Casual Articles - Business

Wire EDM Machines: An Overview
While there are many brands and models of Wire EDM machines available today, the three most prominent manufacturers are Elox, Japax, and Mitsubishi.While each of these companies manufacture similar products, there will always be some varying features such as the User-interface with the CNC controller, the numbers of wires, be it a 4-axis or 5-axis Wire EDM machine, type of electrical current (AC vs. DC), and the gauges of wires that can be used. Another very big difference will be the size of the tank in which the manufacturing is accomplished.Some examples of specifications for one model from each of these companies are:Elox Fanuc Model M - (the Fanuc indicating the type of CNC controller that is a component of the Elox Wire EDM) has an X-axis path of 20”, a Y-axis path of 14”, and a Z-axis path of 10”Japax Wire EDM Model LDM-S - has a Y-axis path 13.8” and capable of machining a work piece with the measurements of 15.7” x 19.7” x 5.9” and a table that moves 7.9” x 13.8”Mitsubishi Wire EDM Model DWC 110 H-1 - has an X-axis of 12”, a Y-axis of 18”, and a Z-axis of 10”Each of these models only represents one of many different models offered by their respective manufacturer. Variations will be observed from model to model with some differences including the distance that each axis wire can travel, the size of product that can be manufactured and the CNC controller.When selecting a wire EDM machine, one must take into consideration the product that will be manufactured, the degrees of tolerance and variances that are allowed, how detailed the cut will be, and not least importantly, the funds available for purchasing the wire EDM.While Elox, Japax and Mitsubishi are three prominent manufacturers of wire EDM machines, remember that there are also other manufactures of wire EDM machines.

them and what they are telling you. Listen, respond, and care and you will build the best relationships and networks without ever even having to really try.

This kind of falls in with the last paragraph above and that is that you always want to strive to be more interested than interesting. When trying to prove how interesting you are you will often lose the person either physically or mentally as you are talking to them. But when you focus on them and you are more interested in what they are telling you, you will see great strides in the depth and width of your network. When you are interested in someone you will start to understand them and be able to relate to them better. Instead of taking years to form friendships you will find that you can become ‘fast friends’ with them. You will know more about them and be able to understand their needs. This will aid you in helping them, serve them, and you become the person that everyone wants to be around. How would that be for growing your network if you are the one that people like to be near?

The next key question that comes up is, where do I network? Though the answer is the same as the last two questio

Are You In This Alone?
Ever heard the phrase "I’m a people person"? I’m sure you have and I hope it’s something you can say about yourself. Why? Unless you have high aspirations of becoming a lighthouse keeper or lone assassin, you’re going to be interacting with other people. Of the people who get fired from positions, over 90% lose their jobs because of inability to function on a social level, not because they couldn’t do the job. Why do you think businesses are encouraged to replace workers with robots or to source the work out to contractors? The vast majority of headaches for management come in the form of employees. Equipment doesn’t get into fights with other pieces of equipment. It won’t sabotage other equipment’s work in order to climb the corporate ladder. One employer told me, "85% of your problems in life will talk back to you."They have a saying in the work world. "Hire slow, fire fast." From an employer’s point of view, the employees are walking time bombs. They could say or do something at any moment that could blow up in the employer’s face and possibly cost him his company. Let’s imagine that you’re the employer and I work for you along with several women. Being the loving and supportive guy that I’m, I offer encouragement to my fellow coworker in the form of a friendly pat on the behind. Who does she sue? You guessed it! You get sued. I get the fun; you pick the tab. Who said life was fair? This is why it is so critical that an employer finds people with well-developed interpersonal and social skills.A socially adept employee will know how to listen effectively, communicate clearly and use tact and diplomacy. They will work well with a wide variety of people regardless of age, gender, social or economic background, choice of religion, political beliefs, physical disability or special needs. Someone with effective social skills is capable of helping others solve problems and can develop strong and healthy working relationships. These people will add value to the workplace by coaching, or mentoring or assisting others to become better at their jobs. They won’t be focused only on their own little world. Does this sound like you? Can you convey this to an interviewer?People with good interpersonal skills tend to lead by ex

“I am really glad we met. I want to do business with you”. How would you like to hear a statement like that? It’s Easy! All you have to do is network. You can take all the great ways there are out there to meet, communicate, and make interactions into transactions but none will be as successful for you as networking. Nothing can every replace that face to face interaction that builds bonds between two people. No other form of contact is so strong to drive your life and your business to the greatest heights.

