Which Tablet Stand Stands Up To What Cheers POS Needs?

Happy Friday!

Are you following us on Twitter? https://twitter.com/cheerspos Fast paced and byte sized! Try us!

Since Cheers POS is growing and we can accommodate small, medium, and large stores and heavy traffic, and because our system has been written for both PCs and iOS (Apple), and because we have bought iPad Pro's and Surface Pro 4's to test (and to provide our customers with options), we knew that we also had to have stands for the tablets.

These are the four we tested:
1. iPad Pro Tablet Holder Stand, Stouch 360° Rotatable Aluminum Alloy Desktop Holder Tablet Stand for Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S iPad Pro 9.7" 12.9'' iPad Air Surface Pro 4 and other Tablet https://www.amazon.com/Stouch-Rotatable-Aluminum-Desktop-Samsung/dp/B01B0SE4OI
2. Windfall Stand for iPad Air, Black https://www.amazon.com/Windfall-Stand-iPad-Air-Black/dp/B00M2GE3R6 (we ordered, "White," and that's probably what we will provide for our customers as well)
3. CTA Digital Adjustable Anti-Theft Security Grip & Stand for iPad Pro & Large Tablets 9.7"-13" (PAD-ATGSL) https://www.amazon.com/CTA-Digital-Adjustable-Anti-Theft-PAD-ATGSL/dp/B01BIJXRF6
4. ChargerCity® 360° Rotate Tablet Holder Podium Stand Mount w/Quick Release Telescopic Eye Level Height Adjust for Apple iPad Pro Air Mini Samsung Galaxy Tab Google Microsoft Surface Book 7-12" Tablets https://www.amazon.com/ChargerCity%C2%AE-Release-Telescopic-Samsung-Microsoft/dp/B00SM4A9D4

Though we could go into detail and list all of these one by one, there was only one clear winner:  The Heckler Windfall Stand.  Made from steel, this stand can withstand heavy use.

In good conscience, we could not provide the other ones for our customers because they would not be able to handle rough use.  We touched one and it was floppy or springy (how ever one would like to define the motion).  This is insufficient for our needs and for our customer's needs.

We like the windfall because it is secure and sturdy.  (We did not put any of the tablets in any of the stands, we merely manipulated the stands.)

This review is for our needs and the needs of our customers.  The other stands may be great for other professions and in other fields, but, when it comes to the after work rush...or weekends, we needed something that we know could be treated a little more harsh (who has time to be gentle...or genteel...when you have a five person long line?).  We needed something for our clients that could withstand high traffic use and not be any worse for ware.

The Heckler Windfall Stand is that stand.

~Cheers!

CrossFit & Business

One of our staff members learned about CrossFit for the first time this week. ...Not first hand, but, via the Internet.

There is SO much that can be said in regards to CrossFit and business, but, perhaps we will save that for next time the CrossFit Games are coming up.

What this employee liked about CrossFit upon initial learning is that it is diversified, full bodied, and gymnastic. The concept of CrossFit is that it measures fitness, not one particular skill.

It is full bodied, and fast paced. Just like business. Just like those who are serious about their jobs have to be. Our employee noticed it was serious and aggressive -- just like sales.

We would like to bring to your attention, how activity helps one focus, and dedication at the gym can translate into self-mastery at work; if one can commit to going to the gym on a regular schedule, it is not too difficult to sit down and commit to a task for minutes to hours. Discipline. Clearing one's mind during a work out can help one focus when one needs to get down to work.

We want to know what do you think about the correlation between physical fitness and mental fitness? Or, about CrossFit, in general, for that matter?

~Cheers!

Double Shot What's Up Wednesday:

What's going on with your Cheers POS? We opened up a Twitter account today!! (@CheersPos) We are now on Facebook, Blogger, Pinterest, G+, and Twitter.

As we get on more social media, we will let you know!

~Cheers!

New Feature: What's Up Wednesdays!

We will post on Wednesdays what is happening at Cheers POS (the safe, secure, cloud based point of sale system for your liquor, wine, cigar, and gift shops, vineyards and wineries!)

First of all, some of our followers may have noticed that we snuck in a pet peeve of ours yesterday in our second post that could be argued, had nothing to do with the post content. It was when we included, "job listings," along with, "calls." There is a reason for that, we have seen job listings that were very vague, no company was mentioned, and only basic information of the job was given ("Appointment Setters," the seemingly great details, possible pay(?), and phone number). When the phone number was checked, it was revealed to be a company where not all the employees or customers were happy. And what the job truly was.

We include this because...Cheers POS is looking for two inside sales people!! Inside sales takes a certain type of individual; the customer service mentality is not the sales mentality. Due to what we have gone through with job searches (what we read online was not what we were expecting when we got to the interview, we were thrown into a cattle call when we thought we were going for a one-on-one, we found out there would be another interview afterwards (meaning, we were still unemployed at the end of the day), bait and switches (once, a staffing agency said a job was available, even after at least two calls, one even the night before the, "interview." When one of our employees got there, not only was the person told it wasn't, but, that said employee was not qualified for any of their positions. Another job said that there was an office job available. There was no office job available, it was a factory job. Second shift. If the employee was to move to the first shift, the co-workers would have been inmates from prison. No joke.)), we are being VERY transparent with what wee need so that we do not waste our time or the time of anybody who is looking for a job.

