Can You Handle The Bad News?

If your job responsibility requires you to speak with customers from time to time, you may have come across customers who complained about your service, an employee who they didn’t like or agree with or about a promise made to them that wasn’t kept. If your company operates a blog or uses a survey, you must have read some negative comments about your company, services or employees. How do you handle these? Can you handle the bad news?

As an owner of our agency I have come across negative comments addressed by customers verbally or via our surveys or blogs. I must admit that as hard as I am trying not to take these comments personally, it always trigger the question: What did I do wrong? However, I always with no fail make sure to look into the issue and respond back to the customer, often times by me.

How are you handling these negative comments?

Utilizing Trade Associations

Keeping up with industry news and trends is essential in running any type of business. Online resources such as LinkedIn are a great way to hear the latest buzz and connect with others in your trade, but don’t forget about traditional trade associations. In addition to connecting you with other professionals in your industry, these organizations can help you stay abreast of relevant news and policy, and sometimes offer discounts on relevant goods and services.
As the owner of a company operating in two separate industries, I belong to organizations in both. The American Moving and Storage Association  keeps me connected to the relocation world, and the Professional Insurance Association provides insight into the latest news and policy in insurance.
How do you use trade associations to improve your business? What tools do you use to network with other industry professionals?

Embracing Changes in Tough Times

Two weeks ago, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke predicted confidently that “we will see growth in the third quarter continuing and that growth will continue into 2010.” Indeed, The Wall Street Journal reports the pace of job losses in the U.S. continues to slow, but what does this mean for individual industries?

While sectors heavily rooted in intellectual capital (such as technology) have been showing signs of bouncing back, companies where operating costs are much higher could take longer to recover. This month, we highlight two forward-thinking companies who have benefited from embracing change.

Inside Self-Storage reports that industry veterans Dan Kasman and Michael Gyory of New York have gone green with their latest venture with the opening of Thornwood Self Storage Center. From the re-purposing of the former warehouse structure to its energy-saving features, the new facility aims to attract the ever-growing group of eco-minded consumers who are looking for green alternatives in all facets of their lives.

Advantage Storage of Texas continues to grow by catering specifically to upscale clients. As reported by Collin County Business Press, the company’s new multi-story Craig Ranch facility blends in with the architectural style of its surrounding homes and country clubs, complete with stucco and stone construction. Advantage also specializes in corporate customers, offering a shipment receiving service, flexible space, and month-to month leases.

While both examples above come from self-storage, niche markets are proving to work in tough times for all sorts of companies within the relocation industry and beyond. While not necessarily the answer for all businesses, at the very least we hope this article has you thinking about who your customers are, and what you can offer them to better suit their needs. Who knows, you may just stumble across a new business idea!

We want to hear your success stories. In what ways have you been creative to keep business thriving?

Moving Abroad? Read Our Tips to Stress Less

Are you about to be an expat? Moving can be difficult and is even more stressful if moving abroad. However, planning ahead can ease the burden of relocating. The following is list of what you may need to coordinate before moving overseas:

Look into the country's regulations: Laws and regulations vary throughout the world. Call your new country's embassy or consulate to inquire about any requirements. In some instances, you and your family members may need visas or vaccinations, or you may need to pay taxes for shipping your household items and car. Call in advance to find out what you may need before your move.

Passports and Visas: If you don't have one, make sure to file an application for your passport as soon as possible. Passport applications may take some time to process so make sure to file it months before you move. Also, if your passport is expired or is about to expire file a renewal application. If necessary, also file any visa applications.

Gather Necessary Documents: When overseas, you may need certain documents for renting an apartment, obtaining a new license, etc. Remember to obtain the following documents before you move: birth certificate, marriage certificate, social security card, employment records, and will. These documents are necessary for settling into your new life in another country.

International Driving Permit: If your license is expired or about to expire, make sure to renew it. Then, file an application for an international driving permit. You can obtain an application at your local AAA office or download one online International Driving Permit Application.

Bank and Credit Card Accounts: Close any accounts that may not be valid overseas and open an account that allows for international banking.

Medical Prescriptions: If you or a family member has a medical condition, make sure to get an extended supply of any necessary medication and also, request a copy of your medical file.

Planning ahead can ease the stress of moving abroad. Dedicating a little time and effort before the move will pay out big in the long run.

Greener Moving is Easy

Moving to a new home will inevitably have a significant impact on the environment. Cardboard boxes used for moving are often not recycled and corrugated cardboard boxes account for most of the paper waste in landfills. In addition, tape used for packing boxes is not recyclable and takes a very long time to decompose in landfills.

The following are tips on how to lessen your environmental impact while moving:

• Used materials: Save money and your impact on the planet by collecting used boxes from grocery stores, liquor stores, and other retailers. Wine and liquor boxes are particularly handy for fragile glass items as many of these boxes contain cell packs (cardboard dividers). Before moving, ask your local wine or liquor store when they will be receiving shipments so you can get plenty of boxes. Also, look to friends and family for their used boxes when moving.


• Reusable containers: Borrowing plastic containers from friends and family will reduce the number of cardboard boxes used. If you purchase plastic containers instead, make sure to save them for your next move or for your friends and family.


• Donating/selling unwanted items: Eliminate waste by donating or selling any unwanted items. Gently used clothing and household appliances may be donated at your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other charitable organization. Need a little extra money before your move? Garage sales can be a quick and easy way to sell your unwanted goods. If you only have a few items you want to sell, try selling them on websites such as Ebay and Craigslist.

Some moving companies are also trying to lessen their impact on the environment. If using movers, check for local "green" moving companies online. Of course, any move will not be a completely "green." However, if you follow the tips above and use common sense, you can significantly eliminate your impact on the environment.