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• Job Creation Act of 2010
• The Importance of Names

Job Creation Act of 2010

By Tim Janiak

President Obama recently signed a two-year extension of the Bush era tax cuts.  The act also includes payroll tax relief and an estate tax compromise.  The new law gives some certainty in tax planning for the next two years, especially in individual income tax rates, capital gains/dividend tax rates, and the estate tax. 

Keep in mind, however, that these provisions are temporary and the ultimate fate of the Bush tax cuts has been pushed to 2012—which happens to be a presidential election year.

The Importance of Names

By Upstream Academy

Recalling and correctly pronouncing the names of customers, prospects and other business acquaintances is critical to the success of every business owner.  Calling others by name sends a powerful message of respect, genuine interest, and appreciation for those around us.  While readily acknowledging its importance, many in business are also quick to admit that remembering names is not one of their personal strengths.  Although it may be true that some have a special gift in this area, recalling names and faces is, in fact, an acquired skill for most people.  Consider following the key steps for improving your ability to remember people’s names.

1. FOCUS

   Anxious to make a good impression, we are sometimes so concerned about what we’re going to say next that we fail to give proper attention to an introduction.  Relax, focus and remember that calling a new acquaintance by name later on may do more to enhance a first impression than anything else you can do.

   To help you focus on a new acquaintance:

   • If it’s an unfamiliar name, ask how it’s spelled or break it up into simple sounds
   • Ask about the background of the name (and be prepared with similar information about your own name)
   • Search for interesting or unusual things about the individual that will help trigger your memory

2. OBSERVE

   Become an expert observer.  Remember, you can’t recall what you never saw.

   “If you can sharpen your observational powers, you will have made a giant step toward the improvement of your memory.  Blank looking, instead of real seeing, is one of the major causes for poor memory.”  (Lore Gowen)
   

3. REPEAT

   Repetition is critical.  Here are some ways it can help you remember names:

   • Add the new person’s name to your greeting
   • Request repetition
   • When you first meet someone, repeat the person’s name several times in the next few minutes of conversation
   • Use pauses in the conversation to silently repeat and practice matching names and faces

4. ASSOCIATE

   Connect new names and faces to things you already know:

   • Another person who has the same name
   • A sound or an image
   • The title or a line from a favorite book, song, movie or poem
   • Something the individual tells you about himself/herself
   • A rhyming word

5. PRACTICE

   Frequent practice keeps skills sharp.  Here are some ideas:

   • Use business cards as flash cards to test your memory of names, faces, and information
   • Write difficult names out phonetically and practice pronouncing them
   • Visualize people in varied settings and say their names out loud

“A person’s name is the difference between a stranger and a friend; the difference between a prospect and a customer; and the difference between, ‘that guy,’ and ‘Marty, my newest customer.’”  (Scott Ginsberg)

To access previously published articles, please make a selection from the following dates:

December 2010:

• Constructing or Renovating a Building?
• Research and Development Tax Credit
• Opportunities to Help Other Businesses

November 2010:

• What’s Up with Taxes?
• Lunch and Learns Coming Soon!

October 2010:

• Safety: Getting Your Message Across
• Change Orders: An Important Tool
• Surety Bonds: Managing Construction Risk

September 2010:

• Homebuyer Credits Extended Again
• IRS Corrects Recovery Period on Depreciation of Residential Rental Property Assets
• Using Self-Directed IRAs to Purchase Income Generating Real Estate

August 2010:

• Potential Tax Hike for Owners of Small Personal Service S Corporations
• An Unlikely Pair: Health Care Reform and 1099 Reporting
• 2010 Year-End Reminders for S Corporations and Partnerships

July 2010:

• Simple Options for a Down Year
• Deducting Prepaid Farm Expenses
• Deducting Soil and Water Conservation Costs

June 2010:

• Privacy Standards for Business Associates
• An Unlikely Pair: Health Care Reform and 1099 Reporting
• Selling Your Medical Practice

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