Get the phone: Start an at-home call center business

With just a few small investments in training and equipment, you can start an at-home inbound call business and create a work schedule that’s flexible and sometimes lucrative.

Many WAHMs find that inbound calling is a great business to start at home. Though you won’t have your own business, but will work other companies, you can control much about your work environment.

What is inbound calling?

First, let’s understand our terms. Inbound calling refers to calls that you answer for companies. Usually it’s to take orders, but it can also be to perform certain customer service tasks.

There are many companies (like FedEx, 1-800-Flowers.com and HSN, to name a few) that contract with other companies to do inbound calling. You are hired by the company that has a contract with, say, FedEx, as an independent contractor. Usually there will be tests, trials and others criteria to determine if you are the right fit for the company.

Most often, you can choose the hours you work, though some companies might require a set schedule from you. When you are “at work”, you will answer calls for the company, routing them to the appropriate place, or taking orders (you will be logged into a site that allows you to input the order) or performing customer service tasks like allowing people to pay on a bill, or change an address, or ask questions about items.

How can you do this at home?

Once you decide that inbound calling is for you, you have to take several steps. First, apply with companies that contract to do this kind of work. As you go through the application process, you will find that each company has different requirements for you. Some might ask you to incorporate your business, which is an investment on your part. Others will let you operate as an independent contractor.

There will be requirements for equipment. For example, you will be required to have high-speed internet access and most likely a wireless headset along with a landline phone (not a cordless phone). Some might require – or suggest – that you have a dedicated phone line.

As you work through the application process, you might be given written tests on the particular company you will work for, and you will also likely be given verbal tests, where someone will call you and act like a customer. They will be able to judge how well you would do in a real situation.

Don’t assume that you must have inbound calling experience to do this at home. Although if you have done this in the workplace before you might have a better chance of getting the job, people who have no experience at this also manage to get hired. If you can find your way around the internet, and can talk articulately and clearly, you can do this job.

Is inbound calling right for you?

If you are a mom who works at home, you might think that taking calls is dangerous. The kids might be noisy, or you might have little time to work when the kids aren’t around.

Most moms who work at home doing inbound calling will purchase a noise-cancelling headset. This ensures that no matter what noisy activity is swirling around you, it won’t be heard through your headset. Although you can work during the day when the kids are home, you can also schedule yourself to work on weekends or at night when the kids can be otherwise occupied.

Although there can be an investment up front for those looking to do inbound calling from home, doing this kind of work can be interesting, lucrative and is great for the social mom who wants to work at home but doesn’t want to give up talking to other adults.

Business Coaching and Local Marketing

Your job as a business coach is to take a new or struggling business and teach its owner how to see success. This success should be an increase in profits and sales. There are many important components to running a profitable business, but marketing is vital. If you are not already stressing the importance of marketing to your clients, you need to start.

When getting started, create a step-by-step guide just for marketing. Step one is highlighting the importance of marketing. It enables customers to know that a business exists, as well as what they sell. Step two is the consequences for not having a solid marketing plan. This is decreased sales and loss of profits. Step three is sharing marketing tactics.

In terms of sharing marketing tactics with your clients, focus on both local and internet marketing. Some mistakenly believe they should only do one or the other. They should do both, as it expands their reach. The more consumers they reach, the higher the sales. Internet marketing is easy, as most business owners and advertising departments know the internet like the back of their hand. What many companies struggle with is local marketing. So offer a few suggestions, such as the ones outlined below.

Advertising a business in the phone book. Many new business owners list their businesses in the white pages. After all, this is free to do. What they don’t realize is that customers must already know their business name to find a phone number or address. That is why yellow page listings are a must. Yes, they do cost money, but they are a wise investment.

Advertising a business in the classified ads. The internet has made it much easier to stay up-to-date on the news, but most Americans still read a paper in print. For that reason, classified ads are still a successful marketing tactic. In the classified section, most newspapers have an “Advertise Your Business Here,” section. Your client can write a short summary of their business, where it is located, what they sell, and how to contact. For a slightly higher fee, your client can invest in a larger ad with bold printing, pictures, and more.

Advertising a business through mailable fliers. Many business owners tend to sway away from mailable fliers. This is because some consider them an invading form of solicitation. If your client is against this practice, encourage them to purchase a full-page insert in a weekly classified newspaper. This way, mailings are still delivered to doors, but no solicitation occurred. To reduce the risk of angry residents who received unsolicited mailings, your client can include a moneysaving coupon or a free promotional product, such as a magnet bearing the company name, logo, address, and phone number.

Advertising a business through a grand opening or reopening celebration. New storefront business owners need to attract customers. It is best to start with a bang. Help your client plan a grand opening celebration. Offer deeply discounted prices, have free promotional items on hand, host a contest, and hire a radio station to broadcast in front of their store. If you are helping a struggling business, help the business owner make needed improvements to inventory, management, sales, and so forth. Then, work together to plan a grand reopening celebration.

As you can see, there are many ways to market and advertise a business. A professional in the field of business management, you already know this, but not all business owners do. Help your client understand the importance of local marketing and point them in the right direction.

Do You Need Certification to Work as a Business Coach

If you have prior experience running a small to medium sized business, you may believe you have what it takes to be a successful business coach. After all, you have been there and done it. You know what it takes to run a profitable business. So, you think you have found another moneymaking opportunity, that is until you turn to the internet. Perform a standard internet search with the phrase “business coaching,” and you will see many training classes and certification programs. Do you need these? No.

In the United States, you do not need special licensing to offer services as a business coach. You are running a business, so you should adhere to all local and state laws. These typically just cover insurance, signage restrictions, and taxes. Although you do not need to legally be certified as a business coach, it does have its benefits.

Familiarization. If you operated a business, are you still doing so now? Did you retire or hand over the reigns to someone else? If it has been years since you were last at the helm, know that things have changed, particularly with the internet. More business owners are utilizing the internet to sell and market business. If you are unfamiliar with these new and improved tactics, a business coaching certification program can allow you to get familiar. Not only can you learn new techniques, but you can brush up on the old too.

Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC). Also, when performing that above mentioned internet search, you will come across the WABC and other similar organizations. Membership is not required, but it does have benefits. For an affordable fee, you can be listed in their business coaches directory, get job leads, use the association’s logo, and much more. In addition to paying a small fee, you must apply. Their website states that most members have a degree and years of business experience. Without a degree, certification can improve your chances.

