Assessment Test 36

Leading by example is an effective approach in dealing with problematic behaviour from employees.
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A common difficulty faced by business managers is when the behaviour of a team-member conflicts with established desirable practice. How does a good leader handle such an issue? One effective angle is to lead by example: instead of waiting for a problem to develop, take a proactive approach in heading it off with reference to clearly laid out guidelines. If a problematic situation does develop, controlling it can be made simpler by invoking existing values from a mission statement which has been set out in advance. A good team will always put the needs of the organisation first.

Taking such an approach gives the team a sense of personal involvement which encourages them to feel part of the organisation’s mission, internalising the needs of the group rather than feeling a sense of externally imposed obligation. It provides team members with a greater sense of personal control, the sense that they have contributed individually, and by choice, to the well- being of their organisation.

To achieve this, a manager must have a good understanding of the way individual people communicate – a flexible approach is essential, using real-life practical examples relevant to each team-member’s particular experience.

A manager who understands how people communicate is able to take a flexible approach in dealing with problems.
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A common difficulty faced by business managers is when the behaviour of a team-member conflicts with established desirable practice. How does a good leader handle such an issue? One effective angle is to lead by example: instead of waiting for a problem to develop, take a proactive approach in heading it off with reference to clearly laid out guidelines. If a problematic situation does develop, controlling it can be made simpler by invoking existing values from a mission statement which has been set out in advance. A good team will always put the needs of the organisation first.

Taking such an approach gives the team a sense of personal involvement which encourages them to feel part of the organisation’s mission, internalising the needs of the group rather than feeling a sense of externally imposed obligation. It provides team members with a greater sense of personal control, the sense that they have contributed individually, and by choice, to the well- being of their organisation.

To achieve this, a manager must have a good understanding of the way individual people communicate – a flexible approach is essential, using real-life practical examples relevant to each team-member’s particular experience.

In a good team, the needs of the organisation are secondary to the needs of the individual.
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A common difficulty faced by business managers is when the behaviour of a team-member conflicts with established desirable practice. How does a good leader handle such an issue? One effective angle is to lead by example: instead of waiting for a problem to develop, take a proactive approach in heading it off with reference to clearly laid out guidelines. If a problematic situation does develop, controlling it can be made simpler by invoking existing values from a mission statement which has been set out in advance. A good team will always put the needs of the organisation first.

Taking such an approach gives the team a sense of personal involvement which encourages them to feel part of the organisation’s mission, internalising the needs of the group rather than feeling a sense of externally imposed obligation. It provides team members with a greater sense of personal control, the sense that they have contributed individually, and by choice, to the well- being of their organisation.

To achieve this, a manager must have a good understanding of the way individual people communicate – a flexible approach is essential, using real-life practical examples relevant to each team-member’s particular experience.

The best approach to PR is to be flexible, regularly changing the company’s goals to keep the public interested.
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An effective PR campaign requires precise, clear communication between the
client and PR officer. The client should disclose detailed information to the PR
officer, including the company’s history, goals, and current business plan. It is
especially important to disclose any potentially problematic issues. The
company should be prepared to dedicate the necessary time and resources of
its senior management, as well as sufficient finances, to the campaign.

The perfect PR message will be consistent, with each new approach reinforcing
the key objectives of the company. If new developments do arise, the PR officer
should be fully briefed as soon as possible. It is essential to keep to a clear
schedule, leaving adequate time available for approval of copy. Seizing
opportunities when they arise is key to the success of the campaign.

Not disclosing a full company history to the PR officer will result
in a failed campaign.
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An effective PR campaign requires precise, clear communication between the
client and PR officer. The client should disclose detailed information to the PR
officer, including the company’s history, goals, and current business plan. It is
especially important to disclose any potentially problematic issues. The
company should be prepared to dedicate the necessary time and resources of
its senior management, as well as sufficient finances, to the campaign.

The perfect PR message will be consistent, with each new approach reinforcing
the key objectives of the company. If new developments do arise, the PR officer
should be fully briefed as soon as possible. It is essential to keep to a clear
schedule, leaving adequate time available for approval of copy. Seizing
opportunities when they arise is key to the success of the campaign.

