Confidence in business

Hidden Information contained in Famous Logos

Federal Express

This is probably one of the best known logos with a hidden meaning. If you look closely, you’ll see an arrow that’s formed by the letters E and x. This arrow symbolizes speed and precision, two major selling points of this company.

Amazon

This logo doesn’t seem to hide much at first sight, but it gives you a little insight in the philosophy behind the brand. First of all, the yellow swoosh looks like a smile: Amazon.com want to have the best customer satisfaction. The swoosh also connects the letters a and z, meaning that this store has everything from a to z.

Referral or Finder Fee

Question:
"As an independent consultant, I sometimes have clients that need services I can't provide, so I refer then to other consultants. Is it customary to charge referral fees for such situations? If so, what should I charge?"

Answer from experienced consultant, he said
"I have tended to not seek referral fees... though that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't. My reasoning has been that, if I have a close colleague who I know is great for the role - and it is one I can't fulfill - then I am doing both my colleague and the prospect (or client) a favor and it doesn't take much of my time... I am building goodwill, that I find often comes back.. albeit not directly, and over a long-term time perspective... but I don't keep track.

If I were to launch a search to find the best fit for the role, I might consider a finders fee of some kind - though I would want to vet the consultant I referred in that case.

In other cases - and completely legitimate ones - I know of situations where referral fees of 5% or so are viewed as fully appropriate. Others use a sliding scale - say 5% of the first $20,000, 3% of the next $10,000 and 1.5% of any amount above that... Though those people have tended to be business development types who actively seek projects that they can refer - so the higher percentages feel more appropriate."

There are many ways, and you have to use an approach that you are comfortable with. I am sure I have left money on the table with my approach - at least in the short-term - but I hope and believe I have developed some strong long-term relationships in return.

Accountability

In 1999 study by Brigham Young University found that your chances for success dramatically improve when you create a system of accountability. This is an example.