Certificate of completion. After taking and passing a certification training program, you should receive an official certificate. Although these is not the same thing as a full fledge degree, it can do wonders for your business. You can frame and hang your certificate on your office wall, scan it for website use, and so forth. Some of your clients will not see this certificate as anything more than just a piece of paper, but others will see it as trust that they are hiring a professional.

As you can see, there are many pros to taking a business coaching certification class, but there are cons too.

The costs. Unfortunately, business certification programs are not free. You will need to pay and out-of-pocket. The cost of training depends on a number of factors such as the teacher or training center, location, needed class materials, and class length or number of sessions. Since certification is not legally required, it is up to you if you want to spend the money. Some look at it as a wise business investment. The cost of your course may easily pay for itself with paying clients in less than one year or even a couple of months!

The time. If you are still running your small to medium sized business, you may not have time to take a long training course. Since it does have many benefits, consider your options. You can give an employee at your company more responsibility or opt for an online course. If your goal is to work full-time as a business coach, you will need to lessen your responsibility at the office anyways, so consider getting it a head start.

In short, there is no legal need for business coaching certification. If you still want to take the course anyways, look for online classes, those that are affordable, and those that come highly rated and recommended. If worried about costs, get your business up and running. If clients are disappointed that you aren’t certified or trained, consider backtracking and getting your certification.

Business Coaching and Internet Marketing

If you run a business coaching service, it is your job to coach new and struggling business owners to make the right choices. You are just like a football coach. You give your clients plays and encourage them to run the plays properly. One aspect of business that you should cover is marketing, namely internet marketing. Even storefront businesses can benefit from internet marketing. Many just do not know why they should invest time and money into the effort or how to get started. It is your job to give them ideas.

In terms of internet marketing, there are many options. Internet marketing presents a lot of opportunity, both large and small. All businesses can and should utilize the internet. As previously stated, some just don’t know how to. So, create a game plan for your clients or their advertising department to follow. What could that plan include?

Blogging. Many individuals make the mistake of believing blogs are for personal use only. They are not. Blogs can also be used as successful internet marketing tools. Blogs rely on content, so your client or one of their employees will need to do this task, but it should only take less than 30 minutes a day. They can write content related to the products or services they sell. For example, someone running a dog grooming business can write articles on anything pet related, including care and health. That blog can and should lead back to their business website.

Hosting contests. People love free stuff and contests give them the chance to win. It is, however, important to proceed with caution. If your client posts a contest on their website, they will get those who fill out the entry form a leave. Use a blog and have a monthly newsletter or RSS feed available. Instruct your client to allow for an extra entry for anyone who subscribes to these. They receive daily or weekly updates, always reminding them about the business and the products or services offered.

Online business directories. In terms of internet marketing, one of the first places business owners should head to is online business directories, but most make it their last stop. Fewer Americans turn to their phone books to find a business. They perform standard internet searches and use online business directories, such as the one offered under the “Local,” heading at Yahoo.com. If your client is not listed in these directories, encourage them to do so and right away. The process should only take a few minutes.

Online message boards. For most business owners, online message boards are nothing but a waste of time. They don’t want to see their employees socializing online while on the clock. Yes, this is good, but encourage your client to see the marketing aspect. For example, companies who sell pet related products and services should participate in discussions on pet related forums. Include a link back to the company website in all allowable signatures and profiles. When posting, the name and link will show. Pet owners are this company’s targeted market. They aren’t waiting for the customers to come to them. Instead, they are going directly to the source.

Banner and link exchanges. Online networking is just as important as internet marketing. There are many connections to be made online and these connections can lead to increased advertising. To get started, encourage your client to network with those in related fields. They can set up link and banner exchanges. For example, if your client sells pet products, coach them through finding pet services, such as dog grooming or dog sitting. Instruct them to contact the owner of the website and offer a banner or link exchange. In these aspects, both companies benefit and advertising is free.

As you can see, there are many ways to market a business online. Your job is to coach your clients through the process. Carefully monitor each step and offer feedback.

Business Coaching and Communication

If you want to offer your services as a business coach, there many areas of business that you need to familiarize yourself with. After all, if you don’t know the keys to running a successful business, how can you teach others?

As previously stated, there are many areas of running a business that new and struggling business owners need assistance with. One of those areas is business communication. Business owners need to learn to properly communicate with employees and clients. Employees need to learn how to communicate with their bosses, coworkers, and clients. It goes on and on. Proper communication is key to running a successful and profitable business.

So, what will you, as a business coach, need to teach your clients?

The best way to communicate. Technology has given us many ways to communicate with friends, family, coworkers, clients, and employees. Just a sample of the options available includes letters, faxes, emails, text messages, and phone calls. Which option is best? It depends on the type of business. Other than emergencies, all professionals should avoid text messages. Instead, they should pickup the phone, send a fax, or write a well-composed email.

Communication etiquette. This is important for both communication with coworkers and clients. Some inexperienced workers and business owners do not fully understand the importance of politeness and etiquette. You need to show them. For example, it is okay to use abbreviations in personal emails, like BRB or LOL, but never with business communications. In emails, all writers should identify themselves by name and position and address all recipients the same. It is the polite and professional thing to do.

Tips for improving writing skills. Unfortunately, all of our writing skills have suffered. The internet, instant messaging programs, and text messages make it particularly hard to write by hand and legibly. Your job as a business coach is to stress the importance of proper writing. Highlight the importance of proper spelling, grammar, proofreading, and good sentence structure.

The importance of clear communication. In business, straightforward directions and little rambling is best. You client’s customers don’t want to know about the day they are having or what the weather is like; they want to know if you can help them. A good approach is to find former letters and emails and dissect them. Show, by example, if it is good or bad and what changes can be made.

Giving both bad and good news. Business owners, rarely deliver only good news. For example, a retail store may have processed an order for a client, only to later learn that item is out of stock. They must then contact that customer to inform them that their order cannot be filled. Some just say “your order cannot be filled.” Stress the importance of keeping that customer happy. In this situation, a formal apology, notification of when the item becomes available, and a small discount is best.

The importance of listening. Business owners and their employees should never make a client repeat him or herself. The same is true for other in-office communication. Coworkers and bosses should only need to ask someone to do a task once. Stress the importance of taking notes. There is less risk of errors and no having to ask someone to explain themselves again.

