7 Tips for Successful Leaders

Leadership skills are important in both your business and personal life. Mastering the art of becoming a successful leader takes experience and knowledge. Successful leaders can motivate others to work hard, inspire confidence from those around them, and take control of difficult situations. At Tiger Leasing, we understand the importance of developing leadership skills, and have put together 7 tips to help you increase your ability.

• Think ahead - To be a great leader, you have to be able to look past the day to day issues and see the big picture. Extraordinary leaders see well beyond today or this week or even this year. They understand where they want to go, and they make the necessary plans to get to that goal. Understanding where you want to go, and having a realistic plan to get there will generate a confidence and sense of calm. Planning ahead and having a solid direction will allow you to show others how to reach your shared goal.


• Communicate clearly - Having goals and a vision won't do you any good if you can't communicate your plans and objectives. Work on giving detailed and easy to understand instructions. Focus on really listening to others so when a misunderstanding comes up, you can tackle the real issues. Communication is a two way street. It is as important to listen and understand others as it is to really think about what you are saying.


• Show your enthusiasm - You won't get other people excited if you lack concern. Your attraction to a subject or project is contagious. Remember the phrase "Water seeks its own level"? Your level of excitement will inspire others to get excited as well. That common ground will allow you to relate to and motivate others to accomplish the tasks necessary for reaching your goal.


• Make the tough calls - Successful leaders aren't afraid of important decisions, because they have the tools to make informed choices. Whether they meet with management to gather information or create a pros and cons list to weigh all of the factors, good leaders understand the steps that need to go in decision making. Strong leaders are able to weigh the facts and opinions of others and ultimately reach a conclusion that has the most benefits. Strong leaders posses a determination and resolve that allow them to reach conclusions and make the tough decisions in a fair and timely manner.


• Let ethics rule - A successful leader has a code of ethics that they stick to no matter what. Without principles and honor, leaders often fall. We've all heard the phrase "Those who stand for nothing, will fall for anything". Successful leaders know what they are standing for. They are guided by their ethics, and let their character shine through. They can handle tough situations because they are not swayed by what is easy, they are guided by what is right. This code of ethics allows good leaders to develop a personalized leadership style. Staying true to their character is what allows many successful leaders to reach their goals and inspire others along the way.


• Be gracious - A good leader understands the importance of giving others credit when it is due. Acknowledging others' work is important to establishing a constructive atmosphere. When you recognize others for their contributions, you are demonstrating your graciousness, and allowing others to feel like they are truly a contributing member of the team. Successful leaders understand they can't do it all alone, and appreciate those that are helping.


• Have a sense of humor - Even the most dedicated leaders need to understand there are times that you have to relax and have a little fun. Teams need to smile and enjoy themselves every now and again. Successful leaders recognize when they can't take themselves or a situation too seriously. Lightening the mood with a joke or reward is a great way to keep the team fresh and ready to work. Rewarding those who are working tirelessly along side of you is an important part of keeping others motivated.

Equipment Leasing Tax Savings Calculator

As Tax Day approaches, many businesses are focused on tax deductions, equipment depreciations and tax savings. Equipment leasing is a smart choice for business owners looking to acquire new equipment for a number of reasons. Equipment leasing can also benefit businesses during tax time as well.

Use Tiger Leasing's Equipment Leasing Tax Savings Calculator to find out how you can lower the true cost of ownership on your business equipment. Our Equipment Leasing Tax Savings Calculator is easy to use, and you can have an estimate of your savings immediately.

Recently, the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (HR 2847) was passed. This bill extends the increased section 179 deductions through 2010. This amount had been increased to $250,000 for 2009 by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Non-Tax/Capital Leases allow you to take advantage of Section 179 deductions for recently leased equipment. These equipment leases also allow you to depreciate any excess as determined by the depreciation schedule for that asset.

Equipment leases allow for other tax benefits, so contact your tax professional today. For an estimate of your tax savings, and the cost of your equipment acquisition, use our Equipment Leasing Tax Savings Calculator.

Our Equipment Leasing Tax Savings Calculator is just a tool for estimating your savings. Please contact your tax professional to learn about the specific impact to your business.

Get Fit at the Office!

Spring is just around the corner, and as important as health is throughout the year, spring is a great time to focus on getting in shape. Work schedules and personal lives usually don't make working out convenient, but that's really no excuse. Taking care of your health is important, and everyone should make time for it.

