6 Surprisingly Simple Tricks to Double Twitter Followers in 2 Months

Two months ago I decided to start using Twitter to get more people reading my blog. I found that marketing my blog posts on my Twitter account (@vginsburg) definitely increases readership, so I needed to figure out how to optimize my Twitter account to drive more readers to my blog. As with a lot of social media marketing, the first thing to do is to focus on a specific goal. 

I made a goal to get from about 230 followers to 500 as soon as possible. I know that doesn't make me a Twitter superstar, but it is more than doubling my followers in less than two months. Also, I have noticed that a lot of entrepreneurs and small business owners hover around the 200 follower range and then give up on Twitter, so I wanted to write about this now, before I get to my next goal of 1,000.

I'm not a fan of digital marketing tricks like buying followers because I don't think they bring true value to my marketing mix. I want real people who actually care about what I'm writing about. So I committed to doing it myself, with no special tricks. The only tools I use are Hootsuite to schedule Tweets and, more recently, JustUnfollow to balance my followers/following ratio.

1. Follow people who Tweet. Twitter is a sharing platform, so unless you are a "Twitter Superstar" who can afford not to follow a lot of people, you need to find people who you want to follow. My suggestion is that you find people who are posting interesting Tweets that you want to retweet, as this will (ahem!) kill two birds with one stone. Also, as people start following you, you should follow them back ... but see No. 6 below for info about unfollowing, also. I add 5-10 new people per week, plus almost everyone who follows me.

2. Retweet other people's stuff. There are two reasons to retweet. First, it's a good way to be a part of the community. By sharing, you show that you aren't just there to toot your own horn, but you actually care about other people's stuff, too. Second, Tweets have a 15-20 second lifespan. That means that you need a lot of content to Tweet. For me, I use retweeting as a way to fill the gaps.

3. Use hashtags in your posts. Hashtags are a great way to participate in conversations. Use 1-3 hashtags in most of your posts to indicate the conversation to which your Tweet belongs. This will allow people who are browsing Twitter for information related to those conversations to find you and hopefully follow you.

4. Post multiple times per day, every day. Did you see the fact that Tweets have a 15-20 second lifespan? That  means that you need to Tweet a lot to get seen. I don't like blasting people - I see some people Tweeting every 5 seconds or so. Since I really don't like that approach, I schedule (using Hootsuite) 4 posts per day and then jump on Twitter 2-4 times per day to retweet. This means I get about 8 total posts per day, which is enough for me right now.

5. Use quotes to fill gaps. Just like retweeting other people's stuff, quotes are a way to make your Twitter feed not all about you. Also, people really like quotes on Twitter. Typically, one of my four daily scheduled posts is a quote, and I find that up to 50% of my retweets are quotes.

6. Unfollow people selectively. As you follow this strategy, you will end up following more people than you have followers. I like to keep a balance - there are some people who I follow for their tweets - including Inc., Entrepreneur and Harvard Business Review. They don't follow me back, but I still get value from their tweets. On the other hand, there are some people who I follow who I discover I either don't like their tweets or they never tweet. I unfollow these people to keep my total ratio of following/followed within a reasonable range. I downloaded an app called JustUnfollow to help me keep track of this.

Those are the six tricks I used to more than double my Twitter following in less than 2 months. Try them yourself and let me know how it works. Here's an idea: start by following me @vginsburg!

JHB Philosophy 101

This week, Jeff Becker steps up to the podium.  Jeff and I go back a lot of years.  In this post he shares his experiences running businesses.  Jeff is truly of the business owner mold.  Take it away Jeff...

******************************************************************************

Frank had suggested that I write a piece for his blog a few years ago. However, I was still licking my wounds from having lost a 15 year old company that I had grown from 1.5 million per year into a 28 million dollar a year company. I simply hadn’t spent enough time reflecting on what I did wrong and what I did right. I now think it would be helpful to some to put my thoughts down in writing.

I started my construction company at the age of 28. My confidence came from having personal experience in actually doing the work and feeling as though I understood the technical side as well as the physical side of construction means and methods. So doing the work was the easy part. The piece of the puzzle I had to learn on the fly, was the business side.

MY APPROACH TO BUSINESS

My company travelled the entire United States as well as a few overseas jobs. I was always meeting other business owners in new places and those business owners were 60 year old men who were always happy to engage in conversations about business challenges and experiences. I think they found it interesting that I didn’t want to make small talk. I still don’t understand why so many people waste time by thinking their time is better spent talking about sports or the latest reality show when there is so much to glean from other owners when you get a brief moment of their time. Most business owners don’t want to be buddies, so trying to find “personal” common ground, is a waste of time more often than not. If there is common ground, it will happen without any effort. This approach really helped me tremendously as I tried to navigate and learn business. After all, work was the common ground that landed me in front of them in the first place. The rest happens or doesn’t happen. The relationship grows when working through challenges together. You will find this approach throughout this piece.

