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09 Oct 09 Pre-Interview Preparation

How you prepare for an interview can be just as important as what you do in the actual interview.  The way you prepare can dictate how you are received.  Not preparing well could be the difference between getting a job, and sealing your fate to rejection.  The importance of the little things cannot be understated.  So you should remember that, when you’re getting ready for that next interview.

Everything starts in the phone call that you receive, notifying you that you’ve been chosen for an interview.  Make sure that you write down the information on when and where the interview will be taking place.  Jot down the time as well.  Then make sure to find out any documentation that you need to bring to interview.  Before ending the conversation, make sure to double check the time and place, and the documents you’ll need.  The worst first impression you can make for an interview, is to show up late.

If you aren’t already familiar with the location of the interview, it’s a good idea to look up directions and do a run through.  See how long it takes to get to the interview site, and learn the route.  That way when the day comes you don’t risk being late by aimlessly looking for the location, or getting into unexpected traffic.

Now to the interview outfit.  It’s best to pick your outfit in advance, so that you know what you are going to wear, and aren’t forced to figure anything at the last minute.  Choose something professional, that’s clean and tidy.  An outfit that fits you well, and that is free of stains or tears.

Finally, on the day of the interview, be sure to leave early.  The worst thing you can do at an interview, is show up late.  Many interviewers won’t hire an applicant that can’t show up to an interview on time.  Keep that on time, and show up 10-15 minutes early.  That way you show yourself to be prepared, and committed to the job opportunity.

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23 Sep 09 Approaching A Business Client

Whether you own a personal business, or work for a company where independent clients are your target, you need to know how to approach them.  By not knowing how to approach a client, you run the chance of ruining a potential business relationship, through a lack of knowledge.  That’s no reason to lose out on potential business, so do your research and make sure that doesn’t happen.  It’s not too hard to develop your relationship building skills, you just need to know where to start.

Firstly, do what research you can about your potential client.  Find out what you can about them, before making your approach, so that you can formulate a strategy specific to them.  By doing your research you already know what parts of your business apply to them, and you can focus on highlighting those positives.  Tailoring a pitch to each potential client gives you a better chance of getting their attention, and capturing their interest.

Whether you are approaching through a phone call, or an in person meeting, make sure that you stay professional.  Keep positive and courteous, through your speech and demeanor.  That will reflect in your pitch, and the potential client is more likely to respond positively in return.  Never underestimate the power of positivity.

Finally, make sure that you know your stuff, concerning your own business.  It’s not enough to highlight the points that apply to a potential client, you also need to know the answers to their questions.  You never know what they’re going to think of, so keep a broad range of knowledge on hand about your business.  By knowing the facts, and even having a guide for yourself, you can quickly supply the answer to any questions they may have.  This helps to show that your business is organized, and helpful in working with a client to get them the solution that they need.

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