The Jholdas Group

I’ve heard many people say that they will be glad when this year is over; well, it pretty much is and, I agree, it’s been a tough one. But before we sigh in relief, let’s remember some of what we’ve learned in 2009:

1. We learned that we are a lot tougher than we thought we were.
2. We learned how to increase service and reduce cost at the same time.
3. We learned that we need negotiations skills as well as sales skills.
4. We learned that it’s too easy for our customers to forget us and what we did for them last.
5. We learned that there are many “staffing solutions” that we bring to our customers beyond ramping up and projects.
6. We learned the necessity of really knowing our customer’s business—not just their industry.
7. We learned to make tough decisions and move on.
8. We learned how to lead in battle and to execute on critical plans.
9. We learned that we can trust each other to do what it takes.
10. We learned to laugh in the midst of the storm.

So, now, let’s go into 2010 and use what we learned to clobber the competition!

To all the friends and family of the Jholdas Group around the world from all of us…

 

Merry Christmas

I haven’t even finished it but I am ready to recommend Think Big, Act Small as a great read for business owners. It’s a quick cure for “executivitis” and arrogance. The book chronicles the best practices of a number of market beating companies (yes, they beat the Good to Great companies) and you will be delighted to find very usable ideas for your business regardless of its size. Available on Amazon in print and Kindle format. Amazon

Here are some things that can be done to help create jobs:

1. Stop extending unemployment benefits and reduce them back to the short-term bridge they were meant to be.

2. Forgive the Title XII loans that the states have had to take from the Treasury to cover unemployment extensions and are now paying back by tripling SUTA for employers.

3. Immediately pass portability for all healthcare insurance nationwide.

4. Return the bail out money to the Treasury and pay down as much of the deficit as it will cover; that would strengthen the dollar tremendously.

5. Commit to keeping Capital Gains taxes at the current 15% rate to encourage investment.

It takes six times as much effort and investment to gain a new customer than it does to retain and expand an existing customer. So why is most of our effort focused on new sales (important) and not customer satisfaction (vital)?

Get ready for major SUTA increases in January–2-4X what your company pays now. Explore external staffing solutions–www.employbridge.net

You can only cut so much before you guarantee your failure; the answer is to focus on increasing revenue.

Why is it that airline customers are friendlier and more efficient than airline personnel? Inquiring minds want to know. Actually, it’s not just airlines (that happens to be the experience du jour). I would posit several reasons: 1. They don’t like people 2. They are bonuses on how many people they can make speak first 3. They are sleep deprived 4. They haven’t been trained since the recession began 2 years ago 5. They were hired because of their introverted personality 6. They are worn out from dealing with rude people day after day 7. They quit caring 8. They have too many things on their mind 9. They can’t wait to get off duty 10. They don’t like bald guys Whatever the reason, I do get tired of paying to be ignored.