Another base belief I have, is that money is only made on the actual performance of the work. So if you believe that money is made by the office, this article is not for you. My entire 15 years was a constant struggle to create efficiencies that eliminated or reduce office personnel needed. I did this with as many as 6 and as few as 2 people. Other entities in my trade were using many more than I was. Becoming paperless is the key.

So after the first year, I realized I needed to know more about accounting. I felt powerless and the CPA I had was a specialist in filing IRS extensions. I was cash strapped and had no idea how to really budget my year when all I was getting each year, was what I called an end of the year “Oh Shit”! This is how I found Frank.

PICKING A CPA

I was really becoming a computer nerd. More on that later. I was using Peachtree at the time and so I felt it would be smart to find a CPA that actually knew my accounting package. Frank was on the Peachtree software support list. He was providing bookkeeper training and I didn’t see any other CPA at the time doing this.  Since I had a bookkeeper, I pulled the trigger and our relationship commenced. Frank and I later learned that we had common ground and that we both had visions concerning our two trades. Through that process, we continued to teach each other and pontificate about how we were trying to manage our businesses. Although Frank and I never just “went out to have a beer”, we did however have many personal conversations that I think pointed to the fact that we could. So, lesson 1, always find a competent CPA that you respect. How do you find that? Talk business first and make the conversation as much about your business as theirs. How the other party runs their business will tell you a lot about how they view yours. It also educates them about yours, so they can better help you organize yours. Make sure you know what you want to track, how you want to track it, and eventually how you want to see it on paper. Most CPA’s don’t care, and don’t know how to run your business. Don’t ask them! However they really can help you organize your information, so you can file taxes correctly. Over the years, Frank has only made one mistake and one joint mistake. Both times he did what was right and we both shared in our portions of the issues. The fact that Frank and I still do business, must mean he feels the same. Did I mention that I always felt that we “Could” go out and have a beer together? Make sure you are like minded.

PICKING A LAWYER

I was in a trade where it was more like the “Wild West” back in the 80’s. It was run by a generation that worked out more problems without the need for lawyers. Millions of dollars were worked out on a bar napkin or a simple hand shake. Of course lawyers were a part of forming a contract document, but law suits were really a last resort and marked the end of doing business with the other party. The moment you sued, the relationship was done forever and any friends they had, you lost as well. So it was always in everyone’s best interest to work things out, even if it cost you money in the short term. This was a very good learning exercise. I quickly became focused on developing a clear and concise bid document. Spelling out what items we would perform, really helped weed out the customers that really didn’t understand the job that they wanted built. Avoiding a customer that doesn’t understand what they want, will save you a lot of money, time, and energy by not working for them. I have only used a lawyer for litigation twice in 15 years. Once in Pittsburgh over $15,000….he was a crook and another against an insurance company that wouldn’t pay for a 1.5 million dollar machine that got dumped on a Tennessee interstate. 

What value does a lawyer have in a business? Well, they sort of do and they sort of don’t. The answer is about 50/50…LOL!! Those of you that own a business get that comment. How I used a lawyer, was as an advisor. Lawyers are very good at telling you both sides of the issue and how it plays out in the courts. Many things can be written, however, if there is no case law concerning the other parties issue, you will most likely win when going to court. I used my lawyer as a researcher. I wanted to hear what case law supported my position and what case law supported theirs. I would then use this new found knowledge in conversation with the other party and plant the seed, that their position wouldn’t exactly be a slam dunk for them. It always resulted in a compromise by both parties and a real savings in time and money. The lawyers always win and cost more money than a simple compromise. So how did pick a lawyer? I point you back to my “approach to business”.

