This article was submitted by MCC Guest Blogger Stephanie Shalofsky of The Organizing Zone.
Getting your NYC office organized goes way beyond clearing the extraneous papers that are piled up on your desk, credenza and possibly even the floor. It also involves adopting good habits for managing the hundreds (maybe thousands) of e-mails that are cluttering up your inbox. Scanning through these messages can be as overwhelming as sorting through the paper piles that surround you.
Identifying ways to more effectively manage e-mail is of interest to many business owners as the typical business e-mail user sends/receives 110 messages each day and can spend a significant amount of time managing them. This task is further complicated if you have a tendency to use your inbox as your ongoing to-do list. The inbox should be no more than a temporary holding location for new messages until they have been processed and deleted, filed or placed in an action folder.
Below are my top 5 tips for productively managing email.
1. Be proactive. Take control of your e-mail. Establish a schedule for checking your inbox at set intervals during the day. Process the messages during each interval, responding to those that can be addressed in 2 minutes or less and moving those that will require more time into an Action Folder so that you can address during time that has been scheduled to do so.
2. Set a maximum. In order to keep the number of e-mails in your inbox at a very manageable level, determine the maximum number of e-mails that you will allow to collect in the inbox. Once this quantity has collected, your priority task for the day will be processing your e-mails so that you are back in control.
3. Write concise messages. The single best way to improve productivity is to structure e-mail messages that are both clear and concise, use bullet points and short paragraphs for a quick read, identify the next steps and focus on only one subject.
4. Is it necessary? Get into the habit of determining if an email should be drafted before starting to type. Assess whether the information that is being communicated is complete, relevant and timely. If it is, there is a good chance that the issue or question can be completely addressed with a minimum of back/forth.
5. Avoid “one word” responses. Replying “Thanks” or “Great” to messages that you receive is not only a time waster for the recipient but could also add unwanted mail in your inbox. He/She will need to spend a few seconds opening the message and while there is no need to respond may be tempted to do so.
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Showing posts with label Employee Training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Employee Training. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Interns Available: Learn as you Earn Advancement Program (LEAP)
LEAP is a NYCEDC funded program through the “LINK” Initiative (Leveraging Innovations and our Neighborhoods in the Knowledge community). The LEAP Program connects Associate and Certificate candidates to employer paid internships in growing, in-demand occupations. The program seeks to address issues affecting student graduation rates including limited work place skills, financial burden and limited post-graduation placement opportunities.
LEAP combines classroom training and paid work experience through internships to help students gain appropriate skills and access to better paying jobs in the knowledge economy. Participants will be placed in relevant, paid internships, receive soft-skills training in the classroom, and receive career counseling and support during, and post-internship resulting in program completion and full-time job placement.
Our ambitious, skilled and goal-oriented interns are ready to be placed in the following sectors:
· Administrative
· Accounting/Bookkeeping
· Information Technology/Web Development
For more information, please call or email the LEAP Team:
Phone: 347-286-1624
Email: NewYorkLEAP@EDSIsolutions.com
LEAP combines classroom training and paid work experience through internships to help students gain appropriate skills and access to better paying jobs in the knowledge economy. Participants will be placed in relevant, paid internships, receive soft-skills training in the classroom, and receive career counseling and support during, and post-internship resulting in program completion and full-time job placement.
Our ambitious, skilled and goal-oriented interns are ready to be placed in the following sectors:
· Administrative
· Accounting/Bookkeeping
· Information Technology/Web Development
For more information, please call or email the LEAP Team:
Phone: 347-286-1624
Email: NewYorkLEAP@EDSIsolutions.com
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Transform your business into a community
This post is from "Cindy's Blog" written by Cindy Bates, VP from Microsoft’s SMB&D Team. Please click below to see the link to her blog. MCC is a Silver partner of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.
Building a strong customer community is a topic I plan to devote more time to on this blog, in part because I really believe it’s a way for small businesses to foster affinity among their customer base and grow their business.
