"In my mind if you do not use a service such as Uber, you need serious help."

That quote comes from a Florida-based businessman according to a recent USA Today article, and although his claim might be a little extreme, he’s not alone. The article goes on to cite research from Certify, which helps companies manage expense reports, who found that on-demand ride service Uber has overtaken taxis as the preferred way to get around among road warriors on business.

Use of the sharing economy among travelers is soaring, as Travel Weekly shared that just last year a survey found that 63 percent of respondents had never heard of collaborative or sharing-economy services and now in 2015 that number has flipped and 60 percent are aware of these services.

Its part technique and its part attitude. It has been called the most powerful selling and marketing tool available and is formally known as the best source of new business.

I’m talking about the elusive and all powerful referral.

Let’s face it, people would rather work with people they know, or at least people they know will do an excellent job. Think about it. What is more reassuring than a positive recommendation from someone you know? People are 4 times more likely to buy something when recommended by a friend and a whopping 65% of new business comes from referrals.

The reasoning is there, but what’s the best way to ask for a referral?

All too often, salespeople focus on the wrong elements in their attempt to increase sales. They turn their attention to the features, benefits, and value-added aspects of their product or service in an attempt to differentiate it from that of the competition and ultimately convince prospects to buy. While these elements may eventually play a part in the presentation (more on that later), it is not the place to start. 

Wednesday September 9^th, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm at LunchBox Laboratory in Bellevue.

Running a social media campaign can be amazing, expensive, fruitful, and frustrating. Things change in the blink of an eye! What was popular one day will be left and forgotten the next. On top of it all, it can be incredibly time consuming, and who has free time these days?

For those entrepreneurs and business owners out there, shaking their heads in frustration can soon breathe a sigh of relief. Reinforcements are on the way.

The BizX community has many high quality social media experts as members who want to share their expertise with the rest of the community. We brought some of them together to answer the questions that have been driving you batty!  Come listen and ask questions to alleviate that social media stress.

According to Bankrate.com, thirty-five percent of consumers have never checked their credit reports. That number is astounding, considering credit scores are used when applying for credit cards, financing, renting a home, opening utilities, getting a cellphone and more.

While those activities don’t happen every day, our credit scores are important and can be difficult to fix once they get out of hand. Not to worry though, I’m here to help you learn more about your credit score and how to make sure it’s in great shape for your next credit check.