3 Tips to Achieve Explosive Growth as a Courier Driver

What a new courier driver should immediately understand about the business is the fact that this industry has a unique social role and position that entails certain demands. This competitive industry requires clear-cut strategies in order for one to succeed in it. For starters, here are three powerful tips to achieve that sure-fire growth.Get Rid of Marketing MythsThere are many marketing myths, and for a new courier driver it is easy to get lost in the smoke screen. There are many suggestions out there - such as creating a website or a Facebook page, or printing out thousands of calling cards, or even advertising in the local paper - that simply may not work for newbies to the business. Some may work for big name or established operations (such as advertising in newspapers), but the effort may not have the same impact for fledgling companies. The first thing you must do as someone who is new to the industry is understand you cannot afford to waste energy and money on marketing strategies that will not work for you. Once you've sidestepped these you should then proceed to step two.Identify Your Ideal ClientMany a new courier driver tends to focus on their idea of the perfect customer as one who will keep the phones ringing with constant offers of more and more work. In the real world, however, the idea of customers coming to you (unless you're a behemoth like FedEx, for example) is a fantasy borne of laziness or unimaginativeness. Most likely, you will have to actively seek out potential customers by doing the requisite legwork and knocking on a lot of doors. The ideal client, as far as a delivery business is concerned, is one that has a regular need for items to be delivered on a set route. We say 'ideal' because, for a small company or a one-man operation, regularity allows you to craft a tight schedule based on efficiency, speed, and fuel economy. Waiting for that random customer who rings up and asks for a delivery to a location that is out of your regular route can actually cost you in the long run. Once you've identified the kind of client that can serve you at this point of your business, you can start making plans to attract them.


Connect and OutsourceIf you're a courier driver with a fledgling business in danger of biting more than you can chew, you should know that you don't have to do everything straight away! Learn the fine art of outsourcing, as long as you can trust the drivers and they have a track record for excellent performance. Subcontracting work with other drivers operating in your area can allow you to focus more on taking care of your on-going business relationship with existing clients and working on finding new referrals. It also helps immensely to join an online exchange, a platform that connects customers to workers in a dynamic way previously not possible. By forging connections and networking with both competitors and customers, you will widen your options; this in turn will enable you to make more powerful decisions, which can positively affect your company's growth.

Hooded Sweatshirts: Why Choose Them?

Hooded sweatshirts are the ones which have huge pockets right at the front of them and a hood as well that is adjustable with the help of drawstrings. You may be familiar with the fact that in the middle age, it was common for the catholic monks to wear such hoods over the robes. The tradition of wearing hoods have stayed alive for numberless years and has been getting advanced and modern with the passage of time making its way into the fashion and style. It should go without saying that hooded sweatshirts are a commendable choice specifically for winters or for sports purposes.Rarely do you get to find someone who does not own a hooded sweatshirt in this present era. The huge variety of sizes, designs, and materials make sure that the category has something that is suitable for each and every single one of you. The cotton and fleece which are utilized in manufacturing the hooded sweatshirts ensure enhanced durability as well. Another benefits of using hooded sweatshirts is that they go perfectly well with the sweat pants, jeans, trousers, tracks pants, casual shoes, sneakers and what not. Considering this, it won't be wrong to state that it is a commendable addition to your wardrobe.There is no argument over the fact that hooded sweatshirts are most popular among the teenagers or youngsters. However, that does not imply in any way that it is not suitable for the other genders or people of different age groups. Regardless of whether you are looking for something to beat the cold temperature or are looking forward to be a part of the latest fashions and styles, hooded sweatshirts are not going to disappoint you.This is exactly why such hoods are in huge demand and are never out of fashion. As mentioned earlier, the huge pockets that the hooded sweatshirts have to offer ensure that you can keep a number of items secure and protected with convenience. With an additional feature of wire guides for musical gadgets, such hoods enable you to listen to your favorite music in a fashionable manner. What else could you ask for?


