It is difficult to quantify everything, though many things can be measured and/or given a metric. Attempt to explain everything possible in quantifiable terms to create a value - especially when discussing non-tangible items. Let's look at some examples.

On a resume, a job applicant lists her past job responsibilities as:

o Handled bookkeeping

o Arranaged client accounts

o Created new filing system

To give more concrete value to these items, the applicant needs to quantifying her successes and give them the attention they deserve. A more effective listing on her resume would be:

o Handled bookkeeping of accounts totaling $1.5 million

o Managed 125-140 client accounts annually

o Created system which saved 15 hours of manual work weekly

Much better, right?

When you speak in quantifiable terms, people are more likely to understand the value of the items you are discussing. Quantifying is particularly effective when you are marketing a business, asking for a raise, developing a job resume, or debating an issue.

Quantifying is extremely effective in the sales and marketing process. If you can quantify the gain of what the potential client will get by buying your product or service or the loss by not buying, you will be more successful.

If the prospect understands and quantifies the problem specifically, he will be more likely to understand the scope of the issue. Rather then just thinking there is a "problem with employee morale," help the client quantify the problem in real numbers.

Guide the potential client to quantifying the problem:

o The average length of time an employee stays with the company is (let's just make up a number here) 16 months.

o Company statistics shows it costs an average of $3,500 per employee for training classes, a uniform, and standard employee supplies.

o During the training, an employee receives a paycheck but is not yet productive.

o The average salary for an employee is $2,500 a month and it takes two months to train a new employee; costing the company $5,000 in salary during training.

o An average of 25 new employees must be hired each year.

Therefore, it conservatively COSTS the company $212,500 A YEAR just to train new employees.

If your solution to employee turnover is less than the cost ($212,500) of the problem, then the client would be insane not to hire you, right?

Let the numbers do the selling for you. Numbers are tangible. Numbers are concrete. Numbers speak volumes.

Kirstin Carey is a consultant, award winning speaker, and author of "PowHERful Communications for Women Who Want to be Heard." As a woman business owner, Kirstin fully understands what is necessary for women to be successful entrepreneurs. To find out how you too can love your business everyday and live the entrepreneurial life you want, visit http://www.powherful.com