BANKING

The most important lesson I learned was that you can’t just have one banking relationship. Although I did always want one, this is never good for the business. I was financing machines that cost about 1.5 million each and they were specialized. Meaning, there was only 5 companies in the USA that even really used these larger machines. This put my business model in a high risk category regardless of the profits. So the best way to say it is this. Eventually every bank is controlled by the Feds. They have to fit into a federally defined risk assessment model. If you get a “No” from your banker, it may not be you. You obviously have to be able to determine whether or not you need to improve some part of you balance sheet, but a lot of times the bank may not be looking to put YOUR RISK TYPE of business into their loan portfolio. I say move on and find one that is. I still have what I consider my go to banker and he played a very important role in helping me when I met my demise due to the depression. When I got a “No” from him when I was wanting to grow, he sent me to another loan officer that was looking for my type of company and could do a higher risk loan. That is the most important attribute you want in a loan officer. When he can’t help, does he care enough about you to recommend someone that will? Another must have attribute is whether or not they will spend a day and take a tour looking at how your business operates. They need to be asking a lot of “why do you do it that way” kind of questions. This shows interest. I can’t recommend anyone better than Pete Fuge with BB&T. The guy was a great teacher as I learned about banking. I still remember him showing up in a nice suit and wore out construction boots. This let me know that he has done this before and he really wanted to learn what I was up to and eventually needed. He also played a role in telling me “No” and advised that growth wasn’t a good idea, based on what he was seeing in the market. In the end, it was Pete that helped the bank officers realize that I was failing due to the economy and not that the business was being run improperly. I was simply written off and we both took our lumps as businesses that took risk together. Your loan officer has to be your best cheerleader. After all, when the doors shut and they consider your loan, you are not allowed in the room to speak your case directly. Educate your loan officer…dress him up and equip him with flashy pom pom’s….and send him in! Taking nothing personal when it comes to banking.

PICKING AN INSURANCE AGENT

I found this to be one of the funniest experiences. Every agent I ever had, drove up in an older model car and within a year, upgraded to some high end luxury or sports car. The insurance game is a racket. Especially when it comes to workers compensation. I had to fight with the insurance company every time I changed agencies. I never got confirmation of this, but it is my opinion that once you get an agent, the insurance company doesn’t want you to change. As a matter of fact, they won’t quote another agency for fear that the broker is pushing your rates up higher and they don’t want to expose that. They are hoping that the “relationship” can allow them to increase your rates every year and chalk it up to problems with your industry risk. I call bullshit! Every time I forced a change, I saved money! So what I am saying is….make a change. Make your agent be competitive and keep your rates the same. Even if you like the guy…..fire him one time….see if he comes back for your business next year.

PICKING EMPLOYEES

I love this topic. Much has been written about this topic since I have been in business. HR has really put a strangle hold on the industry. I still can’t get my head around this entity and why it is needed. I guess I can see it for mega large companies that are just selling a widget, but I think I can argue as much for itas I can against it . I have always liked a small business, so I naturally grew larger with a small business approach. Back in 2001 my father and I did a roll up of small engine businesses in Manassas. It was a retail business that I eventually became too busy to be a part of. My father took over that and eventually sold it.

I was very unconventional, because I really like the “Type A” personalities. I guess big businesses eventually run out of Type A’s but I still believe they are stifled more than they simply run out of them. HR is a big factor in my opinion. Anyways, here are my reasons why.

A type A person wants responsibility. They hate control and if they are capable, they will help you get there with little to no supervision. It really simplifies your business. However there are some pitfalls that you have to manage immediately until you determine you are like minded.

#1 Make sure they are not a prima donna. You want a type A that feels responsible for their mistakes. Once you have that, you got it made. If a Type A makes a mistake, they will move heaven and earth to correct that mistake and see it as a learning experience. A type B will most likely be afraid to approach the same issue twice and need a lot of babysitting when it happens again.

#2 Make sure they are the type that wants to find an easier way to perform the work. I am unfortunately prejudiced with the opinion that most people will bitch about a process within a company, but never take the steps to improve it. Even Type A’s. They simply show up every day and chalk it up to it being a part of the job they don’t like. This is where you HAVE to be there, so you can talk about the bad parts of the job and eventually come up with a way to make the bad part become a good part. That was always the leading topic when putting all the type A’s in the same room to brainstorm. This is how I opened the minds of my fellow cavemen and eventually became a paperless company.

#3 You have to make sure that the job you want done is clearly communicated. Otherwise you give the type A, wiggle room to point the finger back at you…..if something goes wrong. If you don’t clearly communicate…and it will happen…you have to take it on the chin and shift to fixing the problem WITH them. After all it is only costing you money if you don’t and you caused the problem by not doing your part.

#4 You ABSOLUTELY have to interface with them every day for a year to make sure you are comfortable that they perform the tasks required to your satisfaction. This is when you communicate how the company is going to interface with clients, other employees, and most importantly organize their work. I never really cared about how they did the work. I learned new ways to do the work from these type A’s sometimes. Having spent the time to discuss the process of doing the work netted us many efficiencies. There is nothing more productive than a bunch of type A people, driving towards the same goal, discussing how to improve what we do. We became a company of inventors as a result. Both sides felt very good about what they were doing because we all had a hand in solving a challenge. I even have a joint patent as a result. It is meaningless now, but I don’t want to get started down that road. It is another learning curve that has no place here.

