The poor economy has struck the Tulsa area once again. Nationl Steak & Poultry Inc. had to cut back because of the poor economy. Nationl Steak & Poultry Inc. is a 30year old company. It’s only headquarters is located in Owasso,Ok.

In December of 2009 they had a recalled over 247,000 pounds of beef products. National Steak & Poultry Inc. was linked to the E. coli virus found in various beef products in six states. Federal Centers for Disease Control claimed at least nineteen people were stricken with the E.coli virus and became ill due the meat products. Loss of 59 more jobs in the Tulsa area does not help the economy in North Eastern, OK.  Other companies are soon to have bigger layoffs in the near future.

What makes a good sales person?

Well, selling a product can be really a daunting task since you have to take into account a number of aspects that include persuading, convincing or even influencing the other person. As per the dictionary meaning selling means the transfer of ideas or property to another for consideration. So in order to become a good sales person it is really important to consider a number of factors.

It is really important to have visions. A good sales person has to be far sighted and be quite friendly with the customers. He should always remain connected to the customers and also follow-up the customers. This will help in getting genuine referrals from the customers. The good salesperson should reflect a lot of confidence through his body language, posture, voice tones, product knowledge and simple self-respect. He does not have to go for an individual product sale but focus on the full relationship with the client.

The sales person should be aware of the fact that when he has to change his direction. It is possible for them to make mistakes as well and inability to fulfil the customer requirements. So a good salesperson should be flexible and must welcome changes which might benefit the customers. A good salesperson knows what are the problem creating areas and will be able to choke out solutions for the underlying problems. The attitude of the salesperson also counts a lot. Attitude contributes a lot towards the attitude. He is always accountable to the customer as well as the company.

Apart from these facts, it is also essential for a good salesperson to do some important practices. The sales person should put up questions which play a vital role in developing a good image. He should be patient enough to cater to the needs of the customer and also listen to the customers keenly. This will help them to develop a proper relationship or identify products or services which would help them.

It is also important for the sales person to be the leader. This can be done by putting up questions in front of the customer which would provide an ease to them for making up a decision. This will boost up their confidence in your products and services. The sales person should also be a consultant. He must work hard to solve the customer’s problem. In fact taking notes is not a bad idea either. This portrays that you are truly interested in your customers. All this helps you in gaining a position of authority.

If you ask your customers for the next appointment then it would help you in a building a lasting relationship with your customer. This is particularly important if you visit the customers for the first time. Try to make resources available from the other companies as well for providing the maximum help to the customers. A genuine sales person should be able to provide as many referrals as he can regarding the resources that he can make available to the customers.

Apart from these basic facts, you must also be enthusiastic regarding your products and services. It is also good to fix up plans with each new prospect. It is also an important responsibility to spare time for giving speeches and time to community and civic groups. Becoming a specialist in one’s field and giving back to the community is something which is the utmost responsibility of a good sales person. Try to make the business grow by increasing the network as well as getting the name out in the public.

Another important aspect is to have a thorough knowledge of the industry that the sales person is a part of. One must know well about one’s own company as well as the competitors. A good sales person must deal professionally and learn all what is possible. This can be done by going through industry publications, trade journals, and newsletters. This will contribute significantly in increasing the sales.

The sales person should not forget to remain optimistic since he might have to face a lot of rejections. It is important to have a cheerful mood along with a good sense of humor. Do not fear from the obstacles and thus the attitude plays an important role in turning the stumbling blocks to success blocks.

So if you keep the above points in mind then this will necessarily help in transforming you to a good sales person as well as a better investment to your future.

USING PERSONAL CONTACTS TO HELP YOUR JOB SEARCH

If you get a prior information about the job impending, even before the employer starts making search for an employee or asks his resources to do so, you will have greater advantage since in doing so you are not only going to save company resources and time but also you can save you from facing the tough competition. Strong networks helps you in locating the new jobs openings well in advance it becomes widely advertised. This is a sort of early knowledge that helps you consider the new job opportunities. This networking can be established everywhere and anywhere you know your acquaintances or social networks. It is a dynamic and ongoing process. The better and strong networking you have, you are more likely to learn about the new job openings.

If you are searching for the ways that could help you in developing your contacts while searching for a job, well this may help you out. First and foremost you need to develop a broad list of all possible references that may help you accomplish your goal including your formers classmates, neighbours, colleagues, members of associations, or the associated authorities. Broaden this list by dealing with more and more number of people you come across. Also developing the contacts of someone who is working in a company will benefit you greatly. You can even use social media to get the names and hence building up the contacts of the people you are looking for. Above all, while developing contacts and asking for the job referrals, you should make your talks reasonable. You should not ask directly about the job but make genuine discussions before that.  The talks may include chapters of talks related to companies in the industry, ways to improve your resume, getting feedback’s on the steps you have planned to pursue and all relevant and essentials of the related job and referrals. Also deepen your insight on a job or a company you have targeted.

In situations that we often deal with is taking the help of a person whom you haven’t talked for a long period, and now that you need to recommend him you are certainly schmuck to take their help as you think that they are going to feel as if you are trying to use them. By the way, that’s not wrong. But you need not worry in this case since they are your old relatives and they will not feel about favouring you as evident from the situation that comes to you. The second thing you should not let this opportunity pass is that referrals and personal introductions will open new doors for you. Also discover the names of the hiring managers and departments that are flourishing well. More the number of people you approach more will be the opportunities created for you.