One small business that has been particularly effective at building a customer community is located in my neck of the woods. Seattle-based evo sprang from humble beginnings, when founder Bryce Phillips started the company in his Seattle apartment in 2001. A lot has changed since then. evo now serves as a ski, skate and snowboard shop, clothing store, art gallery and a community gathering place.
Over the past 10 years or so, Bryce has focused on creating a retail experience that brings together all of the things evo customers love, including cultural events and non-profit efforts, into one physical space. In so doing, he’s created more than a loyal customer base - but an actual community of brand loyalists.
The community aspect is inherent in how evo has built its business. Its online presence mirrors its physical Seattle space, with photos and witty bios of evo employees. The company blog communicates personality and reaches beyond the company’s local geographic area through generous giveaways, attention-grabbing videos and all kinds of news related to an active lifestyle. What’s more, customers who order products from evo are often treated to personal thank you notes with their purchase.
Want to find inject community-building strategies into your customer relationships? Here are a few more examples of what evo has done that you spark ideas for your own business:
Clarity in mission. evo’s owners know exactly what they want the company to be about and who they want to reach. Their corporate mission is to promote collaboration between culture and sport. Since there’s no waffling on why evo exists, they can more effectively target their intended audience with events and efforts that really speak to individuals interested in culture and sport, including skateboard and snowboard mentorships for kids. For some basics on developing a corporate mission statement, check out this Entrepreneur article.
A willingness to think beyond product transactions. Movie premieres and art showings might not sell ski gear today, but they do succeed in creating a great impression and certainly contribute toward positive word-of-mouth. Try holding a company brainstorm and see what ideas you and your employees can drum up to think beyond the cash register. Businesses with physical storefronts should certainly consider on-site events, while companies that only have online presences can explore community-oriented options including tweet-ups, online forums and live streaming of speakers or events.
Contagious passion. evo’s employees clearly have a passion for the urban, action sports lifestyle. Getting into their customers’ brains is easy since they already are their ideal customer. When bringing new members onto your team, ask yourself, “Can I envision this person demonstrating enthusiasm for our product/service and their role within the company?” Of course not all businesses center on hobbies or products that intrinsically get people excited, but even when it comes to the worlds of plumbing and insurance, leading companies will exude a passion for excellence in whatever they do or sell and passion begins with employees. Figure out what you need to do to kindle or rekindle enthusiasm among your employees, even if it means injecting more humor into your company’s culture, supporting continuing education or learning opportunities, or even hosting more office parties and friendly competitions.
Are there any companies you admire or do business with because of the community they’ve created? If so, I’d love to hear about them and why you think they’re succeeding in building community.
Cindy's Blog
Building a strong customer community is a topic I plan to devote more time to on this blog, in part because I really believe it’s a way for small businesses to foster affinity among their customer base and grow their business.
One small business that has been particularly effective at building a customer community is located in my neck of the woods. Seattle-based evo sprang from humble beginnings, when founder Bryce Phillips started the company in his Seattle apartment in 2001. A lot has changed since then. evo now serves as a ski, skate and snowboard shop, clothing store, art gallery and a community gathering place.
Over the past 10 years or so, Bryce has focused on creating a retail experience that brings together all of the things evo customers love, including cultural events and non-profit efforts, into one physical space. In so doing, he’s created more than a loyal customer base - but an actual community of brand loyalists.
The community aspect is inherent in how evo has built its business. Its online presence mirrors its physical Seattle space, with photos and witty bios of evo employees. The company blog communicates personality and reaches beyond the company’s local geographic area through generous giveaways, attention-grabbing videos and all kinds of news related to an active lifestyle. What’s more, customers who order products from evo are often treated to personal thank you notes with their purchase.
Want to find inject community-building strategies into your customer relationships? Here are a few more examples of what evo has done that you spark ideas for your own business:
Clarity in mission. evo’s owners know exactly what they want the company to be about and who they want to reach. Their corporate mission is to promote collaboration between culture and sport. Since there’s no waffling on why evo exists, they can more effectively target their intended audience with events and efforts that really speak to individuals interested in culture and sport, including skateboard and snowboard mentorships for kids. For some basics on developing a corporate mission statement, check out this Entrepreneur article.
