figure out a good reason to do it. If you can’t find one consider dropping it and doing something that you have a good reason to do instead.
16. Write down your goals and reasons for working towards them. Tape them on your wall, computer or bathroom mirror. Then you’ll be reminded throughout the day and it becomes easier to stay on track and stay focused.
17. Take The Positivity Challenge! Learn to think more positively most of the time. Learn to let to go of negative threads of thought before they have a chance to take hold of you. You might not be able to be positive all the time no matter what happens. But I think most of us can improve on our positive thinking and the results it can lead us to. Perhaps more than you realize right now.
18. Cut down on TV. Do you watch it too much? Watch less of what they are doing in TV-land and do more of what you want to do in life.
19. Break it down. Break down your task or project into small steps. And just start with focusing on that first small step. When you are done move on to the next and just focus on that one. The small successes will keep your motivation up and keeping your focus away from the big picture stops you from becoming overwhelmed and discouraged. It’s amazing how much you can get done if you follow this simple method.
20. Reprogram your information intake. Program out negative and cynical thoughts from the media and society. Reduce your information intake. Then program in positive news and entertainment, more of your own thoughts and useful information such as personal growth tapes and books. Be selective and keep it positive.
21. Make use of your creativity. Take out a piece of paper. Write at the top of the page what area in your life you would like to have more ideas about. Perhaps you want ideas to earn more money or become a healthier person. Then brainstorm until you have written down 20 ideas on that topic. Then try for 10 more. Not all ideas will be good. But some will. And as you make use of your creativity you not only discover useful ideas. You also discover just how creative you can be if you try and how motivating and great that feels. 
22. Find out what makes you happy. Then do that. As much as you want or can.
23. Listen while you’re on the move. Build your own small library of motivational/personal development tapes. Listen to them while you are driving, riding the bus or your bike, while you are out running or walking. Take a peek at my recommended personal development products if you are looking for a good place to start.
24. Think outside your box. Don’t imagine the future from the box of what you have now. Just because your mind is in box of previous experiences doesn’t mean thatĂ‚´s the limits of the world. Your possibilities are much larger. Create the future from the now and from nothing rather than your past to experience bigger changes with fewer limitations than you would if you created it from what you can see from your box.
25. Make each day count. We don’t have all the time in the world. So focus on today and do the things you really want to do.