It is of prime importance to mention here that along with the fashion sense and style, such hooded sweatshirts does also enable you to relish comfort as well as the health benefits. Hooded sweatshirts are perfectly fine for all sorts of activities whether its sports, jogging, walking, or randomly roaming around in a park or maybe a pub.Since such hoods are being made by a number of different designers, the variety in terms of designs and styles is so huge that it doesn't fail you in finding something that is specifically made up to your requirements. Some of such hoods may cost a lot more than others, however, by spending a little bit of an extra time while shopping, you can certainly find something that is able to meet most if not all of your requirements without having to ask you to step out of your budget either.In the light of the aforementioned benefits that the hooded sweatshirts have to offer, it is only fair to conclude that such hoods are one of the finest addition to your wardrobe. Since they are suitable for all sorts of activities, you should probably not be reluctant in spending a little extra on such hoods since they are capable of providing multipurpose. All you have to do is determine the kind of style, design, pockets, purpose, and price that you can afford and you are all set to get your hands on this cool addition to your wardrobe.

5 Helpful Tips When Choosing Wedding Dresses For Winter

For any bride getting married during the winter, one of her concerns may be finding wedding dresses that seem appropriate for the season. Many brides often have trouble finding a dress that doesn't look like it belongs in a spring or summer wedding. Here are some winter inspirations to consider when choosing a gown:Accent Sheer Fabric With Lace EmbroideryWhen you are thinking about your winter wedding, look at some wedding dresses that have sheer fabric at the top with lacy embroidery accents. Lace, while sometimes perceived as old-fashioned, is quickly making a comeback with today's brides. Winter white lace is a very beautiful and classical tribute to a wedding held in the wintertime. Sheer long sleeves and necklines can be gorgeously accented or appliqued with the lace and some rhinestones for extra shimmer.Add Faux Fur AccentsAnother beautiful way to bring the winter into your wedding gown is to incorporate some faux fur accents. Adding a white faux fur bolero is a perfect way to add some winter luxury while keeping you nice and warm at the same time.Try Classic Long SleevesLong sleeved wedding dresses have come quite a long way with brides. Once considered out of fashion, sleeves on these gowns are seen more and more on today's fashion runways. Long sleeved gowns are very vogue and upscale, and are very appropriate for any winter wedding. If you are concerned about a long sleeved dress being too matronly, you can simply have some younger elements added. You could consider a lower neckline or cutouts on the back of the bodice to add some youthful flair to your gown.


Choose a Deeper Shade of WhiteDuring the winter, take some inspiration from the things that pertain to the season when choosing wedding dresses. While you may think that winter equals bright white snow, you may want to consider some other elements. One element that may come to mind is candlelight. If you have thought about incorporating soft candlelight into your ceremony, you could choose a gown inspired by that soft glow. Instead of choosing a bright white gown, think about going with a dress in antique white or ivory. These shades can add that bit of romanticism that is often associated with a wedding during the winter.Don't Forget to Incorporate the Wedding PartyIn addition to your winter-inspired gown, you may also want to consider a soft, darker color palette for your bridesmaids as well. Some really nice colors for a winter wedding include navy, light grey, or silver. If you want more color, think about choosing bridesmaids gowns in jewel tones, such as garnet, topaz, or emerald.Weddings are a beautiful occasion any time of year, but the wintertime is an extraordinarily gorgeous time to get married. Choosing wedding dresses based on the season is a wonderful way to add a lovely touch to your winter theme.

4 Target Markets for Up and Coming Haulage Companies

A wealth of options can lead to a dearth of choices. In transportation, facing a multitude of markets and possible client bases can make it difficult to decide which to target and focus on. This in turn can lead to making the wrong choice, and then you suddenly find yourself floundering amid the challenging competition.If you are starting out in the transport industry, it is important to pick specific markets that will help you grow your client base quickly and efficiently.PerishablesPerishable items are always on the move. Big haulage companies have contracts with major fruit and vegetable organisations, for example, which allow them to create an extensive network of deliveries. But since the amount of growers, farmers and producers is always changing and quite complex, and since the demand for goods is always changing from place to place, there is always an opportunity for up and comers in this area. A good place to start is by finding independent producers and local sellers of perishables and then become the sole logistics firm for a series of consistent trade partners.EquipmentFor many developed and developing nations, trade in equipment is the backbone of their material economy. Whether it is speakers or cranes, shavers or jackhammers, there is always a demand for equipment from the consumer and from corporations. Hence there is always a market for even the smaller haulage companies. It is prudent to investigate what markets in this area are also up and coming and match your services to their needs and the shape of their trade. In the long run, this can develop quite a significant body of extensive work, which can even cross international borders.


