26 Apr 2022

A Day in the Life of the L2B Sales Office

by | posted in: General | 0

I enjoy reaching the office early and starting my day with the most urgent things, first I need to establish if any of the sales staff are not in for the day and if so I need to ensure that all appointments are cancelled or moved to another sales executive to ensure customers and potential customers are taken care of.

Thereafter I look at the office cell and ensure that all clients that have sent messages have been assisted by notifying the relevant sales executive if their clients are asking for the rescheduling of an appointment. Next are my emails, I print and sign off subscription forms and send these to our Registration Department and deal with any queries, leads and reports that have been sent to me.

When 8:00am hits the office comes alive with chatting and perfectly manicured nails hitting keyboards. The sales ladies are high-spirited and bubbly but before long the office falls silent again as they head out on the road to see clients for the day. This is when the Telesales Department jumps into action and starts phoning potential clients to set appointments for the sales team, the office is once again a bustle of noise.

I then start working through my staff’s previous day’s work, compiling reports, checking appointments for quality and ensuring cancellations are reported and that these appointments are being rescheduled. I manage all aspects of the Telesales Department and all Administration for the Johannesburg Branch.

At 16:25 we start finishing off for the day and leave the office satisfied with a job well done!

To view more Articles, please visit our Leads 2 Business Blog.
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About Karen Garner-Savory

I started working at Leads 2 Business in May 2009, and have served as Head of Department of Telesales and Administration from 2010 until the present. I oversee both the Telesales department as well as the Administration of our Johannesburg Office.

23 Nov 2021

Eco Friendly Building Methods

by | posted in: General | 0

With growing concerns over climate change, it is important for construction firms to reduce their environmental impact, while this can be a challenge these methods can be of great benefit.

  • Proper insulation – This is important as it will reduce your energy consumption and therefore your pocket as well, if you use green insulation this will reduce the need for high-end finishes that are made from non-renewable materials.
  • Sustainable building materials – Recycled plastic, linoleum, recycled glass, cork and bamboo are excellent ways to build with renewable materials and reduce harm to the environment as they break down easily and don’t release harmful toxins.
  • Solar panels – This will initially cost you but will save you money in the long run and bring down your consumption as you draw energy from the sun, it is vital to place the panels in the best location for the most absorption from the sun.
  • Eco-friendly lighting – The lighting you choose needs to be long lasting and use less energy, the solution is either LED or CFL as incandescent bulbs will not give you these benefits. LED or CFL will cost more upfront but the energy you will be saving will make it worthwhile.
  • Cool roof – Using materials that reflect the sun’s energy away from the roof will assist in keeping the building cooler and that will, in turn, reduce cooling costs. Most energy-efficient products might be more costly at the onset put reduce cost long term and often require less maintenance.
  • Rammed earth brick – These bricks are made traditionally from clay-rich soil, water and a natural stabiliser, the mixture is then compressed at high pressure to form bricks. These bricks have been reintroduced as they are environmentally sustainable.
  • Ashcrete – This is an environmentally friendly concrete that has smaller pores and has the strength needed to be sustainable, it composes of 97% recycled materials.

 

Sources
Conserve Energy
Electric Choice
Rammed Earthworks
Green Future

To view more Articles, please visit our Leads 2 Business Blog.
If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit Leads 2 Business.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit Leads 2 Business Wiki.

About Karen Garner-Savory

I started working at Leads 2 Business in May 2009, and have served as Head of Department of Telesales and Administration from 2010 until the present. I oversee both the Telesales department as well as the Administration of our Johannesburg Office.

30 Jun 2021

Staff Spotlight: Karen Garner-Savory

by | posted in: Staff Spotlight | 0
KGS STAFF SPOTLIGHT - doc

To view more Articles, please visit our Leads 2 Business Blog.
If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit Leads 2 Business.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit Leads 2 Business Wiki.

About Karen Garner-Savory

I started working at Leads 2 Business in May 2009, and have served as Head of Department of Telesales and Administration from 2010 until the present. I oversee both the Telesales department as well as the Administration of our Johannesburg Office.

10 Jun 2020

10 Interesting Facts about the Eastern Cape

by | posted in: Did You Know, General | 0

1) Established:
The Eastern Cape was established on the 27th April 1994, before this it was part of the Cape Province. The areas that were taken from the Cape Province to create the Eastern Cape are Transkei, Ciskei and the Eastern portion of the Cape Province.

2) Consists of:
The Eastern Cape is 170 000 Square kilometres of mountain ranges, sandy beaches and even lush forests, stretching from the Southern Drakensburg to Tsitsikamma. It boasts a coastline of 800km from Cape Francis all the way to the Wild Coast.

