"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. 

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.

Social media is everywhere – it’s sometimes our main means of connecting with others and may be the near universal driving force behind procrastination. 

So it’s likely that your customers and clients are on social media and you should be too.

Social media may seem like a perfect outlet for reaching customers, given that many platforms are inexpensive and user-friendly. However, the work that social media companies do for you tends to begin and end with a platform.