SME Chain StoresOne of the difficulties for up and coming haulage companies is shaking the feeling of being one step behind the larger competition. There can be a sense that your logistics network is not equipped to go beyond the worry of not knowing if the next contract ending will usher in a dry spell of work orders. Connecting with small to medium sized chain stores, rather than huge corporations, can be a realistic way of partnering with suppliers and sellers who have a consistent need to move cargo across cities to their various outlet chains.OutsourcingIn the end, work is work, and there are many ways to get it. While most growing haulage companies want to get hold of a prized client base that they can pin down as their own over the long term, there are times when they'll need to partner with larger firms. Receiving outsourced work, from markets run by large groups who are looking for smaller firms with a set of reliable vehicles, is a good way to capture a market share of reliable and consistent work.

Until You Own It

Can you sell something that you don't own or don't have the legal right to?No, of course not.Yet, I see entrepreneurs try to do it every day.Entrepreneurs sell themselves. They sell their vision, their skills, and their products.So what's the problem? Of course they have the right to sell themselves in this way.The question is, do they own it?Do they fully believe in what their product or service does? Do they really believe in themselves? Do they really own the power of what they are selling?Until you own it, nobody can buy it.A client of mine shared her marketing message with me. It wasn't clear, exciting or compelling. We worked to strengthen it based on the results her clients were experiencing, through working with her, along with the knowledge and experience she brings to the table.We came up with a new message. It was clear and direct; it conveyed exactly what she did and what someone working with her could expect.Then she said, "Wow, I don't know if I can say that."No wonder her business wasn't doing well. No wonder her sales conversations weren't converting prospects to clients; she didn't own her own message. If she didn't believe in herself, nobody else would.Until YOU own it, nobody can buy it.This shows up in the lives of entrepreneurs in one of two ways.They either water down their message so much that they do believe it (like my client did) or they use the stronger message, that they don't believe. In either case the result is the same. No sale.


So what can you do to change this? Try this simple 30-minute exercise to help you own yourself.Step 1: Take 10 minutes to figure out exactly what your clients get by working with you or using your products. Dig deep. For instance, your clients may make money or lose weight but it goes beyond that. They make money so that they can take their family on vacation. Or they lose weight so they gain confidence and get a promotion at work.Step 2: Take 10 minutes to create a list of all the reasons you are qualified to help your ideal client right now, BEFORE you get your next degree or five more clients. Include all of your experience. For example, I bring in my background on Wall Street, my experience as a coach, my life and a mother, a wife and friend, my love of baking and the outdoors to every conversation I have.Step 3: Take 5 minutes to review what you have written. Read it aloud. Print it out.Step 4: Use the final 5 minutes to share it with someone and have him read it to you. Take it in. This is what you have to offer. This is why someone needs to work with you.Own it, then sell it!Do you own what you're selling? If not, what do you need to do to take ownership of it?

Squeeze Ins

A client was a couple of minutes late to our call. He immediately apologized and told me he got caught up in a squeeze in, he was getting himself a cup of coffee.We laughed for a moment and then he got real serious. He said "You know, as I was getting the coffee I kept hearing your voice in my head asking me if what I was doing right now what needed to be done or was it a squeeze in."On the face of it, he was 2-minutes late to a phone call. Truly not a big deal; however, where else is this happening and what is the result?Let's back up for a moment.A squeeze in is something you do on your way to doing something else. It's not what you planned and it causes your plans to shift. It could be grabbing a cup of coffee on your way to making a phone call, stopping at the store to grab a few things before you go to a networking event, handling a couple of emails before you pick up the phone and make your sales calls.A squeeze in may seem like nothing, and even the right thing to do. It can derail your entire day.You get to your office. You have one specific thing that you must do. Just before you start you'll answer a few emails. An hour has gone by, you've answered emails. You have an hour less to work on your project.


You are meeting someone you met at a networking event for lunch. Before you leave your office you make one quick phone call. The call lasts five minutes longer than you expected and now you're late for lunch and you're feeling anxious. You're certainly no longer your best self.Taken individually a squeeze in isn't a problem, but they do add up. Five minutes here, ten minutes there, before you know it your day is gone and you haven't accomplished what needed to get done in the first place and, depending on what you had planned, your reputation could be at stake as well.Want to know the best way to avoid squeeze ins?It's simply awareness. As you go through your day take stock and ask yourself if what you are doing is a squeeze in or what you meant to be doing. If it's a squeeze in take a moment to recognize the impact continuing will have on the rest of your day and the people you are interacting with. Then stop, and refocus on what you planned to do.Oh and if your squeeze in must get done too, figure out which is more important at that specific moment, do it, and decide when you will do the other thing.How do "squeeze ins" impact your business and life?

