Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Have a solution ready. Be ready to talk about how the solution will affect the company. Emphasize the good points. Confirm actions before proceeding. Document how you will follow up.

Answer: Of course, you don't necessarily need to have fixed the problem, though it can be good if you have. However, having an idea of how the problem could be fixed or even a couple of ways you could go about fixing it can help smooth the waters. For example, once you present the bad news, you could say, "Now here's what I think we can do to fix this issue. I think we need to hold off production and go back to the drawing board on style. I also think we need to bring in some new people on design." If you don't have a solution yet, let your boss know you are working on one (and follow through). Good employees recognize problems that are within their responsibility to solve and which are not. For example, if the the impact of the problem extends to external parties of the work group (other departments, customers, legal), most superiors want know as soon as possible to minimize complications and conflict. It's not enough to just have a solution. You also need to be able to discuss what the solution will cost the company, both in terms of supplies and company time. Also talk about why you think the solution will be effective and how it could change the problem for the better. Focus on providing objectivity, clearness, and completeness when describing your solution and how it will resolve problem. You could present it this way: "I think bringing in new people will help shake up the style department, which in turn can help marry our traditional styles with something more innovative. While halting production will cost the company about $200,000, I think that it's the best option for producing a line that the public will embrace. Plus, we now have the feedback from the study groups to take back to design." Even if the solution will cost the company money, it's important to discuss how the company will benefit from it. Focus on those benefits when you're presenting your solution to your boss, as they'll want to hear what the bottom line is in how the company can come out on top. For instance, you could say, "In the end, I think revamping the style for our new line will benefit the company greatly. The product is rock solid, and the focus groups responded well to the functionality. In fact, many commented on how well it worked, despite the fact that they didn't like the look of it. By taking the proper time to focus on the style, we'll be putting out a product that's well in line with our brand image and that will be appealing to customers both for its functionality and beauty." Following the meeting, be sure that your superior agrees with you about the steps that need to be taken. This is true whether the steps are your idea or theirs. Get at least a verbal confirmation that they agree with the proposed solution. If required by company policy, have them sign off on your solution. Talk to your boss about any ideas or feedback they have on the situation. Once you've come to a decision or at least a way to move forward, make sure you tell your boss how you will proceed. For example, you could say, "I'll write up what we've discussed in an action plan and send it to you an email by the end of the day. Then I'll contact the necessary people to get the ball rolling. I'll follow up again in the week to let you know the progress we've made."

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Figure out your company's values. Find a unique selling proposition. Don't forget emotional response. Do a SWOT analysis.

Answer: The first step when creating a good logo is to understand your company's brand. Although a logo is just one way to communicate the brand, it is often thought of as the cornerstone of a company's brand. To create an effective logo, you need to understand very clearly what your company represents. Which emotions do you want people to feel when they see your logo? What are your company's core values? What vibe are you trying to create? What impression do you want people to have of your company? Answering these questions will help you determine your company's brand. One way to figure out your brand identity is to create a mood board. On it, place all images that come to mind when you think about your company. Write down the key words that describe your company. This is a good place to start when creating a logo too. The words can lead to logo ideas. Minimally, the logos should capture some sense of the words you pick because the logo and brand should reflect one another. Consider your company's history. Your company's story is part of its overall identity and brand. A good place to start when determining your brand is to remember your company's origins. Your brand should make you stand out from your competition. You don't want to blend in with everyone else. That's no way to sell a product. This is even more important when there are competitor companies that market a similar product to yours. You have to find a way to differentiate yourself from the pack. Figure out the single factor that makes you different from all of the rest. A unique selling proposition isn't many things. It's often one. Think beyond the product itself. The reason that iconic brands like American Express and Mercedes work is because they connote quality or great service, so people will pay more for their product. It's important to determine the emotions that you want people to feel when they see your logo or think about your company's brand. A brand is a customer's "gut feeling" about your business. Virgin Airlines is an example of a company that has thrived by focusing on customer feelings and service. A brand means people would miss your product. It has meaning to them. Coca-cola connects people to their childhoods. In that way, the brand creates meaning to consumers that goes beyond the product's taste. A brand doesn't just encompass what you think about your company. It involves how customers feel about your company and communicate with each other about it. What customers think your brand is, is your brand. Customers choose Starbucks because of its cache and lifestyle promises, not just its coffee. You will want to figure out everything about your company's position in the marketplace. SWOT is a technique that was developed by business experts in the 1960s to help businesses come up with a concrete action plan to improve their practices. Four key aspects make up a SWOT analysis. One computer company CEO says his company does the SWOT analysis each quarter. The company uses collective knowledge by involving all employees in the analysis, and the CEO believes the analysis helps the company spot blind spots. Other companies use SWOT analysis as part of the strategic planning process. Sometimes companies will gather employees for a brainstorming session that uses the four-step SWOT analysis. Doing a SWOT analysis can help you figure out how to brand and position your company in your logo. The first two elements of the SWOT analysis are internal factors faced by a company. The second two are external. What are your company's strengths? This is the first question in a SWOT analysis. Be realistic when you assess your company's strengths and consider competition when doing so. Branding, pricing, and other location are elements that are often considered. What are its weaknesses? Don't focus too much on gray areas. You don't want to have too much complexity in a SOT analysis. What threats does it face? This is the third part of the SWOT analysis, and it focuses on customers and competition, as well as any other external threats. What opportunities exist?

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Research your audience. Pitch to the right person. Make an appointment with your customer. Know how much time you've got for the pitch.

Answer:
Make sure you know as much as possible about the company and individual who will be hearing your sales pitch. Look up your potential customers' profiles on LinkedIn, and read through the company's website. Find out what the business' specific needs are and how they relate to your product or service. What will they gain by working with you? The person who can decide about using your product or service is the person who should hear your pitch. Find out who makes decisions about buying inventory or using services in the company. Once you've identified the most appropriate person to listen to your pitch, schedule an appointment with them. Find out when it is most convenient for them. Be sure to consider the amount of lead time they might need in order to stock your product, or when they will most need your services. For example, if you are selling a holiday-related item, you shouldn't wait until the beginning of December to deliver your sales pitch. Once you've gotten your appointment with the customer, confirm how much time is scheduled with them. Suggest at least 30 minutes for the appointment. Your pitch won't last the full time; you need to leave time for discussion afterward.