#5 If you do all of the above correctly…..and you have a business that is growing…..you can now start focusing on having that type A groom a successor. Nine times out of ten, they will pick and groom their successor, much like you. I don’t recommend doing this until you have at least 5 years under your belt. If customers are wanting you to grow, resist it until repeat business demands it consistently. I have seen the 5 year rule play out in many businesses.

So I like Type A’s in leadership roles and from there, I try and find Type A’s that are in hiding amongst the type B’s. I had many that stayed with me for the entire ride. I hope this helps.

PICKING CLIENTS

Never forget that YOUpick your clients! If you work for a problem client, then you have forgotten how to say NO! Bad clients will always cost you time, money, and possibly employees. Make sure your client knows why they need you, how to use you, and appreciates the relationship and what you offer. If you have to have a bad client to make ends meet, start looking for another quickly. This challenge is what pushed me out of Northern VA. There are only so many “Good Clients” in any geographic area. Go find what you are looking for in other places. However, don’t discount what a so called “Bad Client” is telling you. They may be trying to help. So stay opened minded until you figure the relationship out.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

So I now find myself looking for a new challenge. I have grown a business to a size few achieve. In Northern VA that isn’t so big, however nationally it is. I have purchased and run a retail business during that time, so I know what it is like to be “at Risk” and also how to manage and sell widgets…this I lovingly refer to as “Retail type” businesses. My latest passion/venture is going to market with processes and custom software that streamline and teach small companies how to grow and manage the office and “get it done” processes. Process challenges is what I really excel in. Predicting a depression was not.

Well, I hope this hasn’t been too long winded. If all of this is posted on Frank’s blog, then and only then, will I drop my insecurity of being too long winded. I am hoping Frank doesn’t edit this down to something simpler….like…..he had a great business….but failed!

Good Luck in business,

jeff@jhbecker.com

 

25 Cheapest Machines for Small Business under 50000 Price

25 Cheapest Machines for Small Business under 50000 Price:-

25 Small Business Ideas in India:-

1. Collar and Cuff Pressing Machine for set up a Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Collar and Cuff Pressing Machine:

The price of the Collar and Cuff Pressing Machine is approximately Rs. 40 thousand to 1 lakh.

Where to buy the machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013.

2. Fruit Pulper Machine for Small Business Manufactures and Price

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Automatic Fruit Pulper Machine:

The price of the Pulper Machine which can make 5 to 10 kg pulp (at a time) is approximately Rs.30, 000 and the price of the machine (including motor) which can make 15 to 20 kg pulp (at a time) is approximately Rs. 70,000.

The price of the electric weight machine is approximately Rs.4000 and the price of the Bottle Filling Machine is approximately Rs. 25000.

Where to buy the Fruit Pulper Machine / Pulper Machine Manufacturer:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013

3. Glass Cutting Machine for set up a Small Business at Home

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Glass Cutting Machine:

The price of the Glass Cutting Machine (including motor) is approximately Rs.50,000 and the price of the Grinding Machine (including motor) is approximately Rs.9,000.

Where to buy the Glass Cutting Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013

4. Air Compressor Machine for set up a Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Air Compressor Machine:

The price of the Spray-Gun machine is approximately RRs. 400 to Rs.1250.

The price of the Air Compressor Machine with 1 hp motor is approximately Rs.10, 000.

Where to buy Air Compressor Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013.

5. Colourful Hair Band Making Machine for set up a Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Hair Band Making Machine:

The price of the Hair Band Making Machine including motor is approximately Rs.60,000.

Where to buy Hair Band Making Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries, 61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013.

6. Chalk Making Machine for set up a Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Chalk Making Machine:

The price of the Chalk Making Machine (Aluminum body) which can make 100 chalks is approximately Rs.1500.

The price of the Chalk Making Machine (Aluminum body) which can make 200 chalks is approximately Rs.3000.

The price of the Chalk Making Machine (Gun Metal body) which can make 200 chalks is approximately Rs.15000.

Where to buy the Chalk Making Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013,

Phone No. 22368015

7. Dye Sublimation Printing Machine for Small Business Price Manufacturer

 To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Dye Sublimation Machine:

The price of the Dye Sublimation Machine is approximately Rs.85000. There is also a small machine and it’s price is approximately Rs.35000.