It is recommended to wait before taking advantage of any new opportunities, to make certain they would be of benefit to the campaign.
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An effective PR campaign requires precise, clear communication between the
client and PR officer. The client should disclose detailed information to the PR
officer, including the company’s history, goals, and current business plan. It is
especially important to disclose any potentially problematic issues. The
company should be prepared to dedicate the necessary time and resources of
its senior management, as well as sufficient finances, to the campaign.

The perfect PR message will be consistent, with each new approach reinforcing
the key objectives of the company. If new developments do arise, the PR officer
should be fully briefed as soon as possible. It is essential to keep to a clear
schedule, leaving adequate time available for approval of copy. Seizing
opportunities when they arise is key to the success of the campaign.

Employees instilled with the idea of personal entrepreneurship will be less willing to contribute to the success of the company as a whole.
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The secret to success in business is entrepreneurial spirit at all levels of the
company. Employees who are identified as entrepreneurs in their own right are
more motivated – their own financial success becomes integrated with the
company’s. Those who are oriented towards personal entrepreneurship will
work long hours to develop their own tried-and-tested business practices and
strategies, contributing as willing partners to the achievements of the company
as a whole.

Orientation and value-formation training can induce this kind of thinking in new
staff recruits, inculcating the notion of how quickly it is possible to achieve
financial security through hard work and innovative business approaches,
combined with the impression that to miss out on opportunities for such rapid
economic and social advancement would be at best unwise and at worst
catastrophic.

New staff members can be indoctrinated with the virtues of
entrepreneurship.
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The secret to success in business is entrepreneurial spirit at all levels of the
company. Employees who are identified as entrepreneurs in their own right are
more motivated – their own financial success becomes integrated with the
company’s. Those who are oriented towards personal entrepreneurship will
work long hours to develop their own tried-and-tested business practices and
strategies, contributing as willing partners to the achievements of the company
as a whole.

Orientation and value-formation training can induce this kind of thinking in new
staff recruits, inculcating the notion of how quickly it is possible to achieve
financial security through hard work and innovative business approaches,
combined with the impression that to miss out on opportunities for such rapid
economic and social advancement would be at best unwise and at worst
catastrophic.

Employees encouraged to think of themselves as entrepreneurs
work fewer hours than other staff members.
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The secret to success in business is entrepreneurial spirit at all levels of the
company. Employees who are identified as entrepreneurs in their own right are
more motivated – their own financial success becomes integrated with the
company’s. Those who are oriented towards personal entrepreneurship will
work long hours to develop their own tried-and-tested business practices and
strategies, contributing as willing partners to the achievements of the company
as a whole.

Orientation and value-formation training can induce this kind of thinking in new
staff recruits, inculcating the notion of how quickly it is possible to achieve
financial security through hard work and innovative business approaches,
combined with the impression that to miss out on opportunities for such rapid
economic and social advancement would be at best unwise and at worst
catastrophic.

Employees must reject criticism to build a good working relationship with their boss.
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For ambitious employees, a good relationship with their immediate boss is
crucial. A bad relationship can lead to missed opportunities for promotion, and
even damage professional reputations. A boss who possesses a thorough
understanding of the company’s future direction and ultimate goals is the
person best equipped to help an employee achieve success.

Communication is key. It is important to understand a boss’s personal goals and
priorities within the company, as well as their individual management approach.
Clarifying instructions, anticipating needs, requesting feedback, and accepting
criticism gracefully all help to build a solid working relationship.

A bad relationship with a boss can lead to missed opportunities, but does not risk an employee’s reputation.
__

For ambitious employees, a good relationship with their immediate boss is
crucial. A bad relationship can lead to missed opportunities for promotion, and
even damage professional reputations. A boss who possesses a thorough
understanding of the company’s future direction and ultimate goals is the
person best equipped to help an employee achieve success.

Communication is key. It is important to understand a boss’s personal goals and
priorities within the company, as well as their individual management approach.
Clarifying instructions, anticipating needs, requesting feedback, and accepting
criticism gracefully all help to build a solid working relationship.

Flattering the boss can be an effective approach for an employee seeking promotion.
__

For ambitious employees, a good relationship with their immediate boss is
crucial. A bad relationship can lead to missed opportunities for promotion, and
even damage professional reputations. A boss who possesses a thorough
understanding of the company’s future direction and ultimate goals is the
person best equipped to help an employee achieve success.