To lose weight, it is important to keep two things in mind. Move more and eat less. It's as simple and as complicated as that. Tiger Leasing has put together some simple ideas for getting fit from the office, so you don't have any excuses.

• For those who drive to work, make a commitment to parking a little further away, so you can get more steps in every day. Walk briskly, pump your arms and watch your posture.


• Take the stairs whenever possible. If you work on the fifth floor, take the stairs for a few flights, and take the elevator the rest of the way up if you need to. You can start small, but you will be doing a huge favor to your health by just taking the stairs. Not ready to take the stairs? Do the step motion in other places to get your body in shape. Look for curbs wherever you are, gas stations, parking lots, etc. and take a few steps up and down.


• Move, just move. Fidget, twitch, get restless. Jumping jacks and jogging aren't the only activities that burn calories. Tap your feet while you're sitting at your computer. Stand up while talking on the phone. Take a lap around the office every hour and stretch your legs. The added movement can burn more calories per day than you expect, and that will result in a higher weight loss.


• Get a Swiss ball, also called an exercise ball, to replace your office chair. You will be strengthening your balance and your core muscles. This simple swap allows you to burn more calories without ever leaving your seat!


• Find other people at your office that are as fit- minded as you are. Interact with others that share your healthy goals. From exchanging healthy snack ideas to taking walks together during a break, finding support at work can boost your chances of success.


• Schedule your meals so that you're eating at regular intervals every day. This will keep you from getting that "starving" feeling when you go too long between meals. This technique has also been shown to support a higher metabolism and regulate blood sugar levels. Pack healthy snacks like fruit or nuts to eat throughout the day.


• Count those calories. No more mindless nibbling, pay attention to what you're eating, and how much of it you're eating. Figure out and track your daily nutritional needs with the help of Web sites like NutritionData.com or MyPyramid.gov. Simply being conscious of what you're eating can help you save hundreds of calories, and pounds.


• Drink more water. There have been many reports saying how much water you should drink a day, but in all reality, there is no magic number. Water does a lot more for your body than just quenching your thirst. You'll save calories by choosing water over sugary juices. Water also has the power to cleanse toxins from your vital organs and it helps to carry important nutrients to cells. The health benefits of drinking water are huge, so trade in that vending machine beverage and fill up at the water cooler instead.

Getting healthy doesn't necessarily mean spending hours a day in the gym or giving up all of your favorite foods. There are little steps you can take while you're at work that will get you on the right track to a healthier life.

Wasting Time

We're all guilty of getting a little distracted in the office every now and then. While some of those little interruptions may save our sanity every once and awhile, there are times we could all do without. By getting rid of some of those distractions, you can reduce your stress levels and increase your productivity.

• Limit your Social Networking. Social Networking is a huge part of the business world. Many companies encourage their employees to be active on LinkedIn, or become fans of Corporate's Facebook page. There is an important difference however, between networking with professionals and playing Farmville. Make sure you are acting professionally online when you're on your company's time.


• Ignore your e-mail. E-mails have a way of demanding our attention immediately, whether they deserve it or not. Some e-mail systems interrupt our concentration by playing a noise with each new e-mail in our inbox. Others display a pop up window. How many of those e-mails actually require immediate action? Try disabling those notification features, or set a time goal for yourself that you will go for before reading through your e-mails. By concentrating on the task at hand, rather than being interrupted by every e-mail that comes your way, you will get your work done faster, and probably pay more attention to detail.


• Postpone that call. Cell phones are amazing things, but they don't merit your undivided attention. The next time your personal cell phone rings at work, make sure it's not your family or an emergency, and let it go to voicemail. You can return the call during lunch, when you need a break, or after work. Set boundaries for yourself, and others will begin to respect them.


• Plan ahead. Everyone has a part of the job that is their least favorite. Putting it off until the end of the day doesn't make it any less tedious/stressful/unpleasant. It's always tempting to do the easy or fun work first, but then the unpleasant aspect of your job sometimes doesn't get done. You need to plan ahead and prioritize your day based on how important a task is, not how much you're looking forward to doing it.


• Clean your desk. Organized work environments allow for an organized work day. When your desk is messy and cluttered, it's easier to get distracted or disorganized. Before leaving your desk at night, take the time to organize your paperwork, e-mails and computer files so that you will have a fresh start the next morning.


