In Government contracting, a capability statement functions like a corporate resume. Whether marketing yourself for a new job or marketing your company to Government agencies, the resume is an integral part of self-representation.

Most capability statements contain components such as a letter from the company CEO/President, history and time line, industry capabilities, key staff, past performance record, NAIC/ SIC codes, areas of expertise, and contact information. The capabilities statement is required in many Government registration processes, but may also serve as a proof of qualification, proof of past performance, and an outlet to set your company apart and generate new leads. Whether you are drafting your own capabilities statement or seeking outside assistance, be sure to take note of some of the following suggestions:

• A Capability statement should be brief. Like a resume it should be straight to the point, limited to 1-2 pages, and related to the needs of the industry you are targeting.
• Branding elements should be included. The capability statement should be easy to navigate and should incorporate company logos and colors for recognition and differentiation.
• Utilize bulleted lists and short sentences. Avoid long narratives when drafting copy for the capability statement, information included should be easy to scan and read over.
• Title the document “Capability Statement.” Government contract decision- makers will be well aware of this term, and will appreciate that you demonstrate knowledge of the contracting process.

Remember that a great capability statement is graphic-intensive, professionally designed, and attractively produced in a high quality fashion. Taking the time to make your capability statement the best representation of your company today, will lead to enriched opportunities tomorrow.

In the world of online marketing, Search Engine Optimization is key in driving online revenues. SEO is the process of increasing and improving the visibility of one’s website in search engine search results; and in essence the more frequent and visible a website appears in a search result list, the more traffic it will receive. Seems simple enough, right? Actually SEO management requires a very specialized set of skills, and often times warrants an actual SEO marketing consultant to be done correctly. However, there are still a few things you can do on your own to optimize your company’s online marketing endeavors. Here are a few tips for proper SEO management:

• Proper keyword research is the first step to search engine optimization. The best keywords are often based on various aspects such as; product names, services, brands, or general terms.
• A simple and user friendly website layout is your next best tool. A distraction free user- friendly menu will ensure that visitors will stay and navigate your website, as opposed to immediately hitting the back button.
• Gain visibility online by making use of article submission sites, and making friends with various blog users and websites. Utilizing these sites and relationships is a great way to link to your website and increase relevance.

Remember, when it comes to effective SEO management, appropriate strategy and effort is a must. You want to ensure that people are not only visiting your site, but also staying there. The first step in generating new visitors is promotion to ensure your website is being noticed. Your website should then have the ability to convert new visitors to actual customers. Finally, you must analyze the reports, and apply what you have learned to essentially retain the business.

Do you have any further tips for effective SEO management?

Corporate attempts at twitter range from pathetic to brilliant at best. However, the true question is what encourages this divide?

In most recent news @BPGlobalPR has taken company tweeting to a new arena. This twitter page, a parody of BP Oil’s attempt to clean up its image, has generated some buzz with controversial tweets and topics. However, the man behind the mayhem has also made quite a few good points. People don’t want to follow a company to receive advertisements; the general follower wants to be amused.

Companies should take note of this mock PR attempt and what it’s done well, which is to generate interest amongst the public. This in turn generates interest about one’s company, in a not so boring advertising sort of way. If companies take the time to follow the consumer’s interests, consumers may find more interest in following the companies.

DCAA requires that a contractors’ timekeeping process, collectively including policies, manual procedures and tools be compliant. To be compliant, the software must allow:

• Employees to charge time to authorized, open projects
• Employee to access time through a secure password
• Employee to records viewable and auditable comments for any timesheet change
• Supervisors to approve the entire timesheet
• All time must be reported (total time accounting)
• Administrators monitor delinquent timesheets

While the DCAA does not endorse any one software for this daunting task, it is up to the contractor to ensure that the system they use meet the minimum stated features.

All in all, timekeeping is important because the information generated from them is used for payroll, billing, project planning, cost accounting and pricing purposes. Efficient timekeeping can maximize revenue by minimizing disallowed or disputed charges, and accurate data can save companies a fortune in misreported cost information.

Generally marketing to the general masses is difficult, time consuming, costly, and just ineffective. However, most businesses today address a certain niche and work within a specialized market; therefore, it is only logical that marketing efforts should be catered to this specialized group. Here are a few tips to effective niche marketing:

1. Define your audience. Once you have outlined the specific group that will be most receptive to your product, targeting their particular needs will be that much easier.
2. Market your product as a truly unique service, fulfilling truly unique needs. Proper differentiation ensures your distinctive service is perceived just as that.
3. Proper SEO management is key. Keyword searches are extremely effective in advertising to individuals looking for very particular services.
4. A website is a must- have. It can be a source of comprehensive information, product listings, related blogs and forums, and an arena to keep consumers frequently updated on your company and market trends.
5. Generate positive word of mouth. Word of mouth is invaluable in marketing, and depending on the size of the niche your marketing to it may be a necessary function in reaching potential new customers.

All in all, the proper niche marketing tactics can optimize your company’s marketing efforts. Once you have defined your product or service’s unique market it should be that much easier to cater your efforts to the the needs of the market you are serving.

Do you have any suggestions for more effective niche marketing?

We’ve all experienced toxic coworkers in the past.  You know, the controlling manager, the pessimistic team mate, even the difficult to please client.