Where to buy Dye Sublimation Machine/ Dye Sublimation Machine Manufacturer:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013

8. Thread Rolling Machine for set up Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Thread Rolling Machine:-

The price of the Thread Rolling Machine is approximately Rs. 7000 and the price of the motor is approximately Rs.2, 500.

Where to buy the Thread Rolling Machine:-

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013

9. Small Plastic Products Making Machine for Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Small Plastic Products Making Machine:-

The price depends on its type. The price is approximately Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 60,000. The price of the fully automatic Small Plastic Products Making Machine is approximately Rs. 5 lakhs.

Where to buy the Small Plastic Products Making Machine:-

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013,

10. Jute Bag Making Machine for Small Business at Home

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Jute Bag Making Machine:

The price of the Jute Bag Making Machine including motor is approximately Rs. 30,000.

Where to buy the Jute Bag Making Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries, 61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013.

11. Lamination Machine for set up a Small Business at Home Price and Manufacturer

 To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Lamination Machine:

The price of the Lamination Machine depends on its size. The price of the small Lamination Machine is approximately Rs.4000 to 5000 and the price of the large Lamination Machine is approximately Rs.40000 to Rs.50000.

Where to buy the Lamination Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013

12. Marble and Mosaic Polishing Machine for start a Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Marble and Mosaic Polishing Machine:

The price of the Marble and Mosaic Polishing Machine including motor is approximately Rs.12, 500.

Where to buy the Marble and Mosaic Polishing Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013,

Phone No. 22368015

13. Tube Light Choke Making Machine for set up Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Tube Light Choke Making Machine:

The price of the hand-operated Tube Light Choke Making Machine is approximately Rs.6000. if you want motor operated (with regulator) Tube Light Choke Making Machine you have to pay approximately Rs.1500 extra.

Where to buy Tube Light Choke Making Machine:

Tube Light Choke Making Machine Manufacturer-

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013

14. Welding Transformer Machine for set up a Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Welding Transformer Machine:

The price of the 150 ampere Welding Transformer Machine is approximately Rs. 5000.

The price of the 350 ampere Welding Transformer Machine is approximately Rs. 8000.

The price of the Cutting Machine is approximately Rs.1000.

And the price of the 100 pound Compressor Machine including motor is approximately Rs.9500.

Where to buy the Welding Transformer Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013,

15. Naphthalene Ball Making Machine for set up a Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Naphthalene Ball Making Machine:

The price of the Automatic Naphthalene Ball Making Machine is approximately Rs.55, 000 and the price of each dies is approximately Rs.1000.

The price of the semi automatic Packet Sealing Machine is approximately Rs.20, 000 and price of the hand-operated packet sealing machine is approximately Rs.1, 000.

Where to buy the Naphthalene Ball Making Machine:

You can afford the Naphthalene Ball Making Machine from the address below-

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue, Kolkata-700013,

Phone No. 2236 8015

16. Woolen Ball Winder Machine for set up Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Woolen Ball Winding Machine:

The price of the Hand-operated Woolen Ball Winding Machine is approximately Rs.7000.

The price of the Motor-operated Woolen Ball Winding Machine is approximately Rs. 15000.

Where to buy the Woolen Ball Winding Machine:

Bharat Machine Tolls Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013.

17. Spice Pulverizer Machine for Small Business Manufacture and Price

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Spice Pulverizer Machine / Spice Grinder Machine:

Price of the Spice Pulverizer Machine depends on its production power.

The price of the Spice Pulverizer Machine (15 to 18 kg) is approximately Rs.35000 and the price of the Spice Pulverizer Machine (45 to 55 kg) is approximately Rs.80, 000.

Where to buy the Spice Pulverizer Machine / Spice Pulverizer Machine Manufacturer:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013

18. Sal Leaf Plate and Bowl Making Machine for set up Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Sal Leaf Plate and Bowl Making Machine:

The price of the manually operated Sal Leaf Plate Making machine is approximately Rs. 12,000.

The price of the motor operated Sal Leaf Plate Making machine is approximately Rs. 35,000.

The price of the 14 inch dies is approximately Rs. 3,000.

The price of the 10 inch dies is approximately Rs. 2,500.

The price of the 8 inch dies is approximately Rs. 2,000.

The price of the 4 inch dies for making bowl is approximately Rs. 1,500.

Where to buy the Sal Leaf Plate and Bowl Making Machine:-

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013,

19. Lamination Machine for set up a Small Business at Home Price and Manufacturer

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Lamination Machine:

The price of the Lamination Machine depends on its size. The price of the small Lamination Machine is approximately Rs.4000 to 5000 and the price of the large Lamination Machine is approximately Rs.40000 to Rs.50000.