Non-verbal communication. A lot of business focus is placed on the word we speak or type, but communication can be non-verbal too. This includes body language, appearance, and actions. When meeting with a client, conservative apparel sends the proper message. Soft, but confident tones are best. As for body language, this is difficult. Some send signals without even realizing it. Stress the importance of monitoring your body language and learning to control impulsive actions.

These are just a few of the communication areas you will want to focus on as a business coach. Regardless of who are you working with, whether it be a business owner, paid employees, or both, all business can benefit and profit from good and proper communication.

Business Coaching: Pros and Cons of Fun Exercises

As a business coach, it is your job to teach small to medium sized business owners and their employees how to run successful and profitable businesses. There are many ways you can do this. You can lecture, handout reading materials, or do fun training exercises. All are great, but fun exercises are sure to catch your eye. Do know however, that they have pros and cons.

The Pros of Fun Training Exercises

They can easily hold the attention of group members. People love fun. What people dislike is listing to lectures and reading training materials. These are very boring. No one wants to spend their day stuck in an office chair. By developing fun and interactive exercises, you get the attention of group members. They are listing to what you say and watching what happens. They aren’t staring off into space.

They allow you to accomplish two goals. That is the task at hand, such as improving office organization, and teamwork. Most activities involve thinking and working together as a team. Consider it a two for one deal. You work on improving and show the importance of office teamwork, while also focusing on other important components of running a business, such as sales, marketing, and workplace communication.

They get workers to lighten and loosen up. Most employees dread training sessions. They think they are boring and there are concerns if supervisors are present. What if the wrong thing is said? Fun and interactive exercise allow workers to loose. They should participate more in discussions at the end of the session. For example, lecture on the importance of workplace conflict and then ask the audience to share tips. You will get a few responses. On the other hand, have two employees act out a conflict. Then, ask the audience to share what the volunteers did right and wrong. What the hands fly in the air.

They are easy to plan. To plan fun and interactive training exercise, use nothing more than your creativity. You may be surprised how many ideas come to you. For example, you can create a game based on the show Family Feud. Divide the room into two groups. Ask team members questions and they must come up with the best five answers, such as how to avoid workplace conflict or how to peacefully resolve it.

The Cons of Fun Training Exercises

It is easy to get off track. As for why interactive training exercises work, they are fun. Unfortunately, fun doesn’t always translate into good. A group of volunteers role-playing workplace conflict may start to goof off. This can fill the room with lots of laughter and jokes, but what about the task? If you find your audience or group getting off track, restate the importance. In fact, mention they need to take the exercises seriously or you will resort to a lecture style teaching.

Your client, the business owner, may not like the approach. Most business coaches work one-on-one with a business owner or operating manager before training the entire team. If you intend to use fun and interactive training exercises, state so before hand. The last thing you want is to see a disapproving manger in the back. Explain the benefits of these exercising, including teamwork and attention hold, and then give a few examples.

Business Coaches: How to Market Your Website

You want to work as a business coach. Great, you chose a profitable career path. You created a website to highlight your education and training, and outlined how and why you can help business owners, but now what? If no one sees your website, you will not get any clients. So, now you need to develop a marketing plan. What should that plan include?

Article directories. You may be surprised how many people want to work-from-home or start their own business. You may also be surprised how many people turn to the internet to make that happen. Each day, thousands of men and women search the internet looking for small business ideas, ways to make money from, home, and so forth. If you write articles for article directories, they may find your content. Include a link to your website at the end of those articles and they will find your website.

The key to writing articles for article directories is to write on related subjects. You want to target new business owners and struggling business owners. Write articles on how to start a home based business, how to start a small business, how to run a profitable business, and important keys to running a smooth business. At the bottom of each article, remember to place a link back to your website. If they can use your services, they will.

Message boards for work-at-home parents. As previously stated, a lot of men and women want to work from home or be their own boss. For most, this is because they are tired of having someone else to answer to. For parents, this is to spend more time with their kids and eliminate the need for costly daycare. A stay-at-home mom may have a great idea to sell handmade toys online, but there are thousands of others doing the same. You can help her improve her products, create good sales pitches, and market her website.

To get clients from work-at-home message boards, you need to rely on posts, signatures, and your profile. Interact in the community. Even if you aren’t a parent yourself, you are free to join. Does a parent ask about business ideas or marketing tips? Offer a few suggestions, but avoid from outright posting an advertisement. In fact, some message boards have an “Advertise Your Business Here,” section. If signatures are enabled, create a catchy phrase and make it clickable and leading to your website. That signature will appear below each of your posted messages.

In addition to targeting work-at-home communities, you can also do the same with small business communities. There are many online message boards where small business owners get together to share tips and tricks. Insert yourself in these types of communities.

Online business directories. If your business isn’t already listed in a number of online business directories, get it. Perform a standard internet search with the phrase “business directories.” Those searching with the same phrase will get the same results. Start at the top of the list and work your way down. Most are free and you can add your business right away. When doing so, be sure to include a link to your website. The search engines and readers will pickup this link.

Search engine optimization. If you don’t know what search engine optimization, also known as SEO, is, it is time to learn. You are hurting your business by being unfamiliar with the phrase and practice. When you created content for your website, did you use a keyword tracker tool to see what internet users are searching for? No? Go back and do so. You will find that people want to learn how to start a small business, how to open a storefront store, how to market and online store, and so forth. Take these exact phrases and incorporate them into your website content. The search engines will pick them up and list your website in related search results.

Searching engine optimization is a very important part of internet marketing. It can help your business or greatly hurt it. Your goal as a business coach is to teach others how to market their business. You need to be able to do the same with your own. If a reader searches for “business help,” “business coaches,” or “business coaching services,” and your website does not appear until the 10th page on Google, you are out of luck.

Business Coaching and Conflict Resolution

Do you have a business management degree or years of experience running a profitable small to medium sized business? If you are looking for a new career path or if you want to increase your moneymaking opportunities, business coaching is the way to go. Both a degree and on the job experience deems you qualified enough to teach others.

When offering your services as a business coach, there are many areas of business you need to consider. Marketing is the most common. Marketing enables the public to know about a company and the products or services they sell. Your step-by-step guide to running a successful and profitable business should include marketing, but don’t forget the smaller aspects. For example, conflict resolution.

Conflict is common in the workplace and it comes in many different formats. Coworkers have conflict with each other. Supervisors have conflict with their employees. Business owners and employees have conflicts with clients. Honestly, the list goes on and on. Although conflict is common in the workplace, it is unhealthy. It is your job to teach small business owners and their employees how to avoid workplace conflict and how to resolve it quickly and peacefully.