What is networking you may ask? There are many definitions, but it is simply connecting with people of like interests for the purpose of uncovering opportunities, sharing information and learning of best practices. You cannot do it alone. So it is imperative that one gets out and meets new people that they can get help with for information, contacts and business. You will find all parts of your life are filled with networking starting way back in kindergarten. You learn to talk to other people, learn from them and make connections that allowed you to make differences in your life.

The truism of networking is that when you talk to a person you have just met; you are not only talking to them but their network of hundreds of people too. You have got to be aware of that or you could make a critical mistake. Too often people look at name tags as they are coming up to meet someone. They see the name of the person’s business and they start to make judgments. They think “oh they are a plumber, plumbers aren’t going to be interested in my jewelry business” or they assume “oh I have already met several coaches or makeup retailers or whatever” and then they are already shutting down. They are already deciding that that person isn’t who they want to talk to grow their business. That is such an inaccuracy it almost takes your breath away. What a way to lose the very business you are trying to grow. They could easily have a friend or a sister or co-worker or any number of people that need to know you. But you will never meet them if you have already prejudged who is going to be the right or wrong person to talk to. Another point to consider in this matter is that what they are doing right now may not be what they are always going to do. And there very well may come a time when they too will become your ideal client.

Most people after they have heard the term networking from time to time get a pretty good understanding of what networking is. Some people though get a bit confused if you will on what is you should and should not do. You should be meeting as many people as possible. It is not about trying to see how many business cards you can give out in a certain time period. Yes, there is an exchange of cards that is important but more importantly there should be an exchanging of self. It is a time to start growing a relationship. It is not a time to be looking for a sale. This is hard for people at times. Especially at first when you are trying so hard to get the clients you want and you want to just get them as fast as you can. That is not how networking works.

To be the best networker you can be means you have to know the appropriate way to network. To start off, the very best way to network is to find out how you can be of service. What is it that you can do for the person standing in front of you that can help them grow their business? This is such a wonderful way to approach networking because it allows you to give of yourself and feel even better about yourself than you did before you started to network. Some people struggle with the best way to put this into words. Look into your heart and find what works for you. It may be “how can I be of service to you”. For others something else may work better like “what can I do for you that you haven’t been able to do for yourself”. Only you know your personality and what works best for you. The main thing is be sincere and be of service and see what happens for you.

The next best thing that you can do is to be ‘other focused’. Like being of service you want to see how you can help them. This goes even further than just being of service. When you are other focused you are listening intently to what the other person is saying. You are not waiting your turn or thinking about what you will say next. Your focus is on them and what they are sharing with you. They may help you understand what your client is looking for. They may give you clues to how you can sell to them. They may simply be giving out emotions and information that will help you grow a true relationship with this person. Always look at them and not around to see who else you could start talking to. See only them and what they are telling you. Listen, respond, and care and you will build the best relationships and networks without ever even having to really try.