A willingness to think beyond product transactions. Movie premieres and art showings might not sell ski gear today, but they do succeed in creating a great impression and certainly contribute toward positive word-of-mouth. Try holding a company brainstorm and see what ideas you and your employees can drum up to think beyond the cash register. Businesses with physical storefronts should certainly consider on-site events, while companies that only have online presences can explore community-oriented options including tweet-ups, online forums and live streaming of speakers or events.
Contagious passion. evo’s employees clearly have a passion for the urban, action sports lifestyle. Getting into their customers’ brains is easy since they already are their ideal customer. When bringing new members onto your team, ask yourself, “Can I envision this person demonstrating enthusiasm for our product/service and their role within the company?” Of course not all businesses center on hobbies or products that intrinsically get people excited, but even when it comes to the worlds of plumbing and insurance, leading companies will exude a passion for excellence in whatever they do or sell and passion begins with employees. Figure out what you need to do to kindle or rekindle enthusiasm among your employees, even if it means injecting more humor into your company’s culture, supporting continuing education or learning opportunities, or even hosting more office parties and friendly competitions.
Are there any companies you admire or do business with because of the community they’ve created? If so, I’d love to hear about them and why you think they’re succeeding in building community.
Cindy's Blog
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Training Your Staff and Building Your Business Doesn’t Have To Be Costly
Investing in your business is a necessary part of growth, but finding the capital to take that step is not easy. That is why entrepreneurs must not overlook the free resources available to them, many of which can be found at NYC Business Solutions, a set of free services offered by the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) to help businesses start, operate, and expand in New York City.
Receive Grants to Train Your Staff
Since 2007, SBS has helped more than 100 companies train nearly 3,500 workers by providing them with more than $6 million in grants. Business owners can access funding through Customized Training grants, provided by NYC Business Solutions, which enable businesses to invest in the professional training services they need to develop staff skills specific to their industry. Customized Training provides awards of up to $400,000 that can cover 60-70% of eligible training costs, which eliminates the financial constraints that keeps businesses from investing in a more efficient staff.
And more businesses are taking advantage.
On May 2, 2012, SBS awarded over $200,000 in Customized Training grants to seven New York businesses to train 93 employees matched by over $130,000 in funds from the employers. These Customized Training awards are projected to increase revenues for the awarded businesses by more than $400,000 and increase the wages of its trainees by 20 percent. To learn more about Customized Training, visit www.nyc.gov/training
What Free Staff Training Can Do:
SSTL dba Bedroom Furniture Discounts is an online furniture retailer and wholesaler. The business will use a $25,085 Customized Training award to train 14 employees, including 2 new hires, on new order management software. The software will increase efficiency by allowing the company to achieve seamless coordination with its vendors. The program is projected to result in wage increases of 10 percent.”
Restaurant owners can also capitalize on training
If you own a restaurant, there is even a program that has already been designed for your staff. In partnership with the New York State Restaurant Association, NYC Business Solutions offers local restaurant and foodservice establishments free restaurant management training to develop the skills of their entry-level staff. Developed with input from restaurateurs across the country, this Restaurant Management Training focuses on four key areas that allow staff to take on new responsibilities, and help restaurant owners see greater revenue, and reduce costs.
You can choose to send your staff to one or any combination of course offerings, which include: Hospitality and Restaurant Management, Controlling Foodservice Costs, Restaurant Marketing, and Human Resources Management and Supervision.
Featured in the April issue of Total Food Service, the next session of this highly-touted training begins June 13. Enrollment applications will be accepted through June 6. For more information or to enroll your staff visit www.nysra.org/training.
Lead Your Business Into The Next Phase
Cultivating a better staff will help your business take off from the ground-up, but a business owner’s responsibility is to keep a clear head from up above. Having a strategic vision is what distinguishes an ordinary business owner from an effective business leader. FastTrac GrowthVenture can help you be that business leader.