Where to buy the Lamination Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013

20. Slipper Making Machine and Shoe Making Machine for set up a Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Slipper Making Machine:

The approximate price of the machine is Rs.20,000.

The price of the drill machine is approximate Rs. 2,700.

The price of the motor is about Rs. 3,000.

Each dies is approximately Rs.1200.

Where to buy the Slipper Making Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013.

21. Candle Making Machine for Set up a Small Business at Home

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Candle Making Machine:

The price of the machine depends on the capacity of machine. The price of the machine which can make 50 to 60 small candles is approximately Rs.1200 to 3000.

The price of the machine which can make 400 to 500 is approximately Rs.40000.

Where to buy the Candle Making Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013,

Phone No. 22368015

22. Automatic Milk Condensing Machine or Condensed Milk Making Machine for set up a Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Automatic Milk Condensing Machine or Condensed Milk Making Machine:

The price of the machine varies with its capacity. The price varies in between Rs.20, 000 to Rs. 45,000.

Where to buy the Automatic Milk Condensing Machine or Condensed Milk Making Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013,

Phone No. 22368015

23. Automatic Coil Welding Machine or Coil Binding Machine for set up a Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Coil Welding Machine or Coil Winding Machine:

The price of the hand-operated (manual operated) Coil Welding Machine is approximately Rs.5000 and the price of the motor is approximately Rs.2000.

The price of the Automatic Coil Welding Machine is approximately Rs.1,75,000.

Where to buy the Coil Welding Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013,

Phone No. 22368015

24. Photo Cutting Machine for Small Business or Photo Studio Photo Cutter

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Photo Cutting Machine:

The price of the hand-operated Photo Cutting Machine is approximately Rs.3,000.

Where to buy the Photo Cutting Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013,

Phone No. 22368015

25. Popcorn Making Machine for Set Up a Small Business How to make Popcorn

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Popcorn Making Machine:

The price of the Popcorn Making Machine is approximately Rs.12, 000.

Where to buy Popcorn Making Machine:

Address:- Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700031

Phone No. 2236-8015

10 Cheapest Machines for Small Business under 10000 Price

10 Small Business Ideas in India:-

10 Cheapest Machines for Small Business under 10000 Price:-

1. Air Compressor Machine for set up a Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Air Compressor Machine:

The price of the Spray-Gun machine is approximately RRs. 400 to Rs.1250.

The price of the Air Compressor Machine with 1 hp motor is approximately Rs.10, 000.

Where to buy Air Compressor Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013.

2. Candle Making Machine for Set up a Small Business at Home

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Candle Making Machine:

The price of the machine depends on the capacity of machine. The price of the machine which can make 50 to 60 small candles is approximately Rs.1200 to 3000.

The price of the machine which can make 400 to 500 is approximately Rs.40000.

Where to buy the Candle Making Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013,

Phone No. 22368015

3. Chalk Making Machine for set up a Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Chalk Making Machine:

The price of the Chalk Making Machine (Aluminum body) which can make 100 chalks is approximately Rs.1500.

The price of the Chalk Making Machine (Aluminum body) which can make 200 chalks is approximately Rs.3000.

The price of the Chalk Making Machine (Gun Metal body) which can make 200 chalks is approximately Rs.15000.

Where to buy the Chalk Making Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013,

Phone No. 22368015

4. Automatic Coil Welding Machine or Coil Binding Machine for set up a Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Coil Welding Machine or Coil Winding Machine:

The price of the hand-operated (manual operated) Coil Welding Machine is approximately Rs.5000 and the price of the motor is approximately Rs.2000.

The price of the Automatic Coil Welding Machine is approximately Rs.1,75,000.

Where to buy the Coil Welding Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013,

Phone No. 22368015

5. Small Plastic Products Making Machine for Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Small Plastic Products Making Machine:-

The price depends on its type. The price is approximately Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 60,000. The price of the fully automatic Small Plastic Products Making Machine is approximately Rs. 5 lakhs.

Where to buy the Small Plastic Products Making Machine:-

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013,

6. Thread Rolling Machine for set up Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Thread Rolling Machine:-

The price of the Thread Rolling Machine is approximately Rs. 7000 and the price of the motor is approximately Rs.2, 500.

Where to buy the Thread Rolling Machine:-

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013

7. Tube Light Choke Making Machine for set up Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Tube Light Choke Making Machine:

The price of the hand-operated Tube Light Choke Making Machine is approximately Rs.6000. if you want motor operated (with regulator) Tube Light Choke Making Machine you have to pay approximately Rs.1500 extra.