• Keep an activity log. Keep track of how long it takes you to do a certain project, and how much time you really do waste on e-mails a day. Keeping this activity log will also help you understand when you're most productive, so you'll know when to take on those important tasks in the future.


• Discourage talkative coworkers. Almost every office seems to have that one coworker who believes everyone is interested in everything. From tales about children to travel plans to family matters, it's hard to avoid their stories. There are ways you can politely discourage your talkative coworker without hurting any feelings. The important thing to remember is that your time is valuable, and you don't need to spend it all day listening to someone else's stories.

Stay productive during the work day, and focused on the task at hand. Your work performance will improve and hopefully your stress level will go down! Don't let distractions ruin your workday!

Remodel your Marketing

What is your current marketing strategy? Are you trying to be the loudest? Do you focus solely on the benefits of your products or services? Do you follow the same basic marketing principles you've relied on for years? If you answered yes, it's time for a change.

There has been a shift in how marketing and advertising are utilized by the public. In the past, brands have been able to effectively distribute advertisements promoting their products, services or sales. It was a one way street, and consumers were the final destination. This is no longer true. Technology allows customers to actively seek information and details about brands they are interested in. They are able to share reviews and ask for recommendations from other customers. The public expects a level of interaction with brands, long before a purchase is actually made.

What does this mean for brands? They have to shift their traditional marketing strategies. Instead of simply peddling your products and services you need an advertising campaign that adds value to your customers' lives.

In today's world, it's simply not enough to blast your audience with in-your-face facts about how great your brand is. It is important to take a step back from the blatant advertising methods of the past, and discover new ways to reach your customers. You have to add value to your marketing campaign. You have to connect with, educate and amuse your audience. While it sounds complicated, Tiger Leasing has put together some simple ideas to help you with those first steps to taking your marketing plan to the next level.

• Offer a free sample - This lets your customers and potential customers try out your products or services and it demonstrates your belief in your brand.
  
  
• Create a loyalty incentive system - Recognize and reward those that are loyal to your brand.
  
  
• Get online - Create a Facebook page, a Blog or a LinkedIn account. People are interacting with brands online every day, don't get left behind!
  
  
• Offer classes or resources - Help the public use your product better. Do you manufacture and sell kitchen appliances? Host a cooking class! Are you a personal injury law firm? Create a resource on what to do if you've been in a car accident. Are you a medical office? Host a seminar on how to stay healthy this season.


• Donate to a good cause - Get your brand name out there for other reasons than sales or marketing purposes. Invest in your community or industry.


• Establish yourself as an industry resource - Create a Blog and offer information and tips for your customers. Provide information and tips on how to best use your products.
  
  
• Create an experience - When you interact with your customers, give them something to remember, and talk about. Focus on what you can do for them, don't just highlight your products and services. For example, here at Tiger Leasing we took our Business Equipment Network (BEN) and put it on Facebook for equipment vendors and lessees to interact in ways like never before. This created a casual environment to learn about leasing opportunities and strike business deals.

2010 - The Year to Get Smart about Setting Business Goals

The holiday season is over and the New Year is here. As people are making personal resolutions and plans, many business owners are making important decisions and setting goals for their businesses as well. As any business person can tell you, setting goals is different than actually achieving them. Why not take the time to really evaluate your business, get a good understanding of where you are right now, really think about where you want to be, and take a realistic look at how you can get there? Now is the perfect time to evaluate your business and figure out how to set smarter goals that you can achieve this year and in the future.

The first step in getting smart about setting goals for your business is to take a good look at where you are right now. You need to be realistic. Tough questions may be hard to answer initially, but will pay off in the end.

Some questions to ask:

• What do my finances look like?
• What debt do I have?
• Do I have a large client roster, or just a few large accounts?
• How much market share does my company have?
• What am I doing to rise above the competition?
• How has my industry changed in the past year? Am I keeping up with those changes?
• How can I become more valuable to my customers?
• Do I understand my customers? Do I know how or what I am providing for them?
• What areas of my business should be running more smoothly?
• Can I hire new employees to make the business run more efficiently?
• What training or education can I get for myself or my employees this year?
• What support system have I created? Do I have a mentor or business adviser?
• How could we expand, geographically or with new products or services?
• What are some strategies I can use to build my business?