Communication is key. It is important to understand a boss’s personal goals and
priorities within the company, as well as their individual management approach.
Clarifying instructions, anticipating needs, requesting feedback, and accepting
criticism gracefully all help to build a solid working relationship.

Knowledge of a company’s reputation is not useful for salespeople.
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A good salesperson should always learn something about the company, and even the individuals, behind the product he or she is selling. Confidence in a product depends in part on confidence in the integrity, competence, and commitment of those who manufacture and distribute that product. Salespeople should therefore familiarise themselves with the principal personalities behind a company, gaining an understanding of its personnel structure and the functions, duties, and experience of key individuals within the business. It is also useful to know something of the history and development of the company, as well as being aware of its present reputation, and to be familiar with the company’s particular practices and policies. As well as providing a more thorough knowledge of the product, this information can help to form the basis of an effective sales pitch.

The personal traits and abilities of a company’s personnel can influence the confidence people have in their product.
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A good salesperson should always learn something about the company, and even the individuals, behind the product he or she is selling. Confidence in a product depends in part on confidence in the integrity, competence, and commitment of those who manufacture and distribute that product. Salespeople should therefore familiarise themselves with the principal personalities behind a company, gaining an understanding of its personnel structure and the functions, duties, and experience of key individuals within the business. It is also useful to know something of the history and development of the company, as well as being aware of its present reputation, and to be familiar with the company’s particular practices and policies. As well as providing a more thorough knowledge of the product, this information can help to form the basis of an effective sales pitch.

It is helpful to have knowledge of the background, policies and reputation of a company when developing an effective sales pitch.
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A good salesperson should always learn something about the company, and even the individuals, behind the product he or she is selling. Confidence in a product depends in part on confidence in the integrity, competence, and commitment of those who manufacture and distribute that product. Salespeople should therefore familiarise themselves with the principal personalities behind a company, gaining an understanding of its personnel structure and the functions, duties, and experience of key individuals within the business. It is also useful to know something of the history and development of the company, as well as being aware of its present reputation, and to be familiar with the company’s particular practices and policies. As well as providing a more thorough knowledge of the product, this information can help to form the basis of an effective sales pitch.

Unethical practices are only a problem if the public becomes aware of them.
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Well-regulated, ethical practices should always be an area of primary concern
for any business. In an environment where multinational conglomerates
predominate, owners of small businesses may feel anonymous enough to
become flexible about their code of ethics. However, the increasingly
inescapable attention of the media allows an unprecedented number of
individuals to access news and information with greater speed than ever before
– unethical practices can become a matter of public knowledge overnight, with
devastating consequences. Codes of ethical practice should apply not only to
clients, but to employees, who are just as able to draw inappropriate behaviour
on the part of their employers to the public’s attention. In today’s society,
businesses of any size must be able to demonstrate transparency and
accountability in their dealings with employees, clients, and the public alike.

Employees of a company should be subject to ethical codes of practice.
__

Well-regulated, ethical practices should always be an area of primary concern
for any business. In an environment where multinational conglomerates
predominate, owners of small businesses may feel anonymous enough to
become flexible about their code of ethics. However, the increasingly
inescapable attention of the media allows an unprecedented number of
individuals to access news and information with greater speed than ever before
– unethical practices can become a matter of public knowledge overnight, with
devastating consequences. Codes of ethical practice should apply not only to
clients, but to employees, who are just as able to draw inappropriate behaviour
on the part of their employers to the public’s attention. In today’s society,
businesses of any size must be able to demonstrate transparency and
accountability in their dealings with employees, clients, and the public alike

More people than ever before have access to information about companies’ ethical practices.
__

Well-regulated, ethical practices should always be an area of primary concern
for any business. In an environment where multinational conglomerates
predominate, owners of small businesses may feel anonymous enough to
become flexible about their code of ethics. However, the increasingly
inescapable attention of the media allows an unprecedented number of
individuals to access news and information with greater speed than ever before
– unethical practices can become a matter of public knowledge overnight, with
devastating consequences. Codes of ethical practice should apply not only to
clients, but to employees, who are just as able to draw inappropriate behaviour
on the part of their employers to the public’s attention. In today’s society,
businesses of any size must be able to demonstrate transparency and
accountability in their dealings with employees, clients, and the public alike.

