Monday, April 12, 2010

Business Leader Necessities: Reading

Sometimes I struggle to find the time to get everything done in the days alloted. You know how it goes, you plan out your day and that plan only lasts until 9am. That's when phone calls, emails and impromptu meeting pop up.

Ever since leaving college I try to read as much as I can to keep me up-to-date on current trends and innovations while also keeping me a sharp and effective leader.

I subscribe to a lot of the same magazines you do: Inc., Entrepreneur, Fast Company, etc... There are a lot of great publications out there. It's just a matter of figuring out what applies your world, and what do you have time to read (as I'm writing this I have a stack of as-of-yet unread magazines).

Another great source of material is the constant flow of business-based books. Because I have such eclectic tastes I often find myself buying three businees books and never finishing them. I say it's because I don't have the time (which is partly true), but part of me also wants the author just to get to the point. Give me the facts, bubba!

I think I found my solution. While flying home from our last vacation I happened to find an ad for a service I'd often thought about but never really researched. You probably all know about it, but I'll share it with that one person who doesn't know: book summaries. Basically, there are companies that take a book and summarize it into 5-10 pages, outline the salient points and give the best quotes.

I researched some companies through TopTenReviews and settled on getAbstract. They seemed to have the best selection and decent pricing. I've already breezed through 15 books in a couple of weeks. I love it.

Different services have different pricing options. Check 'em out and see what you think. I'll let you know how it goes from my end.


Carlos Cooper
Oxford Property Management

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Send Your Employees on Vacation!: Taking Care of Your Team

As a smaller company we sometimes struggle with effective ways to take care of our team. We can't all afford to have profit-sharing plans, 401-K's and health benefits.

As I mulled over a solution (I can only give out so many hugs before my team starts looking at me funny) I encountered a company that seemed to have the exact thing I was looking for; a creative way to take care of my people that was not going to break the bank.

Travel Benefits: I met Todd at a local networking event and his description of services caught me at once. He quickly described how his company provided Travel Benefits to companies and their employees. Well, I was naturally excited but still skeptical. We set up a time to get the full details. I realized that for a nominal cost (costs vary by company size) I could take care of my team in a VERY unique way. I could give them access to wonderful trips all around the world at a highly discounted rate. What!? Needless to say, I signed up Oxford Property Management and its employees on the spot.

I'm now planning on further rewarding my team by offering to pay for one trip per year for each of them. How many companies that you've worked for have mandated you take time off AND paid for you to take a trip? My tally is ZERO. Some of these trips are even all-inclusive!

As we find out more information about this great new benefit we'll keep you updated on its effects on our team's morale and productivity. Heck, who doesn't want to go on vacation?

If you'd like more information on the Travel Benefits company we've signed up with please email me at ccooper@theoxford-company.com.

Submitted by Carlos Cooper, President-Oxford Property Management
www.oxford-tn.com

Friday, March 5, 2010

Email Courage: The Wussification of America

Ever had a friendly face-to-face conversation with a friend, family member, client or customer? Sure we all have. Now...have you ever had the follow-up email from that same person who, all of a sudden, sounds like a different person? You know, the people who may not have the guts to tell you something in person but have no problem turning into Darth Vader via email?

Ahhhhh!!!!

Yes, that's the sound of my frustration. After a couple recent episodes I've tried to figure out why people do that. Here are some of my ideas:

Impersonal: Email is a great tool when used properly. Heck, I love it as it gives me a written record of everything I write so I don't forget! Some people consider email a vacuum void of all emotions and decency. Let me give you a hint...email is still personal. Yes, words via email can hurt just as much as saying it to their face. Think about how your wording could be construed. Put yourself in their shoes.

The wizard behind the curtain: Some people plop down in front of their computers, either at their home office or work cubicle, and all of a sudden they feel fully empowered. (Ha, no one can see what I'm doing now) Great! It's good to feel empowered. But use that power for GOOD, not EVIL. Remember, even the good king has his royal decrees preserved forever in written record.

So...it's my oh so humble opinion that we should all treat email just like a face-to-face conversation.

- Use the same emotions (you do know how to make that famous smiley face, right? :) ) you would in front of the recipient of that email.

- Organize your thoughts but don't be a robot. I love bullet points and numbered items. That doesn't mean I can't sound like a real person and maybe insert a little wit here and there.

- Read the many blogs and articles about email etiquette (no ALL CAPS!).

- Know your audience.

Don't be a wuss...email is a great tool when used for good!

www.oxford-tn.com

Monday, February 8, 2010

Pay for Performance: The Right Way to do Business

Times are tough for a lot of consumers. Money is tight and prospective customers are looking to save money wherever possible.

A great way to attract that business is to earn it by saying you'll only get paid if you perform. I know some of you think that might not be fair. It's great to get money upfront, but sometimes we need to adjust. If you really think about it, most business is pay for performance.

Think about Google's pay per click campaigns. You're only paying Google if someone clicks on one of your ads.

How about eating dinner at your favorite restaurant? You have to pay for the food once you get it, right?

Well, the thing that will really set you apart is not just guaranteeing performance, but giving superior performance.

I've recently read a couple articles where marketing firms are not charging retainer fees and instead asking for a percentage of the increase in business they're responsible for bringing in. They're getting creative. So should you.

Think about how you bill your clients. For example, in our property management business we get our management fee once we've put a new tenant into our client's property. No tenant, no fee.

If you do good work for your clients you shouldn't worry about getting paid...right?

www.oxford-tn.com

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Doing Business With Subcontractors: Tips on Choosing Your Match

Ever wonder how some businesses choose subcontractors? When talking to current or potential property management clients we often get the question, "Who do you use to clean carpets, re-key locks, etc..." Most of the companies we subcontract work to were screened by our management team. We are a smaller company and we like to work with similar small businesses. Here are some things we look for:

Responsiveness: Can you get the owner on the phone? On his/her cell phone? How long does it take for them to call back? Do they provide good information over the phone or through email? How quickly can they get to a job?

Reliability: Can they give you any references on past work done? Do they keep rescheduling?

Pricing: Are they comparable to other companies in town? Are their prices so low that you wonder how legitimate the company is?

Personality: You may not agree with me on this one but we enjoy working with people and companies we like. What is their attitude or mission? Schedule a face-to-face meeting and see if you click.

Sometimes we'll try a company out a couple times and then not use them again. Maybe they're a new company and don't have a track record yet. Everyone has to start somewhere!

I will say that we appreciate feedback from our clients. Think about giving the company some constructive criticism so they can either fix their mistake or learn for next time.

Submitted by Oxford Property Management

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

To Flip or Not to Flip?

HUD just changed the rules on how long properties have to be held in order to qualify for an FHA loan. Looks like they're trying to get residential sales moving...but will the new rules stifle movement? We shall see!

See the new HUD regulations.

Monday, January 18, 2010

The Secret to Outstanding Customer Service

It's funny that a lot of people just assume they should be treated well in any retail environment. That's true to an extent. Yes, sales associates in department stores or fast food restaurants should always deliver superior service. I think the rest of us don't do enough to help them give us even better service. What's the secret?

Smile! :)

That's right. Next time you step in line at the local taco joint or furniture store...smile at the person helping you. Be nice. Engage them in conversation (not too much, you chatterboxes out there. They still need to do their jobs!). You'll be amazed at how much more attentive most of them will be.

So let's make customer service a two-way street...and be nice to someone today!