The Importance of Sourcing and Procurement

If you are a part of any type of company, you probably already understand the importance of the sourcing and procurement process. Purchasing the needed goods and services is crucial for the operations of any company and is, in most cases, accountable for the biggest part of a company's total costs. Although many people have heard of sourcing and procurement and use them as interchangeable synonyms, these terms stand for two different concepts. Understanding these concepts is essential for the well-being of any company so, in this article, we are going to talk about the differences between these two concepts and the importance of each of them.At a certain level, sourcing and procurement are similar in meaning, both being synonyms of the word purchasing. However, these two terms encompass something more than a simple purchasing process, because they refer to the process of obtaining the high quality goods and services the client needs, at the right time and at a good price.Procurement is a broader term than sourcing and, in some ways, sourcing is included in the larger process of procurement. On one hand, procurement consists of specification development, market research, price and payment date negotiations, marketing activities, purchasing activities, contract administration, inventory control, receiving and store controlling. On the other hand, sourcing is the act of identifying the needs of a company or organization and finding the ideal sources that can offer certain products and/or services.Until now, procurement and sourcing were though about as necessary processes, but they were rarely celebrated as crucial act that can make or break the performance of any company. However, the situation has greatly changes in the last years. Procurement and sourcing departments in companies or external procurement organizations that collaborate with these companies are now playing crucial roles for their success and many people think they won't stop there. Procurement now has a strategic role in big companies and has become a more complex process, with many different facets, especially for multinational companies. Old fashioned procurement managers have never imagined such a fast growth of all the elements that compose the procurement process and have begun to acknowledge the fact that they need help with the challenges they are facing every day.


As a company trying to succeed in and ever changing business world, you have two choices: you can either invest in a larger procurement department or you can outsource it. Procurement outsourcing is a rather new concept, as opposed to outsourcing departments such as IT, Human Resources or Legal.If you have decided to find a procurement and sourcing company to collaborate with, you can find one by simply doing a short internet search. It may be wise to search sourcing and procurement and you will get all the information you need in order to hire such a company. By doing this, you can cut back on the expenses of an entire department, while working with people that have a lot of experience in this area, a network of companies they collaborate with and a brand new perspective on the way your company sources the goods and services it needs.

Three Skills Delivery Work Helps You Develop

A human being is a constantly evolving organism. As a sentient life form, capable of learning and assimilating new experiences, skills and teachings, he or she continues to gather information throughout his or her life, often from the most surprising or unexpected sources.One area from which the average person will definitely be able to derive inspiration and new teachings is from their professional life. Far from simply being a source of income, most jobs double as a way for individuals to acquire new skills and experiences that may prove useful to them later in life.In terms of the transport industry, this is indeed true for those involved in delivery work. Not everyone sees driving for a living as a professional career requiring expertise, let alone one that can teach its proponents new skills; however, this could not be further from the truth. Haulage work can and does furnish professionals in the field with a wealth of opportunities to acquire new abilities or hone pre-existing ones to perfection. Below are just three examples of core skills that delivery work can help significantly develop.PlanningOne of the main traits a haulier or driver is required to possess is the ability to plan and prioritise. As a field that entails a large amount of micro-managing and considerable responsibility, delivery work can help an individual enhance his or her ability to schedule, manage time and plan ahead, to ensure all the jobs go off smoothly and with a minimum of complications. And while these skills may seem as though they are easily acquirable, the truth is many people struggle to develop them. In this regard, the transport industry can be a useful place to help them do so.


People SkillsAnother important aspect of delivery work has to do with customer relationships and people skills. Since most jobs of this type entail delivering packages or full loads to people's doors, a certain degree of interaction is required - and it's a fact that interpersonal relationships do not come easy to everyone. Certain people who discover a vocation for this type of job may not necessarily be the best in face-to-face situations, but the more jobs they carry out and the more they are pushed into such interactions, the more they are likely to see their 'people skills' developing to an acceptable level - a welcome and valuable side-effect.Fitness and EnduranceLast but not least, working in transport is good for one's health! In the case of haulage, the need to carry large boxes or items of furniture into and out of the lorry can help with muscle toning and strength. While not exactly 'skills' in the strictest sense of the word, these physical benefits do tend to prove useful in the course of everyday life, justifying their inclusion. As well, being out and about all day is far better for one's health than being cooped up in an office all day.