One of the best ways to teach your clients about conflict resolution is with role-playing. If hosting a seminar retraining employees, pick a couple from the group. Start with two employees playing themselves. This is very important. A disruptive workplace starts a chain reaction. Create the scenario where the two coworkers are supposed to be working jointly on a project, but only one is carrying their weight. Allow the two to attempt to resolve the problem themselves. Then, step in. Highlight the good choices and the bad. Then, coach these coworkers through a positive resolution. This involves calm voices, friendly tones, and no finger pointing.

Next, work on the conflict between supervisors and employees. If the business owner or manager is present you can use them for the exercise, but you may find little volunteers. If that is the case, select one or, once again, use two employees. Create the scenario that the boss is unhappy with the employee constantly showing up for work. Start with the supervisor. They need to calmly approach their employee and state their dissatisfaction. Do not blame or accuse. Next, the late arriving employee needs to explain him or herself. In this situation, it is best just to apologize for the delay and state it will not happen again. Excuses may lead to conflict.

Finally, role-play with a client and an employee. All businesses strive to please their clients, but no one is ever 100% happy. If the company you are working with is a retail store, use the example that a customer was double charged for a product. They arrive in the store the next day. There is little proof that they were overcharged. In this situation, many employees and managers try to get out of refunds. No business wants to lose or handout money, but think of the consequences. A happy customer tells their friends, but an unhappy customer tells anyone who will listen. Think long-term and about the company’s and employee’s reputation. Offer a refund or allow the customer to grab another of the product.

As previously stated, the best way to practice conflict resolution is with role-playing. Unfortunately, not all business coaches are able to meet with their clients face-to-face. In these instances, create literature for the business owner, supervisors, and employees to read. Make it clear, short, and easy to read.

Regardless of how you teach your clients about conflict resolution, always highlight the important points in the end. These include the consequences of conflict. They are an unhappy client or disruptions in the workplace that can start a chain reaction. Then restate the ways to avoid conflict, such as not placing blame, talking in a friendly tone, and addressing all issues as they arise and not later down the road.

Business Coaching: Pros and Cons of Choosing a Niche

If you want to make money working as a business coach, you have an important decision to make. That decision is who you want to help. It if is one group of individuals, such as small business owners, you have a niche. It is your specialty. Do you need to pick one? No, but it does have its pros and cons. What are they?

The Pros of Choosing a Business Coaching Niche

You can claim that you have a specialty. When opting for a niche in business coaching, it is important to choose an area you have familiarity with. For example, if you want to help those running struggling home based businesses, you should have home based business experience yourself. You are then able to call yourself a specialist. What is the importance of that? Say you want to lose weight, should you turn to a health food expert or someone who just shares easy-to-cook recipes? Your goal is to lose weight, so you opt for the health food expert. Your clients are thinking the same.

It is easier to stay up-to-date. When working as a business coach, you need to stay up-to-date and well-informed. The economy, internet marketing, and the way that consumers shop are all changing. They change often. For that reason, you can’t be a business coach and not update your schooling or stop learning new things. A niche allows you to spend less time and money doing so. For example, if your niche is home based businesses, stay updated on marketing tactics, laws, and so forth. You should not avoid, but don’t spend a lot of time or money researching corporate businesses; it isn’t your specialty.

You have a wide range of options. As previously stated, you should choose a business coaching niche that you have familiarity with. Luckily, this is easy. Should you hold a business management degree, you are qualified to help home based, large, small, and medium sized business owners. Your options are unlimited. The same is true for management experience. Do you have experience running a medium sized business? You are qualified to help the self-employed and those running both small and medium sized companies. When choosing a niche, pick your hearts desire, as you have many options.

The Cons of Choosing a Business Coaching Niche

You limit your moneymaking potential. By choosing a business coaching niche, you opt to work with a specific group of individuals. This is nice, as you are able to focus your attention, but there are cons to this approach too. The biggest is your limitations. If you focus on helping small business owners, a corporate company with headquarters right down the street could use your services. Since they aren’t your specialty, they will turn to someone else. This means you lose a potential client and profits.

When opting for a business niche, choose a profitable one. For example, right now, a lot of men and women want to work from home and start their own business. They want to be self-employed. This is a common dream; therefore, there is a bigger potential to make money. Choose your passion and a niche that you have experience in, but also go where the money is.

In short, there are many pros and cons to choosing a business niche. Always remember that nothing is set in stone. You can choose a niche or expand your reach at any point in time.

Business Coaching and Home Based Businesses

When it comes to business coaching, many coaches specialize in small to medium sized companies. Those with experience in executive settings, assist large corporations. Regardless of the specialty, there is money to be made. But, many business coaches are failing to change with the times. Many do not realize the potential of home based businesses, but you can and should.

As you know, home based businesses come in a number of formats. For example, a mom may run a daycare out of her home, a dad may make handmade toys to sell from home, or a cosmetologist may run an in-home salon out of the garage or basement. In terms of home based businesses, the options are endless. They also vary in size. Most are self-employed; working for themselves and by themselves. Some hire outside help.

Anyone can start a home based business. Someone who has a dream or a passion or wants to leave the dog-eat-dog corporate world behind can start a business and right from their own home. There is a growing trend though. That trend is parents who want to work from home. Some want a work-at-home job, meaning they are employed by a company, but perform their tasks at home. Others, want to capitalize on a talent or hobby and start their own business. For parents, starting a home based business provides them with unlimited flexibility and control.

Do you need proof that people want to start their own business? If so, perform a standard internet search with the phrases “work-from-home,” and “home based businesses.” You will get thousands of results. There is a lot of information available online to assist these people, but they need more. Just because a parent has a good product or service and a website, it does not mean that they will make money. That is why they can benefit from using your services as a business coach.

The first step in working as a home based business coach is to find clients. If you have a website, include home based business coaching as one of your services. Then, seek out these individuals. As previously stated, a lot of information can be found online. Most websites are informational sites, but some are online communities, like message boards. Join; insert yourself into the community. Add a link to your business website in your profile and signature. Join in on the discussions. If someone asks for tips, provide them with a few. Never give out too much information. Members will wonder how you know so much and who you are, so they should click on your links. If they want or need your service, they will use it.