The next key question that comes up is, where do I network? Though the answer is the same as the last two question

Health and Safety at Work
Not many would be aware of this, but the government has legislation for health and safety of people at work. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requires the employers to have proper health and safety management systems at work. The Act makes provision for securing the health of people at work, welfare and safety of the employees including the people who are not directly employed by the company like contractors and visitors.While the law exists and it is mandatory for the employers to follow the guidelines, it is also necessary for the employees to know about their rights and duties regarding their own health & safety. Employers should conduct a General Risk Assessment to ensure the health and safety of their employees.To create awareness about health & safety at work, the employers should have proper employee induction & health and safety training programs whenever new employees join the company. The induction program should educate the employees about the safety standards, procedures and policies of the company.The basics of health and safety at work start with having proper First Aid. Every organization big or small must have proper First Aid Kits and systems. While at work, people can suffer an injury or fall ill. It is very important for the company / firm to have proper arrangements so that the employees can receive immediate medical attention. A person who has received proper training for administering First Aid should be appointed for this.Fire safety is of prime importance at work. The potential hazards and sources of fuel, oxygen & ignition etc should be identified. Proper Fire detection and warning systems should be in place to prevent any mishaps. Fire extinguishers should be kept ready in different places throughout the building. There should be exit doors and escape routes in the building. Electrical equipments and wiring should be proper and checked at regular intervals. The employees should be given training on dealing with fire emergencies. Fire drill and Fire Risk Assessment should be done at regular intervals.Stress at work place is common. But if it starts affecting the health of the employee then it is a problem. Employers should identify the factors causing excessive stress to the

just met; you are not only talking to them but their network of hundreds of people too. You have got to be aware of that or you could make a critical mistake. Too often people look at name tags as they are coming up to meet someone. They see the name of the person’s business and they start to make judgments. They think “oh they are a plumber, plumbers aren’t going to be interested in my jewelry business” or they assume “oh I have already met several coaches or makeup retailers or whatever” and then they are already shutting down. They are already deciding that that person isn’t who they want to talk to grow their business. That is such an inaccuracy it almost takes your breath away. What a way to lose the very business you are trying to grow. They could easily have a friend or a sister or co-worker or any number of people that need to know you. But you will never meet them if you have already prejudged who is going to be the right or wrong person to talk to. Another point to consider in this matter is that what they are doing right now may not be what they are always going to do. And there very well may come a time when they too will become your ideal client.

The next key question that comes up is, where do I network? Though the answer is the same as the last two questio

Faith And The No List Virus
The No List Virus is spreading rapidly at retail store check out counters across the country. Common responses to customer questions by store clerks are a follow:1. No, you can’t use that coupon. It has expired. 2. No, that item is not on sale. I don’t care what the store flyer says. 3. No, we don’t carry that here. 4. No, we can’t order it for you. 5. No, you can’t order less than a pound. 6. No, the manager is not available. 7. No, you can’t have 2 flavors of ice cream in the small cup. 8. No, I can’t do that. 9. No, I won’t do that. 10. No, you can’t substitute one item for another.My fellow Americans, I beseech you, is this any way to run a country? What ever happened to customer service? What ever happened to faith in our fellow man or woman? What ever happened to the Yes List? What ever happened to Gods commandments to be kind and caring?Yes List items that have been excluded include:1. Yes, I would love to carry your packages to the car. 2. Yes, I can help you find that. 3. Yes, I can sell you half a loaf. 4. Yes, we can order that in your size for you. 5. Yes, you can have 2 flavors of ice cream in the small cup. 6. Yes, The manager will be right with you. 7. Yes, you can substitute that item for the other one. 8. Yes, you can buy less than a pound. 9. Yes, you can use that coupon even though the expiration date was last week. 10. Yes, I will be happy to do that for you.Corporate Gurus wake up. Where is your faith in your customers? Where is your customer service? How about making the world a friendlier place to live in? Where is your faith in God?As you can see, I have been having some problems in retail stores lately, how about you? How about being a little kinder when it’s your turn to say yes or no? How about having a little faith in your fellow man or woman? You do want to be considered a person of faith, don’t you?Please help us get rid of the No List Virus. How about a return to civility? The world may be watching. It’s not just the overhead cameras in retail stores that you have to worry about, God may be watching too.© Copyright Arthur Levine 2006 Please feel free to use this

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The next key question that comes up is, where do I network? Though the answer is the same as the last two questio