Once you've evaluated your situation and reflected on your business, you can look forward to where you want to go in the next year. Understanding your current situation allows you to make reasonable and attainable goals for the future. Create a record of your goals by putting them on paper. This gives you something to focus on, a visual reminder of what you're working towards. Sharing your goals with others you trust is another step in achieving your objectives. Trusted business associates, family, or friends can keep you on track.

Make your goals specific and realistic. Take your big dreams and break them down into short term objectives. Instead of focusing on increasing your sales by next year, figure out how much you want to increase your sales by each quarter. Long term goals are important, but the short term objectives will be easier to accomplish and make your big picture ambitions easier to attain.

Once you've broken down your big picture goal into short term objectives, you have to prioritize them. Figure out what needs to be taken care of in the short-term, and what is more realistic in the long-term. Your deadlines could range from the end of the day to the end of the year; some may even have a date even further into the future.

So now that you've got both your big picture goals and your short term objectives established, it's time to get to work! How are you going to turn your goals into a reality?

Look into all of your options. Ask those in your business network that you trust for information and resources. Get creative about how you work towards your goals. Are you unable to send all of your employees to an industry seminar? Look for Webinars employees can view from work. Can't afford to buy the new computer equipment or software you need to stay competitive? Equipment leasing offers great opportunities! Do you need some trusted advice or an outlet for business discussions? Look for a qualified business coach or peer advisory group.

The road to reaching your goals won't always be a straight and easy one. There will be twists and turns and bumps in the road. By asking the tough questions, developing realistic short and long term goals, you will be well on your way to making smarter decisions and goals for your business in 2010.

Work with Industry Leaders

Recently, a law firm that was moving their offices came to Tiger Leasing looking for an equipment lease for furniture and computer equipment. The law firm is a strong company and had a substantial line of credit in place with their local bank. Tiger was asked to quote a rate for the lease of office furniture and computer equipment, and the law firm told our team to "come up with the lowest rate because you are competing with our bank."

Thanks to our previous experience and knowledge of the field, we knew that the firm was probably commanding a rate of a point or two above prime. How could Tiger compete with a rate of 5% or possibly lower? Quite simply, we couldn't. We had to look outside of the box to come up with a creative solution. We presented what we could offer as a compliment to their bank line. Understanding the big picture, and having the experience to see what the law firm needed allowed us to come up with a plan.

The firm was going to incur heavy costs in the construction of their new space as well as in the acquisition of new equipment. With every conversation, the managing partner kept mentioning rate and Tiger Leasing kept focusing on the unforeseen costs that we've seen arise before in these situations, and the need for keeping their credit line available. Our work with similar clients in the past allowed us to recognize the issues the firm could run into in the future.

In the end, the managing partner decided that the low rate on his bank line was important but so was the need to keep some of his line available for future use. He used some available cash as well as part of his bank line to buy some of his equipment and engaged us to lease approximately 60% of his equipment budget. He realized that his "blended rate" - the average rate he was paying between his bank rate and my rate - was extremely competitive and he still had a comfortable cushion of bank borrowing available to him if he needed it in the future.

At Tiger Leasing, we have the experience to understand the big picture. Many people only look at the bottom line, or the initial price point, when in reality other factors need to be considered. Leasing allows companies like this law firm the ability to conserve their cash and working capital. Their resources are not all tied up in the equipment and construction purchases, so money will be available to them for unexpected setbacks, marketing, working capital, or other cash needs.

It is important to trust the people you do business with. Look for the industry leaders that will be able to look at your big picture and help you find the best solutions. When you're so focused on your company, it's good to have other professionals looking out for you as well. Research your options, understand your company's needs and limitations, and work with the companies that are leaders in their field.

Grow Wisely

Companies need to be creative to increase their sales and their profits. The struggle most companies face is how to spend money wisely in order to generate an increase in future cash flows. Re-investing in your own company is crucial to your business. Figuring out how and where to spend the money most effectively can be a challenge. Tiger Leasing has put together some tips to help you grow wisely.

Budget Wisely -
Figure out how much you have, and how much you need to spend on the necessities in the near future before deciding how much you want to spend. Check out your loan and financing options. Know your limits, your credit score, and your D&B rating.