Once you acquire a client, it is time to get to work. Home based business coaches tend to have more responsibility and tasks. This is because many home based business owners setup shop on a whim. They realized they could make money doing something they love and ran with it. Some did not even have a plan in place. If your client does not have a business plan, coach them through creating one. This plan should include what they sell, who their targeted market is, how they intend to generate income, and how to market their product to the public.

Business coaching involves encouragement. You need to encourage home based business owners to take a step in the right direction. Show them their potential. If they truly have a great product, show them exactly how a solid marketing can increase sales. Even if their marketing plan results in five new customers a week, calculate for them the additional yearly profit. Also, given them ideas to run with. Do more than just say “you need to market your business.” Give them specific examples, watch implement, and offer feedback.

Business Coaching and Organization

If you run a business coaching service, your job is to education business owners and their employees on how to run a smooth, sound, and profitable business. For most, this requires improving marketing and increasing sales. Yes, you should focus on these topics, but look deeper. One reason why companies and their profits suffer is due to poor organization. If you haven’t already, make sure organization is included in your step-by-step guide.

If you have yet to cover organization in your step-by-step guide for business success or if you yourself have just started a business, you may be looking for more ideas. Many wonder if they should just talk about organization, use training exercises, and whom they should talk to.

When working with clients, you should deal one-on-one with the business owner or operating manager. Get started with them. Browse through their records. Are all tax documents in order? What about human resource documents? If a business owner or operating manager is unorganized, chances are that disorder continues down the line. Start fixing it at its source. Work one-on-one with the business owner or operating manager to improve their organizational skills.

When working one-on-one with a client to improve their organizational skills, it is important to stress the positives and the negatives. For example, there are many benefits to being organized. There are also many cons to being unorganized. This includes decreased productivity. Many new and struggling business owners do not always make the connection between organization, productivity, and profits.

When showing a business owner or operating manager how to improve their organization, meet in their office. Point out the mistakes made, such as the huge stack of papers on their desk. Then, make a visit together to an office supply store. Show your client some of the many tools they have available at their disposal. Do not pressure them to buy, especially if they are limited on funds, but give them ideas. For example, a desk sorter won’t eliminate that stack of papers, but it will make them more organized. When it comes time to for your client to tackle them, they can do so easier, quicker, and with less stress.

As previously stated, if a business owner or operating manager is unorganized, chances are it goes right down the line. For that reason, suggest viewing the offices of other onsite employees. Look at their organizational skills. Are they poor? If so, suggest hosting a small training session. For small businesses with only a few employees, meet right in one of those offices. For large business, with many employees, schedule your training session in a conference room. Before helping a worker cleanup and organize their office, take pictures. You will have before and after pictures to show.

As previously stated, there are many organization tools available to help small to medium sized businesses. Do not pressure your client to purchase these tools, but offer the encouragement. Better yet, look at the tools they have and are not utilizing. Encourage use. Breakout some filing cabinets and bookshelves from the storeroom and incorporate them into your presentation.

Remember, that organization is key to running a profitable and successful business. It improves productivity and should later increase sales. After all, a client who must wait 20 minutes before someone finds their file is a client who is likely to take their business elsewhere.

Business Coaching and Stress Management

If you work as a business coach, your job is to teach others how to run a successful and profitable business. You use your training, experience, and schooling to provide them with insightful knowledge. When properly implemented, your steps should translate into success and profits for your clients.

In terms of business management, much focus is placed on organization, marketing, and sales. These are important components of running a sound business, but there is more. Small to medium sized business owners and their employees suffer from stress. As you know, business has its difficulties. For some, this stress takes a huge toll. Not only should you cover sales, organization, and marketing, but stress management too.

How can you incorporate stress management into your already proven step-by-step business coaching guide?

By offering it as an extra bonus. Clients pay for your service. New business owners and those struggling will gladly pay for your service, but give them an extra incentive. Include stress management as a bonus service or feature. With this approach, you cover this important aspect of business and your clients will feel like they are getting something for free. Everyone wins!

You now know how to offer stress management as a part of your business coaching services, but what steps should you take to educate?

If you are able to meet with your clients and their employees one-on-one, do so. Gather everyone in a room and ask some to share their biggest stress concerns. Most will mention the balance between family and home. Others will mention short deadlines or long work hours. Some may actually mention that they are stressing out about your training session, because they are missing valuable work time. Once you get a good idea of what troubles your clients and their employees are facing, you get a better grasp on the situation. Next, comes the solution.

It is important to know how to manage stress, but it is also important to know how to prevent it. Encourage those worried about short deadlines to improve their time management skills. Suggest monitoring their progress and recording whenever they get off track. What were they doing? Surfing the internet, checking email, or socializing with a coworker? It is easier to eliminate these trigger factors when we know what they are. As for balancing family and home, most companies provide their employees with vacation time. Encourage your audience to use theirs, especially when they need a break.

As previously stated, it is best to avoid stress, but this is impossible for some. Many individuals cannot help blowing things out of proportion. These individuals need to learn to manage it. Now is the time to suggest stress reducing tools, such as aromatherapy candles, hot and cold therapy, stress balls, and so forth. In fact, if you discuss this with your client ahead of time, they may be willing to go the extra mile for their employees and purchase stress balls for everyone.

Hot and cold patches and stress balls are ideal for at-work use, but there is more to stress management. As mentioned above, some individuals are stressed about home life and they bring that stress to work. The goal of a business owner is to have happy and healthy employees. This involves encouraging positive attitudes at home too. In your stress management session, stress the importance of relaxation outside of the office. Those who are worried about spending time with family should know that it is okay to let a sink full of dishes sit for the night. It will still be there in the morning.

As a recap, marketing, sales, and organization are three important components of running a successful and profitable business. But, if the individuals in charge of these tasks are ridden with stress and unable to deal with it, poor results are likely. When dealing directly with a business owner, urge them to allow you to hold a short session on stress management or encourage them to do the same.

Business Coaching Services: Are They Worth It?

If you work as a business coach, it is your job to train and education business owners, operating managers, and all remaining employees. Running a successful and profitable business starts at the top and works its way down.

Your responsibilities, as a business coach, include getting your client to understand the important aspects of running a business, such as sales, marketing, communication, organization, and conflict resolution. This is an important job and you know this. But, there are some business owners who wonder if using the services of a business coach are worth it. It is also your job to convince them that it is.

You need to convince potential clients that your service is great and more than worth the money. This is nice to know, but how? Continue reading on for a few sample ideas.

