 | Gregory P. Smith
Lead Navigator
President
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Chart Your Course Assessment Users Group (CYCAUG)
This quarterly continuing education webinar is for people who are using or are interested in using our online assessment solutions for their company or organization. Agenda: - New look and design of our reports
- Team-building Activity
- Upcoming Consultant's Boot Camp
- Emotional Intelligence assessment
- Q/A
Date: July 11 Time: 3:00-3:45 p.m. ET Cost: No charge |
(Live Webseminar) Our DISC training programs and assessments help you identify individual personality styles so you can hire the right people, reduce conflict, improve communication and unleash team performance. (Classes are conducted in four, 90-minute sessions) Dates: July 8, 10, 15, 17 Aug. 5, 7, 12, 14 Time: 3:00-4:30 E.T. Cost: $1295 per person Register now! Your registration includes over $900 in DISC training materials! Call or email us for more information. 800-821-2487 or 770-860-9464 |
Fired Up! is a leadership book full of tips and strategies on how to manage, lead and motivate people at work. Unleash your employees' potential today! Starting at : $12.95 |
|  | | | Letter from the Lead Navigator:
Times are tough for small businesses.The skills businesses require from their workers are becoming more complex by the day. Small businesses are increasingly doing more with less, as they navigate new technologies and regulations. Still small businesses are the heart of the U.S. economy and remain optimistic for the future. They comprise half of all private sector jobs, and are responsible for 69 percent of all new jobs, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Whatever your small business, here's an article to help you maximize growth. Also, to celebrate July 4th, enjoy 20% off any of our products, excluding our DISC courses. Happy Independence Day! And note that we'll host a webinar July 11, for our Assessment Users Group. The full details are listed below. Helping you Chart Your Course!  Gregory P. Smith President and Lead Navigator     
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| | Enjoy this discount on all CYC products, excluding online DICS courses. |
| Expires 07/04/13. Excludes DISC training courses
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| Four Ways to Grow Your Business
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| While many economic indicators have pointed to the economy's recovery, small businesses are still feeling the pinch. According to a May 2013 survey from email marketing company Constant Contact, 59 percent of small businesses say running their business is harder today than it was five years ago. Plus more than half say the bad economy is the main reason for their troubles, followed by changing technologies and an increase in direct competition. However those businesses do think things are turning around and expect an increase in revenues. Meanwhile, a small portion of businesses have found ways to succeed despite the tough times. Twelve percent of businesses say their profits have increased in the last five years. They credit their success with more affordable and effective marketing tools via the Internet, and growing support for local businesses. "Supporting local is a growing consumer trend," said Gail Goodman, CEO of Constant Contact. "The national discussion about the importance of small business to our economic recovery has raised awareness, as have shop local movements like Small Business Saturday. Local and mobile search is also making it easier for small businesses to reach consumers. When a local restaurant can have its menu, along with that day's specials, readily available to restaurant seekers browsing their smart phone for a good dinner spot nearby, it's easy for customers to choose them." Based on Constant Contact's study and tips from the U.S. Small Business Administration, here are four ways to grow your business in the coming years. - Remember that people are your greatest resource. Successful companies regularly say it's their people that make them stand out in the marketplace. Your employees are the ones face-to-face with customers, delivering services and generating new ideas. This is doubly true for small businesses. When there are fewer people working, each person carries greater responsibilities. Be sure to have a strategy in place to hire the right candidate for each job. Implement retention and appreciation policies to keep your staff happy. Always be on the lookout for new talent or labor markets. Consider untapped/overlooked labor markets such as stay-at-home moms, retirees or exiting military personnel.
- Exploit/explore digital marketing opportunities. The use of social media, email marketing and other digital methods was a major factor in whether businesses grew and were successful in the last five years, according to CC's survey. The benefits of these tools are they are largely free, and can quickly carry multiple marketing messages to drive business, promote special offers or generate referrals. If you are new to social media- focus on one to two outlets and be consistent and creative. Also don't be shy to ask happy customers for referrals on business review websites such as Yelp.com, Kudzu.com or Google's business directory.
To finish reading this article click here! Also coming soon from Chart Your Course International: Grow Your Business Boot Camp! |
If you have enjoyed my Navigator Newsletter, website, discounts, lessons and articles, then you will benefit from my special member's only Voyageur Business Coaching Program. Members receive discounts on many CYC products and services, as well as customized reports and training via teleconferences and webinars. To learn more click here. |
| Industry Facts and Figures |
A recent report from global consulting group BlessingWhite pinpointed several factors that resulted in greater employee engagement. Employees were most engaged at organizations that had a clear set of priorities. The employees also received regular individual feedback, were able to use their skill set, and had career advancement opportunities. The study polled 7,000 workers around the world for its results. Also noteworthy, employee engagement increased with an employee's tenure, level and age. In effect, as people grew more experienced and vested in their work, or more senior in their organization, engagement increased. |
| |  Like the Navigator? Pass it on to your friends! The Navigator Newsletter is received by over 35,000 subscribers in 49 countries, in addition to other websites and magazines. Reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: "Chart Your Course International, by Gregory P. Smith, Copyright 2013." Sign up and receive free articles, tips and newsletters at our website or call us at (770) 860-9464 or (800) 821-2487. |
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Copyright © 2013. All Rights Reserved.
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