Choose Wisely -
After deciding how much you have, it's time to decide how to spend. Figuring out what your company needs is no easy task. You want the largest possible return on investment, and you want it as soon as possible. Do you need new computers, or a larger staff? Would new software help you be more efficient, or would it make more sense to buy new machinery? Whether you're looking to produce a new product, or to relocate to a new location, you have decisions to make. Brainstorm with others and decide which assets warrant your investment, and which you can do without. A new staff member may be a welcome addition, but what if you can do the work faster and easier with new technology, instead of having to hire, train, and pay a new person?

Research Wisely -
Once you've decided which resources to pursue, do your research. Don't just focus on getting the best deal in the sales room, look for other options. Did you know that leasing lets you conserve your cash by paying only for what you use? There are tax benefits for companies who lease as well. Use the LeaseCalc to figure out your monthly payments. Get all the information before committing to your investment.

Grow Wisely -
It isn't always easy to recognize what the best "next step" for your company is, but it's important to take the time to figure it out. With all the pressure to grow and expand to stay competitive, irrational decisions and purchases can do more harm than ever. Decide what you want to spend, what you need to grow, and research how to get what it is you need in a way that works best for you. You have more options than ever before, take advantage of them.

Tax Deductions for Equipment Attainment

Business owners who acquire equipment for their business: machinery, computers, software, and other tangible goods, usually prefer to deduct the cost in a single tax year, rather than a little at a time over a number of years. This deduction is known by its section in the tax code, a Section 179 deduction. Under Section 179, businesses that spend less than $800,000 a year on qualified equipment, can write off up to $250,000 in 2009. The rules are designed for small companies, so the $250,000 deduction phases out when a business purchases more than $800,000 in one year.

For an illustration of how Section 179 can reduce the cost of acquiring equipment, go to the Tiger Leasing Tax Savings Lease Calculator.

What will happen in 2010 is anyone's guess. Politicians in Washington have not yet decided on what will happen to this provision in the tax code. So business owners should take advantage of it now, while it is available. They can further leverage this benefit by using a lease to spread the cash outlay over a period as long as five years.

Welcome to the Equipment Leasing Blog

At Tiger Leasing, we structure equipment leasing agreements and customized financing programs for growing businesses. Through working with expanding businesses, and growing our own business at the same time, we have lots of information, advice and tips for business owners, and anyone interested in learning more about the business world. From our specialty, equipment leasing, to more general business advice, this blog is the place to get great ideas.

Here at Tiger, we know equipment leasing. Our staff has experience creating customized leasing packages that include medical equipment, computers and software, restaurant equipment, heavy machinery, furniture, telephone equipment and so much more. We work with a number of equipment vendors and businesses to ensure that we can provide the resources and equipment many types of growing businesses need. Our diverse work in the field will allow us to share great information with you in our Equipment Leasing section of this blog.

Within the Business Tips category, you will find posts to help you understand the business world. We'll be covering broad business concepts, giving you ideas on how to grow your company, stay competitive, and become a more informed business person. We'll be sharing with you some great marketing and sales ideas, tips on how to expand a business, information about HR topics and advice on dealing with coworkers and employees. The Business Tips category will be full of resources and support for those looking to learn more about the business world.

Tiger Leasing's Business Equipment Network (otherwise known as BEN) allows you to compare different pricing and service offerings to ensure that you're getting the best deal on whatever equipment needs you face. The BEN category will feature posts focusing on how our comparison service allows companies to make the most from their investments. Be sure to also check out the Business Equipment Network Group on Facebook.

Everyone needs a break sometimes, and Tiger Leasing understands that. The Life is Fun category will feature blog posts that focus on making time for something fun. Whether it's a simple way to relax at your desk or some great ways to celebrate your coworkers, this section will hopefully bring a smile to your face. It is our hope that people remember to take some time every day to have a little fun, and the Life is Fun category is our way of helping people do just that.

Tiger Leasing, LLC is an independent equipment leasing company headquartered in New York City. The professionals that make up our team are dedicated to providing customized commercial leasing programs that meet the needs of growing companies. The Tiger Leasing News category was created in hopes of keeping our Blog readers up to date on the exciting things going on at our company.

Overall, the Equipment Leasing Blog is our way of sharing our experience, knowledge and insight with you. We hope you check back often, as we'll be regularly adding posts. Please post a comment and let us know your thoughts on any given topic, or let us know what you'd like to hear about. We're very excited about the premiere of our Blog, and we hope you are too!