An analysis of competitors’ advertisements is helpful in laying out advertising strategies for a new business
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Successful and cost-effective advertising is an important issue to consider when
starting up a business. A comprehensive business plan should include details of
advertising strategies, a helpful starting point for which is an analysis of the
advertising currently being used by competitors in the same line of business.

The rise of the internet has provided a variety of new opportunities for advertising, of which an innovative business should take full advantage. A well- designed website should ideally combine a professional appearance with user- friendly functionality, and be widely promoted to draw as much traffic as possible. This not only increases the visibility of a company, but assures potential clients that the company has a forward-thinking, enterprising outlook, and is willing to embrace as well as exploit the latest technological
developments.

A professional and user-friendly website will attract a lot of traffic.
__

Successful and cost-effective advertising is an important issue to consider when
starting up a business. A comprehensive business plan should include details of
advertising strategies, a helpful starting point for which is an analysis of the
advertising currently being used by competitors in the same line of business.

The rise of the internet has provided a variety of new opportunities for advertising, of which an innovative business should take full advantage. A well- designed website should ideally combine a professional appearance with user- friendly functionality, and be widely promoted to draw as much traffic as possible. This not only increases the visibility of a company, but assures potential clients that the company has a forward-thinking, enterprising outlook, and is willing to embrace as well as exploit the latest technological
developments.

Clients prefer a company that is forward-thinking and enterprising.
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Successful and cost-effective advertising is an important issue to consider when
starting up a business. A comprehensive business plan should include details of
advertising strategies, a helpful starting point for which is an analysis of the
advertising currently being used by competitors in the same line of business.

The rise of the internet has provided a variety of new opportunities for advertising, of which an innovative business should take full advantage. A well- designed website should ideally combine a professional appearance with user- friendly functionality, and be widely promoted to draw as much traffic as possible. This not only increases the visibility of a company, but assures potential clients that the company has a forward-thinking, enterprising outlook, and is willing to embrace as well as exploit the latest technological
developments.

Flexible businesses which adapt to new economic conditions will survive a recession.
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There are a number of ways in which economic recession can impact a
business, beside the most obvious factor of reduced consumer spending and a
resultant decrease in sales. Recession also leads to a rise in inflation, which
increases a business’s expenditure. These factors in turn act both to reduce
competition, through less stable businesses closing down, and simultaneously
also to increase it, as remaining ones compete more aggressively to stay afloat.

The combined effect of these factors can lead both to fluctuating sales, and an
unstable working environment – tensions within the business may rise as
employees are denied expected pay increases, or have to be let go to
compensate for falling profits. Employers and employees alike must be flexible,
and make every effort to adapt to new and less predictable economic
conditions, to have the best chance of survival.

Reduced consumer spending leads to a rise in inflation.
__

There are a number of ways in which economic recession can impact a
business, beside the most obvious factor of reduced consumer spending and a
resultant decrease in sales. Recession also leads to a rise in inflation, which
increases a business’s expenditure. These factors in turn act both to reduce
competition, through less stable businesses closing down, and simultaneously
also to increase it, as remaining ones compete more aggressively to stay afloat.

The combined effect of these factors can lead both to fluctuating sales, and an
unstable working environment – tensions within the business may rise as
employees are denied expected pay increases, or have to be let go to
compensate for falling profits. Employers and employees alike must be flexible,
and make every effort to adapt to new and less predictable economic
conditions, to have the best chance of survival.

Recession, via decreased sales and increased operating costs, can both reduce and increase competition in business.
__

There are a number of ways in which economic recession can impact a
business, beside the most obvious factor of reduced consumer spending and a
resultant decrease in sales. Recession also leads to a rise in inflation, which
increases a business’s expenditure. These factors in turn act both to reduce
competition, through less stable businesses closing down, and simultaneously
also to increase it, as remaining ones compete more aggressively to stay afloat.

The combined effect of these factors can lead both to fluctuating sales, and an
unstable working environment – tensions within the business may rise as
employees are denied expected pay increases, or have to be let go to
compensate for falling profits. Employers and employees alike must be flexible,
and make every effort to adapt to new and less predictable economic
conditions, to have the best chance of survival.