We'll post our second update sometime before we leave.

~Cheers!

DOUBLE SHOT OF TIPSY TUESDAY!!

Again, we're posting about sales. We offer a free tip after the rant (but, you all may already know it).

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/top-10-dumb-mistakes-inside-sales-reps-make/

We decided to split up the sales posts today because this one will be ranty. If you would like to see all the mistakes on the link(s), click on the cursor/forward arrow button before the numbers.

Alright, here it goes: we HATE #2!! Not for the same reason they list, it is because THE CALLER IS NOT BEING CLEAR!! It's not that he kept talking about himself, it's that he was talking about ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. "Financial Services". Okay, what? The listener tried to give him some opportunities to explain more...and he didn't. He wasn't going on about himself, he was failing to explain WHY the listener should meet up with him. "I would like to talk to you about your future and see if we can assist you with our 401Ks or set you up with a few mutual funds." That would have been worth something. "Financial Services," sounds like a waste of time. The listener was not interested because there was nothing enticing about what the sales rep was saying -- he was trying to be vague. What does he do? With what company is he? What problems is he trying to solve? NONE of these were answered.  He was deliberately avoiding answering with details.

Free Tip: If you cannot say what your business does, your business is HORRIBLE and you know it. The, "less is more," approach does not work for calls and job listings. If people are going to invest their time into your offer, you have to give them a reason. If you want business, be up front about what you do.

~Cheers!

TIPSY TUESDAY POST 1: SALES!!

Sales are the driving force behind any business (customers are necessary, employees are essential). That being said, it takes a special person to do sales, BUT, it is something that can be taught; even the best sales people have their success tricks, which is why we post this article.

We will be posting a link with videos this afternoon, but, for now, a Top Five List :5 Essential Sales Skills Every Inside Sales Rep Must Master https://www.fileboard.com/inside-sales-skills/

These are all very practical and GREAT to know. We encourage our followers (especially business owners and sales people) to get lost in the links...and the links of the links, as they all provide more great advice.

The one thing we keep seeing in all these: The cold call is NOT a sales call!!

Do you agree with this list and the advice in the links? Let us know.

~Cheers!

Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and Small Business

FIRST THING'S FIRST: THIS IS THE LINK WHERE WE GOT THE ABOVE IMAGE: http://politics.blog.ajc.com/2016/04/26/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-score-big-wins-in-east-coast-votes/
The post is from April. We wanted a flattering image of both candidates and this was the first (and only, really) that came up on search. We do not own this image. We are not trying to take credit for this image that we did not assemble.

That being said...

We looked up both, "Donald Trump -- Small Business," and "Hillary Clinton -- Small Business," and were rather amused by the results for Donald Trump:
1. Why Small Business Loves Donald Trump | Inc.com (http://www.inc.com/gene-marks/why-does-small-business-overwhelmingly-support-donald-trump.html)
2. Why Donald Trump Would Be The Worst President For Small Business ...(http://www.forbes.com/sites/rohitarora/2016/02/29/why-donald-trump-would-be-the-worst-president-for-small-business/2/#4e74ef8a6d5b)
3. Why Small Business Owners Are Backing Donald Trump (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-small-business_us_56ce2669e4b03260bf7561ce)

These are fairly old articles (well before the convention).

Here is his official Tax Reform Page: https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/tax-reform

Here is Hillary Clinton's official page for, "Small business": https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/small-business/

We encourage our followers and ALL small business owners to look up the candidate's positions. Neither have mentioned anything about small businesses in a while.

Could it be that small businesses are seemingly backing one candidate because that person is a business person rather than a politician?

Let us know, if you are a small business owner, who do you want to win? How will their win affect your small business?

~Cheers!

Video: A Way To Tell A Liar / Link: How To Be More Persuasive

The article and video seems a bit old (2.5 years!), but, the advice is probably still true to this day.

http://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-job-interview-rule-2013-12

The link is included because we cannot embed the video itself.


From John Tesh's, "Intelligence For Your Life," website, three bullet points about how to be more persuasive (at work).

http://www.tesh.com/story/workplace-category/boost-your-career-by-being-more-persuasive/cc/9/id/24819

~Cheers!

TIPSY TUESDAY: Ten EXPERT Tips For Sales Motivation (PLUS Five More INSIDER Tips!!)

The link (easy to read): Ten Expert Tips For Sales Motivation

We at Cheers POS can tell you, as a small business, EVERY PERSON COUNTS!!

Most business' sell the idea that they are Customer Friendly or Customer Oriented.

1. If you want to have a GREAT business, be Employee Friendly and Employee Oriented. Your employees make your business, especially if you are in sales, treat them as people, not consumables.