You can do so with promotional brochures and free promotional items. Sending a pamphlet outlining your services and how they can increase sales is a great idea, but these brochures often just get thrown in the trash. Include more! Add a free magnet or pen with your company name, address, and phone number. People love and will use free stuff, so your name will get seen. The struggling business owner may literally be stressing about their future and glance over to see your logo in their office.

You can do so by offering discounts. Many of the business owners who use the services of a business coach are struggling. Some are barely staying afloat financially. They need to use their money wisely. Make it seem like they are getting a good deal. Offer a small, but meaningful discount on your services. Also, include extra bonuses in your package. Most business coaches hold training seminars. Include, as a bonus, free printed guides for each employee. These guides allow for later reference, long after your training session has ended.

You can do so by offering free consultations and assessments. As previously stated, most business owner who uses coaches are struggling. Unfortunately, some wait until they are in the red to seek help. Offer free consultations and assessments. Show the business owner or operating manager that they are heading down a dangerous path. Use their records to show what they can expect the next year if swift action is not taken. Then, go into great deal about how you can turn their business around. For example, you will teach that business owner the importance of local and internet marketing, and share unique marketing tactics with them.

You can do so by being a real person. Your job, as a business coach, is a professional one. It is important to stay professional, but business coaches work side-by-side their clients. You need to show these people that you are a real person, more than just a suit. Some struggling business owners fear seeking help because they are afraid that their ideas and actions will be dissected and criticized. Yes, this is your job, but always put a positive spin on things. When soliciting business, never blame a business owner. Comment that they did many great things, but a few simple improvements can do wonders.

In short, business coaching is a valuable service for all small, medium, and large companies. Unfortunately, not everyone sees it that way. For that reason, market yourself, get the word out, and encourage those in trouble to save their business and with your help.

Business Coaching and Responsibility

Americans are always looking for new ways to make money. If you are one of those individuals and have a business management degree or experience in business management, there is a good opportunity waiting for you. That opportunity is working as a business coach. With today’s struggling economy, once profitable businesses are losing money. Unless help is sought and fast, those businesses may have to close their doors.

As nice as it is to hear that you can make money working as a business coach, you need more information. Most importantly, you need to know what is expected of you. What job responsibilities do business coaches have?

Education. As a business coach, you are the expert. You have schooling or experience that makes you qualified to run a business. You know what works and what doesn’t. Unfortunately, many home based business and small business owners did not think their plans through. They realized they could make money and jumped in with both feet. Action is good, but having knowledge and experience is even better.

It is your job as a business coach to educate them on how to properly run a successful and profitable business. To do this, dissect the key components of running a business. These include leadership development, proper communication, teamwork, organization, resolving workplace conflict, sales, and marketing. Those who started a business on a whim may not see the connection between these important components and profits. You need to show them.

Setting examples. As a business coach, your job is to educate and teach a business owner how to run a successful and profitable business. You are just like a sports coach, you teach the team plays to run. Do not do the work yourself. You can however, set examples and give continued instructions.

For example, organization is key to business. In the retail industry, an unorganized sales floor turns off customers. They want to shop where it is easy to find what they need, easy to walk through the aisles, and so forth. If your client’s retail store is unorganized and unclean, give team members a shopping cart and a list of items to pickup. Let them see for themselves how hard it was to shop. Then, give them a few suggestions, such as removing bulky displays from the middle of the aisle. Run through one play yourself, but let the team do the rest of the work.

Reviewing. You can educate your clients and show them ways to improve productivity, organization, marketing, and sales, but there are no guarantees. As soon as you leave or end a training session, your client and their employees can revert to their old habits. Include a review in with your fees. Return a week or two after your training sessions. Have things changed? Did the company utilize your tips or did they return to normal habits?

If you return to a client’s place of business and do not see improvements, don’t start the process again, especially for free. Verbally repeat the important components of running a business and restate some of the tips you shared. Before leaving, warn your former client about the dangerous path they are headed on. Unless they offer to pay for your services again, your hands are tied, but at least you made an attempt.

Business Coaching and Sports Coaching

Do you want to work as a business coach? If so, you have opted for a very potentially profitable career. With the struggling economy, many businesses are barely staying afloat financially. They need help from a professional and they need it now. That professional can be you.

When it comes to business coaching, you will find many similarities between sports coaching. In fact, if targeting the self-employed, home business owners and small business owners, you should use the analogy. Some know they need business help, but don’t actually know what a business coach is. Comparing business coaching with sports coaching is an easy way to make them understand.

As previously stated, business coaching and sports coaching are very similar. How?

Most sports are team sports. For example, there is football, baseball, basketball, and volleyball. One team member can have an amazing game, but overall the team can still lose. Everyone needs to work together to see success.

When coaching small to medium sized business owners, emphasize the importance of teamwork. Both offices and retail settings are in disarray when no one is on the same page. The workplace is likely hectic and unorganized. Poor teamwork also leads to troubling and disruptive workplace conflict. A good example is when two coworkers are working jointly on a project. One is pulling their weight and the other is slacking off. Conflict is likely.

As a business coach, do not just highlight the importance of teamwork. Show your clients teambuilding exercises, offer tips, and work hands on with the entire staff.

With basketball, the coaches call the plays. These plays have been gone over and practiced before. It isn’t the coach’s job to score a basket or stop the opposing team from scoring. It is up to the players to remember their training and practice drills. The same is true for business coaching.

When working with a client, don’t do all the work for them. This teaches them nothing. Show your clients how to do it themselves. For example, if your client has a poorly organized office, pickup a few items to show them how it is done. Then, make suggestions. Let them handle the rest. You gave your client a play, showed them how it was done, and let them score the point.

This leads to another similarity. Coaches not only watch their players score a basket. They analyze their actions and provide feedback. As a business coach, do the same. Use the above mentioned example of watching an office manager or owner organize their office. Once finished, point out what they did right, what they did wrong, and how they can make improvements, both now and in the long-term future.

With sports, coaches use practice and training to buildup strength and to practice play calls. You can and should do the same. With small to medium sized businesses, work with more than just the owner. Work with the entire team. Don’t just stand in front of the room and talk or handout reading material. You will lose their interest and quick. Instead, rely on fun exercises. To show peaceful ways to resolve conflict in the workplace, use role-playing and two volunteers.