3) Climate:
The climate in the Eastern Cape is subtropical and is mild towards the North. With hot summers the winters are cold with snowfall towards the northern mountains. The annual precipitation increases by 550MM between Graaff-Reinet in the West and East London in the East.

4) Harbours:
The Eastern Cape is the only province that has 3 harbours, namely Port Elizabeth, East London and Ngqura. The trio of ports connects South Africa to the global economy.

5) Wild Life:
Big 5, no!  The Eastern Cape is home to the big 7, namely the Great White Shark, Southern Right Whale, Buffalo, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and majestic Lion.

6) Adventure:
If adventure and pure adrenalin are what you are after the Bloukrans River Bridge is the place to be for the very popular bungee jumping. The bridge spans 451 meters in length and hangs 216 meters above the Bloukrans River, it is situated near Nature’s Valley and was built between 1980 and 1983 by Concor.  

7) Sport:
The Eastern Province boasts a premier rugby team namely the Isuzu Southern Kings whose home ground is the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth that is appropriately named after a local hero, icon and former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela. The Isuzu Southern Kings are one of only two teams that represent South Africa in the Guinness Pro14 tournament overseas.

8) Automotive:
The Eastern Cape is home of Volkswagen South Africa, Mercedes-Benz, Isuzu and Ford Motors. The Province manufactures 50% of the Country’s passenger vehicles and also exports 51% of the vehicles that are manufactured here.

9) Agriculture:
The Eastern Cape has fertile soil and due to this is able to produce many different products that include Fruit, Chicory, Olives, Tea, coffee and maize.

10) Icons:
Former president Nelson Mandela, Former president Thabo Mbeki, Walter Sisulu and Oliver Tambo are some of the icons that were born and bred in the Eastern Cape.

Sources:
Global Africa Network
Wikipedia
South African Hotels
Wikipedia EC
IOL
Wikipedia Bloukrans
Visit Eastern Cape
Britannica
Wiki

To view more Articles, please visit our Leads 2 Business Blog.
If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit Leads 2 Business.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit Leads 2 Business Wiki.

About Karen Garner-Savory

I started working at Leads 2 Business in May 2009, and have served as Head of Department of Telesales and Administration from 2010 until the present. I oversee both the Telesales department as well as the Administration of our Johannesburg Office.

16 Jul 2018

Tips for Blasting

by | posted in: Did You Know | 0

Tips for Blasting
Blasting

Firstly we need to know what blasting is. It is a technically controlled, effective and safe way to break rock for excavation. It is primarily used in Civil Engineering, Mining and Quarrying for roads and dam construction.

What explosives are used for blasting?

It is a common misconception that dynamite or gunpowder are used for most blasting activities but it is rather the engineered blasting agents that account for approximately 90% of explosive material used.
Ammonium Nitrate mixed with either sodium nitrate or calcium nitrate is the most common product and pound for pound the more effective explosive.

 

What is involved in Blasting?

• Holes are drilled into the rock and filled with explosives. The more solid the rock the more explosives will be needed.
• Proper ventilation is required to remove not only the dust but also the combustion gases from the explosion. This needs to be done before work can be resumed.
• The rock then collapses once detonation takes place.
• The debris is removed and if need be reinforcing is put in place before further work takes place.
• The entire blast lasts up to 1 second.

Blasting

Steps to be considered before blasting takes place:

• Fragmentation desired – take into consideration size of digging equipment and crushing equipment needed on the project.
• Rock quality/character – state of the area being blasted, is the rock hard or soft and is the area dry or wet.
• Site limitations – is the area to be blasted near other structures or properties.
• Safety limitations – are there any electrical hazards
• Equipment limitations – are all equipment needed for the project available

 

Random facts about blasting

• Blasting is now considered routine work in the mining industry.
• Geological or Geotechnical knowledge is needed to ensure effectiveness and safety.
• Blasting involves design and patterns, not just “blowing” stuff up…
• The result of rock blasting is often called rock cut.
• Mining and Construction are the 2 most common uses for explosives.

Blasting

 

Sources:
www.wikipedia.org/wiki
www.railsystem.net
www.miningandblasting.wordpress.com

 

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About Karen Garner-Savory

I started working at Leads 2 Business in May 2009, and have served as Head of Department of Telesales and Administration from 2010 until the present. I oversee both the Telesales department as well as the Administration of our Johannesburg Office.