Customers' First Impressions - Are Your Customers Invisible?
You walk through the door marked “City Sales.” It’s 7:20 in the morning. Behind the counter the parts guy is sitting down reading the newspaper. He must not have heard the chime that triggered when you entered the store. You clear your throat, loudly. No response. Am I invisible? you ask yourself. Finally, you speak.“Excuse me. I need some material.”The paper doesn’t drop. No head peeks over the top. Only a voice replies, “We don’t open until 7:30.”Too stunned to even respond, you turn around, walk back to your truck, vow to never cross their threshold again, and drive to the next supplier. True story. The contractor that it happened to shared it with me two years later. Living up to his vow, he never bought anything else from that wholesaler.No one likes being ignored. Common sense tells us that. But don’t pretend you haven’t done it. You’re waiting on a customer, or you’re on the phone. Maybe both. Another customer walks in. You could say, “Come on in. We’ll be right with you.” Even on the phone, you could nod and acknowledge his presence. But you don’t. You avoid eye contact, fearing he may ask you a question and then you’d have one more thing to do. You don’t mean to be rude, it’s just that, well, you’re busy.Or you’re an outside salesman and you hurriedly cut through the counter area. Customers are three-deep waiting in line. Both countermen are already in the warehouse filling orders. You haven’t got time. That job bids at 2:00. It’s worth half-a-mil. This counter stuff is nickel-and-dime. You pick up the pace and rush by the customers. You don’t mean to be rude, it’s just that, well, you have to prioritize.It’s time to rethink the relationship between your sales counter and your customers. For many distributors, it’s an afterthought, just a place that serves up the “table scraps” – miscellaneous leftovers needed to complete a job, odds-and-ends for a service call, parts and pieces picked up by the DIY homeowner. But your counter’s “reach” can go far beyond that small percentage of sales currently shown on your financial ledger.Your sales counter can become a good will ambassador for your entire operation. American psychologist, Abraham Maslow said one of the most important social needs o

self than you did before you started to network. Some people struggle with the best way to put this into words. Look into your heart and find what works for you. It may be “how can I be of service to you”. For others something else may work better like “what can I do for you that you haven’t been able to do for yourself”. Only you know your personality and what works best for you. The main thing is be sincere and be of service and see what happens for you.

The next key question that comes up is, where do I network? Though the answer is the same as the last two questio

Mix Business with Pleasure? There's a Safe Way
Want to drastically cut the workload in your business, reduce the emotional drain to nearly nothing, and inject more pleasure into your work day?Here's a secret -- check your client list.Got customers who often call you in the middle of thenight with emergencies (real or imagined)?Or demand you work every weekend to keep their rocksout of the fire?Or consistently pay late, though they refuse to waitfor your services?Well, here's the executive summary: troublesome clients will -- if you let them -- account for a disproportionately large part of your workload and emotional strain.Meanwhile, they'll account for a surprisingly small proportion of your profits. The 80/20 rule says that 20% of your clients will be the source of 80% of your profits, and vice versa. Guess which side those problem clients are lined up on?This means you're probably spending more than three-fourths of your time servicing hard-to-please, money-draining customers who are unlikely ever to contribute to your retirement (may even be interfering with it). Furthermore, they are also draining away energy you could be directing to more appreciative customers. So what do you need the problem clients for?Short answer: think about it.Of course, we've heard all the marketing gurus tell us that we MUST give top-notch, world-class service to our clients... that our business is all about our customers... that it's important for us to feel genuine loving concern for every one of those with whom we do business.If we don't, they say, our business is headed for the scrapheap while other, more caring professionals will zoom right past us.Well, they're right, but let's call a brief time out and take a closer look at this advice.First, without taking sides one way or the other, let's acknowledge that some clients, like some autos, require more maintenance than others do.Now, if you find yourself with a car that's shaping up to be a lemon, do you nurse that car endlessly, or do you eventually realize you're in a situation of diminishing returns? Sometimes the most economically feasible thing is to dump the clunker and move on, right?But that's cars. What about people? Isn't it i

them and what they are telling you. Listen, respond, and care and you will build the best relationships and networks without ever even having to really try.