As you can see, there are many similarities between business coaching and sport coaching. In fact, if you are new to the game and have yet to develop a business plan, look at sports. You can learn many successful tips on how to run a smooth, successful, and profitable coaching service.

Business Coaches: Important Tips to Share with Clients

Have you just started a business coaching service? If so, you should have a step-by-step guide for your clients. This guide will focus on the various components of running a successful business, including marketing, sales, conflict resolution, leadership development, organization, and communication. Your step-by-step guide will cover all of these topics and in great deal. However, there are some important points you need to make and stress. What are they?

You are just a business coach. Some business owners do not understand what a business coach is or expects them to do more. Explain that you are just like a football coach. You will teach your client and other team members plays. You will practice these plays with them and then watch them perform alone. At the end, you will provide feedback, just like a football coach does. Make sure your client knows that action is required on their part. You will not do all the work. Otherwise, everyone’s time is wasted.

All employees must be responsible for their actions and held accountable. You will see the biggest problems with small business owners. They have developed close relationships with their employees. They want a healthy workplace environment, so conflict is avoided. This is good, but many poor performing employees are able to slide under the radar. Everyone has excuses and sob stories; your client will have one too if they do not start turning their business around. Stress this point.

Management must handle poor performing employees. With small businesses, the company owner is typically the manager. They handle the day-to-day management tasks. With medium sized businesses, these tasks are delegated to trained professionals. In these instances, stress the important of management, accountability, and leadership development. Management should handle all poor performing employees, not let them get away with poor productivity and performance. Yes, this may involve letting someone go, but management must be trained in and know the importance of putting the company first.

Sales must increase. To make money, a business sells either a product or a service. To run a profitable business, sales must increase. Stress this importance to your client. Once again, you are a business coach, so feed them ideas. In a retail setting, encourage multiple sales and a knowledge staff; this should lead to increased profits. Also, focus on marketing. No one will buy a product or service if they do not know it exists. This is important for new business owners, as most mistakenly believe that if they have something for sale, people will automatically buy it. As a professional in business management, you know this is not true.

Cost must be lowered. Increased sales generate increased profits. With that said, it is important to look at the whole picture. Making $25 from the sale of a handmade toy is nice, but could that profit be higher? It can and should be. Stress the importance to your client of low operating costs. Plainly state it will increase business profits. Give them ideas to get started, watch, analyze, and provide suggestions. Make it known that you do not always have to use poor quality building materials or terminate employees to lower costs, there are additional ways.

There is a good chance that your step-by-step business coaching guide will cover all of these points. They are however, very important to running a successful and profitable business. Mention them again and again, until your client truly understands their importance.

Business Coaching and Health and Wellness

As a business coach, it is your responsibility to teach your clients the key components of running a successful and profitable business. For most small to medium sized business owners, this is increased sales, lowered operating costs, leadership development, marketing, and proper communication. These are very important aspects of running a business, but your step-by-step coaching guide should include more. What? Health and wellness in the workplace.

In terms of health and wellness in the workplace, some business owners and operating mangers have it all wrong. Some literally believe that unless their employees are dying or in the hospital, they should be at work. Yes, those in good health should show at work and arrive on time. There are however, many consequences to not promoting a happy and healthy workplace. As a business coach, it is your job to outline these consequences for your clients.

As previously stated, some employers want their employees at work, no matter how they look or feel. This is very dangerous. Not just for the sick worker, but for everyone else in the workplace. A good example is to highlight common illnesses, such as the flu, the stomach bug, and the common cold. Print information from the internet showing the many and easy ways that these viruses spread. Then highlight the consequences, which could include everyone in the office coming down with a cold. Unfortunately, not everyone will get sick all at once. They will continue passing the virus around. One cold can negatively influence an entire office for weeks.

Using the internet and printed guides to show how easily germs and colds spread from coworker to coworker is a great approach, but it isn’t enough for all. A great approach is to test surfaces. Do not opt for someone’s office or workplace, as the results may be embarrassing. Instead, test a common area, such as a commonplace phone, filing cabinet, or bathroom. Some test kits are available for sale, but they usually give limited results. Bite the cost and get true lab testing. In fact, include the cost in with your fee. There is no denying the results. Even cleaned offices have germs, many of which are the cause of viruses and colds.

As previously stated, a simple cold can affect a workplace for weeks. This is because not all coworkers come into contact with each other at the same time. It could take weeks or months for an entire office to run through a cold. Once again, not all office managers and business owners understand this. You need to show them. Use volunteers. In fact, use the entire staff present for training.

Take one individual, he or she is sick, but called in sick to work. Set that volunteer aside. They stayed home; therefore, are not passing germs around the office. Then take another volunteer; they are sick, but still went to work. In just the first hour of the day, they came into touching contact with three different coworkers. Those then turned around and encountered six more, and so forth. Create a line showing all the people who will get sick. Compare the two. Yes, one employee does miss work, but it is much better than having the entire staff out of commission. It is a chain reaction.

As previously stated, it is your job to educate business owners and managers on the key components of running a business. However, to properly implement those components, happy, healthy, and well staff members must carry out those actions. Otherwise, time is wasted, productivity is low, and the results are poor.

Who Needs a Business Coach?

If you hold a business management degree or have prior experience running a profitable small to medium sized business, you have a unique talent. Many Americans would love to run their own business, but most do not know how. You can teach them how. Running a business coaching service is not only an exciting opportunity, but it has the potential to bring in large profits.

If interested in starting a business coaching service, you will wonder about your profits and clients. How you will get clients? By marketing and targeting the individuals who can benefit from your services. Who are they?

New business owners. Most new business owners take time to create their empire. They brainstorm and develop a plan, secure financing, and get to work. This is how small businesses should get started, but many do not take this route. Some individuals get an idea in their head to start a business and make money; they run with it. Action is key, but so is careful planning. Acting without first thinking of a solid plan is one of the reasons why many new small to medium sized businesses fail. You, as a business coach, can stop that from happening.

Not all new business owners realize the importance of proper training and education. Some mistakenly believe they can do anything themselves. These individuals may need a little push. Lead them to your website or deliver free promotional material highlighting your services. Also, show how they can translate into profits. For example, stress the importance of marketing. Both online and storefront businesses need a solid marketing plan. No one will buy products or pay for services if they don’t know they exist. If speaking directly with a new business owner, ask about their marketing plan. If they do not have one or have a poor thought out plan, stress the dangers and risks of heading down the wrong path.