Different people working in different areas can adopt different ways to develop and intensify the networking. A college student can discuss his/her career goals with the faculty advisors or even meet alumni or recruiters at campus.  A mid-level manager can build up his contacts via colleagues of his/her job search, talking to the friends and neighbours about new jobs or by browsing through the technology about the growing sectors.  A homemaker can also search for the jobs by developing the network through the teachers, day-care workers, contacting other payments.  Well the hierarchy doesn’t end up.

Networks can be established from different spheres of life. This may be professional or even personal. The personal contacts can be building up through enhancing the relations with family, neighbours, schoolmates, friends, and other casual acquaintances. The personal contacts include the network with those people whom you typically interact. Activate your personal networks that are directed to your job search too. Your personal contacts will aid you in strengthening your job search.  Well the most obvious area of networking is through the professional life. These people include colleagues, teachers, professors, co-workers, employers, and members of professional organizations. They will assist you in searching for new positions for you within or beyond the current company. Professional networks depend entirely upon the culture at your place of work. The benefit in focussing of the professional contacts is that professionals understand your skills and qualifications in a better way.

So get yourself updated with every new job openings. Adopt a optimistic approach towards the people you meet. Intensify your personal and professional contacts to achieve a greater pinnacle of success. There is always a better thing to do in life.

Successful job interview

In today’s world of cut throat competition, it is really important to strive in order to make a mark. People are looking for more opportunities to have a comfortable living for themselves. The first step is to have a successful interview in case you wish to get recruited for a good job. Lots of strategies are helpful in case you wish to have the best option for you.

Firstly it is really important to have a proper Company Research. The background information of employers can really help in proper preparation of the interview.  Try to gather as much information about the company’s past and performance as well as its future plans so that you can make your interview an interactive one rather than a monotonous one. This would give an impression to them that you take interest in the company and are really keen on being a part of it. Also have a look at the company’s website and do not hesitate for requesting for the details about the position that you wish to get. Better browse through a company literature to get a proper overview of the company. You can also google to get more information.

To get really successful at the interview, it is really important to consider two factors: one mental and the other physical. Prepare yourself mentally for the interview and keep in mind the fact that you may or may not secure the position.  But this doesn’t mean the end of the world. Try to boost up your self confidence and also self assured. Answer the interviewer without any hesitation or fear and you will definitely impress the interviewer.

Besides, physical presentation also plays an important role. Whatever position you apply for, it is really important to have a good and impressive physical appearance since it would cast a good impression on the interviewer. You can always wear a suit and it should not necessarily be a designer suit. You can wear something that appears plain and conservative. The suit should be neatly ironed and pressed. Also make sure that you have properly manicured nails. The hair style should also be proper giving you a nice and appealing appearance.

There are some other things which you must take care of as well. While meeting your interviewer, it is necessary to look him/her directly in the eyes. Have a firm handshake with the interviewer and this would reflect your confidence but you need to make sure that it is not overbearing. Eye contact is equally important and also portray your interest in whatever the interviewer talks about. Be honest and give direct answers. Be precise and don’t beat around the bush. In order to avoid showing you are nervous try to keep your hands folded on the lap. Cross your legs and sit so that you don’t have leg jerking. This will show your nervousness or even impatience. It is also important to wear a polite smile on your face. But avoid giggling or overdoing the laughter as it may spoil the things for you. This can also point to your nervousness as well as low confidence level.

Practice as much as it is possible for you. This can be done with a friend and record or you can even videotape the resources. Check out the commonly asked interview questions and prepare for them. Nowadays there is a trend of behaviour based interviewing and is based on the fact that the candidate’s past performance is the best predictor of future performance. Also provide details of your work experience which is sure to impress them. While your interaction during the interview, try to make them clear that you are really interested in benefitting the company.

It is also important to prepare for the interview. Be on time and if possible reach around ten to fifteen minutes early to the office. You must know the interviewer’s name and it is really good to use it during the interview. Do not forget to take an extra copy of the resume and list of references along with you.

The other important thing is to remain calm and maintain your composure while appearing for the interview. In case you don’t understand the question you can also ask your interviewer to clarify. Do not forget to end your interview with a thank you and also give a personal Thank You note expressing your interest.

These are some of the techniques that would definitely make your interview a successful one.

The HSBC Finance call center in Tulsa will be shutting it’s doors in September. The center at 4848 S. 129th East Ave. primarily handles customer service and collections for HSBC’s credit card business.  A spokesman for HSBC stated that most of the 500 jobs will be moved to New York or overseas offices. This gives the employees to have time to seek other employment. A lot of the jobs at HSBC Finance Corp. are part-time jobs without beneifits and flexebile working hours.

“We greatly appreciate the dedication and contribution of our employees,” said Public Affairs Vice President Rob Sherman.

“The decision was made after careful deliberation and consideration of a range of factors, as part of our ongoing efforts to balance operating costs and staffing needs across our network. All employees at this facility will have the opportunity to apply for open positions available at other sites and locations of HSBC.”