The next key question that comes up is, where do I network? Though the answer is the same as the last two questions, I am going to give some more specifics on this one. But yes, the answer is everywhere! As you know we are always so busy. Too busy to network some may even say. That is exactly what is going to help us network is the fact that we are so busy. So when you go to your dry cleaner, or pick up donuts, or take the kids to games or scouts; those are the people you can start networking with for your business. When you have to go get groceries, go get the car worked on, or go renew your drivers license; there is your audience, your potential client to begin to grow your business. Don’t waste those opportunities. Take them in hand and make the most of them. Beyond that though, you do want to do some formal networking. So what all does that entail you may ask. That means that you are going to go to and then join organizations that are based on people networking with other people and helping each other grow their businesses. Now there are hundreds of different organizations. You are going to have to determine which ones are going to work for you. Some are going to be basically the same for any type of business and some are going to be unique depending on what type of business you do. The ones that will work for any type of business is your local Chamber of Commerce. These are people in your area and they need to know that you exist. And the only way they are going to know that if you join the Chamber of Commerce and then actually go to the meetings and events. This will give you not only the opportunity to let people know about your business but also you can learn about other businesses in the area and see what they are doing to grow their business. There may even be some joint venture opportunities that help you gain recognition and strength in your business. Along with that you want to join groups that are associated with your type of business or even other small business groups. This can be things like eWomen network, networks4computers.com, international association of botanical gardens, etc. No matter what your business is there are going to be networks associated with that and you need to be a part of them. Visit them first. Make sure they are going to be helpful and have great integrity before you join them. The main thing is you have got to be a part of networks to grow your business. And the information you learn and the relationships you build are going to just be phenomenal.

Okay you know the when, who and where. The next steps help you with how to network. This starts with who you are. Now that seems easy enough. My name is … My company is… It does start with those basics. Who you are also has to incorporate your target market. Admittedly some company names allow people to immediately know what you do. “Window Cleaning by Jan”. That one is easy to figure out. Often though our company names don’t exactly tell people what we do and that is okay. But that is also why we must include our target market in who we are. So it would be something like this: “Hi my name is Joe Smith with Doctor Time. I work with doctors who need to find more time in their life”. It is direct, easy to understand, and you immediately understand who this person works with as clients. Basically you are incorporating what you have learned before in knowing what your niche is and then understanding the market that that niche is going to touch.

The next step after the saying who you are is what your uniqueness is. Some people call this the Unique Selling Point (USP) or Unique Selling Proposition. There are lots of people out there doing the same thing you are doing. Though that might not be fun to hear it is the truth. So you have to be able to distinguish yourself from all the others out there. Why of all the people out there selling printing services should they use you? Why of all the goal setting coaches out there should they think you will do a better job? This is not always an easy part to come up with because we were taught not to brag. Well bring out the brag book because you are going to do some bragging today! People need to know why you are special. They want to know what makes you shine brighter than the other stars. So you have to let them know.

You may be thinking but that is where I get stuck. I don’t what makes me unique. This is where you have play some and think some. First off a lot of your key traits are things that have been a part of your life all along and you just accept them as who you are and yet they may be the exact traits that make you unique. I had an experience that really brought this to a head for me. Back in the corporate environment where I work my boss at the time was giving me my review. He was saying that I

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If you have ever simply watched people at work you will find that many often come in late or miss work entirely for days on end. We may be able to draw a connection in our reasoning that says all these people showing up 10 minutes late can add up to lots of lost revenue for the company. The problem is how to control attendance issues and still treat everyone fairly?

Purchase order financing can help you finance your big customer sales. Learn about this little known (and widely used!) tool.

Hiring continues to be key to a company’s success. Hiring the right staff – with the skills AND characteristics required for success – requires behavioral event interviewing. This article provides insights into effective interviewing and hiring.

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