Where to buy Tube Light Choke Making Machine:

Tube Light Choke Making Machine Manufacturer-

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013 

8. Lamination Machine for set up a Small Business at Home Price and Manufacturer

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Lamination Machine:

The price of the Lamination Machine depends on its size. The price of the small Lamination Machine is approximately Rs.4000 to 5000 and the price of the large Lamination Machine is approximately Rs.40000 to Rs.50000.

Where to buy the Lamination Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013

9. Welding Transformer Machine for set up a Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Welding Transformer Machine:

The price of the 150 ampere Welding Transformer Machine is approximately Rs. 5000.

The price of the 350 ampere Welding Transformer Machine is approximately Rs. 8000.

The price of the Cutting Machine is approximately Rs.1000.

And the price of the 100 pound Compressor Machine including motor is approximately Rs.9500.

Where to buy the Welding Transformer Machine:

Bharat Machine Tools Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013,

10. Woolen Ball Winder Machine for set up Small Business

To know more CLICK HERE

Price of the Woolen Ball Winding Machine:

The price of the Hand-operated Woolen Ball Winding Machine is approximately Rs.7000.

The price of the Motor-operated Woolen Ball Winding Machine is approximately Rs. 15000.

Where to buy the Woolen Ball Winding Machine:

Bharat Machine Tolls Industries,

61, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,

Kolkata-700013

How to Change Someone's Mind in 5 Easy Steps

The ability to change other people's minds about something is a critical business skill, but most people approach mind-changing as a rough, forceful, ego-driven exercise in futility.

With this approach, even if you manage to get the other person to agree with you verbally, there is a good chance that they don't actually agree with you - they just want to get far, far away from you.

If you are approaching mind-changing like a bulldozer, you are doing it wrong and just pushing people away instead of getting them to truly understand and adopt your position.

Here are 5 easy steps to truly change minds:

1. Ask questions
A big mistake when trying to change someone's mind is assuming that you both have the same knowledge base. Remember that other people can't read your mind, and you can't read other people's minds, either. Ask a lot of questions before you begin trying to change anything so that you can really understand the other person's perspective. An added benefit of asking questions is that it demonstrates to the other person that you care about their opinions, which lowers the automatic defensiveness that usually gets triggered in an ego-driven debate. 

2. Clarify goals

When you enter a negotiation, you really need to understand what your goal is. If your only goal is to change the other person's mind, there's not much point in investing the time and energy in the activity. It's really just an ego thing at that point. Only invest in meaningful debates that will actually impact your business success. Talk to the other person to better understand their goals, then clarify your own goals. Usually, you can find some mutual ground and identify that there are some things on which you already agree. Surprisingly, you will find that often you both want the same end result, but you are disagreeing on the path to get there.

3. Use inclusive language (we, us, our)
When debating the points of your argument, avoid pointing your finger at the other person and saying things like "You always say that," or "You just don't understand." These statements are defensive, and indicate that you are taking no responsibility for your role in the negotiation. I'm not saying you should take sole responsibility, but no matter what the issue is, you play a role. Also avoid constantly using "I" statements like "I really need this," or "I know more than you." Using the word "I" can also be a defensive mechanism. Using "you" and "I" puts a wall between the two sides of the argument, and that wall can be hard to tear down. Instead, use inclusive language like "we," "us" and "our" as much as possible. For example: "Can we find a way to work this out," or "I think we both want the same thing, just in different ways." This signals to the other person that you are on the same team. 

4. Show (Don't Tell)

At this point in the mind-changing discussion, you should be able to bring in some relevant examples to show the other person what you mean. A bulldozer makes broad statements like "you always do this wrong," but an effective mind-changer shows the other person the impact of the behavior or belief you are trying to change. For example, if you are trying to get an employee to take more time grammar and spell-checking emails before sending them to customers, you can show him emails that you have received from customers complaining about sloppy communication. Or you could tell the employee that some customers have been asking if your sales team is outsourced to another country due to poor language skills.   

5. Look for the win-win
Changing minds is about finding the win-win, not about actually winning a debate. This is because winning means that someone else is a loser, and losers typically don't feel good about the other side. Look for ways that both of you can feel accomplished at the end of the conversation. This may involve conceding some points that you don't feel too strongly about in exchange for the big picture. For example, if you would like your staff to follow a 10-step safety procedure, and they want to revise No. 7, you might be able to incorporate their feedback. This allows them to "win" something, and thus the entire conversation feels less combative and more collaborative.

Changing someone's mind can be surprisingly easy and quick when you approach it with these five concepts in mind vs. as a bulldozer.   

