Computers are another example of ever-changing technology. Although the first computers were developed in the mid 20th century, they became popular and more affordable in the late 80′s and early 90′s. The computer is one technology that is constantly being revamped to be faster, more efficient, and let’s not forget the ever-changing software.

Speaking of software, this week we finally updated some of our very outdated software—A Good Thing!  With all new technology however, especially software, there is a learning curve—The Bad. Although it may take a bit of time to adjust and figure out where this feature is, or that one is, we will learn. Unfortunately, with today’s technology, we have the capability to be ever-connected—The Ugly. Although I was able to sneak out of work for a few hours yesterday to catch a Twins game, I spent part of it talking on my cell phone, & sending text messages back and forth to work to try to resolve some software issues we were having with our database. Oh well! Maybe next time, I’ll just turn my phone off, another technology capability.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

That’s huge! That’s why many companies are stringent about hiring qualified individuals, and are willing to pay more for those that can perform. Many companies also carefully groom their sales staff and offer extensive training for them.

“Everything you do is either increasing your perceived value, or detracting from it.” Following are 10 Ways To Increase Your “Perceived Value” rating from the article I wanted to share:

1. Be well dressed. It is important to dress neat, and clean. Remember, perception is everything.
2. Invest in expensive or good quality accessories. Again, perception! (e.g. a nice pen, briefcase, watch, etc.)
3. Have a neat, wll-groomed appearance. Customers will appreciate your attention to detail.
4. Practice impeccable manners, politeness, and courtesy. Alwasys try to put your best self forward.
5. Never knock the competition. You decrease your own value by doing so.
6. Be on time and deliver everything you promise. You are building your reputation.
7. Never argue with customers. They may not always be right, but they are always the customer.
8. Look for opportunities to so something extra. Small gestures can go a long way and can be very meaningful.
9. Plan and prepare each appointment in advance. Organization is key and always promotes a professional image.
10. Write thank you notes to each new customer, or prospect. It doesn’t cost anything to say thank you and people appreciate it.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

“The study examined the electronic logs of more than a million cold calls made by thousands of sales professionals and 50 companies.” When the study was concluded, various patterns of success and failure were revealed and some conventional thinking in regards to cold calling was disputed.

Following are some interesting findings from the article and Dr. Oldroyd’s study:

• Thursday is by far the best day to contact a lead, and Friday is the worst.
• Contrary to popular belief, the best time to call and qualify a lead is 8:00 am to 9:00 am, or 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
• The best way to contact a lead is still by telephone.
• The worst time to contact and qualify a lead is right after lunch, between 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
• The best odds of qualifying a lead is within 20 minutes of a shown interest. In fact, 5 minutes is the most effective.
• Hiring inside sales reps, over outside sales reps has become the new trend.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Please check out the above links to see the awesome projects. Check out more projects on our photo gallery that we have fabricated and installed.

If you are interested in having some of your projects featured on our website, in our showroom, or possibly in the StoneDimensions Magazine please contact me.

Feel free to share…

Angie

Yesterday, I came across an interesting perspective on how to restore your motivation when everything seems to be going wrong from ”A Few Of Your Favorite Things,”  a Reader Tip, found in the May 2009 issue of Selling Power magazine  that I wanted to pass along.

The reader suggested to restore motivation, make a “neat stuff” list of everything that is going right.

1. It is a beautiful sunny day.
2. I got an appointment with a customer that I’ve been trying to get in contact with for a long time.
3. A rebate check came in the mail.
4. Etc.

The key is review your list daily, both morning and night, to keep the positive thoughts with you. “Research suggests that after one to two weeks of reviewing your list, you will start feeling more positively focused and energized.

Sounds like a simple way to try and keep positive to me. How about you?

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Builder confidence is on the rise, and according to the latest index from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), March was up five percentage points, which is the highest it has been since October 2008. First time home buyers are eligible to receive an $8000 tax credit, and interests rates are extremely afforable, so if you’ve been on the fence about buying, it is time to act.

While the stock market generally predicts economic conditions, and has in fact risen 25% from its low,  we also need the housing and remodeling market to improve to get the economy rolling again. Thankfully, there are finally signs that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

So what exactly is social networking? According to the search engine Technorati, “Today’s social networks are the Internet-powered relationship engines of the twenty first century. Popular sites like Facebook, My Space, and Linked In are all examples. These services specialize in facilitating connections between people who share similar interests or professional pursuits.” While My Space and Facebook originally attracted college and high school students, they now have become mainstream and are attracting large audiences of people and literally millions of users. Linked In is a business oriented social networking site that basically works as a public resume of yourself, or business and allows users to list details and provide trusted contact connections.

So why should I jump on the social networking bandwagon some might ask? I may date myself a bit here, but do you remember that annoying, shampoo commercial of the 1970′s (Faberge Organic Shampoo)? It always ended with, “…and she’ll tell two friends, and so on, and so on and so on.” Well-that is basically how social networking works. The more contacts you make, the better, and the good news is that you can look at other peoples friends, or contacts, and discover that you may know someone they know.

I have to admit, I was a little leary about all of this “social networking stuff” at first. I know from experience with my college kids, that you can spend an incredible amount of time connecting with friends, etc. I also wasn’t sure I wanted to put my personal information “out there” for people to see, but realized quickly I’ve already been posting both personal and business information on the PGC blog site for two years now. I figured it was time to take the next step. I’d received several invitations to join Linked In, and Facebook, and thought…”Why not join this social networking phenomenon and grow our business at the same time?”

For now, you can find me on Linked In, and Facebook, where I’ve already connected to family, some high school and college friends, as well as made some business connections. How about you? Are you building your on-line networking community?

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Below are some photos from the show:

Feel free to share…

Angie

I went inside and asked the saleswoman what was included with the $19/SF charge. She explained that was just the cost of  fabrication and installation, and there would be additional charges for material cost. For example, some of the materials were labeled at $39/SF (yep, that is one of the places it comes from Barb), in addition to the $19/SF fabrication and installation charge, that brings you to $58/SF. While I was there, another customer came into the showroom and I did not get the chance to ask if that included measure and delivery? Does it include backsplash? What about sink cutouts/cooktop preps? If not, I can only assume that would add an additional $10-$20/SF onto the price.

It is really unfortunate that tactics like this are allowed, as it is deceiving and some might argue, severely unethical. At PGC our pricing per SF always includes, material, measuring, fabrication, delivery and installation. When requested, backsplash is always included, if not, it is optioned. We put it all up front initially on the proposal to make sure the customer knows exactly what they are getting. We do not believe in “hidden costs.”

It is apparent that this “competitor” is taking advantage of the consumer and their pocketbooks. While PGC  does not claim to be “the cheapest,” our goal is to be ”the best”. We will not knowingly mislead the customer just to get them in the door, but once they are in the door, we know they will be impressed and excited about the customer service and quality they receive from start to finish.

Feel free to share…

Angie

So how is it that some people just seem to be happy, no matter what the circumstances? Well according to, “What Happy People Don’t Do“, an article published in the November 19, 2008, New York Times, by Roni Caryn Rabin, “Happy people spend a lot of time socializing, going to church and reading newspapers — but they don’t spend a lot of time watching television a new study finds.” The study looked at what activities happy people do instead of just demographic factors like many other studies on happiness.

I don’t know about you, but I am truly looking forward to the holidays this year, socializing with family and friends. I can’t think of a better way to forget many of lifes problems.

Why not do yourself a favor this Thanksgiving and holiday season…watch less TV and enjoy the company of family, friends, and all those dear to you. You will be glad you did!

Thanks for reading!

Barb