2. Spend time with your employees and train them yourself. If you cannot, get someone you trust, who knows your business (not just his or her own job) inside and out to train your staffer, this way, you know the new employee will get the RIGHT training). DO NOT rely on videos. They are impersonal and shows your employee you cannot be bothered and that he or she is not an individual.

3. Get to know your employees -- if they feel more comfortable with you and your direction, they will put more into your company. If they feel like they are expendable, they will put in the minimum they must for the hours they have to work, not really perform well, and probably look for a better job that has more to offer. Job-searchers are leery of companies with high turn-over rates, customers HATE THEM because they are always talking to someone new and have to explain from the start, again and again, to each person, why they are calling.
Furthermore, if you know your employees, you can be more comfortable with them and be more confident in your team and your vision.

4. Stop problems BEFORE they start. Correct your employee(s) if they have made a mistake or are performing poorly. Re-train them if you have to do so. Spend more time with the employee(s) so that you do not loose time and money having to bring in a new person and start from the beginning.

5. Discourage. All. Gossip. This decreases productivity and sets up an, "us vs them," mentality, or at least ostracizes at least one person at any given time. You do not need this in a small business, especially one that is as difficult as sales. Make sure, if your team is not a, "family," they are more than just, "co-workers." Have it so that everybody is a work mate. They may not be besties, but, they are more than acquaintances. Everybody should be friendly, not just polite. Everybody should be friends at work, not just professionals.

Big business' can get away with high turnover rates because they know they already have a solid clientele base. Medium businesses may lose customers because the customers are not treated well because the employees are not treated well. Small businesses cannot afford to hemorrhage employees. Treat your employees as your Number One Priority and your business will grow!

~Cheers!

Happy Friday!! Two FREE Tips for Business Owners AND a YouTube Video

Initially, we wanted to help our followers with another video, BUT, demurred after one of the segments. We will ask that, if you are marketing your product(s) to 1. please be truthful in advertising. Let us repeat that again, PLEASE BE TRUTHFUL IN ADVERTISING. Some companies faced HUGE lawsuits and had to pay our millions. The purpose of business is to make money.

We present to you instead this video, the Top 10 Marketing Failures (according to WatchMojo). We do wonder how some commercials make it to air and some advertisements make it to media. We would like to offer this helpful tip, 2. if you own your own business, run your advertising idea(s) past your co-founder, or employees, or anybody else in your business. If you are self-employed, have your friends or trusted mentors go over your advertisements and marketing promotions and wording. Do not let this be an echo chamber, do not take criticisms personally. If other people do not view your promotions and advertisements the way you intend, you will not be able to promote (and grow) your business and you will lose time and money.

You may remember other failures; remember how they stood out as failures and also, remember the advertisements that caught your eye for the right reason(s) -- and emulate them.

~Cheers!

Were You Able To Spot The Lies?

Comment below if you watched the video, what you thought of it, and if you were able to spot the lies.

We have another helpful article for our followers, business owners especially, 10 Ways To Convert More Customers Backed By Science.

Who doesn't want more customers, and who can't trust science!  It's Science!!  It surely has all the answers!!!  YAY SCIENCE!*

The article is very informative and references studies that show how people can be persuaded.

Let us know if you have had success with any of these or will try them in the future.

~Cheers!

*There is a caveat at the bottom of the article saying studies are good, but, they do not solve everything.

Tipsy Tuesday: Lying Liars Link

This article lists five ways to spot a liar in an interview.  There is a short (3.5 minute) video as well demonstrating true and false answers.

http://www.aol.com/article/2016/06/30/5-ways-to-tell-someone-is-lying-in-a-job-interview/21421972/

We found it VERY informative and entertaining!!

Were you able to spot the false answers from the honest answers?  Let us know!

~Cheers!

Taglines & Updates

Two things this Thursday:

1. We have been developing LOTS of new taglines and slogans which will will rotate in the months ahead.

2. Our Social Media Developer/Content Builder was updating some key pages of your Cheers Point of Sale Retail Solution this morning. We will place them on www.cheerspos.com soon.

~Cheers!

Cigars, Wetbars, Chew, & Brew

Cheers POS will now do all of these for you!

...Eh...does this sound too much like a Lonnie Blackburn ad?  He's on the radio everywhere here in Kansas.  Please forgive us.

The point is, Cheers POS is slightly diversifying to help more people.  We have decided we have the ability to provide for liquor stores as well as wine shops, winery's, vineyards, smoke shops, and gift stores associated with these categories.  We are reaching out to the 18+ crowd; we've matured.

Though we are expanding to help more people, we would like to emphasize, we, Cheers POS, specialize where others generalize; Cheers POS is NOT for restaurants, grocery stores, or other general retail shops.  We exist to be the best point of sale system for the products we know.

For more information, please go to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/liquorpos/

Also, the blog is getting an update: we will be moving from Blogger to WordPress.  Our new blog will be right on our website's page, allowing readers to stay at cheerspos.com.

~Cheers!