Of course, I’m not talking about your personal emails from friends and relatives. I’m talking about business emails from [...]]]> Working online entails a lot of email communication, whether directly to your email address or via your website. No matter where your email messages come from, they are a top priority to answer fast and effectively.

Of course, I’m not talking about your personal emails from friends and relatives. I’m talking about business emails from your potential customers, or from loyal and repeat customers and clients that come to you again and again, giving you their business.

Today’s world has developed into one where people seem to want instant gratification in their demands. The Internet has, in a way, created a monster in this respect.

The Internet! Where else can you send a message to someone in India and get a response within minutes? Where else can you order a music CD from your living room and get a response that your order was received and is being processed, almost instantly?

The general online population has become used to having speedy responses, fast shipping times and rapid answers to questions. All this without the expense of overnighting letters, paying phone bills or driving downtown to buy a blanket.

Email messages between businesses and their customers are a key aspect to handling your business activities. You may send out email blasts to past or potential customers, reminding them to send in heir orders. You may send out newsletters or place banner ads.

However you choose to advertise, it is sure to elicit response, and this normally comes in the way of an email message. The person may want a quote. He or she may have some question about the product. The best way to handle your email messages is to answer everyone within an hour of receipt. I know this may seem impossible, but it isn’t. I have a friend who does this, and because of her fast response to customers, has more than 50% repeat business! This speaks for itself!

The absolute maximum time you should let an unanswered email sit in your in-box is 24 hours. People seem to be able to tolerate this much of a delay in hearing back. However, to create the best
impression, it’s better to answer much sooner. (Within three hours if at all possible.)

Today, with smart phone use being on the rise, it is simple to answer emails from customers or clients. You just have to remember to carry your phone everywhere you go. Easy. Many people do. You may need to carry some business papers with you in order to provide some of the details they ask for.

There’s nothing worse than emailing a company who you are interested in doing business with and getting a response a week later. Even worse, never receiving a response at all. We have to wonder, do these people even want to have a business? Are they still there?

Answering emails promptly impresses your customers. They know you are there and willing to help them. Chances are they will purchase your product or service, because you have already built their trust.

And answering promptly doesn’t mean you gotta do it yourself. Outsource it by finding a skilled Virtual Assistant who does it just as good — if not better — than you.

—Marcus Hochstadt

There is a lot of fuss these days on how to increase productivity, “churn and burn” sales, self-improvement for business growth, and a host of other secrets to success. The Internet is full [...]]]> This may sound like the start of some get serious pep-talk, but rest assured I do have a point—I promise! :-)

There is a lot of fuss these days on how to increase productivity, “churn and burn” sales, self-improvement for business growth, and a host of other secrets to success. The Internet is full of forum discussions, Web sites and advertisements selling tips on how to be more successful; which makes it difficult to separate the good success tips from the junk.

That’s where I come in. I’m cutting through all the junk and providing only the good stuff.

OK, I promised I had a point and here it is… One of the best success tips I can share with you is called The Power Of Focus. The Power Of Focus is not some cheesy fad, it is a real principle that when applied, makes for incredible improvements in personal and professional arenas.

What is The Power Of Focus and how do you use it?

The Power Of Focus is the mental discipline to focus on tasks with undivided attention.

In other words, it’s focusing on tasks without distractions to complete them with the greatest effectiveness and efficiency. As an example, say you’re chatting with a friend on the phone while trying to complete an important business proposal.

When it comes down to your success, what is more important, a friendly chat or a successful business proposal? This is when the discipline should kick in, and attention given to the task that will produce the greatest results. In this case, it would be completing the business proposal. Without distractions, you can bring your best to each task.

The friendly chat can wait. Frankly, you can talk to friends after you’ve closed the deal!

Here Are Some Tips For Using The Power Of Focus In Everyday Life

• Keep a daily planner – This is the power of focus hard at work. A daily planner serves two purposes: when tasks are written down, they are easier to remember and that gives the mind the mental space to focus on individual daily tasks without distraction.
• Focus on the task at hand – When writing an e-mail to a client, focus on writing and finishing the e-mail. Distractions reduce efficiency, draw attention away from what’s important, and result in less than your best. Remain “in the moment” in everything and don’t move on to the next task until the first one is complete.
• Keep a list of goals – The Power Of Focus can also be applied to goals. The mind acts as a sort of magnet, drawing near what it focuses on. Make a list of goals and place copies around the house, in the car, and in the office. Use The Power Of Focus to envision already having achieved the goals and watch them come to life.

The bottom line is this… Success doesn’t come from surfing the Net or chatting with friends on the phone, it comes from learning the secrets of success and applying them to your own accomplishments. One reason why the title of my blog says Internet Business Guide For First Class Progress. ;-)

—Marcus Hochstadt