The truth is, difficult people are everywhere.  They exist in all facets of life and can sometimes seem especially prevalent in business.  While you can’t change these people, it is possible to deal with them.  Below are five tips for dealing with toxic coworkers:

1. Identify the “problem people.” Toxic coworkers come in all forms.  In fact, there is no formula for identifying those coworkers who are most likely to turn toxic.  Anyone who backstabs, gossips, or is harshly competitive or critical has the potential to poison your staff and company culture.
2. Asses the situation. The initial realization that you’re being treated unfairly or unprofessionally may be a shock at first.  Take a step back and realize that you’re not the only one in a toxic situation.  There may be others who are able to help you.
3. Take action. Rather than letting the problem get worse, face it head on.  Addressing issues with the coworker in question immediately will help you avoid taking emotional or irrational actions down the line.  Tackle the problem early to help maintain your objectivity in the situation.
4. Maintain your reputation. Constant discussion of the situation with others may earn you the title of “office whiner” and make you seem unable to handle issues on your own.  Avoid this unfortunate title and maintain your reputation by handling issues privately and professionally.
5. Agree to disagree. Despite your efforts, it is possible that issues with a coworker may still exist.  If this is the case, chalk it up to differences in opinion and move on.  Do not hold a grudge and try to work with the person as professionally as possible despite obvious differences.

Toxic coworkers are everywhere.  The key to managing in an environment with these types of people is to maintain professionalism at all times.  If problems persist despite your efforts, don’t be afraid to approach a higher-up with your concerns.  In the end, you’ll know that you did everything in your power to manage the situation.

How do you handle toxic coworkers?  What advice do you have for readers in a similar situation?

Despite the still-weak economy, Americans of all ages and incomes are continuing to grow increasingly unhappy at work.  According to a study conducted for The Conference Board, only 45% of people in 5,000 U.S. households surveyed said they were satisfied with their jobs.  In 1987, when the survey was first conducted, 61.1% of those surveyed were satisfied with their jobs.

So, what has changed so drastically in the last 23 years?  According to The Conference Board, the drop in job satisfaction can be attributed to a number of factors including interest in work and job security.  One of the main drivers of this trend is a lack of confidence in leaders and organizations.

How can you ensure that your employees are happy with their jobs and satisfied working for your company?  Below are 5 characteristics shared by the most inspirational, effective leaders:

1. Anchored. Anchored leaders are well-positioned in an organization’s culture and flow.  They understand contemporary trends and how they affect business.
2. Optimistic. The most inspirational leaders share a world view of possibility and choose to focus on future success rather than dwell on challenges and difficulties.
3. Purpose-driven. Leaders who inspire understand that a workforce will embrace a well-communicated purpose.  Inspirational leaders coax results through sharing a vision that engages employees.
4. Unselfish. Leaders who focus on creating a positive environment for employees first are often considered inspirational.  Unselfish leaders are also more likely to make decisions to benefit the business in the long-term.
5. Respectful. Inspirational leaders recognize that, with the economic dust starting to settle, businesses may require extreme changes.  They appreciate the value of treating employees with respect and keeping the lines of communication open.

Are you an inspirational leader?  Do you think that you have what it takes to turn around job satisfaction numbers?  What advice do you have for other leaders to help them increase job satisfaction in their own companies?

Share your thoughts in the comments!

Source:  The Conference Board (http://www.conference-board.org/)

Numbers can be complex and confusing, but in the small business world they are a huge determinant of a company’s success.

Often, it is easier to push numbers aside to focus on the more “fun” aspects of business.  Experienced entrepreneurs and small business owners know this and will surround themselves with a team of experienced accountants and bookkeepers.

But what about those small business owners with less experience — How do you know when it’s time to build or expand your accounting team?  How do you know whether you need a bookkeeper or controller in charge of your finances?

Hire a bookkeeper if:

• You’re company is a startup.  Hiring a bookkeeper in the beginning stages of your business will help you get started on the right foot with a good, well-kept record keeping system.
• Numbers make your head spin.  Enlisting the services of a bookkeeper can help you learn the basics of the financial aspects of your company – such as managing cash flow and tracking balance sheets.

Hire an accountant if:

• You’re adding employees.  Once your business begins to grow and you start to hire more employees, an accountant will be able to help you with financial matters while you focus on growth.
• You’re changing your business structure.  An accountant will be able to guide you through both the financial and tax implications of changing your company’s ownership structure.
• You’re seeking outside financing.  If you’re seeking financing, such as a bank loan, it is advisable to have your financials reviewed and organized by an accountant.

Hire a controller if:

• Your business continues to expand.  A business with an established management team and continued growth will want to hire a controller to manage day to day financial operations in order to place more focus on strategic issues.
• You’re seeking new financial software.  When your business outgrows off-the-shelf accounting software, a controller can help you to select a more appropriate software system.

Hire a CFO is:

• You’re planning to expand.  A company that grows rapidly or is interested in expanding its product lines should consider adding a CFO to the accounting team.  A CFO can provide advice and guide a company through the complex financial issues involved.
• You’re seeking complex financing.  If you’re planning a complex fundraising tactic, such as an Initial Public Offering (IPO), a CFO can be an invaluable asset to your accounting team by handling the influx of outside investors.

Ultimately, the decision to build or expand a small business accounting team depends on the aspirations of the entrepreneur.  If you’re operating a home-based, single person company, it might be advisable to handle the financials yourself while the business grows.  If you’re business grows steadily, it’s time to enlist the help of someone with financial savvy so that you can concentrate of nurturing new business.

Whatever path your company takes, it’s important to remember that most businesses fail due to lack of financial understanding and management.  Be honest with yourself, if any aspect of your financials is over your head, enlist help.

Rational:  of or based on reasoning, able to reason, sensible or sane.

Do you think rationally?  Are your decisions based on data and calculated thoughts?

Do you follow your gut?  Do faith and conviction guide your decisions?

Seth Godin, author of 12 books including “All Marketers are Liars” and “Survival is Not Enough,” makes some interesting arguments for irrational decision making here.

What are your thoughts?  Should we follow Seth’s advice and start thinking more irrationally?