3 Jul 2017

Did you Know #DYK: Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

by | posted in: Did You Know | 0

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

Sick Building Syndrome also known as SBS is a medical condition that often comprises of a range of non-specific symptoms that occur in the workplace or building and its occupants. This syndrome causes the occupants to have a feeling of ill health which in turn causes a ripple effect starting from absenteeism to a decrease in workers productivity. As a result, SBS is fast becoming a major occupational hazard. Therefore all factors such as cause, management, preventative measures and employer responsibility need to be ascertained and looked at.

Symptoms:

  • Headaches
  • Respiratory problems
  • Nausea
  • Flu like symptoms
  • Fatigue
  • Poor concentration
  • Skin irritations
  • Increase in asthma attacks

Risk factors:

  • Chemical contaminants
  • Biological contaminants
  • Inadequate ventilation
  • Electromagnetic radiation
  • Psychological factors
  • Poor lighting, absence of light & humidity

Prevention & control:

In order to minimize or completely prevent SBS it is important to ensure the building has good ventilation, if an air conditioning unit is used it is important to keep it well maintained at all times and ensure that ventilation standards are met, ensure intake vents are not located in areas that could be close to large amounts of traffic.

Products below should be checked for safety:

  • Paint
  • Adhesives
  • Pesticides
  • Cleaning agents

Other contaminants that need to be watched for:

  • Mold
  • Insect & bird droppings
  • Stagnant water (this breeds bacteria, viruses & fungus)

To reduce the effects of using equipment that omit electromagnetic radiation, it is important to correctly ground wiring to reduce magnetic fields that affect your health.
High stress levels and long working hours can affect one’s ability to remain healthy and productive. Stress can weaken your immune system and psychological wellbeing.
There is a greater link of SBS in air conditioned buildings than those that are naturally ventilated.

Employer’s responsibility:

  • Carry out surveys with your employees
  • Ensure all cleaning machinery is in good working order & that filters are clean
  • Ensure cleaning agents are being used correctly & stored correctly
  • Ensure the ventilation unit is well maintained
  • Ensure the intake for the ventilation system is checked
  • When possible, use natural ventilation
  • Ensure staff schedule their work properly to ensure less stress
  • Ensure staff take regular breaks and step away from their work space
  • Encourage staff to eat healthy and get regular exercise

 

Sources:

http://www.nhs.uk/Search/?q=sick+building+syndrome

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2796751/

Sick Emoji

Stethoscope on heart

Hazard sign

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit our website.

To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit our Wiki site.

To view more articles, please visit our blog.

About Karen Garner-Savory

I started working at Leads 2 Business in May 2009, and have served as Head of Department of Telesales and Administration from 2010 until the present. I oversee both the Telesales department as well as the Administration of our Johannesburg Office.

9 Feb 2017

L2B Blog: Mastering the art of cold calling, tips for successful B2B Sales

by | posted in: Life Lessons | 2

Mastering the art of cold calling, tips for successful B2B Sales

Mastering the art of cold calling, tips for successful B2B sales

Cold calling provides selling opportunities to your external sales team, it’s the ability to interact with potential subscribers and entice them into wanting to know more about your company and what you can offer. It can be a very challenging career to have as you do come across some individuals that don’t particularly like interacting with telesales staff. That being said, we have the privilege of interacting with some of the nicest people within our industry.

Telesales staff must be highly motivated individuals who have a sales spirit and enjoy interacting with people, they need to be confident and ensure they take nothing personally. Curiosity is vital to ensure success in cold calling.

When calling a potential client the fundamentals are:

  • Doing your homework – It is important to ensure you gather as much information about the client before you call, potential clients appreciate an agent who has done their homework.
  • Contact with the correct person – this will increase your level of success; the decision maker will see potential in an idea that will grow their business.
  • Listening skills – understanding what the potential client requires in order for them to get things done in an easy no fuss manner, business owners want results.
  • Asking the correct questions – in order to ascertain how we can best assist them in satisfying their business’s needs. Ensure your timing is correct; if they sound busy rather suggest calling them back.
  • Knowledge – You cannot sell what you don’t understand so knowledge is definitely important, if you know your product or service you are able to answer questions efficiently.
  • Attitude – towards your potential client is equally important, if you believe in your product or service the potential client will be more inclined to have a look at what you offer.
  • Confidence – When you sound confident in your ability to lead them to the right product or service they will be open to listening to your sales call.
  • Tone on the phone – We speak to a variety of potential clients from all walks of life and it is very important to establish a rapport over the phone, ensuring you don’t use jargon that is not always understood.

 

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try one more time.” – Thomas A Edison

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit our website.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit our Wiki site.
To view more articles, please visit our blog.

About Karen Garner-Savory

I started working at Leads 2 Business in May 2009, and have served as Head of Department of Telesales and Administration from 2010 until the present. I oversee both the Telesales department as well as the Administration of our Johannesburg Office.