Business owners not seeing profits. As previously stated, some new small to medium sized business owners do not understand the importance of seeking help. Most believe they can handle all responsibilities on their own. You can use persuasion and proof to change their minds, but still some will not budge. That is why you should not only target new business owners, but businesses in distress. Start with your local community. Have you heard ramblings that a small mom and pop store is about to go under due to increased competition and poor sales? Make your move!

Business owners who aren’t seeing profits, already have a business plan in place. That may be a good plan that just needs a little bit of tweaking. Since the business is already established, you should focus on sales, marketing, and lowering operating costs. When soliciting business from struggling companies, have a set plan in place. Have a step-by-step guide available to show potential clients why you can help and how you will.

Stay-at-home parents looking for a way to increase income. Perform a standard internet search with the phrases “working from home,” “work-at-home moms,” or “work-at-home parents.” You will find online message boards where parents are looking for information on how to make money from home. Some of these individuals just want a job that allows them to work from home, but others are interested in starting their own business. This is another group that is considered your targeted market.

When working with stay-at-home parents, it is important to focus on the business aspect. The internet is filled with online job scams. Most parents can benefit from starting their own business, as opposed to working for someone else. It also provides parents with more freedom and flexibility. Not only can you provide setup, marketing, and sales help to these individuals, but you can feed them ideas. Essentially, you aren’t just a business coach, but a moneymaking coach. Does a stay-at-home dad express his interest in woodworking? Suggest profiting from that passion by creating natural wood decor or toys to sell. If they like the idea, help them turn it into a reality.

Anyone with the dream of starting their own business. As previously stated, you can do more than just help small to medium sized business owners increase their profits. You can also encourage people to follow their passion and profit from it. This does involve more work, as you help someone get their small business off the ground, but it expands your reach. Not only do you have experience coaching small to medium sized business owners, but you now have experience with business setup.

Business Coaches: Your Options

If you want to start a career as a business coach, you need to make an important decision. That decision is how you want to operate your business. Business coaches educate and train operating managers and business owners on the key components of running a successful and profitable business. These components are all the same, but there are many ways to teach them. What are your two best options?

1 – One-on-One Training

One-on-one training is when you work directly with your client. You consult with them via email, through the phone, or meet with them in person at their office. When working with small to medium sized business owners, your involvement starts at the top. You will then later want to work with all staff members. Remember, a good manager is important to a business, but that well-performing manager means nothing if their staff does not back them up with good results and speedy productivity.

One-on-one training has many benefits. For starters, you usually visit your client at their place of business. This gives you a lot of insight. Not all business suffer from the same problems. Some have a poor marketing plan, some have poor leadership, and others have organizational problems. Visiting your client in their place of business enables you to examine the situation. You can determine exactly what is going wrong. For example, a business with poor office organization, but a strong marketing plan, does not need marketing help. They need organizational help.

One-on-one training also allows you to show by example. In keeping with the above mentioned example of an unorganized office or sales floor, you can physically walk to the problem and point it out. Show the store manager that because a large display is in the middle of the aisle, it is difficult for customers to get a shopping cart through. You get better results when you show business owners and operating mangers how to make changes, not just tell them.

2 – Hosting Seminars

As a business coach, you also have the option to host seminars. This is when you choose a specific location, like a hotel conference room, take paying reservations, and hold a class. During this class, you will go over the key components of running a successful and profitable business. These components include marketing sales, time management, no workplace conflict, organization, and teamwork.

Hosting seminars is nice because it expands your profits. When working one-on-one, you work with one paying client at a time. When hosting a training seminar, the room can be filled with a hundred business owners. They all paid. In about the same amount of time or even less, you make more money! Unfortunately, those same business owners will take your class once and they will not need it again. To work in this aspect full-time, you will need to travel to teach seminars, targeting new business owners and managers each time.

As you can see, both one-on-one training and hosting seminars have their pros and cons. Which option should you choose? It depends on your personal preferences. Moreover, you do not need to choose. Why not offer them both as an option? On your website, list your ability to meet with clients one-on-one. Then, mention you occasionally host seminars. Host two or three a year. List these seminars on your website and cross promote.

Business Coaches: Improve Your Chance of Success

If you want to start a career as a business coach, you are in luck. Unfortunately, today’s economy is in trouble. Consumers are reducing their spending and some businesses are finding it difficult to stay afloat. These are usually small to medium sized businesses. Since the industry needs a professional like you, you are already at an advantage. There are, however, ways that you can improve your chances of success. What are they? A lot easier than you might think.

Be polite. When working as a business coach, you must first analyze a business. You examine their profits to see how short they are falling short. Look at their marketing practices to see what they are doing wrong, and so forth. Your job is to take the bad, educate a business owner or operating manager, and transform it into good. Unfortunately, that means criticizing. Yes, it is your job, but remember that we are all naturally offended. Insult a business owner and they will get upset. It is all about delivery, be polite.

Be positive. As previously stated, your job is to take the bad and transform it into good. You do so by providing suggestions, showing by example, and by offering feedback. No business owner is so bad that they never do anything wrong. Their doors would have closed by this point if that were the case. You need to focus on the bad, but also focus on the good. For example, if a retail manager has a well-organized office, but a poor organized sales floor, commend them for their effort. Let them know they did a good job in their office, but that they should have extended the organization to the sales floor. You let them know there is a problem, but still provided positive feedback. Your client will be more receptive.

Offer praise and encouragement. As a business coach, it is your responsibility to teach business owners and operating managers how to run a successful business. The keyword is teach. You do not do the work. You can display a few examples, but let your clients do the brunt of the work. Like a sports coach, sit back and watch. Analyze the situation and provide feedback. Throughout the task, offer praise and encouragement. It sounds silly, but some people just need a positive push in the right direction. In addition, since you are treating your client like a human being, you score extra points.

Offer to work with the entire staff. When providing business coaching services, business coaches usually work directly with the company owner or manager. There are others onsite though. These staff members, their actions, their results, and their productivity are important to the company’s success. You can educate your client and they can retrain their staff members, or you can offer to do it. You should charge extra for this service, but offer a low rate or discount and you should get some takers.

Offer to come back and help. As a business coach, you can spend one day working one-on-one with a client or one week. No matter what steps you take to educate them on the importance of all business components, your advice may be ignored. So, always offer to comeback for a review or to answer a few simple questions. Let them know that advice is free, but retraining will cost extra.