Monday, December 31, 2012

Teamwork Tips

Teamwork is a key component for business success, and Dirk Kettlewell has learned that teamwork is an important asset in the business world. When building the teams moral, always keep in mind that there is no “I” or “me”, it is always “we” and “us”. There is no place for egoism in any team. Therefore, any time some organizational questions are being discussed, you should first think what profit it might bring to your team, not to you personally. If you find out anything new regarding your company, your target market, your competitors, share this knowledge, so that there were no surprises. A team is then perfectly built, when each its member can carry out the assigned tasks without delays, being under no control. If you are a manager, a team leader, or just one of the most active workers, you can temporarily step aside to watch the things being done without supervision.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Benefits of a Marketing Plan

A document that supplements your business plan and brings together all your market research so you can work out exactly where your business is going and how it is going to get there is a marketing plan. In the business world, Dirk Kettlewell knows how important a strong marketing plan is for business.

A good marketing plan will help you focus on your target market and find if there is any gap in the market that will provide new opportunities for your business. The marketing plan will also provide you with something that enables you to measure how you are progressing. This can highlight strategies that are working for you and those that are not. The plan will deal with the matter of sourcing new leads as well as creating new networking opportunities for your business. The bottom line means that your plan will define your business as well as your customers and future plans.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

American Civil War Information


  • The Union Army of 2,100,000 soldiers was nearly twice the size of the Confederate Army of 1,064,000.
  • The Civil War was the deadliest war in American history. There were around 210,000 soldiers killed in action and 625,000 total dead.
  • 66% of the deaths in the war were due to disease.
  • Lincoln's famous Gettysburg address was only 269 words long.
  • Many of the Southern men already knew how to shoot a gun from hunting. The Northern men tended to work in factories and many didn't know how to fire a gun.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Tips For A Successful Interview

If you have a big interview coming up, one of the best  things you can do is to do your research on the company, rehearse your discussion, and to relax. You can practice ahead of time with sample questions and different interview styles. It is also recommended that you always send a follow up thank you letter after your interview. Learn as much as you can about the opportunity and the interviewing organization. Evaluate your own knowledge, skills and abilities and think about how you qualify for the opportunity. Find out information about the organization ahead of time.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Interesting Facts About The White House

We all know what the White House looks like, but there is far more to it than meets the eyes. Here are a few interesting facts that you may not have known about the White House.

  • Six levels
  • 132 rooms
  • 32 bathrooms
  • 412 doors
  • 147 windows
  • 28 fireplaces
  • seven staircases
  • three elevators
  • tennis court
  • jogging track
  • swimming pool
  • billiard room
  • bowling lane
  • The White House receives about 65,000 paper letters a week in which the President only read ten.
  • Only two couples have been married at the White House.
  • In order to paint the outside of the White House, it takes 570 gallons of paint.
  • The White House has a twin building in France and in Ireland.
  • There are five full time chefs staffed at the White House and the kitchen can serve up to 1,000 guests.
  • In the war of 1812, the White House was burned by the British Troops.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Best Foot Forward

Dirk Kettlewell has strived for success in the business world since he was a teenager. Because of this, he has been a successful businessman. Whatever you do in this life, you should do it to the fullest with your best foot forward. When you are at the top of your game, others notice, and more importantly, you notice and gain a sense of pride in your work. Whatever position you hold, if you work to your best ability, you will be successful in life. Work with your highest level of integrity and push your limits. You will quickly acclimate and excel at your new position. Time and time again, if you are pressing your boundaries and excelling at what you are doing, you will be successful at whatever it is you do.  Whether you hold onto it, or let it slip through your fingers, is all up to you.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

United States History

Learning fun facts about American history is a great way to learn more about our past and makes the history come to life. By learning about the history, it shows how the land was conquered, how laws were made, and other things that helped our country succeed. History is important to everyone because just like the old saying, “History is necessary so that you don't repeat the mistakes”. Learning about history gives us an opportunity to learn about courage, sacrifice, and heroism. History is the study of the past which helps us live in the present.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Tips To Get A Raise


  • The best time to ask for a raise is after you have had a big success. Set an appointment with your boss to discuss your issues.
  • Do a little research. Gather some information on wages being paid in your field.
  • Whenever you do good, keep a success journal. You can present this to your boss during your meeting.
  • Present the raise to your boss as a win win situation. Discuss how this raise will benefit your company in the long run.
  • Make a point to your boss of what makes you stand out.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Benefits of Office Parties

Just about everyone enjoys a good office party. It’s a great time for all employees to unwind and it can do wonders for the office morale.  As staff becomes acquainted socially, they will understand one another more and communicate more effectively. Below are a few ideas that will get everyone social, and won’t break the bank. Your employees will be happy and eager to work harder when there are frequent social events.

  • Potlucks
  • Live screenings
  • Hikes and picnics
  • Organize alternative events
  • Sports Day
  • Scavenger hunts and lip-singing contests
  • Office turned party - This is where you turn your office into the party

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Facts About The Great Depression


  • The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decades preceding World War II from 1929 - 1945.
  • On “Black Tuesday” the stock market lost $14 billion, making the loss for that week 30 billion dollars.
  • During the worst years of the Depression (1933-1934) the overall jobless rate was 25%.
  • 25% of people took wage cuts or worked part time.
  • During the Great Depression 50% of children did not have adequate food, shelter, or medical care.
  • During the Great Depression bankers became so unpopular that bank robbers, such as Bonnie and Clyde, became American folk heroes.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States and the man responsible for the majority of the wording in the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was a lawyer, horticulturist, writer, politician, and leader. For all of Jefferson’s contributions in making America what it is today his face is on the two dollar bill. Thomas Jefferson served as the first Secretary of State under George Washington. Jefferson is considered one of the most influential Founding Fathers for his promotion of the ideals of republicanism in the United States, ideals that had previously existed but had not had a voice in government. Thomas Jefferson was the second Vice President of the United States of America and served under John Adams. In June 1776, Jefferson was appointed to a five-man committee to prepare what we now know as the Declaration of Independence. The committee selected Jefferson to write the first draft because of his reputation as a writer.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

United States History Facts


  • The American national anthem, the "Star-Spangled Banner," is set to the tune of an English drinking song, "To Anacreon in Heaven."
  • The "Father of Our Country" George Washington held his first public office at the tender age of 17 as a surveyor for Culpeper County, Virginia. He continued in public service until his death in 1799.
  • The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal, along with the thirteen stripes that exist on our flag today.
  • The words "Under God" were not added to the Pledge of Allegiance until 1954.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Perfecting Your Sales Pitch

Forming the perfect sales pitch requires a strategic hand, some practice, and a little creativity. Here are some tips to help you form the perfect sales pitch.

Know your audience. Every pitch should be tailored to the audience you are speaking with. Do a little research on the business you are planning on pitching to. What are their goals? What do they wish to achieve? You can then use this information when writing the perfect pitch and it will be customized to your audience. The potential client will only become an actual client when your product fits their needs.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Benefits of Networking For Small Business

For small businesses, networking can provide a strong lifeline of support and generate a larger clientele. There are a number of benefits that networking can provide for your business.
  • Develop ideas, innovation and knowledge of best practice
  • Helps benchmark opportunities against competitors
  • Joint skills development for staff in your business sector which can save costs because of economies of scale
  • Referrals are the most obvious benefit of networking. When someone that you network with meets someone that is in need of your services or product, your networking partner will send you the customer.