Check out my Slideshare presentation on productivity if you want to learn more:

Guest post from Sami Jadallah - Mistakes I Made Starting a High Tech Business

This week, I turn the blog over to Sami Jadallah, a long time friend and client, who started a high tech automotive service business.  Take it away Sami...

Few years’ back I came up with an idea to keep track of service and maintenance of cars/trucks on a smart card. Having worked in Europe for few years, smartcards where a hot thing and with bright future. Ah well.

I proceeded to file for a patent, which took almost 14 months to prosecute and secure, and over $100,000. I won the patent then it was time to raise money and organize a team.

1.      Raising the fund:

Because of my many years of doing business overseas it was not too difficult to raise money, given my performance and my professional integrity. One of my clients agreed to come in as partner together with others. My share of 1/3 was a developer and manager of the project while the overseas investors put up the entire funds.

As it happens one of them ran into financial difficulties and did not pay his share, so I used my own money to pay for his shares including collateralize my stock holding even taking out second mortgage… Big Big dumb and stupid mistake… Never ever do that.. Let the company go down the drain but never ever put what you have a risk for the business.

2.      Selecting a team:

The business required both technical and business. On the technical side there was an Israeli company with advance technology in the field of smart card technology. A business associate of mine introduced me to the company and I negotiated an agreement with them to provide the technology (software) and the hardware. The company sent one of their top software developer to the Washington area where I made several appointments for him with local dealership to understand the automatable dealership software and who they electronically file all the service and maintenance records. Upon his return they filed a proposal of 9 months to develop and test the software. Well, they worked at but it seems it was not their priority since they were gearing to go public and my project was one way for them to present a large business opportunity to go the market and raise money.

As it happened, they did raise the needed capital using my business idea and contract with potential investors.

However when it came to the software they did a very shitty job of it and they were late, quite late… and when their team arrived in the DC area to test the software, none of what they did work and I had to hire a professor from University of Maryland to help fix what they could not fix. Lacking a technical team I was at their mercy and the delay and false start lost me a big opportunity to go public (more on this).

Finally we fixed the software but we lost precious time and confidence with dealership and industry, but never the less we proceeded any way.

To help develop the business and marketing, I hired a former VP of a Premier top of the line German car manufacturer who also happens to be the former president of a smaller European car manufacturer. To be the be the president of the company… he was also a head of a major though smaller European car manufacturer.

I also hired a VP of an extended warranty company to be the VP in charge of marketing.

Meanwhile I continued to work overseas and trying to earn income and enough money to pay there top of the line and expensive executives.

As it happened both were losers and my advice to any one… never ever hires a have been … these top executive can only go down and never go up. Hire a hungry young MBA willing to make something of himself and succeed and never higher guys who can only go down and who are used to big expense account, dinners, wines etc… and charge the small struggling start up company.

Also never ever hire anyone with a salary that is not tied up to performance… Once they have a contract they simply don’t give a shit about happens as long as they get their fat check every month.

3.      Legal Team:

Ah well, lawyers are no better than these car guys, specially when one of them is using your business to score a point for partnership, and keep dragging the business and legal process so that he can keep billing until he secure his partnership.  I lost a big big opportunity to go public with the idea, since it was a hot idea when .com companies were raising millions on names only without a product. And I had a product and had a patent to support it.

4.      Conclusion:

·         Never put your house or saving at risk for a business… no matter what, and if necessary let the company and business go down the drain rather than risk your personal financial security and lose your business too.

·         Never ever higher a technical or business partner who will use your business relations to go to the market or secure a big contract using your business as bait to catch the big fish and you lose every thing.

·         Always make sure that you put a substantial sum as penalty for poor of failing product… let the SOB pay for their failing and make sure that their failure is not all charge to you.

·         Never ever hire a have been, top executives who are used to big bucks and perks to head a start up company because they will milk you along the way as they buy themselves time to get a better job or secure retirement. A had been can only go down never go up… and the bigger they are the bigger they fail because they do not have the time or the smart to learn something new.

·         Always make sure you hire a young energetic smart young graduate who will work hard to succeed and who will also make you succeed.

·         Always tie up compensation to both salary and performance and never salary alone… it gives no one any incentive to succeed since they are guaranteed the money… They will work hard when they know they have to perform and deliver to the bank account.

·         As for lawyers, even the best lawyers are out for themselves… think 100 times before you hire a lawyer who will help you with your business.

I lost over $2.5 millions on this project and I continue to be angry with myself, have not reached peace with my self having put my family and their financial security at risk and I put my self at great financial risk… I did not mind if I lost the business because of the economy or bad product, but to lose it because off these so-called top of the line executive is a crime…

Sami Jamil Jadallah

Fairfax, VA