FastTrac GrowthVenture is a business course designed to help you grow your business by creating an actionable growth plan in a safe, workshop environment. With the help of fellow business owners and experienced facilitators, you can draw upon the experience of others and receive feedback to plan out the next phase of your business.
FastTrac GrowthVenture is valued at $1,000, but offered to businesses, at no cost. Courses comprise of eight (8) four-hour sessions held twice a week—the course runs for four consecutive weeks. The next FastTrac GrowthVenture course begins August 6, 2012. Applications are now being accepted. For more information and to apply visit www.nyc.gov/fastrac.
With a good staff and an even better leader, your business can grow for a fraction of the price you thought you had to pay. You have already paid your taxes this year. Why not take advantage of the services that you’ve already paid for?
http://www.manhattancc.org/common/News/articles/detail.cfm?QID=9191&classification=news&topicID=0&clientID=11001&subnav=news
Receive Grants to Train Your Staff
Since 2007, SBS has helped more than 100 companies train nearly 3,500 workers by providing them with more than $6 million in grants. Business owners can access funding through Customized Training grants, provided by NYC Business Solutions, which enable businesses to invest in the professional training services they need to develop staff skills specific to their industry. Customized Training provides awards of up to $400,000 that can cover 60-70% of eligible training costs, which eliminates the financial constraints that keeps businesses from investing in a more efficient staff.
And more businesses are taking advantage.
On May 2, 2012, SBS awarded over $200,000 in Customized Training grants to seven New York businesses to train 93 employees matched by over $130,000 in funds from the employers. These Customized Training awards are projected to increase revenues for the awarded businesses by more than $400,000 and increase the wages of its trainees by 20 percent. To learn more about Customized Training, visit www.nyc.gov/training
What Free Staff Training Can Do:
SSTL dba Bedroom Furniture Discounts is an online furniture retailer and wholesaler. The business will use a $25,085 Customized Training award to train 14 employees, including 2 new hires, on new order management software. The software will increase efficiency by allowing the company to achieve seamless coordination with its vendors. The program is projected to result in wage increases of 10 percent.”
Restaurant owners can also capitalize on training
If you own a restaurant, there is even a program that has already been designed for your staff. In partnership with the New York State Restaurant Association, NYC Business Solutions offers local restaurant and foodservice establishments free restaurant management training to develop the skills of their entry-level staff. Developed with input from restaurateurs across the country, this Restaurant Management Training focuses on four key areas that allow staff to take on new responsibilities, and help restaurant owners see greater revenue, and reduce costs.
You can choose to send your staff to one or any combination of course offerings, which include: Hospitality and Restaurant Management, Controlling Foodservice Costs, Restaurant Marketing, and Human Resources Management and Supervision.
Featured in the April issue of Total Food Service, the next session of this highly-touted training begins June 13. Enrollment applications will be accepted through June 6. For more information or to enroll your staff visit www.nysra.org/training.
Lead Your Business Into The Next Phase
Cultivating a better staff will help your business take off from the ground-up, but a business owner’s responsibility is to keep a clear head from up above. Having a strategic vision is what distinguishes an ordinary business owner from an effective business leader. FastTrac GrowthVenture can help you be that business leader.
FastTrac GrowthVenture is a business course designed to help you grow your business by creating an actionable growth plan in a safe, workshop environment. With the help of fellow business owners and experienced facilitators, you can draw upon the experience of others and receive feedback to plan out the next phase of your business.
FastTrac GrowthVenture is valued at $1,000, but offered to businesses, at no cost. Courses comprise of eight (8) four-hour sessions held twice a week—the course runs for four consecutive weeks. The next FastTrac GrowthVenture course begins August 6, 2012. Applications are now being accepted. For more information and to apply visit www.nyc.gov/fastrac.
With a good staff and an even better leader, your business can grow for a fraction of the price you thought you had to pay. You have already paid your taxes this year. Why not take advantage of the services that you’ve already paid for?
http://www.manhattancc.org/common/News/articles/detail.cfm?QID=9191&classification=news&topicID=0&clientID=11001&subnav=news
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
NYC Business Solutions Customized Training
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