It is necessary to reassure customers that price increases
reflect increases in running costs.
__

Even during periods of low inflation, small businesses have faced increasing
expenditure in a variety of areas over recent years. One approach to increase
sales is offering discounts on products, but it is often ultimately necessary to
raise prices in order to offset expenditure. Increasing prices by a reasonable
margin will not necessarily have a negative impact on revenue from regular
customers, as long as a suitable strategy is taken to justify price increase to the
consumer. Consumers may not always be aware of the high cost in both time
and money of administrative, ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of business.
Customers must be reassured that they are paying for a high quality product,
and that increased prices reflect the need to cover unseen, escalating costs of
running a business.

Offering discounts is not an approach used to increase sales.
__

Even during periods of low inflation, small businesses have faced increasing
expenditure in a variety of areas over recent years. One approach to increase
sales is offering discounts on products, but it is often ultimately necessary to
raise prices in order to offset expenditure. Increasing prices by a reasonable
margin will not necessarily have a negative impact on revenue from regular
customers, as long as a suitable strategy is taken to justify price increase to the
consumer. Consumers may not always be aware of the high cost in both time
and money of administrative, ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of business.
Customers must be reassured that they are paying for a high quality product,
and that increased prices reflect the need to cover unseen, escalating costs of
running a business.

Increasing prices will always reduce revenue from regular customers.
__

Even during periods of low inflation, small businesses have faced increasing
expenditure in a variety of areas over recent years. One approach to increase
sales is offering discounts on products, but it is often ultimately necessary to
raise prices in order to offset expenditure. Increasing prices by a reasonable
margin will not necessarily have a negative impact on revenue from regular
customers, as long as a suitable strategy is taken to justify price increase to the
consumer. Consumers may not always be aware of the high cost in both time
and money of administrative, ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of business.
Customers must be reassured that they are paying for a high quality product,
and that increased prices reflect the need to cover unseen, escalating costs of
running a business.

Employing a professional web-designer will increase traffic to a business’s website.
__

Recent developments in technology and communication have opened up new
opportunities for those wishing to start a retail business. Selling online offers a
number of advantages, including reduced startup costs, the ability to work from
home, and low-cost advertising options such as optimising a site’s position on
search engines or entering into an affiliate (commission-based reseller)
program.

Having created a business plan, the first step in setting up an online business is
to find a reliable website host and reserve a suitable domain name. There are
numerous practical factors to consider, including bandwidth and disk space
requirements, and establishing a sufficient level of security in processing online
payments from customers. Depending on what service or product is being
provided, the website need not be technically complex; however, for maximum
impact, it may be helpful to employ a professional web-designer.

One of the practical factors to consider in setting up an online business is the bandwidth requirements of the website.
__

Recent developments in technology and communication have opened up new
opportunities for those wishing to start a retail business. Selling online offers a
number of advantages, including reduced startup costs, the ability to work from
home, and low-cost advertising options such as optimising a site’s position on
search engines or entering into an affiliate (commission-based reseller)
program.

Having created a business plan, the first step in setting up an online business is
to find a reliable website host and reserve a suitable domain name. There are
numerous practical factors to consider, including bandwidth and disk space
requirements, and establishing a sufficient level of security in processing online
payments from customers. Depending on what service or product is being
provided, the website need not be technically complex; however, for maximum
impact, it may be helpful to employ a professional web-designer.

The best online advertising strategy is to enter a commission-based reseller program.
__

Recent developments in technology and communication have opened up new
opportunities for those wishing to start a retail business. Selling online offers a
number of advantages, including reduced startup costs, the ability to work from
home, and low-cost advertising options such as optimising a site’s position on
search engines or entering into an affiliate (commission-based reseller)
program.

Having created a business plan, the first step in setting up an online business is
to find a reliable website host and reserve a suitable domain name. There are
numerous practical factors to consider, including bandwidth and disk space
requirements, and establishing a sufficient level of security in processing online
payments from customers. Depending on what service or product is being
provided, the website need not be technically complex; however, for maximum
impact, it may be helpful to employ a professional web-designer.